Hair Counts Research Articles

Clinical Application of Long-Pulsed 800-Nm Diode Laser Depilation Technology on Microtia Reconstruction in 965 Patients.

The issue of hair growth on reconstructed ears has been a matter of concern for both patients and surgeons, despite the notable progress made in microtia reconstruction technology in recent times. This study aims to present the practical implementation of long-pulsed 800-nm diode laser depilation technology in the field of auricular reconstruction. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a comprehensive and standardized protocol for utilizing lasers in the reconstruction of microtia ears. A total of 965 patients (comprising 1021 ears) diagnosed with congenital microtia underwent treatment using 800-nm long-pulsed diode laser depilation. The participants received 1-3 treatment sessions with intervals of 25-30days. To assess the effectiveness of the treatment, two independent observers compared photographs and measured the reduction in terminal hair count before and after the final session. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using VAS questionnaires, and any adverse events were diligently recorded. The findings indicated that the utilization of the long-pulsed 800-nm diode laser was both safe and efficient in achieving hair removal during microtia ear reconstruction. As additional sessions were conducted, pain scores demonstrated a decline, while adverse reactions remained minimal. This is a retrospective single-institution study. The application of a long-pulsed 800-nm diode laser has been proved to be a safe and effective method for removing hair during the process of microtia ear reconstruction, involving the use of a tissue expander and autologous costal cartilage. To achieve satisfactory results in hair removal, it was found necessary to repeat the shots procedure two to three times. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Efficacy and safety of diode laser for facial hair reduction in hirsutism-a clinico-trichoscopic evaluation.

Hirsutism is the presence of excessive terminal hair on androgen-dependent sites of the body. Lasers like Alexandrite, diode, and Nd:Yag lasers have been used for hair reduction with varying efficacy. Trichoscopy of hair is a simple noninvasive method of hair assessment. However, it has not been used in the assessment of diode laser hair reduction. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of diode laser hair reduction in skin color with the help of clinical and trichoscopic assessment. This prospective observational study included 73 patients of hirsutism recruited in 18-month period. All participants received sessions of 805 nm diode laser at monthly intervals up to six sessions. Clinical and trichoscopic evaluation along with photographs were obtained at each visit. Side effects, if any, were noted in every sitting. All patients were females of Fitzpatrick skin types III-V. All clinical parameters showed statistically significant hair reduction when compared with baseline. Trichoscopic parameters of hair reduction like total hair count, terminal hair count, and terminal/vellus hair ratio showed reduction compared to baseline which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The most common side effect noted in our study was pain followed by erythema and perifollicular edema. Diode laser is an effective and safe procedure for the reduction of unwanted facial hair, even in darker skin types. We also wish to emphasize that trichoscopy for the assessment of laser hair reduction is a recent, noninvasive, simple, and underutilized tool. No serious adverse events were noted in our study.

Effectiveness and Safety of Hair Growth Formulation Containing Tectona grandis L.f (Teak) Leaf Extract: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Males with Androgenic Alopecia.

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is commonly known as male patterned baldness. A high level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a significant role in AGA development. Inhibition of the enzyme steroid 5-alpha reductase (S5AR), responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, has been shown to delay the progression of AGA. Teak (Tectona grandis L.f) leaf extract exhibited a potent S5AR inhibitory activity. To prove the effectiveness and safety of teak leaf extract as a hair growth promotor, a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Eighty-one AGA subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a hair tonic containing 1% teak leaf extract (HT-teak), 5%minoxidil (positive control), or a placebo administered twice daily, for 24 weeks. Efficacy was assessed through target area hair count (TAHC), anagen-to-telogen ratio (A/T), hair shedding every 4 weeks, and patients' subjective assessments of hair regrowth were assessed at the end of the experiment. Data was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Both the HT-teak and minoxidil groups exhibited a significant increase in TAHC and A/T, along with a decrease in hair shedding compared to baseline values. Conversely, the placebo group showed no observable signs of hair regrowth. Furthermore, the HT-teak group reported the highest satisfaction scores, and there were no indications of skin irritation or systemic effects on sexual dysfunction and palpitation after 24 weeks of HT-teak application. Teak leaf extract, as incorporated in HT-teak, demonstrates potential as an alternative mild hair growth promoter for individuals with AGA, offering both efficacy and safety. This study was retrospectively registered on International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN.com); ISRCTN24541842 (registered on January 8, 2024).

The effect of a helmet type, home-use low-level light therapy device for chemotherapy-induced alopecia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlopecia is one of the most common adverse effects of chemotherapy. It reduces the patient’s self-esteem and quality of life and the effect of therapy. Scalp cooling is the only verified current method for prevention but success is not guaranteed, particularly after receiving anthracycline-based combinations.Low-level light therapy has been clinically proven to inhibit the progress of androgenic alopecia. A previous study using human subjects shows limited benefits for low-level light therapy for patients who suffer chemotherapy-induced alopecia but an increase in the number of probes and the optimization of light sources may improve the efficacy. This study determines the efficacy of low-level light therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hair loss for patients with breast cancer using a randomized controlled trial.MethodsOne hundred six eligible breast cancer patients were randomly distributed into a low-level light therapy group and a control group, after receiving chemotherapy. Subjects in the low-level light therapy group received 12 courses of intervention within 4 weeks. Subjects in the control group received no intervention but were closely monitored.The primary outcome is measured as the difference in the hair count in a target area between the baseline and at the end of week 4, as measured using a phototrichogram (Sentra scalp analyzer). The secondary outcomes include the change in hair count at the end of week 1, week 2, and week 3 and hair width at the end of week 1, week 2, week 3, and week 4, as measured using a phototrichogram, and the change in distress, the quality of life, and self-esteem due to chemotherapy-induced alopecia, at the end of week 4, as measured using a questionnaire.DiscussionThis study improves cancer patients’ quality of life and provides clinical evidence.Trial registrationRegistered at ClinicalTrials.gov—NCT05397457 on 1 June 2022.

Topically Applied Magnetized Saline Water Activates Autophagy in the Scalp and Increases Hair Count and Hair Mass Index in Men With Mild-to-Moderate Androgenetic Alopecia.

Introduction Water is essential for life and is vital for almost all functions of the human body. Recent studies have shown that treating water with magnets can alter its physicochemicalproperties, including intracluster bonds and water-ion interactions. Magnetized water also undergoes modifications in its physicochemical characteristics, such as pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen. While there is a significant amount of literature on the use of magnetized water in agricultural settings, research on its potential biomedical applications is still limited. Based on previous findings indicating a potential relationship between autophagy activation and hair loss reversal, a pilot study was designed to explore the effects of topically applied magnetized saline water in patients with androgenetic alopecia. The hypothesis was that the process of water magnetization, which promotes the creation of hydroxyl ions, could potentially induce hair growth through the induction of alkali-induced autophagy in the scalp. Methods We recruited 20 Caucasian men with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia (Norwood-Hamilton stages II-III). Initially, we conducted a 12-week open-label study to evaluate the potential of a topical lotion containing 95% magnetized saline water (2 mL applied once daily) to increase hair count and hair mass index (HMI). Subsequently, we investigated the effect of the lotion on two autophagy markers (Beclin-1 and LC3B) in scalp biopsies from a subgroup of 10 men. Results Hair count significantly increased after 12 weeks of topical treatment with magnetized saline water (from 20.6 ± 9.8 at baseline to 32.5 ± 12.4 at 12 weeks, P < 0.001). Similarly, the mean HMI increased from 37.8 ± 11.4 at baseline to 45.1 ± 13.6 at 12 weeks (P < 0.01). At the molecular level, the topical lotion effectively increased Beclin-1 levels in scalp biopsies by 44% at 12 weeks as compared to the baseline. Similarly, LC3B levels increased by 36% from baseline to 12 weeks, indicating that the lotion effectively activated autophagy in the scalp. Conclusions After 12 weeks of topical treatment, a lotion containing magnetized saline water activated scalp autophagy and significantly increased hair count and HMI in men with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia.

Finasteride and Dutasteride for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of Efficacy and Reproductive Adverse Effects

Finasteride and dutasteride are 5-α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) used to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This review evaluates the efficacy of 5-ARIs for treatment of men with AGA and the potential adverse effects on reproduction including sexual dysfunction, infertility, and teratogenicity. A broad literature review was conducted to search for publications on 5-ARI treatment in men with AGA. Hair counts, hair growth assessments, sexual adverse effects (erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and decreased libido), change in sperm parameters (decreased sperm count, semen volume, sperm motility), and teratogenic drug concentration levels in semen were the measured outcomes of studies included in this literature review. Both finasteride and dutasteride are effective at treating hair loss in male AGA, with studies finding dutasteride was more efficacious than finasteride. Many studies reported sexual adverse effects of 5-ARIs that are uncommon and resolve spontaneously, although there remains no consensus with respect to the presence, severity, and duration of sexual adverse effects. 5-ARIs may have a negative impact on spermatogenesis although the clinical significance of this is unclear and discontinuation of these medications results in improved sperm parameters for most patients. Teratogenicity after paternal exposure is unlikely due to the low concentration of 5-ARIs absorbed in semen. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of 5-ARI use on reproduction.

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO STANDARDIZE THE DERMOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF NORMAL SCALP AND HAIRS IN MALE

Background: Trichoscopy is a recent innovation in the field of dermatology and alternative to more time consuming and cumbersome procedures such as Pull test, Pluck test, Daily hair count, scalp biopsy, microscopic examination of hair by conventional methods by microscope which needs removal of hairs which is painful and unacceptable to patients, to replace these old modality with newer one to diagnose hair and scalp disorders by dermatoscope is known as trichoscopy. It is easy non-invasive, less time consuming, and well acceptable to patients. After years of use of this modality for examination of hair and scalp disorders, there is no relevant data regarding trichoscopic variables of hairs and scalp in normal population were found. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to standardize trichoscopic findings of normal hairs and scalp in male. Methodology: This study was conducted over 1-year period with effect from 24th January 2020 to 23th January 2021 among 360 male subjects presenting in outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore (M.P.). Examination to rule out any local dermatological disorder of scalp was done. Trichoscopic photographs were taken from frontal, right temporal, occipital, and vertex area with the help of Heine Delta 20T digital dermatoscope. Results: Anisotrichosis shows significant age-wise difference in temporal and occipital area. Whereas maximum numbers of subjects with anisotrichosis were present in frontal area followed by vertex scalp, maximum numbers of subjects with white dots are present in more than 50-year age group in vertex (83.3%). Overall, maximum numbers are present in vertex area (68.6%) and rest of the areas has nearly equal numbers (56%). Conclusion: Comparison with standardize findings is necessary before labeling it as pathological finding, also some variables such as black dots, yellow dots, red dots, scarring, and hair shaft abnormality other than diameter variability are considered as absolute pathological finding and not found in healthy subjects, when present on trichoscopy they signify some hair or scalp abnormality.

Hair-to-Hair Trichoscopy: An Objective Method to Assess Effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin in a Clinical Trial for Androgenetic Alopecia

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common alopecia affecting both genders leading to a potential decrease in quality of life and self-esteem. A current concern in trichology is how to accurately measure clinical response in both daily medical practice and academic research. Hair-to-hair (H2H)-matching technology™ has recently emerged as a technique to evaluate variations in follicular units, hair shaft number, and thickness. This study aimed to describe the methodology employed in a clinical trial using this technology to test the efficacy of botulinum toxin (BT) for male AGA. Methods: This pilot study is a triple-blind, randomized, split scalp, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients enrolled were submitted to injections half of the scalp with 50 IU of BT and the other half with 1 mL of normal saline as a control. The trial involved three visits (weeks 0, 12, and 24) and 8 global clinical photographs followed by H2H-matching trichoscopy were captured before the injections at each visit. Paired t test analysis was employed for matched pairs of the following parameters: total hair count, the total number of terminal hair strands, average shaft thickness, and the number of hairs lost or gained during each visit. Then, the software compared the differences between the two sides (BT vs. placebo) per scalp zone and a long time. Conclusion: The combination of manually corrected image processing, follicular map, and H2H-matching technology™ appears to be the most precise way to evaluate changes in hair count and thickness over time. The design is reproducible and can help other researchers and dermatologists in their clinical practice to obtain reliable results in similar scientific research.

Efficacy of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum in the Treatment of Female Pattern Alopecia in Patients With PCOS: An Open-Label, Non-randomized, Prospective Study.

Background Many patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit female pattern hair loss (FPHL). A more advanced, efficient, and suitable therapeutic approach is required to effectively manage FPHL in patients with PCOS. Aim Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum is composed of copper, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and biotin; each of these constituents has demonstrated individual efficacy in promoting hair growth and enhancing hair quality. We hereby assess the effectiveness of this novel hair formulation in treating FPHL in PCOS. Methods This was an open-label, non-randomized, multicenter, prospective, large study with a wide range of age groups. The study involving 1,000 females aged 25-50 years, diagnosed with PCOS and having complaints of FPHL with Ludwig grades I and II. Each patient received a monthly session of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum, with 1 mL of serum administered through injection into the superficial layer (dermis) of the scalp using a tiny infusion via an insulin syringe, mesotherapy, or via a derma roller/derma pen. All the patients were subjected to standard global photography, video microscopic assessment (vellus hair counts, terminal hair counts, and hair shaft diameter), and a subject self-assessment questionnaire at baseline and six months after the treatment. Results After six months of the treatment, the hair shaft diameter, terminal hair counts, and hair growth rate were significantly increased than baseline (p≤0.0001), and a significant reduction was noted in vellus hair counts than baseline measurement (p<0.00001). These findings are suggestive of improved hair regrowth after the treatment. No adverse events were recorded during the study. Statistically significant improvements were observed in hair parameters (overall hair fall rate, hair texture, hair volume, and scalp itching) after six months of treatment than baseline. Conclusion Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum has been shown to be an effective treatment for FPHL in patients with PCOS. This study marks the first investigation into the use of Dr. SKS Hair Booster Serum in patients with PCOS.

Evaluation of efficacy of Silybum marianum flower extract on the mitigating hair loss in vitro and in vivo.

Natural components that can exert a wide range of anti-hair loss activity with fewer side effects are in high demand. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-hair loss potential of Silybum marianum flower extract (SMFE) in vitro and in vivo. The effect of SMFE on dermal papilla cells was evaluated by measuring cell proliferation and VEGF production in hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). In addition, to confirm the effect of SMFE on dermal papilla senescence, SA-β-gal staining and senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) production such as IL-6 was observed in both replicative and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced senescence models. In a clinical study, hair growth was determined by reconstitution analysis after shaving the hair of the clinical subject's scalp and hair area. SMFE increased the proliferation and VEGF production of HFDPCs. It also suppressed cellular senescence of HFDPCs and IL-6 production in replicative senescence and oxidative stress-induced senescence models. The hair density and total hair count at 16 and 24 weeks after using hair shampoo containing SMFE were significantly increased compared with those of the placebo group. SMFE has the potential to be used as a natural ingredient for alleviating hair loss.

Efficacy and safety of combinational therapy using topical minoxidil and microneedling for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Androgenetic alopecia is a widespread condition that is the most common type of hair loss affecting approximately 58% and 40% of men and women by the age of 50, respectively. Patients have been known to experience severe distress due to androgenetic alopecia, including anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy of combination therapy using topical minoxidil and microneedling compared to topical minoxidil alone. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials was carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The literature search was performed using Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, and the National Institutes of Health's United States National Library of Medicine from inception through January 20, 2023. Randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of combinational therapy and monotherapy using microneedling and minoxidil on patients with clinically diagnosed androgenetic alopecia were included after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Ten randomized controlled trials, including 466 patients, were selected for this review and eight studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. All eight studies displayed a statistically significant increase in total hair count [standard mean difference (SMD) 1.76; 95% CI 1.26-2.26; P < 0.00001]; however, the evidence did not support a statistically significant increase in hair diameter (SMD 0.82; 95% CI -0.01 to 1.65; P = 0.05). No scarring nor serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies. The findings of this meta-analysis strongly support the utilization of a multimodal therapeutic approach of minoxidil and microneedling for hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia. However, variations in factors such as rating scale measurements, microneedling methods, and areas of treatment may have resulted in confounding. Further randomized controlled, large-sample trials employing rigorous methodologies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding regarding treatment efficacy, namely the impact of combinational therapy on hair diameter.Clinical trial registrations This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42023391164) and the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) database (INPLASY202310031).

An algorithm for cross-fiber separation in yarn hairiness image processing

Yarn hairiness affects yarn and fabric quality. The existing hairiness detection methods cannot discriminate crossover fibers or hairs. In order to accurately separate and detect crossover fibers, an algorithm of separating crossover hairs is proposed. By obtaining refined hair skeletons after image pretreatment, the positions of fiber intersection point were determined, and a hair information table according to the characteristics of the hair cross-point was constructed. After classifying each hair branch skeleton and screening out the hair common skeleton, the branch hair matching table by using the two end points of the true common hair skeleton adjacent to the hair branch was constructed. Through pairing the same cross-hair branch with the principle of the closest slope at the adjacent cross-end, each complete cross-hair skeleton was defined for hair count in a field of view. The detection results show that compared with the existing photoelectric hairiness detection instrument, the algorithm can realize the crossover hair separation, and calculate the length of complete crossover hairs and curved hairs with high accuracy. On average, the developed algorithm measures hair length about 11.1% longer than the manually measured results, while commercial apparatus would report hair length 62.5% shorter than the actual hair length.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains a variety of growth factors and has been widely used in maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and other fields. In recent years, with the increasing morbidity of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the use of PRP has also increased. The objective of this article was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP for AGA. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, covering the databases from their earliest records until March 2022. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to explore the effects of PRP for hair density, hair count, and hair diameter in AGA. Nine trials involving 238 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that PRP for AGA increased hair density at 3 and 6 months with statistically significant differences compared with the placebo (P < .05). PRP also increased hair count and hair diameter compared with the baseline, but there was no significant difference compared with the placebo (P > .05). Two of the 7 studies reported adverse reactions. No serious adverse reactions were found. In conclusion, PRP is an effective and safe treatment for increasing the hair density in AGA. Trial registration: The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022362432).

The effectiveness of intense pulsed light (home use) device in facial hair reduction

Background: Intense pulsed light (IPL) devices produce polychromatic incoherent high-intensity pulsed light with a specified wavelength spectrum, fluence, and pulse duration through the use of flashlamps and bandpass filters. Similar to lasers, IPL devices operate on the selective photothermolysis principle, with melanin acting as the chromophore. Despite this similarity, they are constructed differently and produce different amounts of light Aim of the study: To investigate the efficacy of IPL home-use device in hair reduction technique for women with unwanted facial hair. Subjects and methods: The study was conducted in Baghdad on forty-five female subjects with Fitzpatrick skin phototype (II to IV) and black, brown hair in a period of eight months with five sessions. The treatment area (1 of chin) photographs and the density of hair (hair count) after each session were compared to the pretreatment. Results: After five sessions a percentage average of hair reduction reached 70.9% (P-value ≤0.01) from the pretreatment density of hairs. Also, the physician's GAIS(global esthetic improvement scale) score was used in order to evaluate hair reduction. After five sessions, it was found that 40% of the subjects had excellent response, 56.6% had good responses and 3.33% had average responses (p-value ≤0.01) Conclusion: The current study shows that the IPL technique used for hair reduction is effective and safe to use for the subject’s Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (II to IV) facial hair.

Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with a non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid compound in the treatment of female androgenetic alopecia: A retrospective, case-series study.

Female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) is a condition that affects women and involves the gradual loss of terminal hair in specific areas of the scalp. The limited treatment options for FAGA necessitate the development of new strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefit of using a combination therapy composed of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and a non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) compound in the treatment of FAGA. This was a retrospective, case-series study, which enrolled nine female patients with FAGA between September 2021 and December 2022. The non-cross-linked HA compound (Hearty®, Imeik Technology Development Co., Ltd.) and PRP were implanted into the areas of hair loss over four treatment sessions separated by 4-week intervals. Patients were monitored for overall improvement in their hair loss, hair count, treatment satisfaction, and adverse events at 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up. The improvement rates, subjectively evaluated by the study physician, were 88.89% at the 1-month and 100% at the 3-month follow-up, relative to baseline. Moreover, the quantitative evaluation results showed that the FAGA patients' hair density increased by 54.51% at the 1-month and by 77.25% at the 3-month follow-up. The combination of PRP and non-cross-linked HA compound appeared to be a certain positive effective procedure for FAGA without serious adverse event. We envisage that this work will contribute to the development of new treatment options for women suffering from this condition.

Hair Evaluation Methods

The three main Hair assessment methods in alopecia are Non-invasive (questionnaire, daily hair counts, standardized wash test, 60-s hair count, global pictures, dermoscopy, hair weight, contrasting felt examination, phototrichogram, TrichoScan), semi-invasive (trichogram and unit area trichogram), and intrusive procedures (e.g., scalp biopsy). No method is ideal or realistic. These are useful for patient diagnosis and monitoring when interpreted carefully. Daily hair counts, wash tests, etc. are good ways to evaluate a patient's shedding. Hair clinics use procedures like global photography. Phototrichogram is exclusively used in clinical trials. These procedures (like scalp biopsy) require processing and interpretation expertise. In this review article, we discuss the various hair evaluation methods.

Efficacy of paxman scalp cooling system at lower temperatures for prevention of anthracycline associated chemotherapy induced alopecia.

12108 Background: Chemotherapy induced alopecia (CIA) significantly impairs QoL. Scalp cooling devices typically used at -5°C decrease CIA. However, there is still room to improve efficacy with anthracycline therapy. This prospective study was performed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the Paxman Scalp Cooling System (PSCS)® when used at cooler temperatures of -7.5°C and -10°C. Methods: Patients with stage I-III breast cancer receiving anthracycline chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from 12/23/2019 – 10/12/2022 were enrolled on this IRB-approved study. They were evaluated for hair loss at baseline, weeks 4, 8 (primary endpoint), end of treatment, and 24 weeks post treatment using clinical photography and trichoscopy, which measures hair width and count. Degree of hair loss was graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4. Successful hair preservation is indicated by alopecia grades 0 and 1. Results: 34 patients (mean age 44) used the PSCS at cooler temperatures with no DLTs. 7 patients received scalp cooling at -7.5°C and 27 patients at -10°C. 19 women (55.9%) were included in the final analysis; 7 patients withdrew or were taken off study prior to the primary endpoint and 8 patients did not successfully complete photographic or trichoscopic follow-up assessments. At the baseline visit, 95% of patients had grade 0 alopecia (n = 18) and 5.3% had grade 1 alopecia (n = 1). At week 8 (primary endpoint) 53% of patients had grade 1 alopecia and 47% had grade 2 alopecia. At completion of therapy, 7% of patients had grade 0 alopecia, 36% had grade 1 alopecia, 7% are pending and 50% had grade 2 alopecia. At 24 weeks post treatment completion, 23% of patients had grade 0 alopecia (n = 3), 31% had grade 1 alopecia (n = 4), and 46% of patients are pending results (n = 6). At baseline, the average hair count was 149.0 per cm2 (n = 19) and the average hair width was 68.9μm (n = 19). At week 4 and 8, there was a -27% and -8.9% change in hair count and -8.6% and -9.3 percent change in hair width (n = 18) respectively. By end of treatment, percent change was -37.8 and -11.6 for hair count and hair width, respectively (n = 14). At 24 weeks post treatment completion, both the average hair count and hair width for patients were higher compared to their baseline (hair count = 242 per cm2 and hair width = 70.7μm (n = 13; 6 patients pending). Conclusions: Overall, use of the PSCS for successful hair preservation is effective, safe, and tolerable at lower temperatures for patients being treated with anthracycline chemotherapy. 43% of patients had hair preservation at the completion of the study. At 24 weeks post treatment, the average hair count and width was higher than the values at baseline indicating thicker, full hair regrowth. None of the patients displayed grade 2 alopecia at 24 weeks post treatment, allowing patients to avoid the use of a wig to hide resulting CIA. Clinical trial information: NCT04180579 .

Evaluating the effectiveness of laser hair reduction using a home use laser in comparison to a Diode laser.

Lasers of different wavelengths have been developed for use in permanent hair reduction. An increase in the manufacturing of home-use laser hair removal devices allows for these treatments to be performed in the comfort of your own home at an affordable cost. To evaluate the effectiveness of permanent hair reduction using a Diode laser in comparison to the Silk'n™ Flash and Go Lux (475-1200 nm) home-use laser. Fifteen females received six axillae laser hair removal treatments at two to four-week intervals using either a professional laser or home-use laser device. Photographs and hair counts were taken before each treatment and at a three week follow up. A T-test was used to evaluate statistical significance, and regression analysis to determine a difference in the effects. Pain scores and side effects were recorded by a visual analogue scale in a satisfaction questionnaire. The professional laser showed an overall hair reduction of 85% on the right axilla and 88% on the left axilla. The home-use laser showed an overall reduction of 52% on the right axilla and 46,3% on the left axilla. Mild side effects were experienced for both laser devices. There were no serious adverse effects reported, safety features are effective to a certain extent. The Flash & Go Lux home-use laser can effectively reduce hair at a slower rate than the Diode laser. The home-use laser device offers protection against accidental exposure to light and use on darker skin types. Risks of retinal damage due to long-term exposure to home-use laser light are still cause for concern.

Handheld dermatoscope versus digital camera for hair counts in laser facial hair removal

ABSTRACT The lack of uniform and objective techniques to evaluate treatment efficacy in photo-epilation studies leads to contradictory results. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore commonly accepted assessment tools. One of the most common methods uses hair counts via digital photography. However, macrophotography may not be able to depict the vellus-like hair induced by photo-epilation. On the other hand, handheld dermatoscopy is practical, affordable and offers high-quality magnification. Hair counts from a handheld dermatoscope and a digital camera were compared in 73 women who underwent 6 sessions with the Alexandrite 755 nm laser. Significantly more hairs were counted using the dermatoscope than using the digital camera (76.9 ± 41.3 vs. 58.6 ± 31.4, p < .005), independently of hair thickness and hair density. The difference in hair counts between the two instruments was inversely related to hair thickness and directly related to hair density. The handheld dermatoscope may be a more effective tool than the widely used digital camera in evaluating the response to laser hair removal treatment.

Efficacy of Laser in Hair Removal: A Network Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background Laser hair removal is an increasingly prevalent trend of cosmetic procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of hair reduction among several types of laser interventions. Methods The selected studies searched in PubMed and EMBASE were assessed for quality of evidence, and extracted data on absolute hair count and hair reduction rate. Qualitative data were synthesized using standardized mean difference (SMD) in frequentist network meta-analysis because various measurement units were used among selected studies. Inconsistency and small study effects were examined by design-by-treatment interaction model and comparison-adjusted funnel plot. Results A total of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 652) were contributed to network meta-analysis. Pooled results revealed that diode laser showed significantly lower absolute hair count within three-month (SMD = −13.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −22.25 to −4.17) and around six months follow-up (SMD = −11.01, 95% CI: −18.24 to −3.77) as compared with those in control group, but no significant difference among laser interventions. All side effects observed were transient without leaving any permanent scars. Conclusion Eliminating unwanted hair with lasers or intense pulsed light is safe and effective; however, which type of intervention is more beneficial in the long-term process should be studied with a longer follow-up time.