Clinical Study Now Recruiting: Hair Loss Treatment for Skin of Color with New FoLix Laser Therapy

Jaime P. Morales
Jun 19
2 min read

A person holding a clump of hair in hand, head bowed in distress. Wearing a dark shirt. Blueish background suggests an indoor setting.

Currently Recruiting

Are You Struggling with Hair Thinning? This New Clinical Trial May Help, Especially for Those with Darker Skin Tones

If you’re between 21 and 55, have moderate hair loss, and identify as having a Fitzpatrick Skin Type V or VI (typically deeper skin tones), you may be eligible to join a groundbreaking clinical study testing a new non-invasive laser treatment for hair regrowth.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s the Hair Loss Treatment Study About?

Researchers are testing an FDA-cleared laser device called FoLix, which has been approved for hair loss treatment in lighter skin types (I-IV). Now, they’re looking to see how effective it is for darker skin tones (types V & VI).

This is an exciting opportunity for people of color to access advanced, safe, and potentially effective hair restoration technology that hasn’t been thoroughly studied in this group, until now.

Illustration of hair loss: Left shows a balding man, right a worried woman holding hair. Text explains male and female hair loss stats. — https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-alopecia-genetic-8738297? https://www.thinninghair.com/overview/all-about-hair/188-what-effects-do-gender-and-race-have-on-hair-loss?

Who Can Join the Study?

You may qualify if:

You are 21 to 55 years old
Have a Fitzpatrick Skin Type V or VI
Experience mild to moderate hair thinning
- Women: Ludwig scale I–II
- Men: Norwood-Hamilton scale I–III
Have been noticing hair loss for more than 6 months but less than 5 years
Are in generally good health
Can commit to four treatment visits over a few months
Are willing to keep the same hairstyle and use non-medicated shampoo during the study

Who Should Not Apply to the Hair Loss Treatment Study?

You are not eligible if you:

Have skin types I–IV
Have conditions like alopecia areata, scalp diseases, or scarring hair loss
Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon
Have had recent hair loss treatments or transplants
Are using hair growth products like minoxidil or finasteride
Smoke more than 20 cigarettes/day
Have serious health conditions that could interfere with participation

What’s Involved in the Study?

Receive 4 FoLix laser treatments spaced 4 weeks apart
Have scalp images taken with a high-res macro camera to track progress
Results assessed by three independent, blinded reviewers
Use of gentle shampoo/conditioner during the study period
No cost to participate!

Fitzpatrick Skin Type chart with six color squares: pale, fair, medium, brown shades labeled Type 1 to Type 6 on a light background.

Why This Study Matters

Hair loss can affect confidence, self-esteem, and identity, especially for people with deeper skin tones who often face limited treatment options. This study is part of a push toward inclusive and effective hair loss solutions that reflect the needs of diverse populations.