Androgenic alopecia (AGA), or pattern hair loss, is a common condition that 
affects both men and women has been gradually increasing. The discovery of the 
androgen receptor (AR) gene and related genes has expanded the knowledge on the 
genetics of hair loss. These basic science studies, combined with more recent 
clinical studies, have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of AGA 
in both men and women. These genetic advances have also led to the development 
of a new screening test for AGA. Recently, in addition to the two currently 
approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) medications (minoxidil and 
finasteride), a novel device was FDA-approved for the treatment of hair loss, 
the laser hair comb. Further studies are needed to verify the accuracy and 
validity of the genetic screening test and the efficacy of the laser hair comb.