Laser therapy for hair loss is fast becoming a popular treatment that can easily be done at home.
About Laser Therapy for Hair Loss
Laser therapy is a non-surgical procedure for hair loss and thinning hair. In the past, treatments were done at a hair clinic, but laser combs are now available for people who want to do in-home laser therapy for hair loss. Home laser therapy devices have received generally positive press, including a test done by Dateline NBC over a period of 18 months.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
The laser equipment has a number of low light level lasers that rotate to target hundred of places on the head. The light energy from the lasers helps repair damaged cells by increasing blood flow and stimulating cell metabolism. Laser therapy uses the purest red light that is found in sunlight. This red light can increase hair growth and thicken hair by improving the blood supply to the hair follicles. The technology provides a safe, non-surgical alternative that uses less energy than a 40-watt light bulb.
How Effective is Laser Therapy?
Results vary depending on a number of factors - genetics, years of hair loss, and whether the hair loss is the result of a medical condition. Improved results can be achieved if a combination of laser therapy for hair loss and other scalp and hair products are used, such as those containing Minoxidil. Shampoos that are free of sodium laurel sulfates are preferred because these chemicals can strip the hair's natural oils. Products that block DHT, the hormone that leads to hair loss, are also recommended as part of treatment. Additionally, laser treatments have to be performed regularly to see continued results.
Home Laser Therapy Treatments
The introduction of laser combs has made this treatment more widely available, although it's not an inexpensive solution. The HairMax LaserComb, for example, retails for $550. For best results, consider a combination of using a home device and in-clinic visits. That way, you get the benefit of a physician/technician monitoring your progress.
Laser Therapy Products
The Lexington HairMax LaserComb recently received FDA approval as a medical laser device. The LaserComb Premium retails for $550 and features:
- Nine laser beams
- Leather travel case
- Second set of comb teeth
- AC power adapter
- Instructional video
- Two year warranty for premium model
- 20 week money back guarantee
Aculas is another brand of a Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) device for home use. The company claims to have "the most powerful home hair loss laser treatment available today." The device costs $899 and features include:
- An auto self test
- Musical alarms
- Electronic analysis
- Timer that shuts the unit off after treatment
- Backlit LCD display
- More lasers and more direct laser power per beam than competitors
- 90 day money back guarantee
Possible Results
There are certainly no guarantees for laser therapy for hair loss, due to length of hair loss, genetics, health, and other factors. One manufacturer conveys four possible scenarios when using their home LLLT device:
- No change - no slowing of hair loss, no hair regrowth
- Slowing or halting of hair loss, but no hair regrowth
- Hair restoration, with hair loss ending and thicker, fuller results for existing hair
- Noticeable hair growth, a stop to hair loss and fuller, thicker existing hair
For best results, home laser therapy is recommended for people with less than three years of hair loss. As the years pass, the dormant hair follicles become less likely to absorb the laser energy. It is not recommended for areas of complete baldness because laser therapy cannot reactivate dead follicles. Additionally, laser therapy may not be successful for people who have a medical condition that has caused hair loss.
Laser therapy for hair loss may be a relatively new, revolutionary treatment, but it is still a viable option for individuals interested in regrowing or thickening their hair. Before beginning any treatment, however, it is wise to consult a physician about possible results and side effects.
