Does Laser Treatment Work for Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a common condition. More than 80% of men and 50% of women will experience some form of hair loss during their lifetime. If you’ve noticed your hair is thinning or an increase in bald patches on your scalp, you may be dealing with this condition.
How can you address the problem? One solution is laser treatment for hair loss. But how does laser therapy work for hair loss? What’s the science behind it? Is there any research to back it up?
These are some of the questions we’ll answer here as we delve deeper into laser therapy for hair loss. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment and how it can help you restore your hair.
What Is Laser Treatment?
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is one of the best hair regeneration techniques available today. It’s also known as cold laser therapy, red light therapy, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), or low-level light therapy.
Laser treatment for hair loss illuminates the scalp with laser light at a certain wavelength within the red or near-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike many other types of lasers, such as those used for hair removal, cutting tissue in surgery, or industrial applications, the light here is delivered at a much lower intensity, meaning that it does not cause any pain or excessive heat.
This technique can be used as a standalone therapy for hair loss or in conjunction with other medications and treatments, such as minoxidil, finasteride, or hair transplant surgery.
The History of LLLT
LLLT is not a new technology. It was first discovered in 1967 by the Hungarian scientist Endre Mester.
He was conducting experiments on the healing properties of red laser on tumors in mice. Mester was using a lower-powered laser in his experiment compared to prior studies and unintentionally discovered its beneficial effects on wound healing and hair regrowth.
Despite not curing the tumors as intended, Mester’s incidental discovery laid the foundation for the development of laser treatment for hair loss and various other conditions, such as tissue regeneration and pain relief.
How Does Laser Therapy Work for Hair Loss?
LLLT helps prevent and reverse hair loss through its unique biological effect on the cells and tissues.
The science behind LLLT’s fight against hair loss lies in the ability of specialized molecules within our cells to convert red light energy into usable form. Specifically, the enzyme cytochrome-c oxidase within our cells’ mitochondria is highly sensitive to the effects of red light.
When this enzyme is exposed to low-intensity red light, it is activated and becomes energized. Through this process, the additional energy boosts the efficiency of cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert food and nutrients into the energy that allows them to function.
Consequently, by allowing your cells to work more efficiently, red light has a healing and regenerative effect that helps restore tissues to their natural form and function.
The hair follicles are no exception. When you use laser treatment for hair loss on your hair follicles, it allows them to do their job more efficiently, which is growing hair. The miniaturization of the hair follicles is reversed, and it grows thicker, healthier hair.
Research on the Effectiveness of Laser Therapy for Hair Loss
LLLT has been studied extensively for its hair regrowth effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that in many cases, in both men and women, LLLT slows, reverses, or stops hair loss. The evidence for LLLT efficacy is so strong that the FDA has cleared a number of devices utilizing laser treatment as an effective solution for male and female pattern hair loss.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these studies.
Systematic Review of LLLT in Adult Androgenic Alopecia
A study published by the Lasers in Medical Science (LIMS) journal analyzed the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for treating adult androgenic alopecia (AGA). It reviewed 11 randomized controlled trials and found that LLLT significantly increased hair density compared to sham devices, with both comb- and helmet-type devices showing effectiveness.
The results highlighted that LLLT works for both genders and across different treatment durations. The low-frequency treatment group showed a stronger positive effect on hair growth than the high-frequency group. Despite some variability in the studies, laser treatment appears to be a promising treatment for pattern hair loss.
Low-Level Laser Therapy for Enhancing Hair Density and Thickness
Another study reviewed 11 clinical trials involving 680 participants to assess the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The review, published in the Lasers in Surgery and Medicine journal, found that LLLT consistently enhanced hair density, thickness, and overall growth, with high levels of patient satisfaction.
The study concluded that LLLT is an effective, non-invasive treatment for AGA, showing significant potential for improving hair regrowth and quality. Given the positive outcomes across the studies, laser treatment emerges as a highly promising solution for those seeking to address hair thinning and loss.
The Role of LLLT in Stimulating Hair Growth
An additional review analyzed low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a treatment for hair loss, focusing on androgenetic alopecia.
Researchers examined various studies, including trials with both men and women and found that LLLT significantly promoted hair growth by stimulating hair follicle activity, particularly shifting follicles into the growth phase. The study concluded that LLLT appears to be an effective and safe treatment for hair loss.
Advantages of Laser Treatment for Hair Loss vs. Other Solutions
Laser therapy is not the only solution for hair loss. Other treatments, such as medications (minoxidil and finasteride) and hair transplant surgery, are available. However, laser therapy has several advantages over these treatments.
Let’s discuss some of these advantages.
Efficacy
Studies have demonstrated that LLLT is an effective treatment for hair loss. Some research has found LLLT to be even more effective than other non-surgical therapies, including minoxidil and finasteride.
Natural and Non-Invasive
Relative to other therapies, laser treatment for hair loss has an excellent safety profile. It is not associated with any serious adverse side effects. While a small portion of users have reported mild headaches and pruritus (itchiness, tingling) of the scalp, these side effects are rare and resolve quickly after treatment.
Other hair loss solutions are associated with serious adverse side effects. For instance, minoxidil carries a risk of overdose, which can lead to serious cardiovascular-related issues, whereas finasteride use may contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Hair transplant surgery is another option that, while very effective, is an invasive surgery and comes with various risks, such as potential infection, scarring, and operational complications.
Versatility
One of the advantages of laser therapy is that it does work for hair loss in both men and women. Plus, it can be used with other treatments like medications, supplements, and even surgery to enhance the results.
This versatility of laser treatment for hair loss provides a more comprehensive approach to combating alopecia. It allows you to tailor your treatment plan to your needs and preferences.
Non-invasiveness
Unlike hair transplant surgery, which involves harvesting and transplanting hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another, laser treatment is a clean and non-invasive technique.
LLLT is an all-natural solution that does not rely on medications or surgical interventions. These features make it an attractive option for those who want to avoid the risks of harmful chemicals or procedures.
Ease of Use
LLLT devices like our LaserCaps are convenient and easy to use. You don’t need to apply messy creams or lotions to benefit from laser treatment for hair loss.
You only have to wear the device like a hat for 30 minutes every other day to see results.
The simplicity of using LLLT technology makes it a practical option for those with busy lifestyles who struggle to adhere to more complex treatment regimens.
No Downtime
Another advantage of laser therapy is that it does work for hair loss without requiring downtime. With other options like hair transplant surgery, there will be a period of downtime for recovery due to post-surgery swelling and discomfort.
However, with laser treatments for hair loss, you can return to your regular activities after a session without disrupting your daily routine.
Portability
Finally, LLLT devices are portable, making them the ideal option for busy people. Their discreet design and rechargeable battery pack allow you to wear them under a regular hat while running errands or even going to work.
Who Can Benefit from Laser Treatment for Hair Loss?
While there are a number of different causes of hair loss, LLLT is ideal for men and women with male or female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
If you’re suffering from hair loss due to other conditions, LLLT may still work for you. However, you need to check with your doctor before starting treatment.
Another factor to consider is that laser therapy works best for those with early signs of hair loss. If you’re in more advanced stages of alopecia, LLLT may not work. However, it can still be effective alongside other treatments.
Lastly, LLLT is not suitable for people taking photosensitizing medications. These medications make your skin sensitive to light. If you undergo laser treatments for hair loss when you’re on these medications, you will not react to the therapy as expected.
Fight Hair Loss with LaserCap
So, does laser therapy work for hair loss? Yes. Plenty of scientific studies support its effectiveness for alopecia.
Now that you know how this technology works and its advantages over other hair loss solutions, you can start treatment and see the results yourself.
Treat your hair at home with The Original LaserCap. Our laser hair growth caps use prescription-strength light therapy to energize dormant follicles and enhance blood flow to the scalp. Increased energy and nourishment allow hair follicles to spend more time in the growth phase of the hair cycle, resulting in thicker, longer hair.
Thousands of LaserCap users have achieved a fuller head of hair within four to six months of treatment. Get your LaserCap today to start your journey toward thicker, healthier hair with our clinical strength laser treatment for hair loss!
