On average, people will lose about 100 scalp hairs daily. In most cases, these hairs will grow back, but some factors that contribute to permanent loss include stress, medical treatments/medicine, poor nutrition, health conditions, hormone changes, heredity and age.
You’ve probably heard of hair transplants and popular medications like Rogaine as great solutions for restoring hair. While those are excellent options as well, laser hair therapy may be a great adjunct option.
Laser therapy is also known as light therapy for hair loss, cold laser therapy or red-light therapy. The laser irradiates photons into scalp tissue to encourage hair growth.
Does Laser Treatment Work for Hair Loss?
Yes! Laser treatment for hair loss is less invasive, more tolerable and a safe alternative to hair transplants. The lasers used in these therapies don't burn, cause pain or grow hot.
Ideal candidates will still be in the early stages of hair loss, where their hair is thinning but they have yet to see much loss. Hair loss patients with androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, have better chances of success.
How Does Laser Therapy for Hair Loss Work?
This knowledge is primarily theoretical, but there are some clues to how everything works. The laser treatments are believed to increase circulation and provide stimulation to hair follicles, which allows the hair to grow.
Although doctors are still trying to understand exactly how laser therapy works, it may work in the following ways:
- Encouraging the growth of more hair follicles
- Improving blood flow to hair roots
- Bringing energy and nutrients to scalp cells with better blood flow
- Improving how scalp cells work
- Hastening the reproduction of cells
Professionals make a comparison between watering a plant and how laser therapy works. Hair follicles absorb the light in the same way plants absorb nutrients and water. The treatment serves a two-fold purpose by regrowing hair while also stimulating cellular activity.
Who Should Use These Treatments?
These treatments are likely to work best with:
- People who have had hair loss for a shorter time
- Those living with hair loss who can commit to a longer-term solution
- Anyone who is concerned about taking medications to treat hair loss
Results From Laser Treatment
When treatments are successful, the hair will regrow and further hair loss will be avoided. The hair that grows back will likely have greater density and fullness.
There are some results available from studies that help shed some light on possible effectiveness. In one study from 2013, 41 men aged 18 to 48 had 39% hair growth over 16 weeks. During a 2014 study, both men and women saw favorable results from low-level laser therapy that also showed an acceptable safety rate.
There are a number of factors to consider when determining whether someone will have success with laser treatments. Consulting with a hair loss specialist can help determine if you may be a good candidate for this type of treatment.
Positive Results From Laser Treatment
There are several reasons to consider light therapy for hair loss. The main reason of course is that it is an effective treatment for growing strong and healthy hair. There are almost no negative side effects, and this hair loss treatment is noninvasive and pain-free. Laser hair treatments are suitable for both men and women. Laser hair therapy is a great option for those who do not want to take medication and are willing to put in the time to use this treatment.
Negative Effects From Laser Treatment
Some people take medications that cause photosensitivity, or sensitivity to light. Anyone taking such medications should avoid laser treatments. Also, people in late hair-loss stages might not find this procedure as effective as those who are just beginning to lose their hair. We strongly recommend consulting with a hair loss specialist to determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair therapy.
What To Keep in Mind When Considering Laser Therapy
Laser treatment might be a viable option for anyone who wants to stop and possibly reverse hair loss.
All treatments have good and bad aspects, and laser hair loss is no exception. When you're making this decision, your doctor can help guide you.
See your doctor if your hair loss comes on suddenly. If you're losing hair rapidly, there might be a health condition requiring further attention.
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