The history of hair loss laser therapy began as an experiment to test the effects of cold laser light on humans. A group of shaved mice were exposed to this cold laser light and their hair grew back faster than the other shaved mice not exposed to this cold laser light. This began the clinical research into laser hair loss therapy.
Low level laser rays are now applied directly to a person’s scalp, in order to stimulate red blood cells. They are supposed to work by converting Adenosine Triphosphate into Adenosine Diphoshate, which is said to release energy and cause cellular metabolic changes. With the addition of nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and hair, it has been said that there has been an improvement in overall hair quality, growth and hair shaft diameter.
Different methods – Hair Loss Laser Therapy
There are various methods of applying this laser therapy, such as one that has the appearance of an old fashioned hood hair dryer and the other would be the hair loss laser comb. The hood hair dryer emits a low level laser that rotates and allows the laser rays to be administered to your scalp.
The other is the hand held device known as the hair loss laser comb, which at first glance resembles a simple brush. The jury is still out on the hair loss laser comb, as it has not received FDA approval only clearance for safety factors alone.
The problem with this type of therapy however, is that promoting healthy hair growth is one thing, curing genetic female hair loss or male pattern baldness is another.
Most physicians utilizing hair loss laser treatments are doing so in conjunction with on the market hair growth products, such as Rogaine and Propecia, and only in patients with minimal thinning of the hair. There have been some benefits for patients, who suffer thinning in the frontal area of their scalps, due to an overall increase in hair quality, as opposed to hair loss prevention.
Realistic expectations must be maintained until further testing and overall results are factored into any final decisions. It is believed that more research must be performed with low level laser therapy in order to substantiate the exorbitant costs involved in utilizing this type of therapy, as a hair regrowth solution or a cure all for male pattern baldness.
Do your own investigative research to see if this is the right type of hair loss laser therapy for you.