Everyone adores hair, as it serves as a decoration for our heads and hides all ugly things under its magic. That's why hair loss can be an extremely distressing experience for anyone. It's a problem that you don't recover from, leaving you feeling helpless. However, this shouldn't be the case.
You need to take care of your hair just like other parts of your body. Caring for the health of one's own hair also means getting rid of dandruff, split ends, dullness, and other related problems.
This can be brought about with low-level laser therapy for hair. Low-frequency lasers induce deep tissue warming, accelerating skin healing and reducing inflammation in the scalp.
In this blog post, we'll learn how low-level laser therapy for hair works, how to take it, and how to choose a laser cap. So, let's get started.
What Is Low-Level Laser Therapy for Hair?
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a laser-based or light-based therapy. They aid in the development of hair. It's also called advanced laser therapy.
It works by using a wavelength that inhibits hair growth in the affected body region. It's been shown to improve cell metabolism and blood vessel health in the scalp, resulting in thicker, healthier, and more robust hair shafts.
This therapy has been proved to be significantly effective in treating male and female pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia), baldness, acne, and other similar conditions.
The laser equipment used in the therapy is known as 'laser cap' or 'laser comb.' They don't produce any heat, are safe to use, and will not harm the skin or the hair, as many believe.
How Does LLLT Work?
LLLT works by using a low-level laser to stimulate the cells in the scalp that are responsible for hair growth. The laser light energy is absorbed by the cells, which then leads to an increase in cell metabolism. This increased cell activity then leads to increased hair growth.
To take this treatment, you have to sit beneath the laser therapy machine. It may look like a hooded dryer you see in the hair salons. These small dryer-like gadgets have laser diodes that emit a certain wavelength and frequency of light to the follicles.
You don't feel anything when beneath the machine for the duration of the therapy, which lasts around 15 minutes. Depending on the amount of your hair loss, you may need to repeat the LLLT treatments on a regular basis. Consult a hair doctor expert instead of experimenting on your own.
Types of Low Lever Laser Therapy
There are three types of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) commonly used to treat hair loss: red light therapy, infrared light therapy, and laser comb therapy.
- Red light therapy uses low-level red light to stimulate blood flow and promote cell regeneration. This type of therapy is often used to treat wrinkles and other skin concerns, but it can also be effective for treating hair loss.
- Infrared light therapy uses low-level infrared light to penetrate the scalp and promote hair growth. This type of therapy is often used in combination with other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil.
- Laser comb therapy uses a low-level laser beam to stimulate hair growth. This type of therapy is often used in combination with other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil.
Who Needs Low-Level Laser Therapy for Hair?
If you're experiencing hair loss, you may be wondering if low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is right for you. LLLT is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses lasers to stimulate hair growth.
LLLT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of hair loss conditions, including:
- androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness)
- alopecia areata (spot baldness), and
- telogen effluvium (temporary shedding due to stress or illness).
If you're considering LLLT for hair loss, it's important to consult with a dermatologist or other medical professional to determine if it's right for you. LLLT is not suitable for everyone, and it's important to understand the risks and potential side effects before starting treatment.
If you and your doctor decide that LLLT is right for you, you'll likely need to commit to a series of treatments, typically 3-4 times per week for several months. LLLT is a gradual treatment, so it may take several months to see results.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Yes, there are potential side effects associated with LLLT for hair growth. These side effects are usually temporary and may include scalp irritation, redness, and swelling.
Some people may also experience mild headaches, nausea, or dizziness. However, it is very unlikely to happen. Generally, LLLT for hair is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. Even if you experience any side effects, they should go away within a few days.
How to Choose a Laser Cap?
Remember we mentioned 'laser cap' to apply LLLT? With it, you can take this therapy at home instead of going anywhere.
If you're considering a laser cap for hair loss treatment, there are a few things you'll need to consider for choosing the right one. Here are a few tips:
- Consider the different types of laser caps.
There are caps that use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and those that use intense pulsed light (IPL). LLLT caps are more expensive but are also more effective. IPL caps are less expensive but may not be as effective.
- Consider the different sizes of laser caps.
There are caps that are designed for use on the scalp only and those that can be used on the entire head. If you only need to treat the scalp, a smaller cap will suffice. If you need to treat the entire head, a laser hair growth helmet treatment will be necessary.
- Consider the different power levels of laser caps.
Some caps are designed for use only on the scalp, while others can be used on the entire head. If you only need to treat the scalp, a lower-powered cap will suffice. If you need to treat the entire head, a higher-powered cap will be necessary.
- Consider the different features of laser caps.
Some caps come with built-in batteries, while others require an external power source. Some caps are portable, while others are not. Some caps come with a carrying case, while others do not. What features you need depends on how and where you'll use them.
- Consider your budget.
Laser caps can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Choose a cap that fits your budget and your needs. You don't need all the bells and whistles on those thousand dollars caps. Most of the time, a basic cap/helmet will do the job.
Conclusion
In summary, Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) helps treat hair loss, improves the condition of scalp skin, and encourages hair growth. This therapy has been proven successful in treating alopecia and other hair loss conditions.
That's why, if you're looking for a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for hair loss, LLLT may be right for you. Though it's generally safe, consult with a medical professional to learn more about the risks and potential benefits of LLLT and whether you should take it or not!