Are Laser Caps Effective in Treating Hair Loss ?

 

Are Laser Caps Effective in Treating Hair Loss ?

The average person loses about 100 hairs every day from their scalp. While the majority of people can regrow their hair, some are unable to do so owing to age, genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, bad nutrition, side effects of medical treatments such as chemotherapy, or stress, among other factors.

Stopping and potentially reversing hair loss is possible with medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia), hair transplant surgery, and laser treatment.

What is a hair loss laser cap ?

Hats, helmets, caps, combs, and headbands are just some of the hair regrowth laser devices available. Most laser hair growth caps employ low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate the scalp and hair follicles. Low-level laser treatment use lower-power lasers that emit photons that penetrate the scalp and target hair follicles. The light emitted is red or infrared in wavelength. According to DermNet NZ, photons from low-level lasers can boost adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in follicle cells, promoting hair growth and metabolism. Laser light can help revitalize cells by boosting blood flow and nutrient transfer, according to the Hair Society.

The hypothesis

Low-dose laser treatments can activate blood circulation and encourage hair follicles to develop hair anew, according to the principle behind laser hair loss treatment.

Is it effective ?

Consistency and patience are essential when it comes to laser hair regrowth equipment. You may need to use a laser hair cap for several months before you observe hair regrowth. For the greatest results, it is advisable to repeat the treatment on a regular basis. Laser caps, according to hair restoration experts, can successfully cure and prevent hair loss in persons who are in the early stages of hair thinning and loss. There is no medication that can completely prevent hair loss, especially when it is inherited. Laser caps and other non-surgical hair restoration procedures, on the other hand, can assist to prevent hair loss when used appropriately and on a regular basis. According to a 2019 study published in Lasers in Medical Science, a novel laser treatment hat or helmet can restore hair volume and cover bald areas in men and women with androgenetic alopecia.

Despite the fact that numerous laser helmets on the market have gotten FDA safety approval, there have been no effectiveness trials conducted. The research into whether low-level laser hair devices can help with certain hair loss issues is still underway. Laser hair restoration devices aren't for everyone, and the efficiency of these devices is influenced on the type of hair loss you have. Your dermatologist can determine the type of hair loss you're experiencing, recommend lifestyle changes for healthy hair, and point you in the right direction for therapy.

Low-level laser treatment was proven to be safe and beneficial for hair growth in both men and women in a 2014 research. According to a 2013 study of 41 males aged 18 to 48, laser hair treatment can boost hair growth by 39% over the course of 16 weeks.

The advantages of laser therapy

Laser therapy is promoted for a variety of reasons, according to proponents, including:

It's a non-intrusive procedure.

It's completely painless.

It has no negative side effects.

It helps to strengthen hair.

Consequences of laser therapy

Time-consuming: Treatment usually entails numerous appointments each week for several months, if not the remainder of your life.

It is costly: In the long term, clinical laser hair loss treatments can be pricey.

Long-term safety and efficacy have yet to be determined: Because laser devices are classified as medical devices by the FDA, they are not subjected to the same amount of scrutiny and testing as drugs prior to approval. LLLT's long-term efficacy and safety have yet to be fully proved.

Certain drugs may interact with it: Laser treatment should be avoided by patients who are using photosensitizing medicines. Photosensitization is a chemical alteration in the skin that increases sensitivity to light.

It might not work: People who are in the latter stages of hair loss tend to have less success with the procedure than those who are in the early stages.