Laser to Lessen the Rate of Hair Loss

LASERS (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) have been used in the medical field for many years, and for many purposes.

Today, I will share with you the use of low level laser therapy (LLLT), or low intensity laser therapy (LILT), in some gadgets and instruments that are available in clinics and also for home/personal use.

Although the acronym for laser includes radiation, these lasers do not generate harmful high-frequency (short wave-length) ionizing radiation. Rather, safe frequencies within or near to the visible-light range (400–700 nm wavelength) of the electro-magnetic spectrum are used.

It was only in 1960 that the first functioning laser device was invented, although the theoretical concept for lasers was first proposed by Albert Einstein way back in 1917. Since then, there has been tremendous developments and innovations in the field, leading to lasers being used in so many fields, even in discos (e.g., laser light displays) and at home (e.g., in CD/DVD players). The laser light pointer used during slide presentations is perhaps the most obvious practical example of laser technology made simple.

Laser use in medicine and dentistry is extensive, from “bloodless” surgery to treatments for eye disease. Lately, there has been an explosion of laser use in the beauty/aesthetics/slimming industry.

Lasers are used for skin “resurfacing” and tightening for rejuvenation; acne treatment; scar treatment; tattoo, wart, mole and hair removal; and even fat-melting (with or without liposuction).

Laser for hair growth

While higher-powered lasers are used to remove unwanted hair on the other parts of the body, LLLT is used to stimulate hair growth. The use of LLLT for hair growth was in fact discovered during research on the effects of lasers on skin cancer. While applying lasers to the backs of shaven mice, it was noticed that the shaved hair grew back more quickly on the treated group than the untreated group.

Laser hair treatment uses a whole-head laser dome (much like the ones used to perm hair at the salons) for use at hair clinics, or as hand-held laser combs for personal use. The larger clinic version is of course more effective as it delivers a wider spread of the laser over the scalp. However, you need to visit the clinic regularly, and the cost is not cheap.

The hand-held comb device comes in several models of different sizes (with varying treatment-area size per pass). The effectiveness depends on how often you use the device. Since it is for personal use, you can use it as often as you like.

Note that those with balding (hair loss) and thinning hair problems need also to look into the other reasons for hair loss. If it is hormone-linked (e.g., male-pattern baldness), then a hormonal assessment and intervention may be possible. If it is stress-related, then it will recur if the stress is not removed or managed. If it is due to poor hygiene, then even the laser will work slowly.

Infection, especially by fungus and yeast (e.g., dandruff), is a common cause of unhealthy scalp and poor hair growth.

Finally, the scalp needs plenty of nutrients, including minerals, for healthy hair growth. All these have to be taken into account for best results.

If you want better hair growth, it is necessary to wash the hair regularly with a good shampoo, apply scalp/hair tonic (for even better results, use hair growth factors), eat nutritious foods, and take nutritional supplements for the hair.

If all these don’t work, then you may consider using laser hair treatment or a personal laser comb.