Low Level Laser Therapy
With initial researches done in the 1960’s and 1970’s, LLLT or Low Level Laser Therapy is a fairly new science which makes use of lasers with an energy level so low that it doesn’t cut or burn through tissue. It is predominantly employed for the speedy recovery of injuries and, consequently, to ease the pain caused therein. After having been approved by the FDA in January of 2007, the application of LLLT for hair loss has received even more controversy in terms of efficacy.
LLLT is said to use “cold lasers” since the waves emitted are not hot and thus do not scald the tissue and cause wounds. In the battle against hair loss, the low level lasers are harnessed through a hairbrush or hood-like instrument as light. The gadget contains laser diodes that emit laser lights. These get absorbed into the scalp. The light enhances the growth and regeneration of cells and the circulation of blood and oxygen into the hair follicles. In effect, it repairs tissues and switches them from being in the resting phase and back to the growing phase. Theory has it that the treatment stimulates at a cellular level, thus improving cell function.
The use of LLLT in clinical studies has resulted in the deterrence of hair loss, the regeneration of follicles in areas of hair loss and even in the renewal of hair shine, strength and thickness.
Laser Hair Therapy is also sometimes used as post-surgery therapy for hair implants. Aside from its healing and pain reduction properties, the treatment also helps in accelerating the growth of the newly grafted hair.
The treatment is not that traumatic an experience either. Sessions usually last only 30 minutes and the patient can watch TV or read books while getting it done. No pain is experienced either, just a tingling sensation.
In tests, 9 out of 10 hair loss patients had shown improvement: Their hair was shinier, stronger and thicker. Hair loss had been stopped. Hair count had increased.
These studies also state that the effects seem to be more evident in patients who are in earlier stages of hair loss. Larger scale studies are to be conducted though but many men and women are encountering positive responses to the treatment.
There were no observed side effects but note that LLLT was not conducted on patients with medical conditions or histories that involved skin cancer, scalp infections and photosensitivity to laser light.
