Hair growth devices that emit low-level laser light have recently gained attention in beauty circles. They offer an effective and safe alternative or complement to more established solutions such as Minoxidil, Propecia, Spironolactone and PRP.
Patients typically require 4 to 6 treatments to target dormant follicles in their anagen phase and achieve long-term results. Before treatments begin, it’s essential that any plunging, waxing and skin bleaching creams which darken the skin be avoided in order to ensure maximum success.
How it Works
Photobiostimulation or low-level laser therapy differs from laser hair removal treatments in that instead of sending focused beams of light through pigmented skin to burn off hair follicles, it stimulates blood flow in your scalp to provide essential nutrient delivery to hair follicles and promote the development of strong and thick locks.
Andre Mester accidentally discovered the effects of low-level laser radiation on laboratory mice when he noticed that they healed faster and experienced more robust hair growth compared to nontreated mice. He termed his discovery, known as photobio-stimulation. Over the years, scientists have tested and refined this technique in various forms until today there are FDA-approved caps, hats, and combs with medical-grade laser diodes available on the market – devices worn at home by users once weekly over six months for treatment sessions.
Plucking, waxing or bleaching your hair before beginning any form of treatment should be avoided as these practices disturb the natural blood circulation in the hair follicle. Furthermore, sun exposure or use of tanning creams could interfere with light energy absorption and could delay results.
Rarely does laser treatment cause one’s hair to grow thicker after treatment; this condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis and could be due to any number of causes – for instance boosting hormone levels could trigger additional hair production; similar effects are seen with women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS.
Laser technology also stimulates blood flow to follicles, helping them recover from trauma or injury sustained during previous treatments like electrolysis or harsh haircutting. Either way, this development is extremely positive as evidence shows laser can actually make hair thicker!
Preparation
Prior to any laser procedure, the treatment area must be free from hair growth for four weeks prior to any procedure. Tanning or using skin darkening products such as sunless creams that darken skin could interfere with its effectiveness; similarly plucking, waxing and bleaching hair could further hinder its process and further worsen hirsutism symptoms. Furthermore, you should seek medical advice prior to undertaking such treatment, since undergoing it could worsen it further.
After several treatments, most areas should experience permanent hair reduction; however, hormonal fluctuations may cause thicker growth to return in certain places.
Results
Laser treatments increase blood flow to hair follicles, leading to healthier hair and increased growth. This may make strands thicker and lustrous. There are various over-the-counter products and prescriptions that can stimulate hair growth such as shampoos and supplements as well as topical solutions like Minoxidil; however if you want an even faster approach then laser treatments could be an excellent solution.
Attend all sessions when receiving laser treatments; missing one could impede results as laser treatments only target hair follicles in their active growth phase; dormant ones won’t be affected.
While undergoing laser therapy, it is also crucial that you avoid tweezing, waxing or bleaching your hair as this prevents its follicle from being properly damaged by the laser beams. Furthermore, tanning could interfere with this process as contrast between your skin pigmentation and that of your hair can impede it.
Individual results depend on how many laser treatments a person requires; some individuals need only four or five sessions while others may require up to 12 or more. Once treatment has concluded, most people enjoy long-term effects; however if hormone levels change suddenly some hair will start growing back in. Touch-up treatments every six to twelve months should take care of that issue.
On rare occasions, laser treatments may lead to thicker and darker hair growth post-treatment – this condition is known as paradoxical hypertrichosis and its cause is still unknown; it could have something to do with how laser treatment affects hair follicles.
If you find yourself suffering from hair growth issues, it’s wise to discuss it with your dermatologist immediately. They may recommend medications like Metformin or a low carbohydrate diet as ways of balancing hormone levels; alternatively there may be other solutions such as electrolysis; this method targets individual follicles more efficiently than laser treatments and could prove more successful for some women than laser treatment options.
Side Effects
Hair growth depends on a constant flow of nutrients to your scalp’s hair follicles. When this supply dwindles down, thinning or even baldness may result. But laser light therapy can stimulate new blood flow to rejuvenate follicles so your locks grow back thicker and stronger than before!
Laser treatment works best at early stages of hair thinning or loss, so for maximum effectiveness you must continue treatments on a regular basis. In general, two to six sessions spread over several months may be sufficient, although due to hair’s natural cycle of loss and growth you may continue seeing results even after finishing all your sessions.
As part of a laser hair growth treatment, your doctor will apply a hand-held device directly onto your scalp, with its tip possibly featuring cooling devices or gel to reduce discomfort. Furthermore, protective goggles must be worn as laser beams can potentially harm eyes directly.
Your doctor may advise against engaging in certain activities and products after laser hair treatment, such as swimming, sun exposure or taking certain medications. Common side effects from laser hair growth treatments are redness, itching and irritation – although these tend to be mild and short-lived; those with sensitive skin may also experience tenderness or burning during treatments.
Laser treatments may not be the most cost-effective method of thickening hair, but they may make an excellent complement to other solutions like Minoxidil, PRP therapy or prescription drugs. As with any medical procedure, however, always consult a dermatologist first before trying anything new – especially since thinning hair could be an indicator of an underlying health problem that needs further investigation.
