Laser Hair Growth Therapy Treatment – Does It Work?
Hair loss can affect your appearance and self-confidence. So, it’s essential to remedy it right away. Thankfully, there are many effective hair loss treatments. However, not everyone may be a good candidate for options such as cosmetic hair surgery or lifelong medication.
If you are one of those patients, low-level laser therapy may be a good option for you. Read on to learn more about this hair loss treatment.
How Does Laser Hair Regrowth Therapy Work?
During this procedure, you will have to wear a laser device on your head to target crucial areas of the scalp. There are several in-clinic treatment options, but you can also try a home-unit device.
While it is a good hair thinning remedy on its own, laser therapy works well with other treatments. You can use it while taking medications such as minoxidil or finasteride. Your hair loss doctor may also recommend it as a supplementary treatment after hair transplant surgery.
The Stages of Hair Growth
First, it’s crucial to understand the different stages of hair growth before talking about laser treatment:
- Anagen phase: 2-6 years
- Catagen phase: 1-2 weeks
- Telogen phase: 5-6 weeks
During the anagen phase, your hair rapidly grows. These cells will continue to grow until they transition to the catagen stage. During this phase, hair growth slowly regresses as your hair strands move away from the follicle.
After the catagen phase, your hair proceeds to the telogen phase, where it rests. After the telogen phase, your hair will start to fall out as part of the natural hair growth cycle.
How Laser Therapy Affects Hair Growth
There are different theories on how laser therapies affect each phase of this cycle. Some believe laser stimulates a reentry to the anagen phase for hair already in the telogen phase. Meanwhile, others suppose that laser improves growth during anagen and prolongs the start of the catagen phase.
One study found that laser therapy works by stimulating epidermal stem cells in the hair follicle. Its authors also suggest that laser therapy shifts follicles back into the anagen phase.
Experts also believe that this treatment triggers protein synthesis and improves blood flow to the scalp. These processes stimulate hair growth for patients with male pattern baldness.
How Effective is Laser Hair Growth Therapy?
Studies have shown promising results for low-level laser therapy. One study focused on 24 male patients with male-pattern baldness. After 14 weeks of using the laser treatment 10 minutes a day, 83% of the respondents reported satisfactory results. The researchers also reported increased anagen to telogen ratio and improved hair density amongst the patients.
Another study that tested laser therapy on males and females yielded increased hair count for both groups. The participants also had significant improvement in:
- Hair strength for the crown hair in males
- Hair near the temples for females
Keep in mind, however, that laser therapy is only recommended for patients with hair thinning. This treatment option will not be effective for people who have completely lost their hair.
Laser Hair Therapy Treatment Near Me in Kansas City, West Des Moines, and Liberty, MO
Here at Darling Hair Restoration, we offer many invasive and non-invasive treatments for all types of hair loss. Dr. Scott Darling recommends a home-unit low-level laser device that you can use from the comfort of your home. You can put this device on your head and go about your at-home tasks for the day.
If you’re looking for laser hair therapy treatment near you, visit us in Kansas City, West Des Moines, or Liberty! We’ll help you decide on the best course of action for your condition and your budget.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any inquiries. You can reach us at (816) 792-3400 or through our online contact form. We look forward to restoring your hair!
