Millions of men and women struggle with hair loss in their lives. Research shows that nearly 40 per cent of men experience noticeable hair loss by 35. Not many know that light therapy for hair loss is an excellent solution!
Nearly 2 out of 3 men have significant hair loss by age 60. And by age 80, just 20 per cent of men will still have a full head of hair.
The statistics aren’t quite as depressing for women, but thinning hair and ageing do go hand in hand. Though hair loss may be inevitable, it’s not something you have to accept.
There are ways to fight this. While many possible treatment options and solutions exist, one method is becoming increasingly popular: Low-level laser therapy, or LLLT.
Looking Into Hair Loss That Leads to Baldness
Alopecia, or hair loss, in other words, is a common condition that affects nearly millions around the world. It occurs due to various factors, such as ageing, genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, medical conditions, and nutritional deficiencies.
The most common type of alopecia is the androgenetic or female and male pattern baldness. Technological advancement is making it easier to treat the condition.
Light therapy for hair loss is gaining popularity for its effectiveness and non-invasive nature.
Is Light Therapy for Hair Loss a Good Option?
Light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or red light therapy, is a modern treatment that stimulates hair growth. Light therapy for hair loss uses wavelengths of light, typically in the red or near-infrared spectrum, to penetrate the scalp and stimulate hair follicles.
It’s a non-invasive, painless treatment option suitable for both men and women experiencing hair thinning or baldness.
Approved by the FDA for hair growth, light therapy has become a preferred choice for individuals seeking a convenient and effective alternative to medications or surgery.
How to Use Light Therapy as a Hair Loss Treatment
So, if you are opting to use light therapy as a treatment option, here are all the essential steps to proceed:
Choose a Light Therapy Device
Light therapy for hair loss is possible with the help of devices such as caps, laser combs, helmets, and handheld wands. All of these are widely available. Select a product with safety certification and effectiveness.
Follow the Recommended Usage
Use the device per the manual instructions, typically 3-4 times weekly for about 15-30 minutes/session. Contrary to popular belief, overuse may not yield better results and could cause scalp discomfort.
Prepare Your Scalp
Clean your scalp and keep it free of products like gels or sprays. A clean surface allows better light penetration.
Be Consistent
Results may take several months to appear, so consistency is key. Regular use stimulates dormant hair follicles and promotes healthier hair growth.
Combine with Other Treatments
Light therapy combines topical treatments, nutritional supplements, or medications to enhance results. But consult a doctor before combining therapies.
Monitor Progress
Keep track of hair growth and overall scalp health. If you notice any unusual side effects, stop its use and consult a healthcare professional.
What is a Laser Cap?
LLLT is an FDA-approved form of hair loss treatment designed to treat the effects of male and female pattern baldness. It stops hair loss and encourages new hair growth in affected areas.
LLLT was once only available to patients in clinical settings. But more recently, it’s been approved for in-home use – paving the way for greater convenience and more cost-effective treatment.
Laser therapy is generally provided through a laser cap, which has the outward appearance of a traditional baseball cap. Inside, the cap contains a web of tiny lasers that perform the work of stimulating hair growth.
The two most significant benefits of laser caps are convenience and affordability. The convenience factor means you can wear it virtually anywhere you’d wear a standard baseball hat.
You can get a quick treatment session by watching TV, cooking, or lawn mowing.
And the affordability is striking.
Kerr explains, “Many Laser Hair Cap Systems are extremely affordable, ranging from $575 to just under $1000 depending on the system and package itself. But compared to other procedures, this is relatively cheap.”
In other words, laser cap therapy is the perfect alternative to expensive clinical treatment and is also highly effective. But you’re probably wondering how it works – so let’s dive deeper.
How Does LLLT Work?
LLLT is a non-invasive treatment that emits red light at specific wavelengths into the scalp. These pain-free lasers penetrate the scalp, actively stimulate dormant hair follicles, and encourage follicles out of the “rest phase” and back into a “growth phase.”
When laser light stimulates the hair follicle, circulation naturally increases. This enhanced blood supply is evenly distributed across the scalp and supports growing thicker, healthier hair.
Most laser cap systems encourage 30 minutes of use three times per week. While LLLT is highly effective for many individuals, it’s not an overnight solution. You’ll generally see some results within a matter of weeks, while noticeable growth will occur several months into regular treatment.
Other Important Notes on Laser Therapy
The efficacy of laser therapy is highly dependent on the person. Researchers believe results depend on the underlying health of the cells targeted. If the cells themselves are unhealthy, laser therapy will be less effective.
If they need to be coaxed out of the resting phase, laser cap therapy is a valuable option.
Light therapy for hair loss is part of a holistic approach to treatment in many situations. As mentioned, it’s convenient, but you won’t see results overnight.
If you’re willing to wait for accurate results patiently, you should expect several months of continued use.
As previously mentioned, laser therapy is FDA-approved, and this treatment option has no known side effects. All approved laser caps are chemical-free, hands-free, and pain-free.
They come with rechargeable battery packs that make them perfect on-the-go solutions.
You should always speak with your doctor before starting any treatment plan. And while they’ll almost certainly give you the “green light,” it’s wise to keep them in the loop regarding your health goals and objectives.
Now’s the Time to Act
That was all about how light therapy for hair loss can work well for you or someone you know experiencing it. The article highlights all the essential things to know about the treatment.
It’s time to stop letting hair loss kill your confidence and start living the life you were meant to live. Laser therapy may be perfect if you’re searching for a safe and effective solution that won’t break the bank!
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