Low level laser therapy (or LLLT for short) is has been proven to be one of the more effective treatments for hair loss currently available.
Currently, over-the-counter laser devices for hair restoration are available in convenient hands-free systems such as laser caps and helmets as well as in hand-held devices such as laser combs. Either product may be used at home and they don't require the supervision of a physician.
How Does LLLT Work
The light which is emitted from a laser in a specific wavelength has an effect on the body when it is absorbed within the molecules of a targeted tissue. When the laser light is absorbed by target tissue molecules, this in turn increases the energy level of the molecules which respond by ‘working off’ the excess energy with adaptive changes. These changes can be either chemical or physical and have the ability to produce biological effects on the target tissue or surrounding tissues.
Because the changes in the molecules are brought about by phototherapy, chemical changes are said to be due to 'photochemistry' and physical changes to 'photo physics'. As a result, the biological effects on the tissue is called photobiomodulation.
How Did This Become Linked to Hair Growth
In 1967 a few years after the first working laser was invented, Endre Mester in Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary experimented with the effects of lasers on skin cancer. While applying lasers to the backs of shaven mice, he noticed that the shaved hair grew back more quickly on the treated group than the untreated group.
Medical & Clinical Agreement
The vast majority of physicians and medical experts agree that LLLT is effective in treating male and female pattern hair loss. LLLT can also be effective when used in conjunction with other products. Experts have also observed and noted that the overall health and condition of existing hair may be improved in a LLLT treated area, even if no new hair growth is stimulated. In addition, LLLT has been shown to improve the outcome of hair transplantations by improving the survival rate of grafts as well as speeding up the healing time.