Categories: Hair Restoration

Laser Hair Restoration: How it Works

Laser hair restoration is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that can help promote hair growth by irradiating photons into bald spots. The photons are taken in by weak cells and encourage hair growth. Also known as cold therapy and red light therapy, the procedure is less invasive than traditional hair restoration techniques.

Everything you need to know about laser hair restoration

Laser hair restoration uses low doses of laser energy to invigorate blood circulation in the scalp and encourage the growth of new hair follicles. A 2014 study performed by the National Institute of Health showed that laser hair restoration can be an effective way to treat women and men with hair loss. Another study showed that it can increase hair growth over 16 weeks by as much as 39 percent.

Some of the reasons why a growing number of patients choose laser hair restoration over other alternatives include:

It is a virtually painless procedure
It is less invasive than conventional hair restoration techniques
There are no significant side effects
The procedure increases the strength of hair follicles

Some of the negatives of laser hair restoration techniques include being more time-consuming than alternative treatments, being more expensive, and not being as effective as traditional hair loss techniques for patients dealing with advanced hair loss. Laser hair treatments can also interfere with some medications, particularly medications that increase a person’s sensitivity to light.

The procedure

Laser hair treatment can be used to address several different types of hair loss. The concept of using lasers to treat hair loss first showed up in the 1960s. A physician named Endre Mester noticed that exposing areas with hair loss to low-power laser light stimulated hair growth in mice.

While there is no clear explanation for why laser light promotes hair growth, some evidence indicates that laser therapy works by triggering a widening of blood vessels in the scalp, improving blood flow to specific areas of a patient’s skin, like their hair follicles.

The widening of blood vessels in the scalp triggers hair to enter the growth phase of its cycle. It works similarly to how Minoxidil helps to promote hair growth by promoting blood flow to the scalp.

There are several types of laser devices used to treat hair loss, from the large laser hair growth machines used by hair doctors to smaller devices like laser hair combs, hats, and helmets designed for home use.

What to expect

Laser hair therapy is effective at treating weaker, thinner hair follicles. It has been shown to help hair grow healthier, thicker, and stronger. It can add significant volume to a person's existing hair. It works best for patients who are in the earlier stages of hair loss.

Laser hair restoration is not an effective way to treat existing baldness. It cannot cause hair growth in bald areas of the scalp since there are no existing hair follicles to stimulate. Laser hair therapy is only effective when patients still have active hair follicles on their heads. However, it can help to slow down more advanced hair loss cases.

Patients can expect to see results in as little as two months after starting treatment. Hair loss might restart if the treatment is interrupted.

Frequently asked questions about laser hair restoration

Thinking about addressing thinning hair with laser hair restoration procedures? Here are answers to some of the questions you might have:

1. When is the ideal time to start treatment?

Laser hair restoration treatments are typically more effective on areas that still have healthy hair and less effective on bald spots, so patients are advised to get treatment during the early stages of hair loss when possible.

Any plans you have for the immediate future also dictate when the ideal time is. For example, if you plan to attend a special event in six months, you probably want to schedule your appointment a few months ahead of the event so you can show off your hair restoration.

2. How many treatments will I need?

Most patients will need multiple treatments to reach their hair restoration goals. Factors like your hair density, hair type, and the size of the area being treated determine how many treatments you will need to get in total. The technician will work with you to find the best possible times for your treatment sessions without disrupting your schedule.