If you’re one of those born-lucky people with a full head of thick hair, then hair loss or thinning probably doesn’t seem like such a big deal. You lose a bit of hair, so what? It’s not going to kill you, right? It’s easy to take such a view when you aren’t at the sharp end of the experience. For those going through it, hair loss can be a traumatic event. It can seriously undermine an individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Fortunately, we live in a time when you don’t have to take hair loss issues lying down. From oral and topical medication to hair transplants, there are lots of ways to tackle the problem. In this article, we’re going to look at one such treatment that has helped thousands of people with their hair loss problem. Let’s talk about (drum roll, please)…Laser Caps.
Laser Caps and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Laser Caps (or helmets, or bands) are a good example of the kind of advanced technology now being deployed to fight hair loss. They use low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as red light therapy, to stimulate hair regrowth and slow down hair shedding. This is done through a process called photobiomodulation. That’s the scientific term for using light to stimulate biochemical changes within cells. It’s a process that has similarities with photosynthesis in plants.
The process works by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is an active ingredient that provides energy to drive many processes in living cells. It works on hair follicles by extending the hair’s natural growth cycle and slowing down hair shedding. LLLT also boosts blood circulation in the scalp, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles more efficiently.
Do Laser Caps Work?
Treatment with a Laser Cap doesn’t deliver instant results. It takes at least three seven-minute sessions per week for several months before there are any visible improvements to your hair. Consistency of use is critical if the treatment is to work. As with any hair treatment, your chances of success are improved if you tackle your hair loss at an early stage.
A literature review published in 2020 concluded that ‘LLLT appears to be effective for treating pattern hair loss in both men and women.’ It did note, however, that some of the studies looked at had industry connections so could not be classed as entirely independent.
Nevertheless, and while more research needs to be done, it can be said with some confidence that Laser Caps are effective in treating early-stage pattern baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia) in both men and women.
Effective with Other Treatments
A Laser Cap can also be used in tandem with other treatments. For example, it helps skin tissue heal in the implanted area following a hair transplant. It can also be used in conjunction with oral medicines such as Minoxidil.
Should I Get One?
Laser Caps offer a safe, non-invasive treatment for stimulating hair follicles. They are also painless and have no known side effects, although pregnant women should consult their doctor before embarking on a course of treatment. They have been shown to work in early-stage pattern baldness and alopecia to produce fuller and thicker hair. Given all that, why wouldn’t you get one?
Negatives include the amount of time involved in the process. A full course of treatment could last six months; you need to decide if you have the patience and the money to complete the course. And while Laser Caps have a good track record, success is never guaranteed.
Those negatives must be weighed against the prospect of successfully stopping or slowing your hair shedding and restoring what’s been lost. Only you can decide if that’s a prospect that makes the cost in time and money worth paying.
Where Do I Find One?
Laser Caps can be purchased on the internet or from a reputable clinic. If a clinic recommends you undergo a course of LLLT, you will probably be supplied with a Laser Cap as part of that. Caps are small, light and comfortable to wear while still providing full coverage of the scalp. This portability is one of their advantages, as it allows for use in the home.
Conclusion
Hair loss and thinning happen for lots of reasons. The first step in any quest for an effective treatment starts with identifying the underlying cause of your problem. Once you’ve done that, you can work out how to treat it. Laser Caps provide a solution for men and women experiencing early-stage pattern hair loss.
Understanding the reasons for your hair loss is much easier if you have professional help. At Vinci Hair Clinic, we employ some of the world’s leading hair restoration experts. Who better to ask? We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to all our new clients. Get in touch and book an appointment today!