Do Laser Caps Really Work?
Remember the good old days when there were inflight magazines in the seat pockets of every plane? Inevitably, while thumbing through one, you’d come across an advertisement for a laser cap or laser band. The ads always showed people with a device on their heads, smiling as they stimulated their follicles! You may have wondered, what are these devices all about and do they really work?
What are laser caps?
Laser caps and laser bands are an effective drug-free and side effect-free way to help promote hair growth for both men and women. They utilize something called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). Small diodes in the cap/band deliver wavelengths of visible or near infra-red light that penetrate into the follicle and increase blood flow in the scalp. This powers up something called Adenosine Triphosphate Production (ATP) in hair cells and boosts the energy levels in follicles, acting like a hair stimulator. It can reduce inflammation, a major cause of hair loss and can even bring dormant hair follicles back to life!
LLLT also stimulates the sebaceous glands, making hair look shinier and silkier, and can boost melanin production in the hair follicles which may result in gray hairs turning darker. Overall, LLLT can be veryeffective at treating thinning hair, making it grow thicker, stronger, and healthier. So, YES! Laser caps really do work and I highly recommend them for people experiencing thinning hair and hair loss.
When will I see results?
Depending on the device, recommended treatment times vary from six minutes daily to 25 minutes every other day. The length of time to see results varies based on the cause of hair loss, the degree of thinning and the strength of the device. Most people can expect to see results with LLLT in four to six months. Because the process of hair regrowth happens in phases, you can expect to see better results with continued usage. Laser caps and bands can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil (Rogaine), Propecia or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy injections. LLLT treatments are often recommended after hair transplant surgery to assist with healing and to help the follicles recover and grow faster.
What should I know before I buy one?
Not all laser caps and laser bands are created equal. More diodes equate to better coverage of the scalp and quicker results. Laser caps are worn like a baseball cap. I don’t recommend laser caps with anything less than 272 diodes. Laser bands need to be moved around the head and have fewer diodes. I recommend nothing less than 82 diodes. Laser caps are easier to use. Laser bands require a little more effort, but are also effective. The more diodes...the more expensive the device. But, I feel they are a good investment and most come with a three to five year warranty. The top-of-the-line version that I recommend for home use is the Capillus Rx with 312 diodes. It is available exclusively through physicians and hair loss specialists, such as myself. A less expensive option is the HairMax LaserBand 82. Both laser devices are available at my online store.