Do laser combs really help stop hair loss and make hair grow thicker?
There was a huge rumble in the “stop hair loss” products industry in 2007 when the FDA approved the HairMax Laser Comb® for promotion of hair growth in males with androgenetic alopecia (Norwood IIA to V with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV). The FDA has only approved two other products as solutions to help stop hair loss, so this was indeed a major breakthrough. Why does the FDA believe this laser comb promotes hair growth?
The HairMax Laser Comb and other laser combs (there are many on the market), are successful in helping thinning, limp, and lack-luster hair with the use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) applied to the scalp and hair through a handheld comb (brush, or device depending on the product). Understanding how LLLT works is the key to understanding how laser combs help prevent hair loss and make hair thicker.
Low Lever Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been in use since the 1960’s and was developed by Endre Mester to improve the healing of wounds. Since that time, the use of LLLT for medical treatments has expanded for many other therapeutic uses including clinically proven prevention of hair loss.
The science behind low-level laser light comes from the compressed light from the cold red part of the light spectrum. This light is completely different from natural light. This light’s color is precise and exists on a single wavelength. Because it is on one wavelength, it travels in a perfectly straight and defined point.
Low-level laser light can penetrate the skin surface without damaging the skin; it does not give off heat and has no known side effects. This penetrating light’s energy stimulates the body's cells and in the specific use of the laser comb, promotes healthy rejuvenation of hair.
The HairMax Laser Comb and other laser combs have made low-level light therapy for hair loss prevention available to the public. A laser comb is usually a handheld hairbrush device that contains the low-level laser on its underside. While the individual combs and/or brushes their hair and scalp, the device emits the low-level laser light. This allows the light to penetrate the skin and stimulate the scalp cells, which increases the health of the hair. It is recommended to use the laser comb 15 minutes, three times a week. An individual should see results in as little as 6-8 weeks of continuous use.
Lexington International, LLC, the company that makes the HairMax Laser Comb, claims that greater than 90% of users of this laser comb report satisfaction. The process behind the laser comb seems sound and logical. With the FDA approval backing it, clinical trials proving it, low light level therapy used through a handheld brush/comb device should help stop and/or prevent hair loss, increase thickness of hair and make hair vibrant and healthy.
