Is it Effective in Stopping Hair Loss?

Use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) devices for treating hair loss has been heavily debated for some time by reputable hair restoration physicians and patients on our hair loss forum. While some physicians reject its use entirely, others use laser hair treatment as a regular part of their practice. Additionally, some physicians believe that laser light therapy can assist with postoperative healing after hair transplant surgery.

History of Laser Light Therapy

Shortly after the first working laser was invented in 1964, a researcher from Semmelweis University of Budapest named Andre Mester developed a theory that exposure to cold laser light (similar to UV radiation emitted by the sun) may eventually lead to cancer. To test his theory, Mester shaved a group of mice and trapped some of them in a cage with constant cold laser light exposure leaving the other half unexposed as a control group. To his surprise, the light didn’t cause cancer in any of his animal subjects. Instead, mice that were exposed to the laser light therapy grew back their shaved fur much faster than the control group. Mester named his discovery photo-biostimulation. His theory was that somehow, the laser light had stimulated the hair cells into an accelerated state of hair growth.

Laser Therapy as a Hair Loss Treatment

Today, low level laser therapy is being used as a hair loss treatment. To treat baldness with laser light therapy, laser rays are directly applied to the scalp by a mechanical device so that red blood cells are stimulated. Lasers are said to work by converting ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) to ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate), releasing energy and causing cellular metabolic changes. During this process, additional nutrients and oxygen are provided to the scalp assisting the normal chemical processes performed by those cells, increasing overall blood circulation. Lasers, when applied to the scalp and hair, have been said to improve overall hair quality, promote hair growth, and increase hair shaft diameter.

Laser treatment devices have a similar appearance to a hood hair dryer which is placed over top of your head. The low level laser toll will rotate allowing laser rays, usually red in color, to be discharged into your scalp. Hand held devices such as the Hairmax comb have also been developed and resemble a brush in appearance.

Promoting healthy hair growth however, is not the same as the regrowth of miniaturized hairs brought on by genetic female hair loss or male pattern baldness (MPB). So what clinical evidence exists, if any, that laser therapy is an effective treatment? Below we take a closer look at the available data including exclusive interviews of leading hair restoration physicians.

Varying Opinions of Well Respected Physicians

Physicians have long shared varying views on whether or not laser treatment is viable. While some well respected physicians reject its use entirely, some believe that LLLT can provide marginal benefit for men and women suffering from androgenic alopecia (genetic baldness). Additionally, some physicians believe that laser hair treatment can assist a hair transplant patient’s postoperative wound healing process and expedite hair growth.

Dr. Charles (one of our well respected members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians) believes it may provide similar hair loss prevention benefit to Rogaine in the mid vertex area and crown. Benefits in the frontal area include an increase in overall hair quality rather than hair loss prevention.

Dr. Charles believes LLLT works better when combined with Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). Like Propecia and Rogaine, he believes low level laser therapy may help some patients more than others and works better in patients with only minimal thinning hair.

Dr. Charles believes in helping balding men and women develop and maintain realistic expectations and he doesn’t oversell its benefits. Because lasers are free from side effects, he always tells his patients that the biggest risk is the money. Dr. Charles believes more research on laser hair treatment is needed.;

Dr. Williams of the Coalition has been using laser hair treatment as a regular part of his practice for over 2 years and feels quite confident in its success in some patients. In his experience, LLLT promotes healthy hair growth and can increase hair shaft diameter of miniaturized hair affected by genetic female hair loss and male pattern baldness in some patients.

Dr. Williams offers 16 free laser therapy sessions to local males following hair transplant procedures and encourages his female transplant patients to undergo laser light therapy for one full year at a highly discounted rate. Dr. Williams usually notices faster transplanted hair regrowth and a quicker resolution of postoperative telogen effluvium or “shock loss”, if it occurs.

Because androgenic alopecia is a progressive condition, Dr. Williams encourages male patients to use Propecia while encouraging out of town females to use the Hairmax laser comb to help maintain their existing hair. Dr. Williams would like to see more formal studies defining the benefits of lasers as a hair loss treatment, but he is encouraged by his experience with it to date.

Dr. Alan Feller (also a member of the Coalition) is one doctor who remains skeptical. "Medical lasers work in only one way, and that is to deliver energy to a target. When it strikes the target the energy is absorbed and converted to heat. That's it". Dr. Feller believes that more compelling evidence is needed to promote low level laser therapy (LLLT) as a hair regrowth solution or to stop hair loss.

Recent Scientific Studies

study presented at the last International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) meeting in Las Vegas (2007) by Maria A Muricy, MD, confirms increase in hair shaft diameter, fullness, and overall quality with laser hair treatment alone. Additionally, some statistically significant evidence reveals that low level laser therapy when combined with 5% minoxidil (the active ingredient in FDA approved Rogaine) provided noticeable cosmetic benefits for women in particular. However, this study also showed that laser hair loss treatment alone produced no statistically significant new hair growth in both men and women.

Laser Hair Therapy and FDA Approval

Another important issue to consider is the significance and meaning of the FDA clearance (not approval) of the Hairmax laser comb. Though some have proposed the Hairmax laser comb was only approved for safety, apparently the FDA did require Lexington International (who funded the study) to provide it with a study on its efficacy (effectiveness) in treating baldness. But this study and its results have not been released to the public since Lexington International had the option of submitting the study to the FDA privately. The obvious question then is – why would Lexington hide their study from the public if it proved the efficacy of laser hair regrowth?

While the Hairmax laser comb device was found by the FDA to be safe based on its “substantial equivalence” to previously approved laser light therapy devices and thus “cleared” (not “approved”), it was unclear to what extend the FDA reviewed or cleared it based on its effectiveness in treating hair loss. To learn more about the FDA standards for “approving” food and drugs and for “clearing” medical devices visit www.fda.gov

It appears that much of the laser hair treatment industry is now promoting their devices as “FDA Approved for Hair Loss” as if they are on par with the two only FDA approved hair loss solutions Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil). However, until laser hair treatment provides compelling public evidence of its effectiveness in treating hair loss, it is quite possible that the effectiveness of low level laser therapy may be oversold by some companies. We expect that time will tell.

Hair Replacement systems, also known as hairpieces, hair replacements, hair systems or toupees, have improved over the past decade. Quality hair replacement systems are now refined in construction and light weight. For those with extensive baldness who require a full head of hair to be satisfied they offer a quick and nearly instant solution.

Hair systems are constructed of human hair or synthetic fiber. Recent advances have made the synthetic hair much more natural in appearance and texture.

A quality hair replacement system is specially constructed for an individual recipient. These systems are made of real hair, synthetic, or both. They're designed to attach to the head for an extended period ranging from 3-6 weeks, without ever being taken off. Visit Farrell Hair Systems for more information.

Hair systems can work for both men and women. In fact, more and more women are opting for hair systems over wigs, as they can be more comfortable and look more natural.

The process of getting a Hair Replacement System

Typically clients first visit a hair salon for an evaluation. The extent of their hair loss is measured. They are given information including prices, maintenance, and future schedules. Usually, it takes several days for the system to be prepared, based on the client’s preferences.

While a person can get virtually any type of look, you are generally guided towards an option that looks more undetectable and realistic. These studios employ their own hair stylists to achieve ideal looks. Clients can visit these stylists for monthly haircuts or touch-ups.

With these hair systems, a fine mesh foundation is placed on the scalp's balding area and precisely cut to these dimensions. Later, real or synthetic hairs will be inserted into a foundation to create the "Hair System" or hair piece.

The foundations of the past were actually designed to be thicker and more durable. Fortunately, today's foundations are much thinner to make them undetectable. However, this thinness comes at a price, literally. The thinner a system the more delicate it will be and thus it will require being replaced more often.

Once completed, the hair system is attached to the client scalp using clips, weaving, and/or adhesive. The hair system is then styled to match your existing hair.

Maintaining a Hair Replacement System

The stylist in the studios also remove the systems about once a month for maintenance, cleaning, and styling. During these adjustments a person can expect to have their hair system removed, their scalp thoroughly shampooed, and their hair cut. The hair system may also be touched up and or colored if needed.

It's crucial to carefully groom the hair system to maintain a natural appearance. With a quality system, a person can expect to continue doing all normal activities such as running, bicycling, and weightlifting.

However, hair systems typically require time, money, and effort to keep them looking their best. And some clients may feel some discomfort, as well as some insecurity that their hair system may be detected.

Various Methods of Attaching a Hair System

Hair replacement systems can be attached in a variety of ways. They can adhere to the skin, hair, or a combination of both.

When attached to existing hair this method can provide an extra sense of security for clients who enjoy active lifestyles. This type of attachment goes by names such as fusion, weaves, cabling, beading and bonding. Because this type of attachment depends on the rate of the hair's growth, the system must be reattached periodically.

Hair replacement systems can also be applied to bare skin. This can be performed in a variety of ways, such as waterproof and biologically safe glues as well as two-sided tape. However, while these glues and tapes are generally safe for the skin, it's possible to have an adverse reaction. For that reason you should tell the studio stylist of any discomfort.

It's also possible to have a hair system applied surgically. In this case, small skin grafts, known as "tunnel grafts", are taken from a donor site. These tunnel grafts are then formed into tiny loops and placed in the balding areas where the outer edges of the hair system will be attached. The edge of the hair system is then attached to these loops once they have grown into the scalp. Since the hair system is now attached to the scalp, rather than the existing hair that grows out over time, the hair system does not get progressively looser over time.

However, this method of attachment is not recommended due to possible complications such as skin infections.

Finding a Quality Hair Replacement System

If you're considering a hair attachment, you need to be aware of just how to locate the nearest studio, as well as what to look for in one.

Of course you can use the Yellow Pages or the Internet to locate a qualified studio. However, once you do locate one, it may be a good idea to check with the local Better Business Bureau for complaints against the company. It's usually only a problem if there have been multiple complaints against the company.

It's best to consider a hair attachment studio that specializes in non-surgical hair replacement systems. And once you do find an appropriate office, it's best to bring along a photograph showing your ideal look. Plus, try to meet with other clients who are wearing the hair system you may be considering.

It's also important to find out how a company handles potential client problems and complaints. Do they have money-back guarantees or trial periods? These are important questions to ask.

You may also want to check around with the American Hair Loss Council (AHLC), one of the leading groups governing hair loss. The AHLC can't endorse any individual firm. However, this organization supplies clients with a list of local AHLC specialists, known as the American Hair Loss Council Source Book. The specialist and studios on this list are all required to sign a statement that says they honor the group's code of ethics. This code is designed to protect consumers.

Some day, perhaps in the distant future, baldness may become a curable aliment. Scientists are currently researching gene therapies to alter a person's genetic vulnerability to hair loss. However, the actual implementation of such hair loss treatments may be decades away.

In the near future, drug treatments which inhibit the balding process seem more promising. The hair loss drug Propecia (finasteride) has been proven successful in slowing and/or stopping hair loss by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.

Another promising drug that inhibits the development of hair loss causing DHT hormones is Dutasteride.

Like Propecia, it also inhibits the creation of DHT. And based on preliminary clinical studies, dutasteride promises to be even more successful than Propecia in inhibiting the production of DHT.

In addition, Dutasteride inhibits the activities of two types of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. In contrast, Propecia (Finasteride) only inhibits one type. Dutasteride has been shown to decrease levels of DHT by 90% after only two weeks, making it a more powerful and faster-acting weapon against hair loss than Propecia (Finasteride).

Dutasteride is not yet FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. However, it is being marketed as Avodart by GlaxoSmithKline as a hair loss treatment. Some hair restoration physicians also prescribe it for the treatment of hair loss. Like Propecia, Avodart is not safe for women and children.

In time, perhaps even more effective hair loss drugs will be developed to inhibit the hair loss process.

Future Hair Transplants - an endless supply of bald resistant donor hairs?

The amount of hair you can transplant is ultimately limited by the amount of hair follicles you can safely relocate from the bald resistant donor area at the back and sides of your head.

Some day it may be possible for physicians to create multiple hair follicles from one original follicle. This process typically called "hair cloning" or more correctly "Hair Multiplication" is currently being investigated by several research scientists and hair restoration physicians.

If and when this process is successfully developed patients would no longer be limited by the finite amount of bald resistant hairs that can be relocated from their donor area. Hair multiplication would result in a virtually limitless supply of hair available for hair transplantation.

This would be especially good news for men or women with extensive baldness and a very limited supply of donor hair. Even those with extensive baldness would theoretically be able achieve thick full heads of hair.

However, experts believe that we are at least ten years away from hair multiplication being available, if even then.

For most men and women, hair loss can be effectively halted or even reversed with current hair loss treatments. But the future holds the promise of even more effective treatments and perhaps some day even a "hair loss cure".

Long ago, a full head of hair was valued as a means of protection, heat retention, and camouflage.

Today we value hair for other reasons. Whether we admit it or not, good hair still is associated with power, virility and youth.

Such associations date back to ancient times. Remember the story of Samson and Delilah? When Delilah cut Samson’s long hair he lost his power.

 "And Delilah made him sleep on her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of Samson’s head. . . and his strength went from him."(Judges 16:19)

As “enlightened” as we are today, stereotypes associated with hair loss persist. The bald or balding are sometimes passed over and teased at work, in the media, and in the social scene. The media idolizes the young and the attractive and often lampoons the bald or balding.Of course, it’s not fair. But at least losing your hair is not health threatening. However, it can result in various psychological and emotional issues. These include insecurity, isolation, panic, a sense of loss, and even depression. But let’s first look at the role of hair (and the lack of it) in our society.How is Hair Loss seen by Society? So why does something as superficial as hair seem so important to so many men and women? Studies have shown that hair is a symbol of social, professional, cultural, and/or religious affiliations. Good hair implies power, virility, strength and youth.

Studies reveal how baldness is perceived.In a study done in 1971, a picture of one person was distributed to 60 people. But each picture had been altered by a commercial artist to reflect a non bald, balding, or bald condition. The results revealed some negative stereotypes.

When the person was shown with a balding head of hair he was rated as weak, dull, and inactive. This same person with a bald head of hair was rated as unkind, bad, and ugly. Yet this same person with a full head of hair was rated as handsome, virile, strong, active, and sharp.

Today, more than 30 years later, it is hard to know if things have really changed. But maybe some of these tired negative stereotypes about being bald are starting to change, at least in the media.

Today, bald NYPD Blue's -Dennis Franz, a multiple Emmy Award-winner, is considered a sex symbol.

As is Tony Soprano of the popular HBO TV show the Sopranos.

And, of course, let’s not forget Telly Savalas of the 70’s TV show Kojak who was once voted by People magazine as the “sexiest man alive.”

Studies about Baldness and Self Esteem

Those who are bald or balding are generally thought of as older, weaker, and more ineffectual, both in the work world and on the social scene.

According to a 1995 article in the “British Journal of Psychology,” balding men have been found to have lower levels of self-esteem than their peers, are less sociable, suffer more from depression,and are less likely to succeed in life.

Hair loss, especially when first occurring, can lead to rash decisions. So it is important to slow down and look at the many viable options that are available for dealing successfully with hair loss.

Our Hair Treatments section offers in-depth information on many viable treatments.

1992, researchers from the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia surveyed 145 balding men and found that 84% were preoccupied with baldness.

Their responses showed that they were filled with self-consciousness and helplessness. They were also envious of men with full heads of hair.

Additional research indicated that single men and woman who had begun losing hair in their early twenties were more likely to suffer from extremely low self-esteem.

Hair loss often creates emotional distress.

Loosing your hair can be disturbing, especially if you're a young man or woman. This unwanted loss forces those afflicted to face new issues, such as the perceived loss of youth and sexual attractiveness.

It's common for young people who are balding to have feelings of isolation. They may feel uncomfortable among their peers and in public. Young people with hair loss often lose their confidence and may also become less productive at work.

For older people hair loss is often just one more sign that they're reaching middle or old age. It may prompt them to question the direction of their lives or fear that their lives are closer to the end than the beginning. This can result in a sense of loss, insecurity, or even depression.

And as bad as men have it, hair loss can be even worse for women. Balding women must deal not only with the thought of aging, but also that they may not be considered attractive.

Coming to terms with hair loss.

Yes, hair loss can be disturbing. But there are many effective options available to you, ranging from hair loss drugs that often halt thinning to restoring the hair you’ve lost with surgical hair restoration.

However, prior to choosing a hair loss treatment, it is wise to deal with the psychological effects of hair loss.

Hair loss at any age, while not painful or dangerous, can cause emotional damage and distress.

Finding support and advice to cope with hair loss.

You can find support and share ideas and advice privately with other hair loss sufferers by reading and posting on our popular hair loss discussion forum.

By sharing with others you will realize that others share your same concerns and feelings about going bald. You will also learn about what hair loss treatments actually work or not from those who have already tried them.

Find a "Hair Loss Mentor" for - one on one - support and guidance.

In addition to our discussion forum, you can also view Hair Loss Weblogs created by actual hair restoration patients. These blogs contain photos journals documenting the person's hair restoration. Often you can correspond with these blog authors by email.

If you have a hair loss question please post it on our Hair Loss Q & A Blog. This blog can also be searched for dozens of answers on many hair restoration topics.

Empowering yourself with information and sharing your feelings and concerns will also make you feel much more in control of your hair loss. Then, if and when you finally do choose a hair loss treatment option, you will feel much more confident in your decision.

Many who once were preoccupied by their hair loss find a solution and move on in life, sometimes with a "new lease on life". While others choose to remain bald and simply accept it.

The choice is yours to make. This site is dedicated to helping you successfully resolve your hair loss issue on the inside as well as on the outside.

The disturbing truth about hair loss

In 1999, the psychological impact of hair loss, as well as its leading treatments, was the subject of the American Academy of Dermatology's summer scientific meeting in New York. At this meeting it was revealed that there were direct links between androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and personality disorders in those afflicted.

In one study of 116 subjects with hair loss it was determined that 76.3% of the participants had at least one actual personality disorder. This was an extremely high rate of disorder compared to the much lower rate of 10% of the general public suffering from personality disorders.

Another study showed that twice as many women than men with hair loss rated themselves as “very” or “extremely” upset about their hair loss.

Reviewed by Hundreds of Patients!

This Learning Center offers in-depth reviews of hair loss treatments and the leading physicians who provide them. Today, there are treatments that can stop or even reverse hair loss. Hair transplant surgery, when done right, can now produce results so natural that even hair stylists cannot spot them.

But it is critical to choose the right hair loss treatment and hair restoration physician, since the skill, talent, and experience of physicians vary widely, as do their results.

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