Laser treatment for hair loss aka Low Level laser Therapy (LLLT) is a method used in addition to other treatments. It has existed for more than 30 years, mainly in European countries, but nowadays it is gaining popularity in the US as well. This type of treatment is completely pain-free and has no major side effects. It has been proven to work in many scientific studies.
LLLT is applied using a special comb. This comb will use laser technology to heat the scalp and massage it gently. It uses soft low-light lasers that are emitted by special rotating laser positions. Doing this will expand the pores. LLLT combs also emit infrared energy which increases the metabolism of the scalp and improves blood circulation. The laser treatment will make the scalp healthier and has been said to even reverse hair loss.
In order to be effective the laser comb has to be distributed at the right wavelength. If it is not the treatment will be useless. This is why many of the cheap laser combs being sold on the market are a waste of money.
People who use the laser comb can expect to see slight improvements at first. They may notice that their hair is slightly thicker and stronger. After several months results should get more noticeable.
Laser treatments for hair loss may be an effective method and a good alternative to hair replacement surgery. Still, you should do your homework before buying a laser comb, as many do not work at all.
Laser Hair Regrowth Device Now Has FDA Clearance
It may seem strange to hear about a laser being used for hair regrowth, but this type of treatment has been around for some time and was discovered accidentally by a scientist testing the effects laser radiation on mice. It was in 1967 soon after the first working laser was invented that Dr Endre Mester at Semmelweis, university in Hungary was carrying our research to see if laser radiation cased cancer in mice. No cancers were found, but what surprised him was that hair grew back much more quickly on a shaved test area of the mice than on the mice in an untreated group. This effect called low level laser therapy (LLLT) also known as laser biostimulation, photobiomodulation and cold laser therapy is now used for the treatment of hair regrowth.
Possibly due to the then high cost of laser technology, very little research was carried out over the two decades after the first experiments were conducted. During the 1980s LLLT started becoming available as an expensive treatment through a number of exclusive hair clinics. The lasers used were large complicated fixed devices where patients had to sit under a hood similar to a salon hair dryer. Treatments were performed as frequently as 2-3 times per week, this was often inconvenient for individuals who might have to travel many miles to the nearest clinic or salon. However the results achieved were very good and soon, many salons all over the Europe, Asia and later in the US began offering treatments.
This laser hair regrowth treatment has now been backed up as an effective hair loss treatment by many scientific studies. In 1982 Trelles, M., and Mayayo, E, published "The Growth of Hair Under Laser Influence of the HE-NE Beam". In this study, patients with alopecia areata responded with positive results after only 6 to 8 twice weekly treatments. Later studies in the 1990's tested lasers working at different wavelengths and pulsing the laser to find the most effective laser configuration for treating hair loss. Most therapeutic lasers now operate at a wavelength in the range 600-1000nm where the wavelength is related to how far the light penetrates the scalp. The best wavelength to use is still argued over but it should be sufficient to penetrate at least 5-6mm depth to target the hair bulbs. Many current LLLT devices operate using visible red light at a wavelength of 660nm which can penetrate down to a depth of about 8-10mm. Higher wavelength lasers at 800-900nm are also used these can penetrate to a depth of about 30-40mm but these are mainly used for treating joints and muscle related problems.
More recent LLLT laser hair regrowth studies have started to reveal the reasons why and how laser light therapy helps stimulate hair regrowth. These studies have shown that laser light increases the levels of a chemical compound called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is known to stimulate living cells including the hair follicles. LLLT also has the effect of increasing the circulation of blood to the hair root which delivers the nutrients to cells that make up the hair follicle. The increased blood flow is also thought to help flush away the damaging waste products that may affect the hair growth cycle. This helps to improve the scalp environment to help stop thinning hair and promote new hair growth.
Over the last few years laser technology has advanced to a stage where a laser devices can now be manufactured to a size smaller than your small finger nail and at very low cost. In 2000 a company developed and patented the first miniature LLLT laser hair regrowth device using the new laser technology. This made possible for the first time an effective LLLT hair loss treatment that was cheap and small enough be used in your own home without having to go to an expensive hair clinic. The new device comes in the form of a hair comb/brush that needs only be used for 10-15 minutes three times per week. The manufacturers claim that while users experience will vary, 45% of users will see positive results after 8 weeks of treatment with another 45% seeing benefits from 10-16 weeks onward.
In February 2007 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the laser comb device for use in the treatment of hair regrowth. The laser comb is now one of only three treatments cleared by the FDA for use in hair regrowth the others being Finasteride and Minoxidil. The laser hair regrowth device now brings new hope to the many men and women suffering from premature hair loss.
Comparison in Using A Laser Hair Regrowth Machine and TRIOXINATOR in Hair Loss Treatment
Laser Hair Regrowth machine
It is operated on the known principle that a laser beam can stimulate the skin in order to enhance the appearance of hair. For this to happen, the wavelength of the beam needs to be chosen correctly for optimum performance.
The laser beam penetrates below the surface of the skin and causes a slight elevation of temperature. A laser beam is a very narrow light beam of very high intensity. In order to achieve the required stimulation over a big area, the unit must be moved very slowly over the skin.
Laser Hair Regrowth machine usually comes like a comb to make it possible for some of the laser beams to reach the skin when treating relatively thick existing hair.
TRIOXINATOR
Through a non-invasive cosmetic application of Enhanced TriOxi+, the TRIOXINATOR provides a non-medical self-help treatment for men and women who wish to reduce the signs of hair loss.
The TRIOXINATOR uses high voltage; high frequency pulses combined with controlled low frequency amplitude variations and are applied to 7 gas discharge tubes touching the skin. This causes a strong electrical field at the surface of the skin. The resulting electrical currents in the skin are well below the threshold of muscle stimulation and can therefore be safely classified as a gentle local stimulation and when combined with the proprietary Subtle Amplitude Modulation (SAM), the TRIOXINATOR creates the effect of a very gentle massage.
The electrostatic field and the frequencies involved have been specifically tailored for follicle stimulation. The short amplitude modulated high frequency pulses stimulate the skin in a way that increases the blood flow and the supply of nutrients to the follicles in which contributing greatly to reduce the appearance of hair loss. The process takes place inside the skin. Because of the high repetition rate of the pulses the unit can be moved over the surface of the skin at random.
TRIOXINATOR produces very small amount of ozone which neutralizes toxins and other substances on the surface of the skin. At the same time, it produces a gentle massaging effect. It is known that even normal head massage stimulates the follicles.
What does it feel like?
Each session feels like a gentle, finger-like touch that provides a relaxing and stimulating scalp massage while bathing the area in Enhanced TriOxi+. This experience is caused by the occurrence of minute electrical discharges between the surface of the glass and the skin. As soon as the glass tubes touch the skin the inside the tube is fully ignited and very short but very bright pulses of light are generated. The light consists of a mix of many colors mainly in the lower frequency spectrum. It is not laser light.
Below are the comparisons between the above 2 devices.
Target group
Both devices work for men and women
Side Effects
Both do not have side effects but people who use the TRIOXINATOR have been receiving positive responses including improvement of the skin, headaches, and sleep.
Effectiveness
TRIOXINATOR: 96% for stop hair fall out and 90% on reverse the sign of hair loss. Remarkable results can be expected with people who just start losing hair. Clients have noticed the signs of hair loss start to reverse within 2-3 weeks.
Laser Comb: In general, there are 3 categories of user experience: 45% of users will see positive results after 8 weeks of treatment. Another 45% will see benefits from weeks 10-16. The last 10% of users will begin to see subtle improvements after 16 weeks.
Safety
TRIOXINATOR: Meets regulatory safety standards. Even if children play with the unit it is very difficult to get harmed.
Laser Comb: There is potential risk to users (and children) who may inadvertently look into the laser beam, thereby potentially causing damage to the eyes.
Age Limit
TRIOXINATOR: NONE
Laser Comb: 18 and over (because of potentially damage to the eyes by looking into the laser beam)
Handle/Materials
TRIOXINATOR: Medical grade heavy duty plastic and silicone rubber.
Laser Comb: Standard manufacturing-used plastic
The 7 glass probes of TRIOXINATOR are arranged in a circle for maximum contact with the skin of the scalp to give fast and effective treatment. The probes can reach deep down and touch the skin surface totally without blocked by the existing hair. Together with its high repetition pulses, you can move the unit on your scalp at random but still give you a full performance. In contrast to the Laser Hair Regrowth machine, it generally only allows two electrodes to touch the skin of the scalp thus making stimulation rather tedious. Besides, the laser beam is a very narrow light beam; in order to achieve the required performance over a big area on your scalp, the unit must be moved very slowly over the skin.
To my point of view, this is one of the reasons why TRIOXINATOR would give a more steady and predictable result than the Laser Hair Regrowth machine. If the user is not following closely to the instruction, which is moving the machine slowly over the skin and make sure that every single inch of the scalp is touched by the electrodes of the comb, while using the Laser comb, the stimulation varies and result deviate.
There is also a safety issue that we need to pay attention to. Laser Hair Regrowth machine has potential risk to users in damaging the eyes if users inadvertently look into the laser beam. TRIOXINATOR meets regulatory safety standards. It meets all the legal requirements on emission of interference and safety as set out by the governments of the USA, Canada and the EU (Approval by CE, UL, CSA, FCC and RoHS). Even if children play with the unit, it is very difficult to get harmed.
TRIOXINATOR is a Canadian designed and made machine. It is moderately more expensive than the Laser device in the market. But the price difference is based on the additional costs TRIOXINATOR has been invested on the machine with medical grade plastic and silicone rubber. Hair loss is an issue that needs continuous attention. Therefore, the machine needs to be built to last for many years. Moreover, TRIOXINATOR runs by the software driven silicon chip. Because of its complexity it is relatively expensive.
Additional features like, ozone and massaging effect, also add up costs in building the machine. TRIOXINATOR is specifically designed for follicle stimulation. It is not an ozone producing device. However, it does produce some ozone which is known to sanitize skin. Dirt and excess oil in follicles restrain the growth of hair and vice versa, cleansed skin encourages hair grow. Furthermore, the gentle messaging effect in TRIOXINATOR is known to promote stimulation in follicles.
In conclusion, the science together with the quality of TRIOXINATOR gives more remarkable results for both men and women in discontinuing hair fall out and also reverse the sign of hair loss than the Laser Hair Regrowth machine.
Laser Hair Loss Treatment - Can Light Grow New Hair?
A laser hair loss treatment works under the premise that light can heal. This alternative treatment is for both men and women, and it works to stimulate new hair growth, as well as aid thinning hair and a problematic scalp. The laser treatment is designed to stimulate the body's natural healing energy. Its basic theory relies on the fact that light is linked to cell function. Encouraging healthy cell function should work to promote regeneration of healthy hair.
Laser therapy is an efficient use of light
On the plus side of laser hair loss treatment, it is very efficient, as it uses low power requirements. The equipment is also easy to use and requires simply placing a hood over the patient's head and pressing the "Start" button on the machine. Laser therapy utilizes different light "doses" to produce the desired effect on the scalp and balding areas. A laser treatment takes about 30 minutes, with sessions once a week for 9 to 10 weeks, if not more, before you could see results. The proper amount of light must be concentrated on the problem areas in order for this treatment to have a benefit.
Just as sunlight, through the process known as photosynthesis, helps plants grow and thrive, the energy of light through laser treatment can help aid in the healing of human injuries. Studies are currently being conducted, with reports to be published in scientific journals upon completion.
After week 5 or 6 of the laser hair loss treatment, your scalp should notice an improvement to problem areas, including the reduction of dandruff, if that had been present. Excessive hair loss should be stopped or greatly reduced somewhere between week 6 and week 9 of the treatment sessions. After week 9, you should see hair growth beginning in bald spots and re-growth being generated in spots that were thinning. The remainder of your hair should experience a growth spurt, as well, with thicker hair strands. After the initial hair re-growth, follow-up and maintenance appointments with laser light therapy are recommended, as well as "booster" treatments once a month for continued hair generation.
Lasercomb
There is a new FDA-approved laser treatment, as well, involving a "Lasercomb." This comb works only if you have significant areas of hair left on your scalp. As you comb through your hair, a laser is supposed to be directed at your hair follicles to stimulate new growth. The cost of a Lasercomb can be as much as $500. The directions tell you not to use it every day, only for a few days a week for about 15 minutes per day. It will take approximately three to six months using a Lasercomb to actually determine if this laser hair loss treatment is working for your hair.
Minoxidil
Almost every hair loss treatment ends its advertisement with something to the effect of, "when used in conjunction with Minoxidil." Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical solution and supplement combination to combat hair loss and promote hair re-growth. Hair loss treatments including Minoxidil can show an improvement to your hair in as little as two to three months.
The two-step program that Provillus offers works well to promote all aspects of healthy hair regeneration. Utilizing a topical solution of Minoxidil, a dropper-full should be applied to the affected areas on the scalp twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. In combination with that, a supplement containing Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Biotin, Horsetail Silica (used by the ancient Greeks and Romans), and Para-Amino Benzoic Acid (this helps reduce wrinkles) is recommended to provide nourishment for your entire body, but particularly for the hair follicles. The nutrients are intended to provide a healthy foundation for the hair follicles to generate new growth.
While lasers are great inventions and offer much to technological applications, including limiting invasive surgeries and tendering opportunities to have multiple types of surgeries more easily and with less recovery time, laser hair loss treatment can probably still use some assistance in re-growing hair. Consider the FDA-approved drug, Minoxidil, to aid in stimulating hair growth. Provillus' two-step treatment program is a hard combination to beat.
Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Treatments
If you've spent any time looking you probably already know there are a wide range of products available boasting claims of how they can help prevent hair loss, reduce the appearance of it and stimulate the growth of new hair. Because there is such a demand for these types of products many companies have joined in the fight against alopecia, or hair loss, and are offering their best products.
Living with alopecia is so stressful for many of us we are willing to try anything that sounds like it might work. Because we are willing to try so many products the industry has become pretty large with billions of dollars a year spent on these products. But with so many hair loss prevention products out there how do you know which products are effective and which products are the next big, smart marketing scheme?
Stick with Proven Products
While nothing works perfectly for every single person, there are a few products that have some clinical evidence and FDA approval behind them. Things like shampoos and topical solutions that contain minoxidil have been effective as a hair loss prevention treatment and for some they have even promoted new hair growth.
There are a few medications still in trials as a hair loss treatment, but for now the only approved medication is finasteride. This has also been effective in trials to stop hair loss and regrow hair in many people.
Laser Hair Therapy
Laser hair restoration has become popular in recent years as a non-surgical hair loss treatment. It has been cleared by the FDA for use as an alopecia treatment, but there is some debate about the wording of the approval and the clinical trials involved.
Hairpieces
While there may be comedy sketches based on bad hairpieces, they have come a long way in recent years. Now it has become difficult to distinguish the difference between a hairpiece and the real thing.
Ironically many people avoid hair restoration surgery because of the cost, which isn't covered by most insurance plans, but after years of trying other products unsuccessfully for some the cost of surgical hair implants may have been cheaper in the long run. Of course not everyone is a candidate for this type of procedure, and the process is continually refined making the results much more natural-looking today than they were some years ago.
Professional Vs At Home Low Level Laser Hair Therapy - Which One Should You Choose?
For years laser treatments for hair loss were always performed by specialists in a series of sessions that could cost anywhere from $80-$2000 depending on the number of sessions you need. Now, we are fortunate to have the options of trying at home low level laser therapy for hair loss, with the use of laser hair combs.
Seeking professional low level laser hair therapy
There are many hair and beauty clinics that provide specialist in-house laser treatment sessions for us follicle challenged folk. Trained professionals administer these treatments using probably the best systems out there. As mentioned earlier, these low intensity laser hair loss treatments are not cheap, however you do get the added value of sitting user super strength systems that have far more lasers than a laser comb.
Laser treatments can repair the hair shaft strengthen the strands, slow down hair loss, so the more lasers used, in theory, the quicker the results. But like any treatments, you will need to continue consistently in order to achieve and maintain your hair regrowth. Low intensity laser therapy does not cure the underlying issue that causes hair loss; therefore once you stop the treatment, you may find your hair reversing back to its original state. So at an average of $80 per session, going at least once a week... well... you do the math!
At home low level laser hair therapy
With this cost effective product, you can see results in a matter of weeks. The laser comb allows you to focus on the specific thinning hair are even closer than the system used in clinics. They may be a fraction of the cost and a fraction of the size, but by no means and less on quality. The best thing about this is that you can grow your hair privately in the comfort of your home without having to making trips to the clinic (which may not be local) and sit there everyday under apparatus that looks like it was made in outer space.
What is great about a laser comb is that it's a small and portable device. Instead of having to sit still in a chair for an hour, the laser comb gets right to scalp, cutting the amount of time you need to use it by up to half. Just 15 minutes use at least twice a week of you gliding the comb or laser brush over your scalp, couldn't be simpler or more convenient. What's more, as low level laser hair therapy is a long-term process, your investment in a laser comb will be returned to you in no time.
How Do Laser Hair Brushes Work?
Hand-held laser hair brushes are the latest device to re-grow hair that has been weakened or lost. They have now been made portable and convenient for home use and are an all natural solution to the age old problem of thinning and balding in men and women. After a little research however, I was surprised to find that not all laser hair brushes are created equal. The number of lasers and ease of use are just some of the qualities that make one brush better than another, and with one of great quality, you have the advantage of easy use whenever and wherever you prefer with proven results of up to a 90% satisfaction rate. For those not able, willing or ready to take that big leap into surgical hair restoration or commit to wearing a hair system, use of these laser devices may be the answer to premature hair loss.
How Do Laser Hair Brushes Promote Hair Growth?
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a relatively new development in the treatment of hair loss for men and women. Lasers have played a huge part in medical procedures for decades, but the cool, red spectrum light lasers that are now used in laser hair brushes have already been around for about thirty years in Europe and now follow FDA guidelines in the U.S. More than 2000 clinical studies have been conducted on the use of LLLT and in all of these studies NO mutational effects have ever been observed resulting from therapy with wavelengths in the Red or Infrared red range, in doses used within the laser hair brushes. Low level laser beams stimulate blood circulation to promote rapid cell growth, bringing nourishment and oxygen back to dormant hair follicles so your hair begins to grow in a normal, healthy way. It works at the cellular level with your body's own natural healing processes down to the level of the nerves and DNA. Laser hair brushes can also correct the overabundance of a substance called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) triggered both by age and genetics that can begin to weaken hair on a follicular level, targeting the roots. Use of laser hair brushes is non-invasive and painless as they are designed to penetrate deep within the tissues without causing heat or damage. Some laser hair brushes I reviewed contained only LEDS (light emitting diodes), but if light-emitting diodes were as effective as therapeutic lasers, they would already have replaced lasers in the clinic due to their relatively low cost. The best quality laser brushes I have found contain 17 diode lasers, focused through clear conical shafts that are the "bristles" of the brush. Many less expensive types put a combination of lasers and LEDS that may look the same, but do not deliver the same results.
What Results Can I Expect from Laser Hair Brushes?
Success from use of laser hair brushes means thicker, fuller, shinier, younger-looking, more vibrant hair along with re-growth and keeping your existing hair. It can take three months to see a real difference with laser therapy, but in five to six months, your hair should begin to grow back far healthier than it has been for years. We should take note that the results of laser hair brushes are only seen as long as you use the product. A great hair therapy company will also provide you with a complete system of hair health specific vitamins, shampoo products and water filters that can all enhance your results by keeping you healthy on the inside as well as the outside.
Laser therapy is a cost efficient way to win the battle of hair loss with guaranteed, proven results. Naturally, there is skepticism about any new product, but the studies and facts about laser hair brushes should assure anyone that laser therapy is here to stay as a great, non-invasive option in hair restoration and treating hair loss. Thanks to today's advanced technology, scientists have designed a laser small, powerful and safe enough to be suitable for you.