Low-level light therapy, also known as LLLT is a scientifically studied therapy. After lasers were discovered in the 1960s, the interest in using these devices to help treat medical conditions skyrocketed.
This light therapy was initially studied on animals and after seeing hair growth success on mice, the therapy treatment was transferred over to humans. It has been evolving rapidly throughout the last several years and both men and women have seen great success. In this article, we are going to focus primarily on the science of low-level light therapy and laser caps. Keep reading below to learn more!
What is Low-Level Light Therapy?
LLLT is a technology that was first used for chemotherapy to treat cancer patients suffering from hair loss. Today, it is used for many other reasons including age and genetically induced hair loss, chronic neck pain, arthritis, wound healing, and back pain. This light therapy utilizes photons in the light, which penetrate the tissue of the skin. For example, in hair loss patients, the light therapy penetrates the scalp tissues and absorbs the weakened cells. By doing this, the cells are encouraged to regrow in the problematic area because of the increased blood flow to the tissue. In hair loss patients, blood flow is increased in the scalp area, promoting new hair growth in the hair follicles.
The use of low-level light therapy is non-invasive and involves no chemicals. This is one of the many reasons that scientists and medical professionals argue that it is a much better alternative than the invasive/surgical treatments available. This technology allows patients to improve their quality of life with little to no effort. As for hair loss patients, they are able to bring back their hair follicles to their healthiest stage by using this therapy.
How is Low-Level Light Therapy Used for Hair Loss?
The hair loss industry is fully utilizing low-level light therapy and the benefits it provides for their hair loss patients. Medical professionals in this industry use this technology to provide these individuals with other options to treat their hair. The use of wigs and hair transplants is put on the back burner and men and women are fully encouraged to try this treatment.
Low-level light therapy works to restore the hair growth cycle on the scalps of men and women. The hair growth cycle is separated into three different stages. These stages consist of the anagen, catagen, and telogen stage and each has its own specific function. The anagen stage is the growing phase of the hair cycle. This means that your hair is constantly growing during this stage. Approximately 90% of the average individual’s hair follicle remains in the anagen stage. After this stage, the hair then moves to the catagen stage. This is also known as the transitional stage of the growth cycle. It transitions the hair between the growth and resting stage. Next, the hair will transition into the telogen stage, also known as the resting stage. This can last anywhere from two to three months. After the resting stage is completed, the hair dies off and falls out. From there, the cycle starts all over. As you can imagine, hair follicles that spend the majority of their time in the anagen phase will produce longer/thicker hair. The opposite is true with the telogen phase. If an individual’s hair follicles spend most of their time in the resting stage, they are more likely to experience thinning or baldness.
Men and women who are experiencing baldness or hair thinning are more likely to use low-level light therapy. This therapy penetrates the scalps tissue and encourages new hair growth to the existing follicles by encouraging the hair shaft to remain in the anagen phase for a longer period of time. This process can take up to several months depending on how severe the hair loss is on the head.
Laser Caps
The hair growth industry utilizes devices and products that use low-level light therapy treatment. There are on-going developments being made and these devices are gaining recognition and approval from scientists and medical professionals all around the world.
The most popular hair growth device that uses low-level light therapy treatment is a laser cap for hair loss like ones from kiierr.com. A laser cap is a medical device that is FDA-cleared and clinically proven to regrow hair on the scalp. It is designed for both men and women ages 18 and older to use to combat hair loss.
Laser caps are equipped with medical-grade laser diodes that emit the low-level light therapy treatment on to the scalp tissue. This light therapy stimulates blood flow to the scalp which carries the appropriate vitamins, minerals, and oxygen levels to support a healthy head of hair. From there, the hair follicles are encouraged to grow strong and healthy.
Laser caps are designed to fit just like a normal baseball cap. They provide full scalp coverage and are completely portable. The treatment therapy can be completed whenever and wherever you want. This being said, you can complete treatment in the comfort of your own home. This alleviates any in-clinic treatments.
Does LLLT Work?
Yes. Low-level light therapy can work to boost hair growth. Research, studies, and clinical trials have proven that this is an effective way to grow the hair on the scalp.
In fact, many dermatologists, hair surgeons, and other medical professionals are recommending low-level light therapy to their patients to help combat their hair loss.
Are Laser Caps Dangerous?
Laser caps are an FDA-cleared medical device with no known side effects. Treatment is pain-free and does not require any invasive surgeries. Research and clinical trials have proven that this is an effective treatment that is not known to cause any harm to the human body.
Conclusion
Since the 1960s, low-level light therapy has delivered promising results in the medical field. The science behind this treatment is incredible. Specifically, in hair loss patients, this technology has allowed men and women to regrow their hair that they once thought was gone forever.
The earlier you catch your hair loss, the sooner you can start treatments to regain your healthy hair. This amazing science and technology treatment has allowed individuals to be able to conveniently and effectively regrow their hair in the comfort of their own homes and on their own time. Get ahead of your hair loss today with LLLT and laser caps!