The quest for an effective hair loss treatment has led to a wide range of approaches, from medications and hair transplants to low-laser light therapy(LLLT), all aimed at preventing further hair loss. The last one includes laser hair caps for hair growth, which are a good home-used alternitive, that often resembling helmets or baseball caps, and can promote thicker, healthier hair growth in just three months. But is this invention transforming the hair loss industry, or does it still face challenges ahead? Below, we will disguss how the Laser Caps work and what effect it has on hair loss problems.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Approximately 50% of men over the age of 40 experience male-pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Hair loss is also common among women, with only about 45% avoiding significant hair loss throughout their lives. In fact, over 75% of women aged 65 and older are affected by AGA. However, the reasons of hair loss differrent for men and women.
Female hair loss can be caused by several factors, including:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, especially those involving androgens, can lead to hair thinning. This is common during pregnancy, menopause, or due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients, particularly iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, can contribute to hair loss. A balanced diet is essential to maintain healthy hair growth.
- Stress and Lifestyle Factors: High stress levels and lifestyle factors, such as poor sleep, can lead to hair shedding. Stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, pushing hair prematurely into a shedding phase.
Male hair loss is commonly caused by a mix of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Here are three main reasons:
- Genetics: Male pattern baldness, the most common form of hair loss in men, is largely hereditary. If male relatives have a history of hair loss, it’s more likely to occur. This genetic predisposition can cause hair follicles to shrink over time, resulting in thinner hair and eventually leading to hair loss.
- Hormonal Changes: An increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, can bind to hair follicles and cause them to shrink. This process weakens hair over time, slowing growth until the follicles stop producing hair altogether.
- Lifestyle and Health Factors: Poor diet, high stress levels, and habits like smoking can negatively impact hair health. Nutritional deficiencies (like lack of iron or protein) and certain medical conditions (such as thyroid issues) can also lead to hair loss.
How the Laser Hair Caps for Hair Growth Work?
Laser caps work by using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. These caps, designed to be worn on the head like a regular hat, emit low-level laser light that penetrates the scalp and reaches the hair follicles. The concept behind Laser Caps is that the 650nm wavelength of red laser light used in these caps can help to energize cells within the follicle, increasing blood flow and cellular activity. This, in turn, can create a healthier environment for hair to grow, potentially slowing hair loss and even stimulating hair regrowth.
Can Laser Caps Treat Male Pattern Boldness?
According to the recent researches, laser hair caps for hair growth, which utilize red light therapy for hair growth, have shown some promise in treating male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). One significant study published in Lasers in Medical Science journal reviewed numerous trials and concluded that laser hair caps for hair growth could be both safe and effective for hair growth. For instance, in ten out of eleven clinical trials, treatment with red light therapy for hair loss showed significant improvement in male androgenic alopecia compared to baseline or control groups.
Another one, the Domer Laser Caps study found a statistically significant increase in hair density in men with male pattern baldness after six months of regular use. Another review in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine observed that 650nm LLLT and 630nm red led light provided similar results to the hair regrowth medication minoxidil, making it a viable alternative for those seeking non-pharmacologic options
Laser Caps Before and After
For the past few years, many trials were conducted to prove the efficiency of red light therapy for hair regrowth and Laser Caps. Before beginning Laser Cap therapy, individuals typically experience various degrees of hair thinning or balding. Common areas affected are the crown, temples, and hairline. The scalp may appear more visible, and the texture of the remaining hair might be finer and weaker than healthy hair.
After Using Laser hair Caps, usually over a period of six months to a year, users of Laser Caps often notice significant changes. In the initial months, they might experience reduced hair shedding, a sign that the treatment is helping to stabilize hair loss. Gradually, new hair growth begins, with fine, baby hairs often appearing in previously sparse areas. Over time, these hairs tend to become thicker.
In one study, 47 females were treated with Laser Caps at home every day for 16 weeks, that showed a 37% improvement in hair growth.
In another one, a total of 40 participants, including both female and male patients, were treated with either the Domer helmet-type 3R LLLT device or a sham device in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment was administered once a day for 18 minutes over a period of 24 weeks. The after results were very satisfying , and showed the increas of terminal hair density and hair thickness in both females and males.
Where Can You Buy a Laser Cap?
Laser hair caps for hair growth, which are often marketed as devices for hair regrowth or treatment of hair loss, are available from several online retailers and medical product stores. Some of the well-known brands are Capillus, iRestore, Domer, HaiMax and etc. Except that, Amazon has a wide range of laser caps from different brands. From all of them, Domer Laser has a pleasent price, with 312 diodes 630nm red led light therapy and 650nm laser, which is perfect even for sensitive skin.
Overall, clinical studies have reported positive results, with some individuals seeing visible improvements in hair density and thickness after using Laser Hair Caps consistently.
Laser hair caps can be effective for some users, particularly when used as directed over several months. However, they are not a guaranteed solution and may work better as a complementary treatment alongside other hair loss solutions. Consulting with a healthcare provider or dermatologist is recommended before starting any treatment to reache the better results.
Reference Source
1. Jimenez JJ, Wikramanayake TC, Bergfeld W, et al. Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2014;15(2):115-127.
2. Evan Darwin, Alexandra Heyes, Penelope A Hirt, Tongyu Cao Wikramanayake, Joaquin J Jimenez,
Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review, Lasers in Medical Science 2018 Feb;33(2):425-434. doi: 10.1007/s10103-017-2385-5.
3. Raymond J Lanzafame ND, MBA, Raymond R Blanche BS, Richard P Chiacchierini PhD, Eric R Kazmirek BS4, Jeffrey A Sklar MD, The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources,Lasers Surg Med. 2014 Aug 13;46(8):601–607. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22277
