💉Procedure: Non-invasive/non-surgical | 💤Anesthesia: No need |
⭐Results: 6-12 months | 📅Recommended session time: 15-30 minutes |
📈Success rate: 35-39% | 💰Cost: $70-$3000 |
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), commonly referred to as red light or cold laser therapy, is an FDA-approved treatment for hair restoration.
There are two types of LLLT devices: the ones you can use at home or the ones used at hair transplant clinics. At-home devices are usually for hair restoration, while the ones in clinics are used as complementary therapy after a hair transplant operation.
By utilizing the potential of low-power red light, LLLT activates hair follicles, encourages stem cell activity, boosts cellular energy production, and enhances blood flow to the scalp.
Don’t let the word “laser” intimidate you, because the low levels of laser stimulate cellular activity without the risk of tissue damage. Without further ado let’s explore the key aspects of laser therapy for promoting hair growth:
- LLLT WORKS FOR BOTH MALE AND FEMALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS
- IT’S APPLICABLE TO BOTH SCALP AND BEARD
- BOTH HOME DEVICES AND IN-CLINIC SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE
- CONTINUITY IS KEY FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS
What Is Laser Therapy for Hair Growth?
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for hair restoration. It’s also referred to as red light or cold laser light therapy.
LLLT can be effective for both male and female pattern hair loss. This type of laser hair restoration is a great option for anyone dealing with hair loss, regardless of gender.
It’s affordable, painless, and easy to get, making it more accessible compared to other treatments.
However, why use a low-level laser? Wouldn’t higher levels be more effective?
Well, on the contrary, high-energy lasers have the potential to damage tissues, while low-level lasers have shown the ability to stimulate cellular activity.
Does It Reverse Bald Spots on the Scalp?
Yes, LLLT can help reverse bald spots caused by non-scarring alopecia. LLLT has especially become popular for androgenic alopecia treatment. In cases where the treatment alone doesn’t provide the desired outcome, LLLT can be combined with topical treatments to improve the treatment further.
Can You Get Laser Therapy for Different Parts of Your Body?
LLLT is not practiced for other parts of your body other than your scalp and beard area. However, technically, you can have LLLT on your beard as well as a hair transplant. Both will work.
For other parts of your body, you can look for other hair loss treatments.
Is Laser Therapy Result Permanent?
No, low-level laser therapy for hair loss is not considered a permanent treatment, because it’s effective as long as the treatment is continued.
If you are looking for a permanent result, you can consider hair restoration surgery. Hair transplantation procedures are the most well-known and common hair restoration treatments, as they are permanent after a single operation.
How Often Should You Get the Treatment?
According to a 2021 study led by Dr. Jisha K. Pillai, the recommended treatment interval for the commonly preferred devices is usually 15-20 minutes, three times a week for 6 months.
Since there are various low-level laser device options, how often treatments are performed can also differ.
Is Low-level Laser Therapy Safe?
Yes, most low-level laser therapy devices are FDA-approved, making laser hair therapy a safe hair loss treatment.
In fact, According to a 2021 systematic review conducted by doctors Lueangarun and Visutjindaporn, all home-use LLLT devices were reviewed as safe and effective.
Does Laser Cause Skin Cancer?
No, LLLT doesn’t cause skin cancer or any type of other cancer. However, as low-level laser therapy can promote cell proliferation, patients with a history of skin cancer of the scalp, head or neck may need to consult with professionals first to reduce any risk.
What Is the Success Rate of LLLT?
In two controlled studies carried out by Dr. Raymond J. Lanzafame in 2013, the success rate of LLLT for hair growth was found to be a significant 35-39%.
In these studies, men and women with androgenetic alopecia who received LLLT at 655-nanometer wavelength showed an increase in hair count compared to the placebo group, without any side effects.
So, we can confidently say that LLLT has a positive effect on hair regrowth.
2 Different Types of Laser Therapy
There are two types of laser treatment for hair regrowth, each applied in different settings. One of them is at home with devices and the other one is on-clinic.
Generally, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is relatively accessible because laser devices that you can use yourself at home, are just a click away.
The second type of LLLT is also often used along with hair transplant procedures.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) After HT
Hair transplant patients are usually offered a free PRP or LLLT session after a transplant procedure. It is up to the patients themselves which therapy they receive. However, since it is much gentler, most patients prefer to receive LLLT after a hair transplant procedure instead of PRP.
You might ask “But, what’s the use of LLLT if one has already had a hair transplant procedure?”.
Well, LLLT not only improves the repair process of the treatment but it is also known to reduce the negative effects that can occur in the transplanted area.
With the increased blood circulation, the newly transplanted hair is supported and the existing hair follicles are also stimulated.
How Does the Laser Therapy Work?
Low-level laser light therapy for hair loss works by promoting hair growth by stimulating stem cells, increasing cellular energy production, and improving blood flow to the scalp for hair density.
It works by using low-power red light, also known as infrared light/near-infrared light (NIR) around 630-670 nanometers to stimulate hair follicle cells. This light is absorbed by molecules in the follicles, triggering reactions that increase gene activity and enhance cell function.
Does Hair Grow Back Thicker After LLLT?
Yes, low-level laser light therapy can help you grow hair that is healthier, stronger, and thicker than it was before. However, since the outcome of this treatment is highly dependent on the individual, expecting 100% certainty of thicker hair growth can lead to unnecessary discouragement.
LLLT is also used as a treatment for thinning hair.
How to Understand the Quality of the Machines
To understand the quality of LLLT machines, you may want to consider things such as:
- BEING FDA-APPROVED
- BRAND RELIABILITY
- WARRANTY
- SAFETY
- 630-670 NANOMETER WAVELENGTH
- LOW POWER DENSITY (WITHIN THERAPEUTIC RANGE)
- USER FEEDBACKS
- SUPPORTIVE SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN
Here's What We Offer as a Clinic
At Serkan Aygin’s clinic, we offer a free session of LLLT to our hair transplant patients. 24 hours after the operation, the donor bandages will be taken off and the patient will receive a 15-minute LLLT session.
Check out our patient’s post-hair transplant experience!
Pros And Cons of Laser Therapy for Scalp
PROS | CONS |
PAINLESS | TAKES TIME TO SEE RESULTS/IMPROVEMENT |
NON-INVASIVE/MINIMAL SIDE EFFECTS | REQUIRES CONSISTENT USE |
PORTABLE | MAINTENANCE IS NEEDED |
BUDGET-FRIENDLY | LIMITED EFFECT ON ADVANCED HAIR LOSS |
COMPLEMENTARY TO OTHER HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS | USER DEPENDENCY |
Who Is A Good Candidate for Laser Therapy
Individuals experiencing these are good candidates for Low-Level Laser Therapy:
- ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA
- ALOPECIA AREATA
- TRACTION ALOPECIA
- SCARRING ALOPECIA
- TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
This treatment option has been proven effective for both men and women, promoting hair restoration and addressing visible hair loss.
How Much Does Laser Therapy Cost for Hair Growth?
If you’re considering at-home laser therapy, prices can change depending on the type of LLLT device. Here’s a simple table showing the average prices for different devices:
DEVICE TYPE | AVERAGE COST |
COMBS | $70-$400 |
HELMET | $300-$1300 |
HEADBANDS | $550-$1200 |
CAPS | $700-$3000 |
For on-clinic pricing, we recommend scheduling a consultation with your clinic.
❗ If you’re a hair transplant patient, you’ll most likely get a session of LLLT for free as a complementary treatment since most of the clinics offer one after the operation.
When Will You Start Seeing Results Post-Laser Therapy
The time it takes to see results from laser therapy for hair loss varies from person to person. Generally, you can expect to notice improvement after a consistent use of 6-12 months.
Don’t be alarmed if you notice some hair shedding in the first 0-3 months, it’s actually a good sign meaning your body is responding to the therapy.
In the 3-6 months period, this shedding will gradually reduce and be replaced by stronger, denser hair.
Can Laser Treatment Be Combined with Hair Transplant?
Yes, LLLT for hair loss can be combined with hair transplant. In fact, most of the clinics, including Serkan Aygin’s clinic, offer a free LLLT session after the transplant to maximize the effects of the procedure.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will reach you in no time!
References:
- Lueangarun S, Visutjindaporn P, Parcharoen Y, Jamparuang P, Tempark T. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of United States Food and Drug Administration-Approved, Home-use, Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy Devices for Pattern Hair Loss: Device Design and Technology. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2021;14(11):E64-E75. Accessed December 7, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8675345/#B8
- Lanzafame RJ, Blanche RR, Chiacchierini RP, Kazmirek ER, Sklar JA. The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2014;46(8):601-607. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22277
- Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2013;46(2):144-151. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170
- Pillai J, Mysore V. Role of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(4):385. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_218_20
- Egger A, Resnik SR, Aickara D, et al. Examining the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Literature. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2020;6(5):259-267. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000509001
- Tabaie SM, Berenji Ardestani H, Azizjalali MH. The Effect of One Session Low Level Laser Therapy of Extracted Follicular Units on the Outcome of Hair Transplantation. Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences. 2016;7(1):26-29. doi:https://doi.org/10.15171/jlms.2016.06
- Darwin E, Arora H, Hirt PA, Wikramanayake TC, Jimenez JJ. A review of monochromatic light devices for the treatment of alopecia areata. Lasers in Medical Science. 2017;33(2):435-444. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2412-6
