Introduction

Hair loss occurs when an average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs daily. However, severe hair loss, seen in certain diseases such as alopecia is common, with around 160 million people experiencing this worldwide. Extreme hair loss is visible, with clumps of hair falling out and forming visible bald patches that can be distressing for individuals to experience. There is currently no cure for the underlying cause of extreme hair loss. However, there are ways to make hair grow back quicker. 

One such area that is gaining attention is low-level laser therapy for hair regrowth. It is a non-invasive method to induce hair growth with very few side effects. It is quickly growing in popularity as a method of hair regrowth. Laser therapy is associated with unwanted hair removal, but evidence suggests low-level laser therapy stimulates hair regrowth.

Understanding hair loss

Common causes of hair loss

Firstly, it is necessary to understand the common causes of hair loss. These can include:

• Genetics: A huge factor in hair loss is genetics which can occur as people age. It commonly occurs in conditions such as male and female pattern balding, where individuals lose more hair as they age at the crown of their head
• Hormonal changes: Sudden changes in hormonal levels can also cause hair loss. The hormone changes seen in pregnancy and childbirth increased hair loss
• Medical conditions: Hair loss is a characteristic of many medical conditions, including alopecia, a common autoimmune disease wherein the body starts to attack its cells, specifically hair follicles, which causes rapid hair loss
• Lifestyle factors: A variety of lifestyle factors can also speed up the process of hair loss. For example, stress-induced hair loss is common, where people shed hair faster than usual due to excess emotional stress. The hair loss stops along with the stressful event

Emotional impact of hair loss

Hair may not be necessary for health and survival but for psychological well-being. Healthy hair contributes to self-esteem and confidence. The idea that hair must be cared for and healthy is pushed by media and advertisements selling products to achieve the ‘perfect’ hair. Therefore, the psychological impact of hair loss and treatment is more relevant today than ever.

What is laser therapy for hair loss? 

How laser therapy works to grow hair

The specific laser therapy used for promoting hair growth is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). LLLT has proven benefits for other health purposes, such as wound healing and joint pain relief, but is particularly useful for treating hair loss. It works specifically on the hair follicles, the structure surrounding hair strands on the scalp.

LLLT works on one of the 3 stages involved in hair follicle regeneration: anagen (growth stage), catagen (cell death stage), and telogen (rest stage). Normal hair follicles undergo these stages to maintain normal hair growth and loss. However, in extreme or rapid hair loss, the regrowth stage of hair follicles is disrupted, decreasing hair follicle numbers.

LLLT can combat the issues with the growth stage, as the light it emits can promote better functioning of the growth stage of hair follicles. An improved growth rate through light therapy allows new hair strands to grow out of the hair follicles, counteracting hair loss.

How is laser therapy administered?

A few devices are available that allow laser therapy to treat hair loss. Laser caps and laser combs are user-friendly and thus available for home use.

LLLT can be administered at the clinic or their home giving flexibility in the choice of treatment administration. Usually, treatment plans involve regular treatments, typically 2-3 times a week over a year, to reap the benefits of laser therapy for hair regrowth. During these sessions, the areas of the scalp are exposed to the laser light for around 10 minutes, where the light is emitted through laser caps or combs.

How it differs from other treatments

Available treatments for hair loss are LLLT with minoxidil, a drug taken in tablet form, or a foam/liquid solution directly applied to areas of hair loss to stimulate new hair growth. 

Like LLLT, use of minoxidil is painless and non-invasive, however, minoxidil must be applied consistently to maintain hair growth. Stopping use can result in all the hair grown using minoxidil being lost. 

Therefore, minoxidil can be expensive as it is non-permanent and needs to be used for the rest of a person’s life to reap the benefits. LLLT has more permanent effects on hair regrowth.

Who is a good candidate for laser therapy?

LLLT is an option for individuals with moderate hair thinning, particularly those showing male and female pattern baldness. However, it may not work for people with complete hair loss. 

Additionally, for people who are hesitant to take drugs such as minoxidil to treat hair loss, LLLT is a good alternative as it does not involve any extra medication and is sufficient to stimulate hair regrowth alone.

LLLT is also suitable for those needing a non-invasive option, as hair transplants may be more painful and invasive.

Summary

To conclude, LLLT holds much potential as a leading treatment for moderate to severe hair loss and works by stimulating the growth of hair follicles, allowing for new hair to grow. With the help of healthcare professionals, individuals can determine whether LLLT meets their hair loss needs, as it typically works best for individuals at the early stages of hair loss.

Hair is of valuable importance to appearance in modern-day society. An extreme loss of hair can negatively impact confidence. Therefore, laser therapy treatment like LLLT can positively impact the lives of people with severe hair loss.