Low-level laser light therapy, otherwise known as LLLT or LILT, has recently become the fastest-growing hair loss treatment in the world, offering an alternative to Provillus or Propecia that’s free of the side effects associated with other medicines.
But exactly how does low-level laser light therapy work? And how effective can it be in treating hair loss? We look at what you need to know about LLLT and its role in restoring lost hair follicles so that you can decide whether it’s right for you!
Low-level laser light therapy for hair loss treatment is one of the most effective ways to treat the progression of hair loss available today. Laser light therapy has been found to slow or stop hair loss in about 80% of patients, and with consistent use, it has also been found to thicken the existing hair in around 40% of cases.
It can regrow hair, retaining the rest of the original hair and possibly even thickening hairs that have become miniaturized or thinner over time, giving most patients a significantly improved appearance in terms of density and full hair coverage.
Is FDA approved LLLT devices?
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States has approved low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices, a non-invasive alternate solution therapy, for several diseases and conditions, which include hair loss.
It is also known as low-power laser therapy, soft laser biostimulation, photobiomodulation, and cold laser therapy (LPLT).
Low-intensity lasers are applied to the affected area(s) of the body during low-level laser therapy to stimulate hair follicles, speed up healing, or relieve pain. The tissues of the body are not damaged or inflamed by the lasers. Additionally, they do not directly contact internal tissues or break the skin.
The red or near-infrared light that lasers emit is focused on damaged cells. The physiological response from the tissues’ light absorption aids in cell regeneration.
So, what is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
LLLT is a non-surgical method of treating hair loss that boosts the growth of hair follicles and stimulates cell growth. It enhances hair volume and appearance while preventing hair loss. Both the therapy and its side effects are without pain.
The FDA has approved LLLT as a hair loss treatment for both sexes. Male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the primary condition it treats.
The most typical reason for hair loss in men and women is androgenetic alopecia. The hereditary condition causes hair follicles to shrink and remain dormant, eventually stopping hair growth entirely.
Other types of alopecia and hair loss that result from factors like chemotherapy or severe hair loss that may happen to women after menopause or pregnancy can also be treated with LLLT.
Additionally, it’s frequently used to substitute other hair loss treatments, like PRP therapy, and it works especially well when combined with hair transplant procedures. LLLT has also been shown to be more beneficial than medications in the short term.
How does low-light laser therapy work for hair loss
Red laser light therapy and (LLLT) for hair loss and regrowth is not new. Indeed, laser light hair therapy has been used for decades in various industries, including hairdressing, hair replacement, dermatology, and physical therapy. The laser energy used to slow or stop the progression of hair loss is visible in the red light spectrum. Often referred to as a “cold therapy laser,” low-level laser therapy (LLLT). At the same time, a highly concentrated wavelength of light is very low-level (650–670 nanometers), and LLLT results in a successful treatment for both male and female pattern hair loss without the risk of any side effects.
Laser light therapy (LLLT) Results
What does red light therapy before and after hair growth look like below?
1. Before – Laser Light Therapy
When laser light therapy is applied to a target area—in this case, your scalp—it has been found to increase blood flow wherever it’s being applied.
2. During – Laser Light Therapy
The specific wavelength of light used in low-level laser light therapy (650–670 nm) stimulates the mitochondria (the energy centers of our cells), resulting in cells that become much more active. When this happens, the cells metabolize faster, resulting in more blood flow. More blood flow means more oxygen, platelets, and other healing properties our hearts naturally produce to help “heal” the affected area.
3. After – Laser Light Therapy
The end result is a happier, healthier scalp and, more often than not, thicker, healthier hair.
Does laser therapy stimulate hair growth?
Based on science, the answer is Yes! In 1967, a Hungarian scientist studying laser treatment for other purposes in mice discovered that visible red light laser therapy may stimulate hair growth. The mice’s backs were shaved in the area to receive treatment. One group of mice received laser treatment for hair growth, and another group did not. The hair in the shaved area grew back faster in the laser-treated mice.
Benefits of Low-Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) for Hair Loss
Laser therapy is best for patients with existing hair they’d prefer not to lose, is easy to use, has no side effects, and costs about the same as 1 year supply of Propecia or in-office (LLLT) laser. Still, the at-home LLLT cap, high-frequency comb for hair growth, or low-level laser therapy device units will last you for years to come. Many patients have allowed their hair loss to progress over the years because they do not want to use chemical-based treatments like finasteride or minoxidil. Laser light therapy provides a no-side-effect alternative for patients who are particular about what they put in their bodies.
Is low-level laser therapy good for hair regrowth?
According to most hair doctors and medical experts, low-level laser light therapy can aid in hair regrowth in male and female pattern baldness. Experts have also observed and noted that the overall health and condition of the hair in a laser light therapy-treated area may improve.
All the laser light therapy devices sold by Kiierr come with a manufacturer’s warranty and a full refund (less a restocking fee of typically 15–25%).
Customers have little to lose by trying low-level laser light options, like the Capillus laser cap, Kiierr Laser Cap, HairMax Regrowmd Laser 272, or Theradome Evo laser hair growth device.
LLLT for Hair Loss
There are many laser light treatment choices on the market today. We encourage clients to select a device with many lights or diodes, ensure the device is not hand-held, confirm the lights are mostly or completely true lasers (not just LEDs), and purchase from a trusted source. LLLT for Hair Growth offers three options—the HairMax vs. Illumiflow vs. Kiierr Laser Caps—all of which meet the abovementioned criteria.
While there are other, more and less expensive options,
you can shop confidently knowing the products we represent are truly effective and have been sold for years with consistently positive long-term results and reviews, as evidenced by countless testimonials, clinical trial proof, and safety information.
Most clients’ hair loss will be significantly slowed or stopped, and roughly half will have their existing hair thickened.
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Home laser treatment for hair growth
As prices for manufacturing laser light devices have decreased over the past 15 years, a more convenient and preferred approach to in-office laser light therapy is being introduced into the marketplace. Home laser treatment for hair growth devices can now be purchased for about the same price as a year of in-office treatments. Hair transplants, hair extensions, hair replacement systems, and hair restoration laser therapy all produce the same, and often better, results.
The benefits of laser hair therapy at home over in-office treatments are as follows:
- Convenient: No need to drive to a local office or clinic to receive treatments.
- Strength: At-home laser light units like the Kiier hair regrowth Cap®, restore, theradome, or Capillus272® offer between 224 and 272 true diode lasers, which is more than just about any in-office machine you can find. So you are getting strength that parallels or exceeds in-office machines to use at home.
- Size: All of the lasers sold by Laser Light for Hair Growth are small; no large machines are needed at home, taking up space. The irestore®, theradome®, and Capillus272® lasers hide inside a baseball cap or scarf, so they are concealed and hidden from others. The Kiier hair growth cap is about the size and shape of a bicycle helmet, so you have three easily portable options as you travel for work or easily concealed and used in the comfort of your home.
- Guarantee: Unlike in-office treatments, most at-home lasers offer a guarantee to try the device for 6–12 months, and if you are not satisfied, you get a full refund, less a restocking fee. This ensures you get your money’s worth!
- Support: With companies like Kiier and Irestore that distribute and sell large quantities of low-level laser light devices, you can feel reassured that their customer service is in the office all day to answer questions by phone or email. They are an actual company with a real office based in the US—not just a web store—so they can educate every client on how to use each device and how often and help you track your progress and results.
All of these at-home laser treatments are painless and safe to use. Most have FDA approval!
While all consumers should do their research before selecting any medical or non-medical product they feel is right for them.
Testimonials, various clinical studies, over 15 years of results, and research show that around 80% of clients significantly stop or slow hair loss, and around 50% see thicker and healthier growing hair.
How often should you use a laser for hair growth?
While we certainly wish it were, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is not a “miracle cure” for hair loss. Unfortunately, it doesn’t resurrect or regrow hair that has been lost, but it is certainly helpful for those patients who have hair that they want to hold on to. It must be used consistently, 2-3 times per week, for about 20–30 minutes per session.
Typically, patients will notice that their thinning or shedding subsides within the first 90 days (sometimes a bit longer), and those with thickening will see it around months 4-6. Once the desired LLLT results are achieved, it’s usually recommended to continue using your home laser treatment for the hair growth unit once a week or twice a week to maintain your results.
Additional low-level laser therapy indications
Typically low-level laser therapy is prescribed by doctors, physical therapists, dentists, and other health practitioners for the following:
- Medical issues
- Acupuncture alternatives
- Low-level laser therapy for skin rejuvenation
- Inflammation
- Minor injuries and mild sprains
- Aches and pains
- Hard-to-heal wounds
What stage of hair growth is best for laser?
When considering low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair loss, it is important to make sure you use an FDA-approved device. This is because the FDA has conducted extensive tests to ensure these devices are safe and effective for treating hair loss. LLLT is a great option for those looking to tackle thinning or balding in both men and women.
FDA-approved LLLT devices use different wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the scalp to stimulate the growth of new hair follicles. This helps to stop further hair loss and promote healthy regrowth.
Depending on the stage of hair growth, different wavelengths of laser will be used. Generally, lasers with longer wavelengths are best for promoting growth in the telogen phase, whereas lasers with shorter wavelengths are better for promoting growth in the anagen phase.
Using an FDA-approved device will ensure you get maximum benefits from your laser treatment without any potential side effects. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you’re considering using an LLLT device. They will be able to give you further advice and guidance on which device and settings are best suited to your specific needs.
Conclusion
Low-level laser light therapy works by delivering concentrated light energy to the scalp and hair follicles. The light energy stimulates blood flow to the scalp, increasing oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles and allowing for improved hair growth. This also helps to strengthen existing hair and prevent further hair loss. The laser light penetrates deeper into the scalp than traditional topical treatments, allowing for a more thorough and effective treatment.
Low-level laser therapy is an effective, safe, and painless way to treat hair loss. It can be used as an adjunct to traditional treatments or as a standalone option. Low-level laser light therapy may be the answer for you if you’re looking for a relatively non-invasive solution to hair loss.
Medically Team reviewed by Dr. Ljuba Zsolnai and updated. With professional help, Anthony research and only provide content that delivers results. The name "Stages of Balding" accurately reflects the blog's purpose: to provide practical solutions and guidance without requiring extensive research on the reader's part.
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