Low Level Laser Therapy ‘Promising’ for Female Pattern Hair Loss

People with genetic hair loss who scan the internet to find out what their options are often don’t realise that treatments fall into two distinct camps.

In the first are proven primary hair loss treatments which have been clinically-tested and shown to stop shedding and encourage new growth. In the other are secondary treatments, which are considered less likely to achieve impressive results when used alone but can help to enhance the action of primary treatments when used concurrently.

Light applied to the scalp

One of the better-known treatment options for genetic hairloss that many specialists would place in the second camp is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and in simple terms it makes use of light that is applied to the scalp either via a hand-held device or a kind of hat or helmet.

However, new research from the US claims to have confirmed that this can help grow hair in its own right.

A peer-reviewed study authored by Dr. Shelly Friedman, D.O., F.A.O.C.D. and supported by Patricia Schnoor, BSBA, states that low-level laser therapy with an FDA-cleared laser device placed inside a sports cap and developed by Capillus “may play a considerable role” in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia for females. This hereditary condition, which causes thinning hair along the top of the scalp, is also known as female pattern hair loss and is extremely common, affecting millions of women worldwide.

According to a press release, the Capillus cap - which is already on sale at a cost of up to US$3,000 - was used on half of a volunteer group comprising 44 females aged between 18 and 60 who showed evidence of genetic hair thinning. The other half were given a ‘dummy’ device which looked the same.

The press release goes on to state that active participants receiving LLLT every other day with the Capillus showed a 51 percent mean increase in hair counts compared to patients who used the seemingly identical yet defunct device. These appear to be impressive results certainly more so than recent trials into the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a secondary treatment option.

According to the report's conclusion, the results "suggest that the emerging technology of low-level laser therapy may play a potentially significant role in health care providers' armamentarium for the disease androgenic alopecia." However, it is worth noting that the trial was small in scale and carried out with support of the manufacturer of the device so an independent study with a larger group of participants would be interesting to see. Also - and crucially - there is no mention as to whether the women who participated in the study were also using hair loss treatment in addition to using the devices. This information is vital when assessing whether the study results are the work of the LLLT alone or in combination with other, already clinically-proven treatments. There is no disputing the fact that LLLT can be beneficial when treating women's hair loss (and men's) - various studies have shown this - but the extent to which devices can help is important to keep in perspective.

The HairMax LaserComb LLLT device can be used at home and is also used in some Belgravia clinical therapy sessions

Multi-faceted treatment

Primary treatment for women's hair loss usually involves a topical solution of the drug minoxidil, which is normally applied once or twice per day, as directed. At Belgravia, tailored treatment plans based around high strength minoxidil from the recommended formulations available at Belgravia’s in-clinic pharmacies are prescribed, alongside secondary treatments, which are sometimes known as “boosters”.

Such products offered to clients include the HairMax LaserComb. This was the original LLLT device, and the first to be granted FDA clearance, and features a patented mechanism which helps to deliver optimum light therapy directly to the scalp, rather than just the hair. Also available are a range of supplements named Hair Vitalics which are available in Men's and Women's formulations and are specially blended to include various highly targeted vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical ingredients to benefit the scalp and promote normal healthy hair growth. Trans men and women should choose their formulation based on the gender they identify as now. A choice of either the LaserComb or a supply of Hair Vitalics is often included free of charge with Belgravia's annual treatment courses.

Clinical treatment therapy is also available on a fortnightly, monthly or quarterly basis, and involves a visit to one of Belgravia's Central London hair loss clinics for around an hour. The treatment itself involves a bespoke combination of various therapies such as steaming scalp treatment, infrared light, LLLT and massage. The precise components are tailored to the individual's needs each time to ensure each visit offers the maximum benefits to hair and scalp health as well as stimulating the scalp to further encourage hair growth.

When combined, the elements of personalised treatment courses frequently make for a formidable assault on hair loss, and success stories about Belgravia clients with female pattern baldness are well documented.