The Miracle of Low Level
or Cold Laser or Therapy for Hair Loss
What are lasers and
laser therapy?
"Laser"
is an acronym for "light amplification by the stimulated
emission of radiation". It is a thin intensively
focused light beam which emits a very pure light beam
of one wavelength. There is a big difference between
low level lasers that promotes hair growth and high-powered
lasers that are more familiar to most people.
Most lasers used for
cosmetic purposes target specific chromopores
which are components in the skin that absorb light in
the body. The major chromophores that affect the hair
are:
- Melanin
(in hair follicles and sun spot)
- Hemoglobin
(in blood vessels)
- Water
(throughout the layers of the skin - the epidermis
and dermis)
For cosmetic purposes
connected to the hair, high-powered lasers are used
to destroy hair follicles and remove unwanted hair,
target abnormal blood vessels such as varicose veins,
and remove wrinkles. High-powered lasers can cut through
and burn tissues, emitting heat.
On the other hand low-level
lasers have the opposite effect. They are constructive
and heal tissues rather than destroy them.
Low level laser therapy
(LLLT) have been found to stimulate cells to grow healthier
hair.
How does low level or
cold laser therapy (LLLT) work?
Low level laser therapy
or often known as cold laser therapy has been
around for many years. It was first developed in the
1960's by a Hungarian, Endre Mester who reported improved
wound healing through LLLT.
The
effects of LLLT can be explained in the following manner:
The center of an atom is a nucleus. The nucleus is made
up of protons and neutrons. Surrounding the nucleus
are electrons, which move in orbit releasing energy.
The released energy is known as photons. All life on
the planet is dependant on light energy (photons) derived
from the sun. The energy is used in a process of photosynthesis
to create glucose and oxygen. Photons trigger a multitude
of cellular changes called photo-dissimulation.
The
true healing power of the Laser treatments is in the
controlled direction of the laser light to the parts
of the body where and when they are needed. Lasers have
the ability to concentrate the flow of photons in a
perfect order. The structured photons following the
same paths will trigger noticeable changes to the skin
and tissues below. The Low energy laser is designed
to enhance the body's own innate healing powers.
The
laser treatments focus light energy (photons) that normalize
damaged tissue by activating enzymes within the body.
Enzymes are molecules that speed up the chemical reactions
among other substances. It is much like a nutrient to
normal healthy tissue while the damaged cells that need
help only absorb the photons. The improved blood flow
from the light significantly increases the number of
red corpuscles that deliver life giving oxygen and nutrients
to the hair bulb. This process helps to produce a stronger,
faster, healthier growing hair shaft and a healthy scalp
overall.
Although
LLLT works for many peole, the theory is yet to be scientifically
proven. Many people with thinning hair see results within
the first two months although it may take longet with
many others. LLLT does not work with areas that are
already fully bald.
Candidates
who benefit from low level laser therapy for hair loss
Men
and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia (genetic
induced pattern baldness) can both benefit from LLLT.
Some evidence suggest that LLLT works better used in
conjunction with minoxidil (sold as Rogaine) and/or
finesteride (sold as Proppecia). Even when you have
success with LLLT, you have to continue to use it to
avoid the head returning to its earlier thinning head.
Evidence
for LLLT/cold laser thrapy on hair loss
There
are no large scale controlled clinical studies done
for LLLT effect on hair growth although there are some
small ones. Most of these are anecdotal, from happy
users. Some of these is from this
author and his friends.
The
first peer-reviewed study on LLLT to treat hair loss
was published in 2003. 35 patients (28 male, 7 female)
diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia were given a hand
held LLLT device for use at home for 5 to 10 minutes
every day for 6 months. At the end of the period, 55
percentof the females and 74 percent of the males experience
increased hair count in the temples. The increase was
even greater for the vertex (crown of the scalp.
Continue with
the following links for more detailed information on
low level laser therapy for hair loss.
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