Laser Hair Treatment

The latest tool in the fight against hair loss is laser hair treatment, also called laser hair therapy (LHT). Laser hair therapy is a non-surgical way to stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss. It is also used to treat conditions and diseases of the scalp.

LHT can be found at day spas and specialized “hair clinics” throughout the United States and Europe. A typical hair restoration session lasts twenty to thirty minutes. Clients sit in a chair while the laser apparatus is lowered onto the top of their head. It looks a lot like the automatic hair dryers you find in beauty salons. Clients are encouraged to relax or read while the laser does it work. The procedure is said to be painless, but does produce a warm, tingling sensation on the scalp.

The laser used in LHT is very safe. Proponents of these laser treatments claim that it can promote blood circulation, stimulate hair regrowth, and result in greater hair volume than before. A double-blind placebo study was performed, resulting in hair regrowth for fifteen out of eighteen test subjects.

LHT works best for young men and women who have thinning hair or, at worst, moderate hair loss. Regions of the scalp that have been completely bald for years will not benefit from this treatment. Clients who receive laser hair therapy see the best results when LHT is combined with other treatments, such as hair grafting, Rogaine, or the oral drug Propecia. Laser hair therapy is also used to treat itchiness, excessive dryness, and excessive oiliness of the scalp.

A typical course of laser hair therapy consists of fifteen treatments over the course of a year, followed by one maintenance session per month, indefinitely. Since the administration of LHT is not strictly regulated, its cost can vary widely by location. A rough estimate of the total cost is $2,500 for one year of treatment. Contact a local LHT provider for prices in your area. Most clinics offer a free consultation.

Is laser hair treatment safe? You should always consult your doctor before starting any treatment regimen, but there have been no reports of short- or long-term side effects resulting from LHT. However, since laser hair therapy is a fairly new treatment, there is no long-term data available. The bottom line: If your baldness is mild to moderate and you don’t mind the hefty price-tag and required monthly maintenance, LHT is an easy and painless option.