Using Laser Combs for Hair Regrowth

If you have suffered from hair loss, you know that there are a lot of products out there that will slow or stop your hair loss. On the other hand, there are not as many products out there to help you regrow that full head of hair you so desperately want back.

This is because hair regrowth can be a difficult process. Not only that, but each person’s hair follicles will respond differently to different treatments.

The good news is that there are a few options out there. One of these is a laser comb, which can be a very effective option for some people.

If you are curious about how they work and the results you can expect, then we have you covered. We are here to answer these questions and more. We hope this information will help you make the best choice for your specific needs and experience.

How Do Laser Combs Work?

Laser hair combs use low-level laser therapy to help stimulate the regrowth of damaged hair follicles. They do this by activating chromophores, which are the parts of a molecule that create color.

This may not sound important to hair regrowth, but it is actually vital. By targeting only chromophores, like melanin, a laser comb is able to treat hair follicles without damaging the surrounding skin.

Unlike other hair regrowth products, the science behind this one is actually credible. We know that when chromophores are activated by light, they set a variety of cellular processes into motion.

By using lasers that are able to penetrate deep into the scalp, these chromophores are activated on a more intense level. However, these substances can only receive light within their absorption spectrum.

That is why you would not be able to regrow hair by simply using an LED light source or exposing yourself to sunlight for an extended period of time.

Hair combs, on the other hand, operate at wavelengths of about 650 nanometers. That is the ideal wavelength for cell growth stimulations.

By using this frequency of light, the lasers in the hair combs provide light to the chromophores that is within their absorption spectrum. This activates the cellular processes that are necessary for hair growth.

Are They Safe?

A series of random, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trials were conducted at several different institutions. They tested 128 male and 141 female subjects who were experiencing pattern hair loss. Each received, at random, one of three laser combs or a scam device.

They each used the device over their entire scalp three times a week for 26 weeks. The study used 16-week and 26-week check-ups to arrive at the following results regarding the safety of laser combs:

• Absolutely zero adverse effects were reported
• There was a significant difference in the increase in terminal hair density between laser comb and sham-treated subjects.
• They concluded that this device could be an effective treatment option for both men and women who suffer from patterned hair loss.
• The study noted that more research needs to be done on the long-term effects of low-level laser treatment that might result in more information on the safety of the technology, as well as allow these products to be better optimized for hair regrowth.

Based on the results of this study, you generally do not need to worry about the safety of this type of device. However, you should know that long-term effects have not yet been determined.

Of course, you should always consult your doctor about any adverse reactions the device could cause based on your personal health history.

 

What Results Can I Expect?

HairMax conducted a 26-week study back in 2009. They found that participants who used their laser comb saw an increase of 17 hairs per square inch.

While this may seem like a strange way to measure hair growth, it provides us with some information about how well laser combs work.

If the laser comb helped you grow 17 hairs per square inch over the course of six months, the difference in your hair that you would notice would vary based on the stage of hair loss you are at.

For example, one completely bald user of the hair comb saw no difference in the course of a year.

However, another user of the product who had a less advanced stage of hair loss found that the device gave him thicker, fuller, and healthier hair.

This same user also pointed out that the laser comb can be helpful for hair-implant patients, as it can speed up the recovery process (if recommended by your doctor).

Yet another customer who used the laser comb saw an improvement in the hair that he had regrown while using Minoxidil.

After just six months, he noticed that the quality of hair was greatly improved but made a point that a laser comb might be best suited for those with diffuse hair loss.

What Are Some Popular Models?

Currently, there is only one laser comb company that has FDA approval for its products. There are some other options out there that are not approved.

If you choose to use them, it would have to be with the understanding that they are not approved for use and that you accept all risk in using the product. Nevertheless, here is a breakdown of the most popular hair combs, FDA-approved or not.

• HairMax Advanced 7: HairMax is currently the only company that sells FDA-approved laser combs. The Advanced 7 model is one of their most affordable options. It can be used by both men and women and has seven medical-grade lasers. It costs about $150, depending on where you purchase it from. It is important to note that this model is no longer available from direct retailers, so use caution when purchasing.

• HairMax Prima 9: The Prima 9 has many of the same features as the Advanced 7. However, its patented hair parting teeth and 11-minute treatment time make it stand out from the previous model. It seems to be much more user-friendly. It was even rated as the best laser hair brush for its price, which is about $200.

• HairMax Laser Band: The HairMax Laser Band has a whopping 82 medical-grade lasers built into it. One of its greatest benefits is the treatment time, which can be as short as 90 seconds. This option is also cordless, lightweight, and has a band design that is optimal for uniform scalp coverage. However, all of these amazing features do not come cheap. This option costs around $800.

• Power Grow: This hair loss laser treatment comb is not FDA-approved. However, you can purchase it for a fraction of the cost of a HairMax comb. For $80, you can get a three-star Amazon-rated laser treatment with a vibrate mode. This product uses red and blue lights to stimulate and regenerate hair regrowth.

• Lifemax: An even more affordable option is this infrared massage hairbrush. It only uses red lights, but it also has a three-star Amazon rating. It is important to note that the benefits provided by such an affordable option will be equivalent to its purchase price.

We hope you will be able to make an informed purchasing decision now that you know how laser combs work, their range of effectiveness, and a few options that are on the market. Remember, always speak with your doctor before starting a new hair growth treatment.