What is the laser hair comb?

Low light laser therapy

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as red light therapy or cold laser therapy, has emerged as a treatment for various conditions, including wound healing, pain management, and hair loss. When discussing hair loss, LLLT has been primarily promoted as a non-invasive method to stimulate hair growth for individuals with androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair thinning or baldness).

Author's note: this could be another one of those fads and hoaxes or it may have some impact, although the current clinical studies on the Hairmax Laser haircomb do not appear statistically significant due to small sample sizes and funding provided by Hairmax. Disclaimer: author has purchased Hairmax comb and used it religiously but did not notice any changes in hair density from an anecdotal self-evaluation.

Principle of LLLT

LLLT utilizes diodes that emit red light in the wavelength range of 630-670 nanometers, or near-infrared light (typically around 810 nanometers). Unlike high-power lasers that generate heat and can destroy tissue, low-level lasers are gentle and are often termed "cold" lasers.

Mechanism of Action for Hair Growth

Cellular Respiration Stimulation: The primary action of LLLT in treating hair loss is believed to be the stimulation of epidermal stem cells in the hair follicle and shifting the follicles into the anagen (growth) phase. The red or near-infrared light is thought to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, the primary energy carrier in cells. Enhanced ATP production can increase cellular metabolism and activity.

• Increase in Blood Flow: LLLT may increase blood flow to treated regions, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles, potentially leading to healthier hair.
• Reduction of Inflammation: Inflammation can be a factor in hair loss. LLLT has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects, which might benefit hair growth indirectly.

Mixed Scientific Evidence

Several clinical studies and trials have explored the efficacy of LLLT in promoting hair growth. While results tend to be mixed, there's a consensus that LLLT can lead to increased hair density and overall improvement for some individuals, especially when combined with other treatments.

A meta-analysis published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine in 2018 revealed that LLLT could promote hair regrowth in patients with androgenetic alopecia and improve hair density.

Academic Research

• Evaluation of Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy

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