It has been over 50 years since it was discovered that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) could be effective in the treatment of hair loss. We have come a long way from those initial findings on laboratory mice in Hungary. In 2009 one of the first randomized, double blind, and multicentered studies, which is considered the gold standard for studies, was completed and proved that LLLT was effective in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. After the study in 2009, LLLT quickly became a more accepted and we started to see more practitioners offer this as a treatment. However, since 2009, and especially over the past few years, we have seen an influx in LLLT devices, which makes it difficult for patients to choose the best one. Before we get to the devices, it is important to understand LLLT and how it works.
LLLT stimulates the hair follicle cells to grow in the scalp and increases cellular activity around the follicle. This also decreases inflammation so existing hairs can grow thicker and stronger. LLLT has been proven to be effective for Androgenic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss), Traction Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium, and even some forms of Alopecia Areata.
Over the past few years there has been an increase in Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) devices of all shapes and sizes, which has caused confusion for patients about which device to choose. Making it even tougher is that we have found many companies that try to take advantage of this confusion by offering what they claim are similar laser caps to the well-known brands, but with less laser diodes and energy output, which are really important differences. With that being said, we continue to strongly believe that the LaserCap® company offers the best laser caps on the market and here is why:
Energy Per Treatment
LLLT studies have shown that the optimal amount of energy needed during a LLLT treatment is 4 joules/cm2. LaserCap® company recently tested many of the popular devices and found that not only does LaserCap® beat the other models, but many of the other models are not getting close to the optimal dose of energy. (Please note the LaserCap HD was formerly called the LCPro 224 and the LaserCap HD+ was formerly called the Flex300)
Pulsed Light
There is a debate in the LLLT world between pulsed vs continuous light. Anyone who has used a LaserCap® device knows that the laser diodes flash (or pulse) during treatment. Some other devices on the market have started using continuous light. We believe that the pulsed light LLLT devices are superior as the pulsing allows the laser to cool and rest when switched off, which means the lasers can deliver peak intensity for a longer period of time and deliver better penetration into the tissue of the scalp.
Safe and Durable
We have found that many of the new devices in the market are coming from China with little quality control. The LaserCap® company devices are made in the USA and FDA Cleared for the treatment of female hair loss. The company has a proven track record of over 10 years of delivering a superior product. LaserCap® company is so confident in their devices that they offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on their laser caps.
Complete Coverage
One of the biggest issues patients have with LLLT is compliance. LLLT can be a great treatment, but only if the device is used as prescribed. Compliance tends to increase when the device is easy to use and one of the pros of the laser cap is it offers complete coverage and it does not need to be moved throughout the scalp. This not only increases patient compliance, but it ensures equal treatment to all areas of the scalp.
If you think LLLT may be right for you it is important to meet with a hair loss specialist that can ensure the treatment is appropriate and recommend the best device for your type of hair loss.
Posted by Your Medi Tresse Team
