Laser Light

There is a WARNING on this page. Read below
Introduction

Hair clinics around the world have been using 'cold-beam laser technology also known as "Low-Level Laser Therapy" or "Cold Lasers" on individuals suffering from thin hair or hair loss for many years now. The application appears to work by stimulating the blood flow in the scalp and blocking harmful hair loss effects caused by Dihydrotestosterone.

What is it?

A low-level light laser therapy (LLLT) device, which is designed for the general public to use at home. Note: Studies have shown that LLLT is effective in people ages 18 and older. For people under the age of 18, we recommend you consult your doctor. The most popular of these devices was developed in Sydney Australia and highlighted by TIME Magazine as one of the ‘Inventions of the Year’ - the "HairMax LaserComb" , which is a high quality laser using precision components made in the USA.
 
Low light laser therapy has been used for many years in treatments intended to accelerate healing for other aliments. There are no reported side effects to the therapy which is painless, non-toxic and complements other traditional therapies. Manufactures generally recommend that the Laser is used on clean hair, 3 times per week for 10-15 minutes per treatment, for the best results. Improvements to hair condition are claimed between 8 and 16 weeks

A low level laser is shone directly on the scalp to stimulate hair growth through something "Photo-Biostimulation" of the hair follicles. Photo-biostimulation seems to occur when laser light is absorbed by the cells in the scalp which causes improved cell metabolism and blood flow. There is no peer-reviewed evidence to support this claim. There is some debate over the USA's Food and Drug Administration's (FDA), 510K acknowledgment of the Lasercomb, but it has been accepted by the FDA as effective in the submitted claims.

WARNING

There are many lasers on the market. We are aware of some that are of poor quality and design. They malfunction easily and are made of inexpensive materials. We have come across devices that have had steel plates added, to make them feel robust and expensive, yet the components are cheap and nasty. There are also many on the market that use common red light lasers, like the ones used in pen presentation pointers. These are NOT proven to be effective and generally agreed to be totally useless for hair restoration  

Look for International Safety Standards and in particular the European CE Mark, British Standards Institute (BSI) and/or FDA approved CFR21 and/or American Hair Loss Association certification seal. You may also want a 1 to 3 year warranty as an indication of build quality and reputation. A time trial or unrestricted money back guarantee may also indicate a reputable supplier

OUR OPINION
Disclaimer

Get 10 hair loss experts to comment on LLLT and half will say it works and half will say it does not. Get 10 LLLT users and guess what, probably half will say it works and half will say it does not. Of those that indicate some change, it appears to be in the area of existing hair rather than re-growth in totally bald areas   

The term "laser" is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A LLLT laser is an electronic-optical device that produces wave-like non-ionising radiation. A typical LLLT laser emits light in a narrow, low-diameter beam and with a well-defined wavelength, from a varying number of diodes.  

Laser is a form of energy that will penetrate your scalp to a certain depth depending on the wavelength. It dissipates its energy and is no longer laser when it hits the skin. There is no way that LLLT is as effective as Propecia, Minoxidil etc, if at all. But they all have their pros and cons. There you are. You are none the wiser and neither are we!   
 

Suggested Retailers
Versacchi and MKW laser system
HairMax laser Comb
Sagara

Further Reading

1. Official website  http://www.hairmax.com/

2. FDA approval letter  http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf6/K060305.pdf