Can Light Therapy Help with
Hair Loss And Scalp Problems
Written by Key Contributor Elizabeth Smith
Have you noticed while washing you hair the plughole is being blocked by shedded hair? Has someone mentioned that they can see your scalp where your hair is thinning?
When you look in the mirror, is the reflection not quite what it used to be and you’re wondering where you hair has gone?
Does your scalp feel dry, itching and you have dusty residue on the shoulders of your clothes? Is your scalp red raw and irritable looking?
If you answered yes to any of these statements then chances are you are experiencing a hair loss or scalp issue. In the first instance you need to diagnose what is causing the problem.
If you’ve spoken to your GP and things still haven’t improved, it may be time to see a trichologist.
What is a trichologist, I hear you say? Well, they are hair and scalp specialists who can help identify the cause of the problem and suggest a treatment plan to aid recovery.
One of the tools in their arsenal is low level light therapy (LLLT). A non-invasive solution to many hair and scalp issues.
What is low-level light therapy?
LLLT is a drug-free treatment for numerous conditions including hair loss. The laser light
helps activate the body's nutrient systems natural defence and starts a rejuvenating, healing process. Using red light on the scalp to stimulate hair growth has been researched and tested for over forty years with well-documented results.
So how does this red light work?
Remember as a child holding a red torch under your palm and being able to see the inside of your hand? This is possible because the red light can penetrate our body to a depth between 6-10mm.
Just under the surface of the scalp is the epidermis which protects the body from invasion and under that is the dermis, where blood vessels, hair follicles and sebaceous glades are just a few of the different cells and structures that reside there. This is also where collagen and elastin are found. All of these are important in the anti-ageing, rejuvenation process.
Difference between LLLT and LED ?
LLLT is coherent light, like marching 100 soldiers over a bridge to create a greater impact, whereas LED standard light, is like marching 100 people over the bridge all walking at different speeds and creates a lesser impact.
Both stimulate the blood flow helping to remove DHT and bring more nutrients and oxygen to the scalp and follicle
This process helps reduce inflammation so actively helps suffers of psoriasis and eczema.
But how does this help hair growth?
The process of the red light is called photosynthesis. A process that plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy. Our body reacts in a similar way when red light is applied, converting light energy into cellular energy. It is this cellular energy that makes significant rejuvenating changes to dormant or ageing cells. It also has positive effects on many metabolic and nervous system processes. Increasing blood flow bringing with it all the oxygen and nutrients needed for hair growth.
Low-Level Light Therapy increases the production of Keratin and Adenosinetriphosphate (ATP). Keratin is the protein which hair is made of and ATP is the molecule that carries the energy to the follicle to fuel the production of hair. Cell rejuvenation needs energy in order to assist in synthesising proteins, membranes and cellular division to produce strong hair.
As LLLT widens the capillaries, the blood vessels that feed the hair follicle, it enables the better supply of oxygen to the hair bulb where cell division takes place to create hair growth. If there is a lack of oxygen the follicle is starved and can lead to hair loss.
So what about one of the biggest causes of hair loss in men and women, Dihydrotestosterone, DHT?
DHT attaches itself to the base of the hair follicle and over time prevents the absorption of oxygen and nutrients causing miniaturisation of the follicle which results in the follicle producing thinner, finer, shorter hair, to stopping hair production altogether. LLLT reduces DHT from the scalp and allows efficient nutrients and oxygen to be delivered, allowing the hair to grow efficiently.
Convinced of the benefits of LLLT?
You can now see the why the benefits of LLLT are so affective at treating hair loss, with the added bonus of no side effects and the treatment being available to all.
What is the commitment for the hair loss sufferer?
Although this treatment has been proven to work it is by no means a quick fix and must be repeated 1-2 times a week, with results usually seen after 3-6 months. For the best and long-lasting results, a year to 18 months would be the recommended time frame. These sessions can be performed in clinic or a home device can be purchased.
Pros and Cons of in-house vs home device?
Pro: The in-house device has more diodes than the home device so gives a high dose of light. Con: It does mean you have to come to the salon to receive the treatment and the treatment can take up to 30 minutes.
Con: At home device delivers a lower dose of light.
Pro: It can be used more regularly at a time that is convent to you and only takes 90 seconds.
I always tell clients to use the home device at night when they clean their teeth and build into a bed time routine.
So in conclusion, LLLT works for hair loss and scalp complaints, it is not a quick fix as it takes time to see results. These results are usually felt after a 12 week period. However, the best result are seen after a 6-12 month period.
Elizabeth x
