Low Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT)
This is intended for optimising hair health, and is often recommended to support the treatment of hair loss conditions.
Low Level Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) is a non-thermal light therapy method that has a photobiomodulatory effect. In 1967, Endre Mester first observed that mice treated with lasers during experiments investigating the potential carcinogenic effects of laser exposure regrew hair in shaved areas significantly faster than unexposed mice. Subsequently. several studies-ranging from experimental animal studies to clinical studies-were conducted to show the effectiveness of LLLT for promoting hair growth, and LLLT was approved for hair loss treatment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2007.
What is the evidence?
There is evidence that LLLT at 650/655nm has some effect. There are now more that 60 peer reviewed papers on LLLT and hair stimulation.
In 2019 Evidence based guidelines for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia were published by the European Dermatology Forum. As part of the process the review of the efficacy of LLLT in male and female patients with androgenetic alopecia found 3 studies that met the guideline criteria for the guidelines. When used for 16 and 26 weeks there was an increased hair count, however no long term follow up was performed. Further controlled randomized clinical studies are required to establish the efficacy of these devices for hair growth in comparison with established therapies and to evaluate long term use.
However it is expected that further developments are to come.
The consensus seems to be that the current products are likely to give some form of benefit to the user by increasing hair health rather than hair growth. The evidence suggests that it can be associated with an improvement in hair thickness and faster growth.
What are the likely side effects?
LLLT is generally well tolerated.
Reported adverse events are usually mild including scalp dryness, itching, tenderness and a warm sensation.
If you would like to purchase a Theradrome PRO LH80 Helmet please click here and use the discount code CREW50. The device above is typically used for 20 minutes twice a week. It should now no longer possible to buy this device in the UK from 3rd party retailers.
Who is this not suitable for?
The main exclusions for using this treatment are people with current or past scalp cancers, lupus, dermatomyositis or using photosensitizing medications such as tetracyclines, methotrexate or thiazide diuretic like diuretics. The Theradome light helmet should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women unless specifically approved by the physician. Due limitations of digital photography and hair counting software the manufacturers were unable to test the darkest skintones.
As with all aesthetic treatments, results will vary and are not guaranteed.