Ah, if only you could wake up in the morning, pour a cup of coffee, run a comb through your hair, and go from a Norwood 5 to a Norwood 1.
That won’t happen anytime soon, and may never. But laser combs do exist, and Low Level Laser Therapy for hair loss does work in most cases. So the reality lies somewhere, but where? Here’s the truth, straight from the source.
Laser helmets are effective for hair loss
Laser comb technology works by delivering low-level laser light to the scalp through small optical emitters built into the device. The light energy is believed to stimulate cellular activity in hair follicles, which may support hair growth. These laser devices are typically used several times per week by slowly moving the comb across the scalp. Some products combine laser and LED light to target different wavelengths and frequencies that may help support follicle function.
Laser Hair Therapy is a low level laser light treatment that in some studies seems to promote hair growth, slow hair loss and give hair a healthier appearance for both men and women. In clinical studies, all participants wearing the Theradome™ laser helmet for 20 minutes a day experienced one or more of the following:
• A slowing down of hair loss typically occurring 4-18 weeks into treatment
• An increase in hair follicle size, which promotes fuller, more lustrous hair and typically begins 18-26 weeks into treatment
• Growth of new healthy hair, which is normally seen at 26-52 weeks into treatment
Research And Scientific Studies
Scientists have studied low-level laser therapy as a potential treatment for hair loss, particularly pattern hair loss in both male and female patients. Some clinical research, including studies referenced in medical databases such as PubMed, suggests that certain laser devices may help improve hair growth and hair density in some individuals. However, results can vary depending on the device used, consistency of treatment, and the severity of hair loss.
Benefits And Limitations Of Laser Comb Treatment
Laser comb treatment offers several advantages because it is non-invasive and can be performed at home. Many people appreciate that the device requires no surgery and minimal recovery time. However, laser combs may not be effective for everyone, especially individuals with advanced hair loss or significant follicle damage. The price of these products can also vary widely depending on the brand and technology used.
Combining Laser Therapy With Other Treatments
For many patients, laser therapy works best when combined with other hair loss treatments. Dermatologists and hair restoration specialists may recommend combining laser comb use with medications, scalp care, or other therapies designed to support hair growth. In some cases, patients exploring long-term solutions may consider additional treatments such as hair transplant procedures. By combining multiple treatment strategies, individuals experiencing hair loss may improve their chances of maintaining or restoring healthy hair growth over time.
Laser hair combs are effective—but there’s a catch
Laser combs employ the same technology as laser helmets, and both the combs and helmets do produce results. However, the compliance rate and exposure to scalp differs. When you use a helmet type of laser device you expose the entire thin area to the laser energy for the duration of the treatment (typically 20min). When you use a comb you have to move it to a new location every 20-30 seconds. That means if you’re treating one area with the comb, all the other thin areas are not being exposed until it is moved to the new location. So for the helmet a 20-minute treatment treats all areas for 20 minutes, while laser comb treatment treat all areas with less total time.
The second issue is compliance. If all you have to do is wear a helmet for 20 minutes that is much easier than sitting there with a comb and moving it to a new location every 20 seconds…your arm may get tired, you may get bored, or you may keep the comb in one place too long and in another area too for too short a time. With the helmet your hands are free to work on the computer, read a book or cook dinner. For these reasons the helmet is much more effective, and we offer it at RESTORE® Hair. We do not offer laser combs.
The FDA-cleared, clinical laser therapy Theradome™ system used by us at RESTORE is one of the most powerful low-level laser therapy devices currently available in the U.S and abroad. This process of stimulating hair follicles has been shown in some studies to grow hair, slow hair loss and give hair a healthier appearance.
Contact my clinic for a consultation or ask me a question about your unique situation and how we might treat it.
Dr. James A. Harris is an internationally renowned hair transplant surgeon, inventor of patented follicular unit excision technology, published author in the field of hair restoration and an advocate for patient care. Learn more about Dr. Harris or read rave reviews from his patients.