What is laser hair therapy?
Laser hair therapy uses Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), delivered through coherent laser light rather than LEDs, to stimulate hair follicles that have slowed down or stopped producing healthy hair. The light penetrates the scalp to reach the follicle, where it energizes the mitochondria inside hair cells, giving weakened follicles the boost they need to re enter an active growth phase. It is non-invasive, has no known side effects, and can be used on its own for general thinning or alongside other treatments, including hair restoration surgery.
Thinking about hair restoration surgery with laser hair therapy?
Does your scalp have any shiny blotches, spots, or scars? Whether it is only one glossy area or a buffered appearance gradually spreading across your whole head, it is worth paying attention to.
It usually means your hair follicles have become buried underneath a layer of skin, often due to increased production of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Fear not, as with most things, it just takes the right approach to work through it.
How Hair Restoration Surgery with Laser Hair Therapy Work Together
So why do people with shiny scalps, smooth areas, or scars have more difficulty restoring their hair in the first place?
Laser hair therapy works by stimulating malnourished hair follicles deep below the surface. Any layer of skin standing in the way makes that harder to do.
The good news is you can still grow back a full head of hair with the help of an optimal laser hair therapy device, by first undergoing hair restoration surgery.
Women usually do not have any scalp shine to worry about. However, you may still benefit from surgery if your hair loss is considered advanced.
And if you simply want to accelerate your hair restoration journey, undergoing a hair transplant procedure is still an excellent option, as long as you take a few key precautionary measures. Learn more in our guide to hair transplant alternatives.
How Hair Loss Progresses in Men and Women
Hair restoration surgery involves harvesting hair follicles from other parts of your body and transplanting them to areas in need of help. Which areas to focus on usually depends on your gender.
For men, it is most commonly the front of the scalp. The first stages of hair loss in men usually involve a receding hairline, the kind you check for in the mirror without quite admitting it to yourself. From there, it is often the crown area next, eventually leaving what medical professionals refer to as the horseshoe pattern.
For women, hair loss typically shows up as diffuse overall thinning. You might notice needing an extra twist of the elastic band to tie your hair back into a ponytail, or that your part line has grown wider over time, sometimes stretching into a more circular shape.
Either way, there is something you can do about it. Let's continue with the surgical hair transplant discussion.
The Science Behind Hair Restoration Surgery with Laser Hair Therapy
According to professional surgeons and hair restoration specialists (as in, the guys that know everything), some hair transplants can initially traumatize the scalp and can result in a significant hair loss during the following year, if not performed correctly. Some patients may even experience scarring and poor wound healing.
Sometimes the surrounding hair goes into shock loss, and transplanted donor follicles can have difficulty adapting to their new environment, the areas where you need the most help. Clinical studies have examined the effect of laser hair therapy used alongside hair restoration.
Because of the anti inflammatory properties of cold lasers, the benefits of laser hair therapy with an optimal device, combined with hair restoration, include:
- Minimized shedding, which reduces the number of hair grafts needed for a complete surgery
- A strengthened, more resilient scalp in preparation for the operation
- Hair cells restored to a healthier state ahead of surgery
- Stronger hair follicles before and after surgery, with a higher probability of surviving the operation
- Faster reduction of swelling, redness, and inflammation after surgery
- A better environment for hair grafts to survive and grow during recovery
The Importance of Energy
For pre-surgical patients, laser hair therapy promotes better cell health. It strengthens weakened hair follicles by stimulating their mitochondria with laser light ahead of the upcoming operation. Mitochondria act much like a car engine, generating the energy hair cells need to grow into healthy follicles.
Laser hair therapy also increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which triggers the release of nitric oxide. As a result, swelling, redness, and inflammation after a procedure can reduce more quickly. With faster healing and less inflammation, the scalp can repair surgical sites sooner, while giving energy to newly transplanted hairs at the same time.
Ensuring Success with Laser Hair Therapy
Use a laser hair therapy device with the design and clinical backing recommended by industry leaders and hair restoration clinics. Some handheld devices rely on cheap Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which are not effective at energizing the base of hair follicles. Other devices claim clinical strength results in under 90 seconds. Be skeptical of these, and do your research.
A full 20 minutes of treatment is generally considered essential for delivering the energy dose hair cells need.
As mentioned earlier, scalp shine is a lot less common in women, and many women are able to skip surgery entirely and work to reverse hair loss at home with a properly designed laser hair therapy device. The earlier you start, the better the outcome tends to be. Prevention goes a long way, and laser hair therapy is one of the best tools available to correct and prevent damage while maintaining good scalp health.
How Theradome delivers real laser hair therapy
Theradome is an FDA-cleared helmet device using US-made lasers, delivering Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) at a wavelength of 680 nanometers. Used before and after a hair transplant, it can help produce stronger hair follicles with a higher chance of surviving the operation, giving your "survivor" grafts a better shot at growing into healthy, terminal hairs.
Using the Theradome PRO LH80 or Theradome EVO LH40 for 20 minute sessions, most people notice reduced shedding and healthier looking hair within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use. For a full at-home regimen, use either helmet alongside the Complete Hair Growth Bundle.
Imagine a future where hair loss is just a distant memory. Explore the Theradome laser helmet and invest in your hair's future today.
