Hair. There is so much to be said about the cottony/silky stuff that adorns our heads – hair can be functional, stylish, and even make political statements. You never know how valuable it is until its all of sudden gone or drastically dwindled in certain areas. Have you ever experienced involuntary hair loss? Did you ever think it was possible to re-grow your hair in a natural way – without breaking the bank?
Well, here it is… Celluma, an FDA approved Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), uses light energy to improve cellular health by accelerating the repair and replenishment of compromised tissue cells. At Cryo Philadelphia we are proud to introduce this miraculous hair rejuvenation treatment and we want you to understand the science and how it works along with bringing back that long lost hair.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a light treatment that is being used to treat the genetic forms of hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), which is common in men and women over the age of 35. It uses infra-red laser beams to treat this health condition, and science has proven that LLLT can be used on both men and women effectively. LLLT is comprised of LED (light-emitting diode) devices that emit red light wavelength (630-670 nm). This treatment is available through the technologies of laser hair growth helmets/caps, hand held devices, and red light therapy bulbs. It also decreases inflammation, increases local blood flow and stimulates hair growth. It is FDA approved, and it has been scientifically proven to be both safe and highly effective for hair restoration, when used correctly. While red light rays are proven safe and side-effect free, laser therapy should not be used if you are taking photosensitizing medication.
To fully understand the process, we need to understand the science behind the hair growth cycles. There are 3 phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen phase is known as the growth phase, and this is when the hair physically grows approximately 1 cm per month. The span at which the hair remains in this stage of growth is determined by genetics, but it is typically 3-5 years. The catagen stage is the intermediate period of hair growth. This is when the hair follicles prepare themselves for the resting phase. It lasts around 1-2 weeks, and during this phase, the deeper portions of the hair follicles start to collapse. The telogen stage is the resting and shedding period of the hair cycle. This phase usually lasts 3 to 4 months – at the end of this period, older hairs that have finished their life will fall out, and newer hairs will begin to grow.
With that information in mind, Red light therapy was found to increase blood flow (microcirculation) in the scalp and stimulate metabolism in catagen or telogen follicles. The result is accelerated production of anagen hair – new hair by the stimulation of epidermal stem cells in the cells in the hair follicle bulge and shifting the follicles into anagen phase. This treatment works great on both men and women. LLLT uses a light that produces a specific wavelength (typically in the range of 630 to 670 nanometers) which has a unique ability to be absorbed by the molecules of the hair follicles. This type of light penetrates the scalp and stimulates the epidermal stem cells which are responsible for the regeneration of hair follicles. The increased blood flow that LLLT causes helps to increase the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. LLLT also stimulates metabolic processes necessary for hair growth and helps to prevent the build-up of DHT in the follicles.
With 12 to 26 weeks of use, there will be noticeable hair growth. In order to see results, it is recommended to maintain consistency with your treatments, and to not expect immediate results. For some people it can take up to a year to see their full results. Studies by University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the Department of Dermatology have shown that cold laser can regrow your hair on the top of your head and crown, also along the forehead hairline. Research proves that LLLT has no side effects – it is painless and safe. Improvement is reported after 12 to 26 weeks of use, with reduced hair fall and noticeable hair growth. Another study published in 2016 analyzed 11 studies which investigated a total of 680 patients – 444 males and 236 females. The results concluded that 9 out of 11 studies assessing hair count/hair density found statistically significant improvements in both males and females following LLLT treatment. It was also found that the best wavelength for hair regrowth to be 655 nm. So, when you come and see us, ask for the “red light” and we got you covered.