Laser Comb is a Hair "Do" For Thinning Hair
FDA Approves Use in 2007
For years, salons in Europe, Australia and Asia have been using a form of laser technology, referred to as Low Level Laser Therapy, to stimulate hair growth and improve the appearance of hair. Although results were positive, the large fixed devices meant that clients had to schedule regular therapy sessions at exclusive salons where treatments were expensive.
A New Wave
In 2000, Lexington International developed and patented the HairMax LaserComb, a handheld device that miniaturized the technology and made it portable and affordable. Now, in 2007, the FDA has approved the LaserComb, which sells for $395 to $545. According to the FDA report, subjects who used the treatment "had significantly greater increases in mean terminal hair density" than those who used placebo in the tests. To date, it is the only drug-free hair loss product for home use to gain FDA approval.
How It Works
The device combines a low-level laser with a comb. When drawn over the scalp a half-inch at a time, it uses light to nourish and revitalize the hair by stimulating the follicle and the production of living cells in the hair root, which eventually make up the hair shaft. According to the manufacturer, men and women of all ages respond to treatment and LLLT is sometimes suggested by hair-transplant surgeons as an auxiliary treatment to promote hair growth. The LaserComb must be used for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 times each week. The company reports that there are no side effects, the device can be used in the privacy of your home, and beyond the initial investment, there are no further costs. They claim more than 90% of users are satisfied with the results within the first three to five months.
Hairy Competition
HairMax's device is patented and the company prevailed in their first infringement legal action against a rival manufacturer in 2006. While there are competitors producing lower-priced laser combs, they are not currently FDA approved, leaving consumers to untangle the hype from the facts. But there's no doubt this is a promising technology that may be worth considering.
Brush Up on the Topic
Visit the HairMax website or read more about it on the news links below.
More News Stories on the HairMax Laser Comb
- Laser Comb Device Wins Federal Approval to Treat Baldness Associated Press
- New Device Combs Hair into Your Comb-Over Associated Press
- Laser Comb Helps Some Men With Thinning Hair NBC5 Chicago
- Laser Comb Touted As New Way To Fight Hair Loss NBC4 Los Angeles
- Hairloss Talk Consumer Hair Loss Information
- Today's Consumer Smarts with Janice Lieberman
