Hair growth is a dynamic biological process involving multiple phases that determine the health, appearance and length of your hair. Understanding these cycles and how laser caps stimulate hair follicles provides valuable insights into their role in combating hair loss. In this article we will shed light on the science of hair growth, the mechanisms of laser caps, and how they contribute to healthier, fuller hair.
What Are the Hair Growth Cycles?
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Hair growth occurs in three main phases, which collectively determine the length, density, and health of your hair:
1. Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)
The anagen phase is the most active and longest stage of the hair growth cycle, this is where hair growth happens. During this phase, the hair follicle actively produces new hair cells, which elongate the strand. The anagen phase typically lasts between 2 to 7 years, depending on genetics, age, and health factors. People with longer anagen phases can grow longer hair compared to those with shorter anagen phases. Approximately 85-90% of human’s hair is in the anagen phase at any given time.
2. Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)
The catagen phase is a short transitional stage where hair growth stops. The hair follicle in this stage shrinks and detaches from the blood supply preparing the hair for shedding and eventually it transitions into the Telogen phase. It typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks, during which significant changes occur in the follicle structure. Only about 1-3% of our hair is in the catagen phase at any given time.
3. Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
The telogen phase is a resting stage where the hair follicle remains inactive. While the follicle is dormant, the “club hair” stays in place until it is naturally shed or manually removed (e.g., during brushing or showering) making room for new hair growth. The Telogen phase lasts approximately 3 months, though it can extend under certain conditions, such as stress or hormonal imbalances. Around 10-15% of our hair is in the telogen phase at any given time and a shedding about 50-150 hairs per day is considered normal. At the end of the telogen phase, the follicle re-enters the anagen phase, starting the cycle and any disruption in this balance can lead to thinning or hair loss.
Why Do Hair Follicles Become Dormant?
Several factors can cause hair follicles to enter a prolonged telogen phase or become dormant entirely:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like postpartum hair loss or menopause can disrupt hair growth cycles.
- Genetics: Hereditary hair loss (androgenic alopecia) shrinks follicles over time, reducing their ability to produce healthy hair.
- Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, high stress, and lack of scalp care can weaken follicles.
- Environmental Damage: Excessive sun exposure, pollution, and chemical treatments can damage hair and impede growth.
Dormant follicles may become inactive over time, leading to visible thinning or bald patches.
How Do Laser Caps Work to Stimulate Hair Follicles?
Laser caps use Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to reactivate dormant hair follicles and promote regrowth at the cellular level. These devices emit low-intensity red light at specific wavelength, usually 630-655 nm, which penetrates the scalp to reach the root of the hair follicle.
Here is a detailed overview of how laser cap therapy works to enhance hair follicles:
- Enhanced Cellular Energy Production: the low-level laser emitting from the laser caps stimulates the mitochondria in hair follicle cells, boosting ATP production. ATP acts as an energy source, fueling cellular processes vital for hair regrowth.
- Improved Scalp Microcirculation: Laser caps increase blood flow to the scalp, ensuring that follicles receive adequate nutrients and oxygen, essential for transitioning from the telogen phase to the anagen phase.
- Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation around the follicles can inhibit growth. LLLT has anti-inflammatory effects that create a healthier environment for hair regrowth.
- Prolonged Anagen Phase: By extending the growth phase of the cycle, laser caps help increase the thickness and length of hair.
Benefits of Laser Therapy on Hair Growth Cycles
- Stimulates hair follicles that have entered prolonged dormancy, encouraging regrowth.
- Strengthening existing hair strands, reducing breakage and shedding.
- Improves scalp health by increasing blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
- Offers a drug-free and painless solution to hair thinning and loss.
When to Expect Results from Laser Caps?
The timeline for visible results varies, but here’s a general guideline:
- 0-3 Months: Reduced hair shedding and improved scalp condition.
- 3-6 Months: Noticeable thickening and initial signs of regrowth.
- 6-12 Months: Significant improvements in hair density and coverage.
Consistency is crucial. Most devices recommend sessions of 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week, to achieve optimal results.
Conclusion
Understanding the complexity of the hair growth cycle and the mechanisms by which laser caps stimulate follicles highlights the potential of LLLT as a revolutionary hair restoration solution. By boosting cellular energy, improving scalp health, reducing inflammation and reactivating dormant follicles, laser caps offer a non-invasive, effective approach to combating hair loss.
Whether you’re exploring options for thinning hair or seeking to maintain healthy growth, laser caps provide a scientifically backed method to achieve your goals. Always consult with a dermatologist to tailor the treatment to your unique needs.
References:
- Natarelli N, Gahoonia N, Sivamani RK. Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss. J Clin Med. 2023 Jan 23;12(3):893. doi: 10.3390/jcm12030893. PMID: 36769541; PMCID: PMC9917549.
- Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers Surg Med. 2014 Feb;46(2):144-51. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22170. Epub 2013 Aug 23. PMID: 23970445; PMCID: PMC3944668.
- Pillai JK, Mysore V. Role of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in Androgenetic Alopecia. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2021 Oct-Dec;14(4):385-391. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_218_20. PMID: 35283601; PMCID: PMC8906269.
- ISHRS: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) aka Photobiomodulation (PBM) and the Effectiveness of current Devices for Treating Hair loss
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for hair loss.
Hi, I’m Ihlas Ali
The founder of 10clinics.com. I’m a Ph.D. student at Istanbul University. I hold a master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on hair transplant clinics in Istanbul from Suleyman Demirel University in Turkey.
I have 6 years of experience in health tourism and medical tourism in Istanbul. Throughout these years I have helped 400+ patients in their quest for the best clinic and I will be here to help you as well in finding your best match.
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