Is it possible to manage hair loss from the comfort of your own home without the use of medication and suitable for both genders? The answer is an absolute yes.
There is an undeniable rise in hair loss treatment options that do not involve medication or surgery as people favor a natural regenerative approach to hair restoration.
Historically hair loss treatments involved surgical or medicinal methods both of which carry risks of downtime, contraindications as well as adverse effects. In addition, the surgical approach can be a considered purchase which may not be a suitable option for those with defined budgets options are on the rise as more patients are seeking to favor a regenerative more natural approach rather than, an invasive route.
However, before we begin to explore the treatment options that we offer in the aesthetic arena, let’s delve deeper to explore hair loss and its causes.
What is hair loss?
Hair loss is the reduction of hair follicles which can be mild thinning for the hair to complete baldness. On average, approximately 50 to 100 scalp hairs are lost each day and this is absolutely normal. If more have fallen out then it may be seen in hair in brushes, on clothing, and in the drains of sinks and tubs. The hair may also look thinner in appearance and the part is wider with the presence of patches on occasion.
There are many factors that can influence hair loss this can be stress, trauma, medication, medical conditions, or genetics.
What are the types of hair loss?
Hereditary pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia:
This type of hair loss can affect both men but also women. Hair loss affects 70% of men and 40% of women in their lifetimes. Whilst both men and women can experience hair loss, it tends to be more noticeable in men. This is due to the fact that men and women lose their hair in very different ways.
Men are more prone to a condition known as androgenic alopecia.
This genetically predisposed inherited condition is known as male-pattern baldness. Hair loss is imitated at the temples receding backward featuring an “M” shape on the head.
Hair is also lost at the crown. This condition increases the activity of the androgen receptors in the hair follicles. These receptors respond to androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a by-product of testosterone leading to the shrinkage of the hair follicles reducing their rate of survival.
As men are constantly producing testosterone in their lifetime, they are also constantly producing DHT, therefore making them more prone
For men, hair loss may follow the typical male pattern (receding front hairline and/or thinning hair at the top of the head). This is the most common type of hair loss, and it can begin at any time in a man’s life, even during his teen years. It usually is caused by the interaction of three factors: an inherited tendency toward baldness, male hormones, and increasing age. Many women will develop some degree of female-pattern baldness. In women, thinning occurs over the entire top or crown of the scalp, sparing the front of the scalp.
Men may experience hair loss in their teens and early twenties, which may be due to hormones.
Hormones are at their peak in puberty which increases the risk of hair loss in their twenties as testosterone is produced in a higher quantity during puberty than at any other time of a male’s life.
Regardless of the lack of genetic predisposition of the male-pattern baldness gene, this boost in hormones can still cause the hair follicles to shrink.
As men are constantly producing testosterone in their lifetime, they are also constantly producing DHT, therefore making them more prone to hair loss.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL)
FPHL refers to the gradual thinning of hair over the central scalp leading to hair miniaturization resulting in thinning as opposed to a complete loss. This is the most common cause of hair loss in women, ranging from less than 10% of women being less than than 50 years of age whilst 40% of aged 70 years. Unlike in male pattern baldness, the role of androgens in FPHL is not as defined as some studies have shown normal levels of androgens in 70% of women.
Telogen effluvium:
This is when the hair follicles synchronize and enter into catagen and telogen. A common hair loss tends to present itself two to three months after exposure to trauma, stress and prolonged illness, and major surgery. Now more than ever this is seen during the stressful period that we are facing due to the pandemic where COVID-19 has inflicted a negative impact on our stress levels.
Acute telogen effluvium is when the hair shedding lasts less than six months and then recovers. However, in chronic telogen effluvium, hair continues to shed over a longer period.
Telogen effluvium displays a normal scalp with a normal head of hair. Hair pull tests reveal that the hair in anagen will stay rooted, while one in telogen will come out.
Should 10% come out, then this is nothing to worry about. 25% is typical, however, 35% or more suggests an issue that confirms a positive test. In the state of active telogen effluvium, the hair pull test will be positive.
There are many reasons that result in chronic telogen effluvium, this may be due to physiological causes, hypothyroidism, crash dieting, or Iron deficiency. Some studies also show that this is due to low serum ferritin and hair loss, and low serum vitamin D.
It also can occur after changes in hormonal levels, particularly after childbirth. This type of hair loss tends to be universal where moderate amounts of hair fall out of the scalp. You may notice this on your pillow, after a shower, or on your hairbrush. Some areas of the scalp may appear to be thinner than others, however, rarely bald patches appear.
Medication:
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications, including lithium, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, warfarin, heparin, amphetamines, and levodopa as examples as well as many cancer chemotherapy medications. Chemotherapy medication can cause sudden hair loss affecting the entire head.
Medical conditions:
Medical illnesses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, a thyroid disorder (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can induce hair loss. In addition, this is also attributed to the imbalance of a sex-hormones or nutritional deficiency of elements such as protein, iron, zinc, or biotin. Therefore, a focus on nutritional review especially those with restrictive diets and females with heavy menstrual periods.
Fungal infection of the scalp:
This is also known as Tinea Capitis which is displayed in the form of patchy hair loss when the fungi infect the scalp causing the hair to break off at the scalp surface. The scalp can also flake and is scaly in appearance. This form of hair loss is common in children.
Alopecia areata:
An autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in one or more small patches. The cause of this condition is unknown, although it is more common in people who have other autoimmune diseases. When the same process causes total loss of hair from the scalp it is known as alopecia totalis.
Traumatic alopecia
Also known as traction alopecia resulting from hair styling applications that pull the hair such as tight braiding or cornrowing, expose hair to extreme heat, and twisting devices such as curling iron, hot rollers, or hair straighteners. In addition, damage the hair with strong chemicals such as bleaching, hair colour, and permanent waves. It is worth noting that a psychiatric disorder known as trichotillomania in which compulsive hair pulling and twisting can cause bald patches.
How is hair loss or its symptoms diagnosed?
Your clinician will diagnose the cause by taking into account a full medical history, medication, nutritional status, as well as hairstyling habits in addition to a physical examination including a pull test. If there is a presence of fungal infection on your scalp then a sample was maybe taken for analysis. Blood tests may be taken if they have recently been done if there is a suspected underlying medical condition such as lupus or a thyroid, iron deficiency, or sex hormonal imbalance.
How long does hair loss last?
It all depends on the underlying cause. For example, in telogen effluvium, the hair usually is lost over several weeks to months, which grows back over the next several months. However, if it is lost due to medication, hair growth usually returns to normal once the drug is stopped after the treatment is completed unless you are taking this particular medication to treat a long-term chronic condition. In the case of hairstyling, the hair loss ceases once you adopt kinder habits to your hairdressing with the exception of traction alopecia, which results from years of pulling the hair back in tight braids. In tinea fungal scalp infections, the scalp must be treated for at least 6 to 12 weeks leading to slow hair regrowth. Early treatment is paramount in any case.
What can you do to reduce your risk of further hair loss?
Some forms of hair loss can be prevented by reducing stress, adopting healthy eating plans and lifestyles, and ensuring kindness to hair and scalp where hair styling is concerned. Discuss with your GP if it is possible to commence an effective medication for your condition that does not impact hair loss. It is vital to remind you not to stop your medication without consulting and discussing with your doctor as your medication was determined as the most suitable option at the time of your assessment.
Hair loss due to fungal infections can be prevented by keeping hair clean and by never sharing hats, combs, or brushes with other people. Hair loss from hereditary-pattern baldness can sometimes be prevented by medication.
At-home devices to stimulate hair regrowth
These are useful add-ons that work. However, they do need commitment like any other treatment and program. Look for FDA-cleared clinically proven devices with proven results that fit into your lifestyle.
How do LEAD and laser light therapy work for hair regrowth?
Both technologies use the power of light coverage to stimulate cells, resulting in improved blood flow and scalp circulation while encouraging the delivery of essential nutrients directly to hair follicles. The wavelengths play an important role in hair growth and the development of strong, healthy hair follicle cells. Although these light therapy technologies are similar, there are notable distinctions.
Laser therapy uses a single wavelength to focus a narrow beam of light directly on the scalp, treating a small area. Comparatively, LED light therapy uses one or more wavelengths to treat larger surface areas of the scalp with a broader band of light. This means that LED light therapy has more coverage, activating a higher number of hair follicles per cm² compared to laser hair regrowth treatments.
What is the best technology for hair regrowth?
LED therapy provides a comfortable, non-invasive treatment free from side effects, offering a safe and convenient solution to address hair loss. The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device has been shown to increase hair count after just 16 weeks.
INCREASES HAIR COUNT BY MORE THAN 33%
0 to 4 weeks: Increases blood flow of oxygen and essential nutrients to dormant hair follicles.
4 to 8 weeks: Nutrients move to the scalp’s surface, essential for ‘waking up’ hair follicles.
12 to 16 weeks: Healthy hair follicles are fully formed, with an additional overall increase in follicle count.
16 weeks onwards: Simply maintain and encourage healthy hair growth.
The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device is the only clinically proven treatment to combat all 3 hair loss factors; reduced blood flow, inflammation, and elevated levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
When compared to the drug Finasteride, our device showed 66% more hair growth per cm² over 16 weeks vs 26 weeks worth of drug treatment. These drug treatments must be continuously taken in order to maintain results, requiring long-term medication commitment. Leading red light therapy treatment for hair growth and thinning hair.
The simple and convenient, FDA-cleared CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device offers revolutionary red light technology to reverse the effects of slow progressive pattern hair loss. Consisting of 120 red LED light diodes and 2 head circumference options, this wearable technology ensures optimal full scalp coverage. Quick 10-minute daily sessions provide ample nutrients and oxygen to the scalp, leading to thicker hair, increased density, and a prolonged growth phase.
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The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device is the only clinically proven treatment to combat all 3 hair loss factors; reduced blood flow, inflammation, and elevated levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and can be used in conjunction with topical hair retention treatments such as minoxidil.
Are there any clinical trials to support the results?
640nm LED versus:
- Laser Hair Growth Device – (Jimenez et al.) Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2014. PubMed Reference.
- Minoxidil – (Olsen et al.) A multicenter, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% Minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2007. PubMed Reference.
- Finasteride – (Leyden et al.) Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 1999. PubMed Reference.
LLLT (low-level light therapy) is clinically proven to increase hair density in patients with pattern hair loss over a 16-week timeframe using a wearable, helmet-type device. Now accessible for home use to sustain your 10-minute hands-free sessions, without interrupting your daily routine. Laser therapy uses a single wavelength to focus a narrow beam of light directly on the scalp, treating a small area.
The affordable, entry-level laser hair loss treatment cap is the first of 3 models from Capillus. As an FDA-Cleared genetic hair loss treatment for men or women, the CapillusUltra Laser Cap for Hair Regrowth is easy and comfortable to wear while you go about your activities. Regrow your hair and nurture fuller, healthier-looking locks that you’ll notice after 6 to 12 months. Simply wear for 6 to 25 minutes (as directed) while you go about your day.
The iGrow Laser Hair Rejuvenation System, on the other hand, is specially designed to combat pattern hair loss, promoting hair growth through effective laser light therapy. In just 4 months on daily 20 to 25-minute treatments, see hair feeling thicker and fuller. It’s proven to increase hair growth by 35% in men and 37% in women when used as directed. Plus, with the compatible audio port, connect your smartphone, PlayStation or Xbox to play music or game during sessions.
What should you do before using any energy-based device?
Ask your doctor prior to use if you:
1. Are taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs known to cause light sensitivity. You can find more information and a list of drugs that can cause light sensitivity at: https://www.currentbody.com/pages/led-contraindications
2. Have any suspicious or cancerous lesions.
3. Have any photosensitive disorders or any genetic conditions of the eye.
Potential risks
Immediately after treatment skin may appear red. The skin should return to normal within 1 to 2 hours.
Temporary headaches may immediately follow the light treatment. Headaches can be treated with an appropriate painkiller and rehydration.
CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth is indicated to treat androgenetic alopecia and promote hair growth in males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa to V patterns of hair loss; and to treat androgenetic alopecia and promote hair growth in females who have Ludwig-Savin Scale I-1 to I-4, II-1, II-2, or frontal patterns of hair loss, both with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV.
Is the device suitable for Pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, the contraindications state that these devices cannot be used if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. This device has NOT been tested on pregnant or breast-feeding women and therefore the risk to the foetus, neonate, or pregnant women is unknown.
Can the hair and skin devices be used at the same time as each other?
Yes, you can! Each device is tailored to specific skin concerns and targeted treatments.
At-home hair stimulators
Microneedling
There are in-clinic micro-needling and mesotherapy treatments for hair restoration which are clinically proven to boost the look of hair density by 50%, fortify your hair, rejuvenate your scalp, and encourage hair growth. These cocktails have combined growth factor technology with proven poly botanicals to give you a simple approach to hair regrowth from home. Just one step a day triggers the pathway responsible for hair growth, kickstarting sleeping follicles to give you renewed confidence around your hair.
However, home-use options are also available such as The BeautyBio Rejuvenating Scalp + Fuller Hair Therapy and FolliGRO™ complex. Just run the device over your scalp to allow serums to absorb and stimulate cell turnover. Don’t worry, the needles are not long enough to actually hurt you. Instead, you’ll feel a tingling as it stimulates your scalp during the treatment.
The BeautyBio Rejuvenating Scalp + Fuller Hair Therapy and FolliGRO™ complex in the serum refreshes your follicles to remove buildup and help make that hair growth easier. Use the wand together with the serum once or twice per week on clean, dry, or damp hair. Just part, roll, add the serum, and repeat for each section. You’ll notice thicker hair, better scalp health, and reduced thinning in just 60 days
To sum up!
Non-surgical treatments to hair loss treatments are on the increase. More options are available for those who may not be ready or have the budget for hair transplantation. Combination therapies have always proved to be far more successful than standalone.
Regenerative medicine is a growing field where we truly regress as we progress by using our own natural components to prevent, prevent and preserve ourselves.
The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device is the only clinically proven treatment to combat all 3 hair loss factors; reduced blood flow, inflammation, and elevated levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Unlike drug options for hair restoration, this device is drug-free and suitable for both men and women. it is clinically proven to give up to 66% more growth than topical, laser, and supplement treatments alone. FDA-Cleared LED wavelength (640nm) increases blood flow to affected hair follicles while increasing scalp circulation to strengthen the follicles and extend the growth (anagen) phase for newer, thicker hair regrowth.
Having a non-medicinal approach to hair restoration also minimizes the risk of drug adverse effects, contraindications, or cautions providing a natural pathway to hair growth.
Non-surgical hair loss treatment options offer a great solution to those who wish to explore this avenue.
As with skin aging, my advice will always be to start early to prevent the signs of aging. The same applies to hair restoration where management options should be initiated as soon as you start to notice a decrease in density and thinning of the hair.
Don’t forget! save 15% off your CURRENTBODY | Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device with discount code DERMREFINE
Say goodbye to bad hair days!