Hair Lasers

I have seen ads all over the newspapers on hair lasers. What is the deal on them?

When you probe what these devices actually do, you often hear either unjustified claims (which are not legal from an FDA or FCC point of view) or that “studies are being done” and naming prominent people involved in these studies (as if to justify their premature endorsements). We never hear about the final results of negative studies! Reports from prominent doctors in my community tell me that they have seen a very high disappointed group of early adopters who participate in these modalities, but then again, my community of doctors are not experts in these lasers and they may have been negative from the start, not keeping an open mind. Some doctors, on the other hand, have become enthusiastic about them, but most of their observations are based upon subjective observations. A small number of people report some gain from the lasers and some segments of the European medical community seem to be enthusiastic for its value.

I personally believe that the literature I read does suggest that there is some stimulation to the vasculature of the scalp and that this impacts hair regrowth, but if so, then the question should become “, Growth? By How Much?”. I really think we should wait for final results on hair growth with good scientific trials before the medical community endorses this modality. I am supportive, however, of all uses of this modality on an experimental basis. What concerns me is if a doctor focuses upon money-making add-ons with any less than proven value defined scientifically like questionable creams and potions (like having a large display of hair conditioners, shampoos, “scalp cleaners,” etc as a focus on their medical practice that claim to make the hair grow), then the objectivity of the doctor as a consumer advocate will be questionable when it comes to these modalities. Sorry to be such a curmudgeon, but I will have to wait until I see some convincing proof of value before endorsing such approaches for saving my patient’s hair.