Chemotherapy and hair loss.
It is common knowledge that one is very likely to lose hair during chemotherapy. Hair follicles are very sensitive to the drugs (cytostatics) administered during chemotherapy. Hair loss is considered one of the most stressful and traumatic side effects of chemotherapy. In fact, our hair is highly important for self-esteem. 8% of women even say they do not want to undergo chemotherapy because of the risk of hair loss. Researchers at Hasselt University therefore wanted to see what addressing this hair loss did on the quality of life of female patients with breast cancer.
The researchers wanted to know if something could be done about one of the most traumatic side effects of chemotherapy. There are known treatments such as scalp cooling, but no significant positive difference has yet been shown there. The aim was to see if laser therapy made hair grow back faster, so this would improve quality of life.
The hypothesis seems to be correct. Hair came back faster in the group of women who used the laser helmet 3 times a week, for 3 months, than the group who did not have a helmet to use. What the researchers themselves were most pleased about was the increased quality of life of the participating women. The women who used the laser helmet reported better self-esteem and better quality of life than those who did not undergo laser treatment during their chemotherapy.
What is laser therapy?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that uses low levels of laser light to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth. As such, it can be used as a method of treating genetic hair loss. Research also indicates that it has a positive effect on the condition alopecia areata. Although the exact mechanism of action of LLLT is not fully understood, there are several hypotheses about how it can help with hair loss:
Improved blood circulation: laser therapy can improve blood circulation in the scalp. Laser light stimulates blood flow and promotes dilation of blood vessels, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. This can promote hair growth and improve hair quality.
Stimulation of the hair growth cycle: laser therapy can extend the growth phase of hair, while shortening the resting phase. This allows hair to grow longer before it falls out and shortens the resting phase, stimulating new hair growth.
Reduces inflammation: it can reduce inflammation in the scalp. Inflammation can contribute to hair loss. By reducing inflammation, laser therapy can potentially restore hair growth.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy can vary from person to person, and it is not always a guaranteed solution to hair loss.
- Read more about low-level laser therapy here
- Read the study here
Theradome laser helmet
The laser helmet used in the Hasselt University study was the Theradome LH80. The Hair Growth Specialist is an official seller of this laser helmet. We have therefore been endorsing the hair growth stimulating effect of this laser helmet for a long time.
The Theradome LH80 PRO is suitable for both men and women with hair problems and for different types of hair loss. The helmet is designed for different levels of hair loss. Depending on how advanced the hair loss is, the Theradome can be a standalone hair loss treatment. If it is still at an early stage, just the Theradome is sufficient. If your hair loss is advanced, additional hair growth stimulating products may be needed to help you achieve the desired results.
