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PRadiant, I had someone tell me that they purchased a laser comb and loved the results, but this person also had an immense, complicated reggie...and when you do that much stuff, it's hard to tell what works and what doesn't, you know? i never saw her hair, before or after, so I can't really give an opinion on it.

I have considered it, though. But, that's a lot of dough for something that may not work all that well.

I would like to hear more on this, hopefully someone has tried it and can share.
 
^^^ Thanks Bronzed

there are mixed reviews for the comb but very good reviews for the clinic strength hoods.

I have looked into the cost of a course of laser treatments and it runs into the thousands and this cost a few hundred.

I want to use it as a last attempt before considering surgery???
 
PositivelyRadiant said:
^^^ Thanks Bronzed

there are mixed reviews for the comb but very good reviews for the clinic strength hoods.

I have looked into the cost of a course of laser treatments and it runs into the thousands and this cost a few hundred.

I want to use it as a last attempt before considering surgery???
Click to expand...


QUestion: Is it really safe to use a laser treatment so close to your brain?
 
^^^ yep it's FDA Approved and uses Low level lasers so basically your home appliances are more of a risk to you than these diodes.
 
More Info:

Hair Loss Laser Treatments and Systems

Nowadays, there are many laser treatment systems available which have been proven to stimulate growth in approximately 70% of scalp hairs. During the treatment, the patient is made to sit in a dome-shaped setup which consists of flashing low-energy laser beams along the interior. The interior is just positioned two centimeters away from the scalp. When the light is focused on the scalp, it absorbs energy. This causes the adequate amount of blood to flow to the scalp, and also stimulates the deeper tissues. Generally, this treatment is accompanied by other hair loss remedies to achieve the best outcome.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

There is another treatment method known as the Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) which is also effective, and shows results quickly. It not only contributes to new hair growth, but also meliorates the health and condition of existing hair. It is even known to have skin repairing capabilities, which is why it is used in scalp healing after a hair transplant operation.

An Opposition to laser therapy for African American Women:

Laser light hair replacement therapy actually does not offer much help or relief to African American women because light is sensitive to complexion. Laser light has to be able to tell the difference between your skin and your hair to be able to treat you effectively. Because African American women have dark skin and dark hair, laser light therapy for hair replacement will not work for them.


In addition a point of view for hair transplant surgery for AA:

Hair Transplant Surgery

If follicles are damaged beyond repair and the traction of your hair style has been going on a very long time, hair transplant surgery may be necessary to restore your hair line or any missing patches, says Dr. Callender, who specializes in performing the surgery for African American women. “Just because you have never seen advertisements on TV or in magazines for surgical hair replacement services showing African American Women does not mean it is not for you. This surgery can restore an African American woman’s healthy hairline and self-esteem.” But, advises Dr. Callender, “it is very important to find a surgeon skilled and experienced in working with African Americans because of the different hair texture, keloid formation tendencies regarding scarring, and the different race-specific original reasons for the hair loss.”


More info will be added....
 
lizzyb168 said:
More Info:

Hair Loss Laser Treatments and Systems

Nowadays, there are many laser treatment systems available which have been proven to stimulate growth in approximately 70% of scalp hairs. During the treatment, the patient is made to sit in a dome-shaped setup which consists of flashing low-energy laser beams along the interior. The interior is just positioned two centimeters away from the scalp. When the light is focused on the scalp, it absorbs energy. This causes the adequate amount of blood to flow to the scalp, and also stimulates the deeper tissues. Generally, this treatment is accompanied by other hair loss remedies to achieve the best outcome.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

There is another treatment method known as the Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) which is also effective, and shows results quickly. It not only contributes to new hair growth, but also meliorates the health and condition of existing hair. It is even known to have skin repairing capabilities, which is why it is used in scalp healing after a hair transplant operation.

An Opposition to laser therapy for African American Women:

Laser light hair replacement therapy actually does not offer much help or relief to African American women because light is sensitive to complexion. Laser light has to be able to tell the difference between your skin and your hair to be able to treat you effectively. Because African American women have dark skin and dark hair, laser light therapy for hair replacement will not work for them.


In addition a point of view for hair transplant surgery for AA:

Hair Transplant Surgery

If follicles are damaged beyond repair and the traction of your hair style has been going on a very long time, hair transplant surgery may be necessary to restore your hair line or any missing patches, says Dr. Callender, who specializes in performing the surgery for African American women. “Just because you have never seen advertisements on TV or in magazines for surgical hair replacement services showing African American Women does not mean it is not for you. This surgery can restore an African American woman’s healthy hairline and self-esteem.” But, advises Dr. Callender, “it is very important to find a surgeon skilled and experienced in working with African Americans because of the different hair texture, keloid formation tendencies regarding scarring, and the different race-specific original reasons for the hair loss.”


More info will be added....
Click to expand...

Wow, you ladies are a mine of information. Well done.

Is it only me that finds the bolded parts of the above information dodgy?
 
^^^ This is odd bc I saw a trichologist who once gave me this very treatment but I did not understand the benefit at the time. Also if your hair is parted and twisted I am sure some benefit would be derived especially at thinning temples where there is less hair to confuse the laser.

Also if you have hair in a spot does it really matter if "the laser cannot differentiate" bc essentially you are looking to fill in balding spots.

ETA: Alternatively you could just wear a white mesh cap over your head so as not to confuse the laser.... :scratchch
 
PositivelyRadiant said:
^^^ This is odd bc I saw a trichologist who once gave me this very treatment but I did not understand the benefit at the time. Also if your hair is parted and twisted I am sure some benefit would be derived especially at thinning temples where there is less hair to confuse the laser.

Also if you have hair in a spot does it really matter if "the laser cannot differentiate" bc essentially you are looking to fill in balding spots.

ETA: Alternatively you could just wear a white mesh cap over your head so as not to confuse the laser.... :scratchch
Click to expand...

:yep:What she said. I can't believe there is no way to avoid 'confusing' the equipment and that surgery (the more expensive option) would be recommended.
 
From what i have read so far, i believe that laser therapy can be effective for AA women and shouldnt be ruled out. Definately in places where there is little hair, it would be really effective.

but if low level laser therapy can't properly differentiate between the dark hair and the dark skin, doesnt that mean that not all the laser light will be absorbed into the scalp in that particular area and the light which is hitting the dark hairs would be deflected and so the treatment would not be as effective as it should be?!
 
ajoke said:
:yep:What she said. I can't believe there is no way to avoid 'confusing' the equipment and that surgery (the more expensive option) would be recommended.
Click to expand...

Hey Ajoke, I was actually using a crude example. But when boiled down to the science, I think they are essentially saying that different frequencies of laser would be effective for different colours/ skin shades ect. So I suppose the simple solution as I stated earlier would be;

1. Don very thin flesh coloured cap
2. Get a laser machine with the correct frequency for AA skin

In any event this is why you have to use a specific type of Cathode so that the laser can effectively penetrate to the right depth of the sub-dermal layer.

lizzyb168 said:
From what i have read so far, i believe that laser therapy can be effective for AA women and shouldnt be ruled out. Definately in places where there is little hair, it would be really effective.

but if low level laser therapy can't properly differentiate between the dark hair and the dark skin, doesnt that mean that not all the laser light will be absorbed into the scalp in that particular area and the light which is hitting the dark hairs would be deflected and so the treatment would not be as effective as it should be?!
Click to expand...

I think its exactly the reverse as in that it would deflect it all, hence why there is all that chat on the men's forum about having short hair so that the laser can get through to the scalp.

Essentially I think this means that this treatment works best with a certain frequency of light hitting a certain skin tone which will absorb as opposed to deflecting the light.

As I said earlier - very thin white mesh cap, could solve that....:scratchch
 
ajoke said:
:yep:What she said. I can't believe there is no way to avoid 'confusing' the equipment and that surgery (the more expensive option) would be recommended.
Click to expand...

ETA: I also wanted to add that it's very important to look at the source of where information is coming from. For example it is clearly in the interest of a Surgeon to be very pro surgery and want to push it as opposed to considering non-surgical alternatives off the bat.
 
Hmm thats very interesting about the men's forum and the short hair.
I should have posted the links for you, but i read that part and similar explainations on private doctors websites who specialise in laser therapy.

Its a shame that there is not more information or examples regarding AA hair and these treatments. I will definately keep researching it though because i think it would be useful along with the other natural aids i am looking to use. Gotta start saving my pennies.
 
http://searchwarp.com/swa242863.htm

LOW LEVEL LASERS stimulate cell function. The effect is not thermal as in the case of surgical lasers. These non-surgical therapeutic lasers are certified Class 3A by the FDA. The energy produced by the photons of these lasers is low and does not have a thermal component that can cause injuries to users and/or operators. This low level energy does not alter molecular structures, but STIMULATES the body's mechanisms to REPAIR AND HEAL itself.

Low level (energy) laser light photons are absorbed by the chromophores within the cells. This induces increased production of cellular energy in the form of ATP, which leads to normalization of cell function, pain relief and healing. These effects are especially striking in areas of the body where cells are under stress.

The photo-energy from these low level lasers is low and remains a long way below the levels needed for ionization of the atoms and molecules of the cells. Thus no induction of cancer growth has been linked to these lasers. The risk of eye injury is almost non-existent, but goggles are recommended.

LLLT FOT HAIR LOSS (ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA)

What type of laser device would benefit patients with androgenetic alopecia? The devices being promoted must be safe for use. They must be effective to meet the manufacturer's claims. The consumer must know what he/she is buying, and the device must not expose the consumer to undo risks.

The therapeutic factors in choosing a laser are as follows:

(a) The wavelength of the light is important as it determines penetration depth in the target tissue. For example, red light at 670 nanometers penetrates greater than other lasers close to the red spectrum. Since wavelengths of 670-690 nanometers support the oxidation processes, it is believed that the 670 nanometer wavelengths show better efficacy in therapeutics than lower wavelength lasers.

(b) For hair applications, the first and most significant condition in choosing laser wavelength is depth penetration, which should be sufficient to target hair bulbs typically resting at 5-6 mm depth.

(c) Visible red light at a wavelength of 660 nanometers penetrates tissue to a depth of 8-10 mm so that the entire hair organ will be covered to a depth just beyond the hair bulb. Visible red light could theoretically be effective in the entire scalp and might include wounds, cuts, scars, folliculitis, etc.

(d) There is the question of continuous wave vs. pulsed operation of the laser. Pulsed operation has been shown to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration to a greater degree than continuous wave operation. Pulses have been shown to stimulate cellular activity. Pulses can regulate biologic rhythms or cycles. Finally, pulsed operation exhibits greater anti-inflammatory effects than the continuous mode.

The GOAL of LLLT is to increase the circulation of the blood to the follicle area and to stimulate the hair organs (nerves, muscles and growth centers of the follicle). The effects of LLLT to stimulate, enhance or speed up the normal life cycle and production cycle of the exposed hair follicles is presently being studied and will fast become the science by which this technology will be judged:

In 1996 Pontien published a Microcirculation study with the Laser Hair Care Device and showed an increase in blood flow.

In 2005 Weiss and McDaniel showed that photo modulation using visible light can alter the expression of genes associated with the stimulation of hair growth. They described it as more of a "minoxidil-like" effect.

EFFECTS OF LLLT

The physics of laser light, along with its known properties, led the way to a practical application for low energy lasers in medicine. Various studies have confirmed these properties on the living organism. Taken together, the data points to the following effects of low level laser light on the scalp:

(1) Increased scalp blood flow and microcirculation by 20-30%

(2) Increases nutrient supply to enhance hair growth

(3) Stimulates and accelerates hair growth

(4) Stops the progression of hair loss

(5) Repairs and improves hair shaft quality

(6) Reduces excess levels of skin 5 alpha reductase and DHT which contribute to genetic thinning

(7) Relieves scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, itchy/scaling scalp (anti-inflammatory properties)

(8) Normalizes sebum production (also increases production in under activity and dryness and decreases production in over activity or greasiness)

(9) Reduces tight, tender scalp

These effects also make LLLT excellent adjunct therapy for pre-operative and post-operative Hair Restoration procedures.

TREATMENT PROGRAMS

In developing treatment programs with LLLT one must first consider whether the treatment will be administered with a Class 3A laser machine, with a hand held laser device, or with both.

The larger Class 3A Laser Machine is a patented cool laser which creates a soft halo of light around the scalp. The light is delivered from multiple rotating laser positions designed to increase blood flow to the scalp. There are 30 diode lasers rotating in a half sphere around the head delivering pulsed low laser energy to the scalp. This requires twice weekly or more visits to the clinic. The use of adjunct products, including a vasodilator, is recommended. FDA approval for the use of this laser for hair loss is pending.

The hand held laser comb is a hand held wand-like instrument with laser light ports arranged across its surface like the teeth of a comb. It is used at home 3 to 4 times weekly for 10-15 minutes per use. It is easy to use and convenient for the patient, so compliance is high. FDA approval for its use for hair loss is pending. It is accepted as a medical device in Canada. This allows advertising to make therapeutic claims about the hand held laser device such as its ability to increase the strength of scalp hair in men and women, its ability to prevent scalp hair loss in men and women, and its ability to cause re-growth of scalp hair in men and women.

Studies with the hand held laser comb have reinforced these claims:

In 2003, Martin Unger showed that LLLT has been found to have biomodulating effects on human hair and hair follicles. 97% of the patients studied had some benefit in improvement of hair characteristics, stabilization of hair loss or hair re-growth (defined by Unger as an increase of hair count by 11% or more from baseline).

Santino and Markou, in 2003, studied 35 patients (28 males, 7 females) with androgenetic alopecia on the LaserMax Comb. The treatment regimen was an every other day application of the comb for 5-10 minutes for 6 months. The results showed that, all patients considered, 93.5% of patients had a hair count increase and 78.9% had an increase in hair tensile strength.

There are ongoing FDA trials for men and women with thinning hair. These individuals undergo two treatments per week with the hand held laser comb for 6 months. All of the details of the trials are not available but preliminary results show that in men, 10% had stabilization of both frontal and vertex hair loss, 84.6% had re-growth of some hair in the frontal area and 82.8% had re-growth of some hair in the vertex. In women, 100% had stabilization of hair loss in the vertex, 87.5% had stabilization of hair loss in the frontal area, 75% had re-growth of some hair in the frontal area and 96.4% had re-growth of some hair in the vertex. Thus far, no side effects or eye damage has been reported.

CANDIDATES FOR LLLT

Based upon the information thus far and the various clinical trials in progress, a potential list of candidates for LLLT for hair loss is as follows:

Men and women between the ages of 18 and 65

Thinning to moderate hair loss

Patients ineligible for hair Restoration Surgery due to early stages of hair loss

Women experiencing diffuse or general thinning including the sides and the back

Pre and Post operative hair restoration.

There are three general categories of user experience with LLLT as regards to hair loss. 45% of patients will see positive results after 8 weeks of treatment, 45% will see positive results after 10-16 weeks of treatment and 10% see improvement after 16 weeks.

Finally, to give an idea of the types of laser programs that exist, the Hair Restoration Group has three different programs. Patients choose a program based upon specific needs.

The IN-CLINIC PROGRAM consists of 46 sessions of LLLT over 12 months with three cappilliscope readings to measure hair density. The AT HOME AND IN CLINIC PROGRAM utilizes the hand held laser comb three times a week for ten minutes at home with 12 monthly LLLT sessions in the clinic. Finally, there is a POST-OPERATIVE LLLT PROGRAM consisting of 2 twenty minute sessions of LLLT per week for 8 weeks. The patients undergoing post-operative LLLT notice that healing is accelerated, scarring is minimized (especially in the donor area), graft growth is accelerated, graft appearance is improved and post-operative swelling does not occur.

Richard P. Giannotto, MD is President and Medical Director of Hair Restoration Group, PC , in McLean, Virginia. He has studied and published widely on the subject of hair loss and hair restoration, for which he is a recognized international authority.

For further information, please visit http://www.iwanthair.com.
 
Okay ladies so I got some more information from an eBay seller on the laser therapy helmet I am thinking of buying. I have contacted some laser clinics in London and they have come back with quotes of 1,500 GBP mininum 1x week upto 6,000 GBP for 3x a week.

This helmet costs 400 GBP so I "might" invest in it.... :scratchch

Anyway here is the info (my initial email is at the bottom so you need to read from the bottom up i.e. backwards):

_______________________________________________________________________________

Dear PositivelyRadiant

Hello, the laser helmet will assist your hair growth as it stimulates blood and adds energy to the red blood cells on your scalp regardless of the hair type involved. We have many sikh clients who suffer with traction Alopecia due to tieing their hair up so tight in a turban. You will have no problem growing your hair back in.
Anything else you need to know drop me a line at the clinic 0113 2553014 (Office hours)

Regards

Mr S.J Baruch
- laser.hair.growth

________________________________________
From: PositivelyRadiant
To: laser.hair.growth
Subject: Re: PositivelyRadiant has sent a question about item #170447893229, ending on 18-Jun-10 11:03:36 BST - WOW, 104 Lasers, Forget the Laser Comb, 6 Mins Per Week
Sent Date: 31-May-10 16:10:43 BST


Dear laser.hair.growth,

Hi there thanks for your email.

I just however want to check that this laser device is appropriate/ recommended for use with Afro hair. I lost some hair at my edges and temples from the use of braided extentions and sew in hair extensions (otherwise known as weaves). I do not plan to use Minixidil bc I would not like to be life-long dependent on it and I am at that age where I would like to start having children soon so am adverse to using chemicals of this sort. I am however planning to use other follicular stimulants along with the helmet.

I am interested in this product and would like to buy one if its appropriate for treating my problem.

Best Regards
- PositivelyRadiant

________________________________________
From: laser.hair.growth
To: PositivelyRadiant
Subject: Re: PositivelyRadiant has sent a question about item #170447893229, ending on 18-Jun-10 11:03:36 BST - WOW, 104 Lasers, Forget the Laser Comb, 6 Mins Per Week
Sent Date: 31-May-10 13:06:27 BST


Dear PositivelyRadiant,

Hello, thank you for your email. We assist many male & female with traction alopecia. The lasers stimulate blood to allow the hair to grow. we would advise you to use 2% minoxidil also on the affected areas to assist the growth. The CIV-104 houses 104 individual laser diodes which is very powerful for a home unit. It also massages the scalp during the process to stimulate the blood flow. As a hair loss clinic in Yorkshire we ask you to keep our company informed on your progress by mailing photographs from the beginning to the end of your treatment. Which hair extensions did you have fitted to cause this damage?
I hope this assists you,

Kind Regards

S.J Baruch
- laser.hair.growth

________________________________________
From: PositivelyRadiant
To: laser.hair.growth
Subject: PositivelyRadiant has sent a question about item #170447893229, ending on 18-Jun-10 11:03:36 BST - WOW, 104 Lasers, Forget the Laser Comb, 6 Mins Per Week
Sent Date: 31-May-10 00:43:18 BST


Dear laser.hair.growth,

Hi there I have two questions:

1. I have traction alopecia from some badly installed extensions. Can this laser helmet be used to treat traction alopecia?

2. I am also of African descent and I am about the same colour as Naomi Campbell. Are the lasers/ diodes in the helmet appropriate for assisting in Afro hair growth. (I read somewhere that some machines may not be).

Btw I am also finding out this info on behalf of some buddies on a black online forum so any help you can offer us would be really appreciated.

Best Regards
- PositivelyRadiant
 
Great work, PRadiant. I might invest in one of these. How much, again? (about $1000 usd) Are you leaning towards this purchase?

The salesrep sounded very confident that this would work. I like that.
 
Hmm this is very interesting. I seen it already while i was researching but wasnt sure. If you're going to buy it i would love you to post a review. I am quite sure that i will be using some type of laser treatment in the next six months and this might be exactly what i need.

Good Work!
 
^^^ Hey Lizzie he also has a comb which is about 80 quid GBP but I think given the area of loss you have I think the helmet would prob be more useful.
 
Have u guys tried Colloidal Silver? I have read online where people have sprayed it on their scalp and taken it orally with great results. I want to try it.
 
^^^ Hey Sade please let us know how that goes.

I try to avoid heavy metals for health reasons.

p.s. I was not aware that you had hair loss issues???
 
PositivelyRadiant said:
^^^ Hey Sade please let us know how that goes.

I try to avoid heavy metals for health reasons.

p.s. I was not aware that you had hair loss issues???
Click to expand...

Yes I have been diagnosed with Cicatricial Alopecia (scarring alopecia). Its in the crown about the size of my palm.

I REALLY want to BC and wear a TWA but the hole is so obvious so I keep it long (CBL). One of the downfalls :-(

Wearing sew-ins don't help, it hides the problem for me. Luckily the surrounding hair keeps growing and I have not experienced any breakage from the weaves.
 
That Colloidal Silver sounds dangerous! It says thats its a natural antibiotic, but there has to be some side effects to putting metal in the body.
 
Ladies,

I am back from my appointment with the dermatologist. Here in Dallas, we only have a couple of choices for derms that treat black skin/hair. We have one black derm named Dr Blackburn that I went to once but never got to see him, I was passed off to one of his flunkies. Excuse me, but when you go to a doctor for the first time, I think it is imperative that you see the doctor, not another associate or PA.

So, I went to see Dr Desai at the Center For Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology. He was a very pleasant fellow. I gave him some of my history: no relaxers in 11 months, uses all organic shampoos and conditioners, no heat, basically wearing wigs and half wigs, no redness, itching. He checked my scalp and stated that I do have some thinness and it is attributed to something called "central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia" He stated that this is scarring of the scalp that is due to excess heating or using of chemicals. He stated that he sees this alot with African American women. He stated that I need to take Biotin (super dosage) and he gave me a rx for a steroid foam that I am to use every other day. I am to return in two months. He did say that I am not to use any chemicals in my hair but I could go back to wearing my wigs and half wigs. I asked him if my hair would thicken up. He said he is hoping that it would and that he has seen cases a lot worse than mine. He did have his assistant draw my blood to make sure that there are no other health issues going on. He said if there are no other health issues going on, he doesn't see why my hair shouldn't thicken up by using the foam and biotin.

All in all, I liked him. He answered my questions, was pleasant and friendly. So, I have to get my rx filled and go get some biotin (though I might have some at home but I have to check) and I will go back on 8/3 for a check-up.
 
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