Minoxidil As a Hair Loss Treatment

Minoxidil is a commonly used hair loss medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in the form of foams or topical solutions, it's also known as also known as Rogaine or Regaine.  In Australia its' commonly known as Regaine.  It's available in varying strengths of 2% & 5%.  The latter is generally accepted to be the most effective for treating hair loss and hair thinning in women. 

Minoxidil as a hair loss treatment has been found most effective in cases of either visible hair loss or escalating hair thinning caused by female and male pattern baldness. Results from this treatment can take as long as four months to emerge, but continuous use has especially proven effective for men under the age of 40—as many as 40% of whom experience notable regrowth—and individuals who have experienced hair loss for less than five years.

Low-Level Laser Therapy For Hair Regrowth

Photo Bio-stimulation, or, Low-level laser light therapy (LLLT for short) is a FDA-cleared hair regrowth treatment.  It uses, as the name suggests, low-level laser light energy to stimulate your hair follicles by increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Research  into this treatment suggest as much as a 39% hair regrowth in just 19 weeks of treatment.  A remarkable result!  The success of the lasers are in part due to the easy to use nature of laser devices.  The therapeutic devices work to both reverse and restore natural hair growth cycles. Devices that are popular for the application of low-level laser treatments include:

Laser Caps, Hats, & Laser Bands

Laser Caps (or hats) like the PowerFlex 202 Laser cap offer an even coverage of densely-spaced laser diodes that provide full-head treatments for generalised hair loss. Treatment periods should last between 15-30 minutes and should be implemented as often as three times a week.

Alternatively, laser bands like the 82 ComfortFlex offer many of the same benefits and can be moved to the front, back or middle of the scalp for more specific coverage.  The treatment time of the Laserband 82 is significantly quicker, being only 90 seconds for the top and sides of the head thanks to it's revolutionary brush like teeth that separate the hair so the laser light can easily penetrate the scalp.  In only 90 seconds, three days a week you a proven hair loss treatment.

Laser Combs

Laser combs, have been popular for many years due to their effectiveness and price point.  In as little as 8 minutes a day, three days a week, LaserCombs provide the benefits of laser hair therapy with the convenience of shorter sessions that can easily be incorporated into brushing routines. The Laser Comb is shaped like brush, which, just like a brush separates the hair giving clear visibility of the laser light to stimulate the scalp and hair follicles.  Given its size, light weight, and ease-of-use, localised thinning areas can benefit from the targeted coverage of the Hairmax® laser comb. This device is available in 12 medical grade lasers.

Partners in Hair Regrowth:  Minoxidil and Laser Hair Therapy

As stand alone hair loss treatments, Minoxidil and laser hair therapy are known for the proven benefits they give to thinning hair for hair repair and regrowth.  Recent studies have also suggested that the two could prove even more effective when used in tandem. Minoxidil, in particular, has proven most effective when used as part of a collaborative approach to hair growth, pairing with another common hair growth medication in Finasteride.

Recent studies have drawn undeniable links between the use of Minoxidil alongside low-level laser therapies. A 2017 study that considered the impact of using the two in combination for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) that showed a significant increase of growing hair follicles in just two months for a combination test group.  Those who only received one treatment at a time took twice as long, four months, for similar kind of results as those who used both hair loss treatments.  In other words, combination treatments may well be more efficacious.

This study isn’t the only study that shows similar results. Further studies into the topic show equally promising results. A 2018 study that explored the impact of combination treatments across both male and female participants revealed similar results, with recovery percentages and overall satisfaction much higher among individuals who received both treatments. While studies are ongoing, hypotheses highlight the possibility of such results potentially due to laser-induced increase in blood flow to the scalp that, when paired with the capillary-expanding benefits of Minoxidil, may be strengthening the scalp’s entire vascular system.

Dual Hair Loss Treatment Approach: Minoxidil and Low-Level Laser Therapy

When combining any course of treatment, it’s essential that you tread carefully to ensure the best possible pairing for both, safety and effective results. For Minoxidil usage, it is best to consult a medical doctor first. When it comes to combining Minoxidil and low-level laser therapy, a few points to consider are:

• The severity of your hair loss/thinning
• The devices available to you
• The length of time you’ll need to dedicate to treatment
• Your time frame before seeking further treatment (Minoxidil isn’t recommended past several months without results)

Add HairMax ^®  Hair Loss Treatments to your Regimen

Even with the benefits of combining treatments being clear, as mentioned above, it is recommended to consult a physician regarding Minoxidil usage. When it comes to laser devices for hair regrowth, we have you covered. In addition to our 20 years of experience in the hair regrowth industry, we have an expansive selection of laser hair therapy devices.