Are Laser Hair Growth Caps Safe for You? Find out Here!
We understand that losing your hair can be frustrating, and finding a treatment that works can be even harder. Technology has come a long way these days and there are many incredible options to help with hair loss. However, we also understand that some of these new devices can make you feel uneasy at first.
Laser caps are effective for regrowing hair. However, the word “laser” may make you think of dangerous beams or high-tech gadgets from science fiction movies. The thought of allowing the laser to touch your scalp can feel daunting. Some of the questions you may be asking include:
- What is this device doing to my scalp?
- How can laser regrow hair?
- Are there any side effects?
- Is it even safe?
These are all normal questions, and you are not alone in asking them.
That’s why we want to walk you through what a laser hair cap is and how it can help you regrow your hair. Laser caps use something called Low-Level Laser Therapy, or LLLT for short. This is a gentle kind of light therapy that’s very different from what you have seen in surgery rooms or movies. This low-level light works by safely stimulating and waking up your hair follicles to help hair grow. There is no pain, no burning, and no negative side effects.
Read on to learn how laser caps work and why they are a safe and painless option for anyone looking to grow their hair back.
First, what is a laser hair cap?
A laser hair cap is a wearable device that helps regrow hair by stimulating hair growth. You wear it like a regular cap, though it has special lights inside. These lights are soft, low-power lasers that gently shine onto your scalp.
The light in these caps is in the red wavelength range of about 600 to 650 nm. This is why the technology is also called red light therapy. This light can reach the follicles right below the surface of the skin. However, it is not hot or strong enough to cut or burn.
So, what does the light actually do?
When you shine this low-level red light on your scalp, it wakes up the cells in your hair follicles. It's kind of like charging a battery. Think of your hair follicles like little engines. Sometimes, age, genetics, stress, or even hormones slow down the engine. The red light from the laser cap gently pushes or recharges the hair follicles so they get more energy. The increase in energy improves blood flow to your scalp, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. Healthier follicles mean healthier hair growth. The extra nutrients also strengthen the hair you already have, which helps slow down hair thinning.
Will it hurt?
Now, to answer the question most people ask about laser hair caps: Will it hurt?
The answer is NO. Laser hair caps do not hurt at all. There’s no heat, no buzzing, and no burning. Most people describe it as feeling like nothing at all. You wear the laser cap on your head like any normal cap. It’s light in weight and comfortable to use. You can keep it on your head while doing something else, like watching television or reading. The laser lights quietly do their job while you relax.
What if you have sensitive skin? People who have very sensitive skin may feel a bit of warmth, but it is often mild and goes away quickly. However, laser caps are generally safe and pain-free.
What if I use it too much?
As with most things in life, too much is not always better. Each laser cap comes with instructions. You should follow the directions and use it as recommended.
Using the cap many times will not speed up hair growth. Don’t overdo it. Just trust the process. Hair growth takes time, and consistency is more important than using the laser hair cap too often.
Is it safe for everyone?
In general, yes. Laser hair caps are safe for most users. Men and women of all ages can use it to treat conditions like androgenetic alopecia or hormonal hair loss. However, if you have medical conditions like skin cancer of the scalp, photosensitivity due to certain medications, and open wounds on the scalp, you should talk to your doctor before using a laser cap.
What about FDA clearance?
One of the best ways to know if laser hair caps are safe is if they are “FDA-cleared”. But what does this mean?
When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clears a product, it means the company has provided enough evidence to show that the product is safe and does what it claims to do. This means the hair cap has been tested and reviewed to ensure it helps with hair growth without causing any harm when used correctly.
When shopping for a hair cap, always look for one that is FDA-cleared. It’s a good sign that the company is serious about safety and quality.
What results can you expect?
Laser hair caps don’t work overnight. It takes time. Most people begin to see results within 3 to 6 months of regular use. You’ll notice less hair falling out in the shower, and your new hair will grow thicker and healthier. Keep in mind that results can vary from one person to the next. The key is consistency and patience, and you’ll certainly see results.
Why laser caps are safe for home use
If you are thinking of using laser caps, safety may be one of your biggest concerns. The good news is that laser caps are very safe, even for regular home use. In fact, many people use them while relaxing on the couch or even folding their laundry. Let’s break down why you don’t have to worry about using a laser hair cap:
1. It’s a non-invasive and gentle treatment
One of the main reasons laser hair caps are safe is that they are non-invasive. This means they don’t involve cutting or anything that goes under your skin. There are no scalpels, needles, or machines. Just wear the cap on your head, press a button, and go about your day.
You can use laser caps at home without scheduling appointments at a clinic or sitting in a waiting room. Most people use the cap while scrolling through their phone or even relaxing at home. It fits right into your routine without any hassle.
Since treatment doesn’t involve any medical procedure, you don’t have to rest afterward. There’s no downtime after using the cap. Just remove it and go right back to your day. There’s no risk of infection or healing time like other treatments, such as injections or hair transplants.
2. No harmful side effects
Laser hair caps are very well-tolerated by most people. This means you will not feel any pain or discomfort, as it feels like wearing a normal cap.
For a few people who have light sensitivity or photosensitivity, mainly due to certain illnesses or medications, hair caps can cause mild skin irritation.
3. Built-in safety for skin and eyes
Another major concern is whether laser light can damage their skin or eyes. Fortunately, the type of light used in these caps does not burn or hurt. It is very gentle on your skin and gives your scalp the right amount of light to wake up your hair follicles and help them grow.
The lasers are carefully measured to be safe for your skin. They won’t sting or burn. Your scalp absorbs the light, which helps improve blood flow and boosts the energy in your hair follicles. This regrows your hair without damaging your skin at all.
Good laser caps are also built with eye safety in mind. The laser in the cap is designed so the light goes straight to your scalp. As long as you wear it properly, you don’t have to worry.
4. Easy to use safely
Lastly, these laser caps are very easy to use. Just follow the instructions and the recommended time. Depending on the number of laser diodes, you may have to use them for around 7 to 15 minutes per session, about thrice a week. You don’t need to use the laser cap more than that. Using the cap too much won’t help your hair grow faster, so stay consistent and stick to the recommended schedule.
Every cap comes with a simple guide that tells you how to use it safely. It shows you how to position the cap, how long to wear it, and how often to use it. Follow these instructions to get the best results and stay safe.
Conclusion
Laser hair growth caps are a great alternative to many other hair regrowth options. If you’re tired of shampoos and oils and don’t want to deal with pills or creams, get a laser cap. It is not as invasive as a hair transplant and does not have the side effects that come with some medications. You can use it at home without any mess or fuss.
Hair loss can be tough. It affects how you feel about yourself, and it can be frustrating trying so many products that don’t work. Laser hair caps are non-invasive, science-backed, effective, and safe. With patience and consistency, you will notice results in a few months.