Laser Comb and Other Laser Hair Loss Treatments

by Y on September 18, 2007

Laser Comb and Other Laser Hair Loss TreatmentsI was asked yesterday what my thoughts were on the lasercomb and other various laser hair loss treatments currently available. Admittedly, I’m not incredibly knowledgeable about them, rather I just have a personal opinion. This is what I wrote in response:

“As far as the Lasercomb, I haven’t tried it. Any hair loss treatment (no matter what it is) can cause what they call the “dread shed,” which is excessive shedding for a couple months before you see improvement. Truth be told, I can’t afford to shed anymore hair than I already am. Since I personally don’t think very much of the laser treatments, it’s really not worth it to me. I think that there would be women screaming from the mountain tops “I got my hair back, look at my pictures” if it were really all it was hyped up to be. Hair loss treatment is always a very personal choice, but for me I wasn’t willing to try the lasercomb.”

Like I mentioned this is just my opinion. I would love to hear other women’s experiences with laser hair loss treatments, whether it was the Hairmax Laser Comb, the Laser Hair Brush by Sunetics etc.

What concerns me more than the hefty price tag these treatments have, (ripping off vulnerable women is always a concern) is that I would hate for any woman to experience ill effects from it. Proponents of the laser hair loss treatments will inevitably say that the shedding caused by the laser treatment would be an indication that the treatment is working. They might go on to explain that this means the laser is exerting it’s effect on the hair follicles which in time will prove to be positive. Maybe. Maybe not. After all there are tons of medications that cause hair loss and shedding that certainly are not having a positive effect on your hair.

We all must form our own opinions based on the very limited information out there about the laser hair loss treatments. If it helps women I would definitely like to know and be able to share that with the other women visiting this site. But for now my thoughts remain unchanged.

{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }

Jazmine September 18, 2007 at 2:13 pm

My dad bought the $600 lasercomb and he didn’t see any results from it. That is the only personal experience I have with the product.

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julie September 20, 2007 at 9:00 am

Hi all!

I actually own the Sunetics Laser Comb and can tell you a little bit about it…

I did a search on the US PATENT and FDA website and found that HairMax Laser hair brush is the ONLY laser comb FDA approved to regrow hair. There’s much to understand of this technology as it claims to stimulate the follicles and the living cells around the root, thus breeding new grounds for a healthy strand to emerge. The comb alleges it may increase blood circulation thereby minimizing the DHT (di-hydro-testosterone) and the miniaturizing of hair follicles. It’s a safe, non-invasive solution that would not hurt or exacerbate your hair loss. I’ve been using it and noticed a few (baby hairs) sprouts, but I also haven’t been keeping up with it regularly.

It also stimulates mollecular activity, or the “energy currency of life,” chemically known as Adenosine TriPhosphate (ATP) ATP is an energy carrying molecure found in all living cells. Imagine, you eat something and it begins the breakdown process, ATP captures the chemical energy from the food and releases it to fuel other cellular processes. All your cells have many tasks which is why a healthy diet is so important to hair loss patients. Most doctorate programs only require 2 nutrition classes to complete their studies, which is why most doctors do not ask you pointed questions about your health. Some may simply prescribe something and not thoroughly review your diet and lifestyle. Every cell that made you requires chemical energy for three types of tasks: to drive, transport and absorb.

You can read more about ATP, DHT and Laser Hair combs through viable sources such as the patent and FDA websites. Try to breakdown these key words when understanding your hair loss. Learn the phases you are going through and try to pay close attention to your diet. You must have a balanced diet to achieve a healthy life. I would consider scheduling an appointment with a nutritionalist as well as your dermatologist when talking about hair loss. Most of our illnesses comes from an unbalanced diet. Food is our fuel, energy source and the chemical energy we absorb from it fights just about every little bug to all the big bugs. If you have to make those changes, its the safest and healthiest choice for you that will only deliver positive results.

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admin September 20, 2007 at 10:22 am

My confusion is that the Hairmax lasercomb isn’t “approved” it is actually FDA “cleared.” It has 510 (k) clearance. From what I’ve been reading on the internet it seems that type of “clearance” is easier to get. Does the FDA actually say it “regrows hair” ? I think 510(k) clearance means that they only proved that the product was “substantially equivalent” to an existing product already on the market, and was not harmful to people. The whole thing is very confusing. I actually emailed the FDA after I wrote this post about the lasercomb and asked them directly these questions, but I haven’t heard back from them yet. I might have to try calling them. I also have heard from doctors who actually offer the lasercomb and laser hood in their office that it is a very real possibility that men and women may experience increased shedding before seeing improvement. That scares the daylights out of me.

Here is the Hairmax Lasercomb FDA Information on the FDA.GOV Site

From the FDA Site:

Except for certain low risk devices, each manufacturer who wishes to introduce a new medical device to the market must submit a premarket notification to FDA. FDA reviews these notifications to determine if the new device is “substantially equivalent” to a device that was marketed prior to passage of the Amendments (i.e., a “pre-amendments device”). If the new device is deemed substantially equivalent to a pre-amendments device, it may be marketed immediately and is regulated in the same regulatory class as the pre-amendments device to which it is equivalent. (The premarket notification requirement for new devices and devices that are significant modifications of already marketed devices is set forth in section 510(k) of the Act. Devices determined by FDA to be “substantially equivalent” are often referred to as “510(k) devices”. If the new device is deemed not to be substantially equivalent to a pre-amendments device, it must undergo clinical testing and premarket approval before it can be marketed unless it is reclassified into a lower regulatory class.

Still confused.

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Jazmine September 20, 2007 at 11:10 am
julie September 20, 2007 at 12:31 pm

You know, I got responses back from the FDA rather quickly, as I’m sure you will as well. I spoke to a journalist for the NATIONAL HAIR JOURNAL and she also confirmed that the only laser hair comb on the market that is FDA “approved” is HairMax. Their claims to “regrow” hair may be extreme, just like shampoo ads that promise thicker, fuller, hair! I think what it does do well is “stimulate” the cells into the ATP phase and the result “may” or “may not” include hair regrowth. They must be very choosy of their wording as they may not have such a grant from FDA, approved. More importantly, when those two slogans combine in advertisement, its merely a subliminal message not a proven fact. There will always be a temporary solution to a permanent problem. I experienced a little bit of shedding at first as well, but also noticed it was disposing the “bad, miniaturized root” strands, making way for new strands to come in. Of course, there will always be those pesky legal terms and conditions to everything. What they don’t know is that we’ve become skilled in reading the fine print.

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admin September 20, 2007 at 12:44 pm

I’m glad to hear you are seeing some positive response, I do think it is really important that you believe in the product you are trying once you have committed to using it for treatment. I can’t even try it because of the possibility of shedding, I don’t have enough hair to go through any more of a shed than I already am. I’ve already experienced shedding from the use of rogaine, propecia ( got no results from either) and also from when I started Aldactone. I started aldactone about 8 years and had the shed and then it subsided. So I’m aware that is just the way it goes with starting any treatment, but I can’t do it. I wrote on “elle’s” thread that I’m tired. I’m tired of treating my hair. I’m struck on medications that no longer work and I’m afraid to get off because the reality is a could triple or quadruple the amount of shedding I have today. I want to work on my mind, treat my soul. My hair is gonna be what it is gonna be, I’ve honestly tried and fought tooth and nail trying the approved products, so I’m taking a pass on the Hairmax lasercomb, but I would like to hear how it works for you and from anyone else as well.

-Y.

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jeni - savvy skin September 20, 2007 at 8:28 pm

The reason I was thinking of trying laser treatments is that I read it can possibly stop as much hair from shedding, and that is my main problem – too much hair in the resting phase – at least according to the Dermatologists and Trichologists I’ve been to. Honestly I would be surprised if the treatments could grow hair, but I want to research more whether people have seen good results with less hair falling out. An Esthetician I know has seen good results on clients that have done the laser therapy, which is why that information was enough for me to want to work at a place that does it, to see results first hand. I am also afraid of the dread shed, but may be willing to try it. I also don’t want to waste my money because I doubt the lasercomb does much, but even if it did something it would be worth it.

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admin September 21, 2007 at 7:08 am

Hi Jeni Welcome to the site! I understand you wanting to try the lasercomb for your hair loss treatment and I think it is a great idea. I haven’t really heard anything negative about it side effect wise, other than the increased shedding that can happen at the beginning, but that might happen with any treatment. In my opinion the verdict really is still out on lasercomb and how well it actually help reverse hair loss and the miniaturization process. You actually know of a person who has had good results from it so that is really telling, that’s a point on the side of lasercomb, but I’m also skeptical of people who say it works and do so because they themselves are selling the service or product. Having said that, Julie is using the Sunetics laserbrush and has seem some favorable results from it. Will the esthetician actually let you talk to the clients that have benefited from the treatment?

And you are very right, if it does something, anything… it would be worth the price tag and the time commitment.

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julie September 21, 2007 at 8:48 am

but I’m also skeptical of people who say it works and do so because they themselves are selling the service or product—

I’ve had the same skepticism with just about everyone that sells anything that has to do with hair. I never kept receipts, but I nearly spent half my paychecks for years on solutions that over-promised and under-delivered. I have since stopped using the laser brush because I think the last time I used it, I had to take out a lot of hair from it and that scared me. I look at the root and there’s nothing at the tip! Some hairs are thicker than others on my scalp…it’s weird.

There are so many people out there that just want to sell you something you don’t need…they prey on your vulnerability and in turn we empty our pockets to empty promises…I have fought tooth and nail, FOR HAIR! I understand the skepticism, I feel as if no one person in that industry is sincere. One day, I’ll make enough money to open my own shop where women can stop in…I think once they know I wear a wig, they’d have someone to relate to…

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julie September 21, 2007 at 11:19 am

As with anything you purchase, always research it…we never know what our bodies will do after we use something, whether its our skin, foods, or treatments and medication. That is why I always promote seeing an allergist in addition to the regular doctors you see for your problems. You wouldn’t just see a specialist because there are so many factors that lead up to illness, its never just one thing. Always take precaution…don’t trust anyone but your gut. A lot of people out there will try to make money off your vulnerability, not knowing that as women we come to these people after seeing dozens of others in many fields from different experiences…just be careful. Be strong and confident about the decisions you make, look out for what’s most important, your health and well-being.

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Kat October 20, 2007 at 1:31 pm

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to comment on the Hairmax Laser Comb. I purchased the laser comb prior to the so-called “FDA approval.” After trying it for 60 days, I didn’t really notice any results so I decided to return it.

Honestly, I almost gave up on the whole laser treatment idea–that is until I saw a fox news story about laser hair therapy here in Los Angeles. I contacted the company and they referred me to a clinic close by that purchased the same machine featured from them. In short, I consulted with the clinic and signed up for the laser treatment and have been going to the clinic for my 20 minute, 2-3 times a week treatment for close to 5 months now . I have noticed a change in my hair’s health. It is not as dry and brittle as before, much more manageable. I also noticed the shedding has slightly decreased. The clinic claims that one would normally see results within 6-12 months or earlier depending on the individual. I’m not really sure if it’s working since I have yet to see any results with regard to hair growth. But I’m very hopeful.

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Rosalinda October 26, 2007 at 2:09 pm

I just bought the laser comb. I took some pictures of my scalp and I plan to take some more 2 months from now. I’ll let you all know how it goes. The comb was costly, but if it even stops massive amounts of hair from falling out, I will be a very happy customer. My hair has been falling out since I was 17 years old and at age 22, I feel like I have no hair left. Thanks for the support of this website. It is so wonderful to read all the encouraging letters and advice.

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admin October 28, 2007 at 9:31 am

Hi Rosalinda – There are some women who do feel that the Laser Comb has helped them and others that found no benefit, but you don’t know unless you try. I would have tried it myself had it been early on enough in my hair loss where I felt I could withstand any potential initial shedding that it may or may not cause.

Thank YOU for being a part of the site and a sharing a little of your own hair loss story. I know how much it helps for other women to read the different stories and comments of other women, because I’ve received a lot of emails about it. You sharing is helping another women. So thank you.

Please keep us updated with your lasercomb treatment. Taking pictures was a great idea and will help you document your treatment progress.

~Y

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jeni November 13, 2007 at 2:28 am

Paula Begoun just put out a newsletter with info about the Lasercomb: http://www.cosmeticscop.com/bulletin/110807-full.htm . The report was inconclusive, so it’s not exactly enlightening. It sounds like the laser isn’t really that powerful, so if lasers do work, having them done at a medical spa or clinic that does laser hair restoration could be more promising (but then you’d have to pay for ongoing treatments).

I have read better reports about other laser combs that are supposedly stronger than the lasercomb.

I forget if I mentioned the reason I am so curious about lasers is because of the laser hair removal treatments I’ve had (which is ironic I know)! Even though that type of laser is really strong, and is intended to disable the hair follicle, I swear it’s caused hairs next to the treated areas to grow! This is somewhat common, from what I have read. In rare instances, people that get laser hair removal actually have the opposite effect, where it causes an excess of hair to grow in the treated areas.

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Tiffany February 10, 2008 at 2:44 am

I am thinking of going and getting laser treatment in a couple of weeks. Where you go to a salon and sit underneath a laser that is like a dryer at the salon. Does anyone have any information on this? Has anyone else had this done? I believe they said I would go 15-20 min 3 times a week for a while. Any info would be greatly apprecaited. Thanks much!

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Shanlaree February 10, 2008 at 4:25 am

Hi Tiffany,

I have done something from hairclub which I felt was a scam – long story. This sounds much better. If it works please let us know. What salon, what location or state is this in. Would be fun to know for others to try ot look into it.

Thanks

ShanLaree

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Tiffany February 11, 2008 at 12:09 am

Hi ShanLaree
I will let you know for sure! 🙂 It is in Madison, WI If anyone else has had success or has found it hasn’t worked please let me know. Thanks much!

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Shanlaree February 11, 2008 at 6:15 pm

Hi Tiffany,

Go with your instinct. I didn’t go with mine because I was pressured to make a choice and did not think about it. I think different people and different locations can prove to have varied results.

Best wishes.

Shanlaree

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Cindy April 21, 2008 at 4:34 pm

Hi girls,
I just thought I’d share my story re: trying to regrow my hair. Since I was about 20 years old (I’m almost 50 years old now), my hair has gradually thinned & thinned to the point where my scalp is easily visible. I tried Rogaine for years, which just made my scalp itchy but MAY have grown slightly thicker individual hairs. I then combined the use of Rogaine with Propecia for years. I noticed a definite improvement for a couple of years, but later, it stopped working. For fear of losing even more hair if I went off the regimen of Rogaine/Propecia, I stayed on it for about 6 years. Then, at age 45, I found out I had breast cancer. Everything changed quickly. I stopped using all hair-loss products and, much to my surprise, my hair loss did not get worse (it didn’t get better either, but at least it didn’t get worse). It’s been 3 years since my breast cancer was found & I have decided to try using the Lasercomb as it doesn’t involve the use of chemicals/drugs. So far, I have not seen a difference, but it’s only been 2 months. Admittedly, I am somewhat skeptical as I also believe that if it truly worked, you’d be hearing about it EVERYWHERE. However, will let you know. This is such an important topic for many, many women.

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Tiffany May 12, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Hi Cindy
Just wondering how the lasercomb has been for you? I am still wondering if I should do it.

Thanks for any info you have!

Tiffany

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Don May 18, 2008 at 8:09 pm

I have been using the Hairmax lasercomb for months and I can tell you absolutely no shedding. I use rogaine foam/just had a hair transplant 4 months ago-growth coming in. Anyway I also take a gnc ultra nourish hair vitamin 2x a day-shampoo with nioxin and use scalp therapy or biolage for conditioning. i also eat healthy-so hey that is my thing

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Eva May 23, 2008 at 8:37 am

Hi there,
I bought the hairmax 2 months ago and been using it since. Is difficult to tell how many hairs you are losing somedays you can see more some days less.
The reality is when I was 24 my hair was like Slash seriously too much hair. I still have hair but I would say that today my hair is Natalie Portman, I am 32 know.
Well I think I look more elegant, but I dont want to be BALD, like my grandmother.
Well I stopped smoking and eat healthy and last september I started what I call my science project.
Every time I wash my hair I count the hair that fall on the washbasin, only those. I wash my hair 3 times a week.
The experiment has to have the same conditions always.
here are the numbers
First 5 weeks 300 hairs ( no treatment at all)
following 8 weeks 277 hairs(chinese herbs)
last 5 weeks 252 hairs( hairmaxx lasecomb )
I have noticed that my hair is less greasy and more shiny. My scalp also stopped itching.
Overall I am happy I do not see major changes but at least the combing process is relaxing.

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Hair Positive July 17, 2008 at 10:34 am

I’ve seen many variations of the laser comb on ebay. Has anyone purchased one? They have more lasers than the laser comb. Actually, they are hands-free devices.

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Vivian October 24, 2008 at 1:05 am

I’ve been using the 9 beam Hairmax laser comb for 1 month and I can’t say it’s has done anyting yet but I’ll write monthly posts.

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Jenny January 10, 2009 at 11:35 pm

Hello! I am 27 and have been losing my hair gradually since I was 16. Hair loss runs in my family, so I figured it was hereditary. I have had blood tests done, and I am slightly low in iron, but all else is normal. I also have been on birth control pills for about 9 yrs. I just got off the pill 2 months ago after reading about the links to hair loss. My hair loss has dramatically increased for the last 2 yrs 🙁 I was so desperate for a cure that I spent $3,500 on the Luce Laser treatment. I had no idea it would make my hair loss worse! My hair has never shed so much at once and I really didnt have any to spare! I was supposed to go 37 times throughout the yr, but I went for 3 months and had to stop due to the excessive hair loss! HUGE and expensive mistake, I wish I never tried the laser therapy. I don’t know what to do from here. I was working as a model, but its getting really hard to hide my scalp from showing- this is so devastating 🙁 I have tried hair supplements, but I haven’t found anything that has helped. Thanks for everyones input on here I am hoping to find an answer!

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Karen January 31, 2009 at 1:56 pm

I have been using the laser comb since November and taking Provillus since September 2008 and I have hundreds of new hairs growing out of my head. It really does work. Initially I was prescribed Aldactone/Diane 32 by a specialist at the age of 26. Although at the beginning of taking this medication I experienced some minor growth and it slowed down my thinning hairloss, the Aldactone increased or led to extreme anxiety and the Diane 32 led to weight gain. After nearly 2 years I stopped taking these medications because the anxiety it caused was so devastating that I made a decision to stop taking the Aldactone because although my hairloss has made me feel so depressed and greatly affected my confidence I decided that I couldn’t live with the anxiety that the Aldactone was causing or exacerbating even though it was my only hope. As the Diane 32 was prescribed to be used in conjunction with the Aldactone I also stopped taking it and honestly I was fed up with taking medications and trying other medications in conjunction with these and not having any real results.

After I stopped taking these medications I again continued my search online trying to find something that actually works even though it seemed to be a losing battle and that’s when I found a survey that had been done in America listing the top 5 hairloss treatments. The first one was Provillus, FDA approved and all natural ingredients so I sent away for it and started taking it. In one month I noticed little hairs coming through on the lower parts of my scalp where I have not really experienced hairloss but over time I started to see the little fighters coming through on the higher part of my scalp and finally in the worst thinning areas of my scalp on top and at the back on the crown.

I also discovered another treatment online called Follicular Unit Extraction so I went to a clinic that specialises in this treatment where they take your own hair and transplant it into your scalp so it naturally grows out of your own scalp. The doctor first asked me to try the lasercomb which I had seen advertised on TV and medication that was similar to the Provillus medication I had been taking. At first I felt really let down because I thought it was a new procedure that would correct my thinning hair once and for all and instead he wanted me to try some more medication and some new gadget that I thought wouldn’t work and felt frustrated in even having to try it but I of course did try it because he said before you can become a candidate for the FUE treatment you need to get your hair as healthy as possible and we need to know that you have tried everything else before you go to this extreme which I understood and after an hour or two I started to feel like he really did care and wasn’t just trying to fob me off with some crap so I started using it with the medication.

I was really reluctant to stop taking Provillus so now alternate between both medications but first I took the new medication for a month and the results I have been receiving are really amazing! I would recommend taking Provillus and using the lasercomb. The other medication that is also really similar to the Provillus medication is called Scripts, which is a company formed by a group of doctors in America specialising in hairloss. There are other parts to the treatment including shampoo, conditioner, minoxidil (which I do not use because of what I’ve read about it/I’m also anti-rogaine type medications and would never use it because of what I’ve read in online blogs) and a scalp therapy which washes the oil away from your scalp that also increases hairloss because it has the hormone in it or something. I tried all the products but for the last two months I have only been taking the tablets and using the comb which really has given me amazing results and I recommend that everyone should try it because it has helped me so much and the greatest thing of all is that there aren’t any negative side effects.

This is the first blog I have written and I really hope it encourages even one person to try the lasercomb and the natural medication because I promise you it works and I’m noticing that the longer I’ve spent taking it (now it is almost the end of January 2009) that my own hair is getting thicker, healthier and the thinner areas are filling in more and more.

I am now 28 years old and I am so happy with the results that I can now honestly say that now when I look into the future I’m not scared and frightened of what it’s going to be like and I can focus my energies on the other more important things in my life!

I am also female…thank-you for reading!

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Stacie February 1, 2009 at 4:05 pm

Karen –
I am the same age as you and have been losing my hair for over half a year now and am really beginning to notice it. I’m running out of possible explanations. I just read your post and it really does give me hope. It’s nice hearing success stories. I’m curious if the lasercomb you’re using is the Hairmax one.

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N February 1, 2009 at 7:55 pm

Karen,

Do you use the Provillus potion (which I think has minoxidil in it), or just take the supplements that they advertise? I, too, have seen that, but am leery of beginning any type of minoxidil treatment until after I have kids (so I don’t have to start and stop).

Thanks!

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jvra February 23, 2009 at 10:37 pm

Hi Karen I was wondering where you bought the laser comb?? Just like Stacie I am around your age and started losing my hair 1 yr and a half ago. I really need to start using something to regain confidence

Thanks
Jvra

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Marina Hope May 30, 2009 at 12:50 pm

Hi ,
I purchesed the Hairmax Lazer comb 3weeks ago.I am 36 and have had thinning hair since i was 19years old. i have tried everything and have had all tests done and just told maybe stress.
Hairloss has ruined my confidence all these years with dating and sociolising
I am really hoping the Lazer comb works .
I will keep you all updated.
This is a great forum i have enjoyed reading women with a same problem.
Marina

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debbie August 2, 2009 at 3:32 pm

I am 44 yrs old and have traction alopecia for approx 20 yrs, for those who don’t know what it is it’s basically pulling of the hair. I am mixed race with afro caribbean hair, from far back as I remember I was combing knots out of my hair and pulling my hair back. When I got older I started having my hair plaited. The sides of my head is basically bald and I cannot do much with my hair at all, I am depressed and I know my hair will never return. I have wondered about the laser treatment but to be honest I think it is time to give up, as a woman it seems un natural and my mistake from pulling will have to live with me for the rest of my life. The worst part is I have to constantly relax my hair as there is nothing else I can do with my hair, so I am still abusing my hair. It is good but sad to see so many women in the same boat, who knows one day the cure may happen but until then I think I may be looking at getting a transplant.

Debbie

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MB January 7, 2010 at 5:23 pm

Hi,

I am hoping to get some updates from people who have started with the laser comb and who may have tried women’s rogaine.

I noticed some considerable thinning of my hair in the last 6 months, but no obvious shedding. I went to my dermatologist who said that it was likely FPHL and that there is little to do for it, but that I might try the rogaine and the hairmax laser comb. I used the rogaine for about 2 1/2 weeks and the comb 3 times total and my hair is now raining out at such a pace that i went from concerned and thin to hysterical and looking bald. My hair is thinning all over, but more and faster at top and high back, where I can no longer hide my scalp.

I’ve stopped using all the products and I ran screaming back to derm and my primary doc, who’ve now ordered bloodwork. I’m waiting to hear whether my hormones are out of whack or my iron levels are low… My thyroid is normal.

My questions:
for people who experienced hair shed from rogaine or hairmax laser: did any of the hair ever grow back?

Did you continue to use the products and then the hair grew back?

Or did you abandon the products and then hair filled in some?

Any updates, info, suggestions would be welcome… and THANK YOU!!

MB

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pt March 7, 2010 at 7:55 am

I was going to wait a little later to post, but decided I should go ahead and do it now b/c of some of my results. I’m 30 y.o. and my hair loss started about 5 years ago and has been diffuse and gradual with increased loss at the front (hairline) and sides (temples). I used to have really thick, full hair, but now it is about half its volume and my scalp is visible through the hair at the front.

I’ve been using the laser comb for about 3-4 weeks and this is what i’ve experienced:

– initial slight increase in shedding in first 1-2 weeks (different from my normal shedding as much hair was falling throughout the day, not just after my shower; hair shed was longer and relatively healthy looking along with the miniaturized ones)

– some hair appears thicker (not kinky; although I still have quite a few kinky hairs still); noticed that the ends of my hair are thicker (as opposed to miniaturized-looking ends)

– overall hair appears healthier (darker, like my natural colour; shiny)

– appearance of some white hair (don’t know if this is a good thing or bad thing yet)

– overall shedding has decreased in last 2 weeks (about 60 hairs after shower to 30-40)

– noticed some areas of my hair are still showing progressive hair loss (i.e., lower temples), but some are showing new hair growth (i.e., upper temples)

– no difference in overall thickness yet; none of my friends/family have noticed any changes;

I should also note that I’m a lacto-ovo vegetarian. I use nizoral shampoo about 2X/week, biotin shampoo/conditioner w/no chemicals (2X/week) and drink soy protein shakes every other day (which I think has slowed down my shedding, used to be about 80-100 hair shed). I was very hesitant to use rogaine, spiro or other typical interventions due to the side effects and uncertainty of short-term and long-term results. I looked at the research behind the laser comb prior to purchasing it and while somewhat skeptical, I am hopeful. It is my last resort before trying one of the chemical/surgical interventions. I don’t know if the laser comb will return my hair to its previous condition, but if it slows my hair loss progression and reverse it to the point that my hair looks normal, it will be worth it.

Some important points:
– the research suggests that not everyone experiences results with the laser comb
– research also suggests that most of the improvements seen are slight
– there is no long-term data about whether any “improvements” are sustained over time

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JP April 21, 2010 at 7:40 pm

pt, which laser comb do you use?

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mali October 31, 2010 at 11:15 am

Hi,

I wanna buy a lasercomb for my GF as I see that she feels that would help her decresing the hair loss. Could you please let me know what brands out there and which one you recommend?
I would appreciate everybody’s comments or kind of votes for a specific brand?
I may need to buy this in two weeks!

Thank you all, specially the Admin 🙂

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Joni November 14, 2010 at 3:57 pm

The laser comb may work but I don’t see people using it to the extent you need to get results. A professional hair laser like Revage needs to be used 30 min. 3 x a week for 4 months for noticeable results. The weaker home lasers must have to be used significantly more to be sure if they work. I’ve read they need to be used in 30 minute sessions 3x a week for a full year to be sure of results.

Promising results for re-growth have been observed with Avodart (a drug for enlarged prostate) and topical Melatonin but they are still experimental. (links below)
http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/medical-treatment/medications/avodart-dutasteride/
http://www.sleeping-with-a-sleeping-disorder.com/melatonin-and-hair-loss.html

Right now I am using Nioxin shampoo and conditioner, Tgel once a week, a volumizing mouse and fullmore colored hair thickener. I like fullmore but you need to spray in on the base of your hair shaft not directly on the scalp if you do not want it to be noticeable.

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madeline December 16, 2010 at 10:08 am

i bought the lexington hairmax lasercomb off ebay. i know it’s kind of gross, using someone else’s already used hair product, but i cannot afford paying almost $700 for one. i got this one for $130 plus shipping.

i’ve been losing my hair since i was 16, and i am 32 now. i used to be able to conseal it, but by the time i was 20, i couldn’t hide it anymore. my hairdresser noticed my hair was thinning and recommended me taking Nioxin. it worked like a charm … my bald spots vanished. but at age 31, i had a baby, and my hair started shedding like crazy after the baby was born (i hear this is normal)… only thing is, it’s supposed to stop shedding, and that never happend. The Nioxin wasn’t working anymore, and that’s when i decided to use the lasercomb.

i’ve been using the hairmax lasercomb for a month now. my first few weeks i’ve had CRAZY amounts of hair shedding… which really sucked because of my massive bald spot i had to wear a beret to the Christmas party (thank goodness they are back in style). but from what i hear, the shedding is a good sign so i’m sticking with it for now. i have noticed that my hair is MUCH healthier, shinier, and more manageable. the funny thing is, my hair is super thin, but when you don’t look at my scalp, you’d think i have beautiful, thick hair. (its long and curly, but when you hold it into ponytail, its very very small).

i just wanted to sugest to people who don’t want to use the laser comb because of it’s initial shedding i suggest you try using those hair fibers that you shake on your hair during that shedding phase. i read reviews about that stuff and its supposed to work great. i haven’t used it myself since we have no money, but ill be buying some when i can, or if my hair starts filling in again fromt he lasercomb, whichever comes first.

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katy December 25, 2010 at 12:05 pm

Two years ago I purchased a HairBeam laser comb. This comb is manufacturred in Europe and is far more expensive than other brands. I followed the instructions and experienced major hair loss through shedding. I was told by the company that this shedding was normal and an indication that the HairBeam was working. This brand claims to be more effective than other brands because its light energy penetrates the scalp and reaches the hair roots more effectively. The hair that shed never grew back so today I have far less hair than I did two years ago.
This laser comb may work for some; it certainly did not work for me.

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N. Anne Thornton May 19, 2011 at 7:17 am

I’m 73 yrs and have male/female pattern type baldness on the crown. It’s not too bad so far, but is progressive. I’ve used the Hairmax Lasercomb for about 3 mos and feel my hair is doing quite well. I don’t know how you count hairs in a small area to compare, etc. but I believe it isn’t getting worse and possibly thicker. I didn’t have that shedding mentioned initially to any great extent if at all. My hair is healthier looking and I’ll keep using the comb. I wouldn’t try a knock off of the Lasercomb though. But, that’s just me. Also, the earlier in age you can use it, the better because when the hair follicles die, you can’t get them back. I use it 3 times a week for about 15 min.

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madeline January 30, 2013 at 11:28 am

i posted a couple years back on this thread about the laser comb. im still using it, and so far so good :o). my hair hasn’t grown back completely to what it was 20 years ago, but it’s not falling out as much either. i HAVE bought the Caboki hair fibres. they work great.

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Mikki August 1, 2013 at 3:59 pm

In a panic of desperation I bought a HairMax laser comb several months ago, in spite of the hearty price tag. I’ve not noticed any hair regrowth worth mentioning… There may be some, but not enough that I’ve taken notice. What I have however noticed, is that my hair shed has decreased drastically. For me, personally, slowing down the hair loss process has been worth it However, I went in to this endeavor understanding that I would likely be disappointed. I didn’t expect much, so finding my hair shed slow down so much, was a pleasant surprise. I don’t expect my experience is the norm, but I thought that I would share, all the same. Best of luck to everyone as they search for answers and acceptance of their situation. It’s been a long road for me, but I’ve finally embraced the fact that I WILL loose my hair. Meantime, I’m going to try and enjoy what I have left, as long as I can. 😉

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Paula October 3, 2013 at 1:42 pm

Hi….im 27 up until a year ago ive had SUPER thick hair…my friends and family would say i have a “horse tail” for a pony tail. my hair is less then half of what it used to be. im scared…..i dont want to lose all my hair….i already feel embarresed because of how thin it is. i went to the dr and had blood work done…..everything was normal except i had high testostrone for a woman. so my dr is refering me to a endocrinoligist. ive been wanting to try the hairmax laser comb for months now….but am still scared of shedding my hair…..what if i shed alot of hair and it DOSENT grow back? i talked to the Hairmax people and they assure me it will grow back…but part of me things they say that just to get business. i cant wait any longer…each day is literally worst….i use coconut oil as i heard it would help with my hair…..and if anything its helped decrease my shedding by a little bit…if anything at all. i just wish i knew if i’d lose alot hair if i try the hairmax……im not afraid of it NOT working…im afraid of losing the little bit of hair i have left. id be devastated if i lost more hair with the hair max….also i dont want to try rogaine because of the chemicals. anybody with results please help. it would be GREATLY appreciated. Thank you

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Courtney March 10, 2014 at 4:11 pm

Hey Paula,

I had a similar situation as you. I am 30 now, but when I was 24 I had to be on a high dose of steriods for 3 months. I had the thickest head of hair,and I pulled out half of it in the drain after I finished with the steriods. Although I have since had my testosterone levels checked, being on steriods makes you secrete more sebum (scalp oil) which is a side effect of higher levels of male hormone. When the sebum builds up on your scalp, it smothers the hair folicles which causes them to thin out and break off easier. Eventually the buildup with clog the follicle and hair permanently stops growing in that spot.

Anyway, I had a years worth of laser treatment done at a professional hair loss center. The first few months were brutal, and my hair fell out in clumps. I was so worried that I had made a mistake. By 6 or 7 months, I noticed my hair didn’t look so stringy in front and I was able to wear it down without clips. I was so happy with my results, and started having people tell me again that they wished they had my thick hair. unfortunately, I didn’t have a long term plan in place after my treatments ended, and my hair started thinning back out. I was going through a stressful period,so that could have had a lot to do with the hair falling back out so quickly. In January I miscarried, and my hair loss dramatically increased.

I should have bought the HairMax comb last February when my professional treatments ended. That way I could have avoided having to start over.

My thoughts for you are that if you’ve had blood testing done and everything is fine, the laser treatments are worth trying. You’re fix could be as easy as removing the scalp buildup DHT so the follicles can grow back thicker and healthier. Before trying the laser comb, go see a professional hair loss clinic. They will use a microscope on your scalp to see if it is like I said, an oil buildup. If that’s the case, you’re a better candidate for laser treatment. You should also exfoliate your scalp to help remove the oily buildup.

I’ve read the previous negetive reviews, and I think it’s important for people to understand that they need to follow the directions. We want so badly to be able to expect that the results are instant, but it does take time and consistency. Acording to the hair loss specialist I saw, not everyone is a good candidate for the laser treatments. Some people have hormonal problems, stress issues, or female pattern baldness that has gone too long without treatment and the follicles died. If the follicles are dead, the laser comb won’t work for you.

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Katherine March 21, 2014 at 8:00 am

I went to a clinic for a while but it’s not as convenient as doing it yourself at home. And it’s much more expensive cause you have to have the appointment quite often for it to work. All low level laser therapy products for home use and clinic use may cause shedding. That’s why I never wanted to use the helmet. I didn’t want my hair to start shedding from the good areas if you know what I mean. With the comb you can apply the laser just on the spot where it’s needed. Also a good thing is to use low percentage minoxidil along with the laser treatment. At least for me it works. I use laserminox combined treatment because I didn’t want to pay too much for the comb. I know some of them are horribly overpriced even though they have the same quality tests and they do the same thing. This one is much cheaper. I was quite happy to find it. At the end of the day everyone is different. Regime that works for me might not work for others.. That’s why you have to try and find the right one for you. Good luck everyone..

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Tanja March 23, 2014 at 7:10 pm

Hi there,
I’m 35 years old and my hair started falling last year. I had a very stressful year and went through a couple of surgeries. I went to see a Dermatologist. He has me using MGP Clobetasol Propionate Topical Solution USP 0,05% twice a day and Ciciopirox Shampoo 1% every third day. I continued to lose my hair. I got tired of it and tried the Rogaine. OMG, I have no idea how people can use that. My whole scalp started itching and I don’t want to start with the greasy look. I hated that stuff. So I stopped and decided to give the Hairmax Lasercomb a shoot. I bought it in February and I’m using it as I should. I’m shedding a lot right now. I became quite scared in the shower today. Ok, they say it is normal in the beginning, but should I really believe them?! I don’t have the feeling that my hair looks healthier I think it looks fuzzy. I have more trouble with dry skin on my scalp and it itches after I use the comb in the evening. (Still you can’t compare it to the Rogaine stuff) I’m going to continue my journey with the Hairmax and I’m going to keep you posted. Oh, before I forget it. I had blood work done before I started with the comb. The checked my Vitamin D and it was way to less. I’m taking now Vitamin D. I asked my Doc if that could have anything to do with my hairloss. He said no! I did my own research on that and I found out that hairloss could result from to less Vitamin D in your body. I’m sorry for my English I’m still working on it.

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Grace January 19, 2015 at 12:47 pm

I am considering trying the MEP-90 laser… Has anyone out there tried this laser and if so I would love to hear how it worked for you??? Thank you!!!!

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kate February 18, 2015 at 8:52 am

I bought the mid range hairmax laser comb a month ago and have been using it religiously since, in fact probably an average of 4 or 5 times per week. My shedding while using it is scarily off the charts but had been really bad over the winter anyway, but with no – I mean no – new growth. Seemed as though my follicles were well and truly extinct. Since commencement of usage of the laser I have lots of very short, (admittedly fine/vellus) new growth, approximately 1cm, all over, about the right length of growth for elapsed time of usage. I will update with further results. I have (poor quality ) photos of pre treatment and will attempt to post these plus updated ones should there appear to be a discernable difference. I am using no other topicals -minoxidil yielded no results despite 18 months of continuous use. Just taking all the usual supplements. Kind regards to all.

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Sweet Sue February 21, 2015 at 9:11 am

I’ve been using a bonnet type Super Grow 90. You sit under it and watch TV (not mandatory, you could meditate or something) for thirty to forty five minutes three times a week.
It’s helping and the shedding has slowed dramatically.

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Petey3 February 21, 2015 at 10:52 am

I started the Hairmax Professional 12 two weeks ago. Three times a week for 8 minutes. I also started Nizoral shampoo and Pura D’or shampoo last week and switched from ortho tri -cyclen to Yaz two weeks ago too. So a lot going on. This week my hair started shedding more than usual. It’s making me really nervous and depressed. I read from the company website that this can happen in the beginning and is “a good sign” but I am freaked out! I went from losing about 60 hairs washing, combing and styling to just over a hundred. Did anyone else experience this? Did it stop?

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Petey3 April 4, 2015 at 8:31 am

So I felt I should update with my progress. The extra shedding stopped for me after a week. I’m back to shedding about 40-70 hairs a day between washing, combing it out and styling in the morning. 48 hairs seems to be the average. I have seen a few new hairs here and there but I don’t know if they are for the Laser or not. I do feel like my hair has more volume on the days I use the laser comb though. The company says it takes about 4-6 months to see any improvement so maybe it’s still too soon to tell.

I had one doctor recommend the the comb to me, another told me he thought it was a waste of money and another recommended the LaserCap because he said it’s much more powerful than the laser comb. It’s also $3000 compared to the $500 I spent on the Haimax Professional 12.

My hair feels ridiculously soft right now. I’m not sure if that means it’s healthy or not. Or if it’s just thinner. I’m not used to it feeling like that. I still have hope that I will find something that works but sometimes it feels like hope is also a terrible thing because it crushes you if your expectations are not met. We’ll see.

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Margaret August 31, 2015 at 10:17 pm

Hi,
I am 42 yrs old and have been experiencing hair loss since my late 20’s. I have tried rogain (in liquid and foam) both irritated my scalp. I have been to several dr.’s over the years had countless blood work etc. to test for everything. I’ve been taking biotin and tried several other supplements but I don’t notice a difference. I recently bought the hairmax laser comb12 I have been using it for almost two months, the shedding is out of control from week 1. I have called them about it twice so far. Initially I was told shedding could last 2 weeks, called back after 4 weeks and they said keep using it for another 6-8 weeks, shedding “should stop by then”. I’m getting married in 17 weeks. I can afford to lose any more hair! I am thin through the whole top of my head and have hardly any hair in front anymore. My question and concern is will this hair that was lost due to the comb grow back? I think I’m done with the comb. I don’t want to be a bald(er) bride ?. Any suggestions for any other things to try? Also, along with the hair loss I have a period that lasts for about 12 days (about 7 of those days are very light) and acne. All the doctors say my hormone levels are perfect- go figure. I’m at a total loss.

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Karen September 13, 2016 at 11:20 am

I wanted to post that I’ve been having a good bit of success so far with a laser hair treatment! (I would imagine any device that has red laser diodes with wavelengths in the high 600s would work the same.) My hair has been slowly thinning throughout my teens and early twenties, but really got noticeably thin quickly two years ago when I was 26. I have some thyroid problems that I’m sure contributed, and I was very stressed at the time.

I started to notice a teeny tiny bit of re-growth as my health and stress level improved, but not enough to keep up with the shedding, or enough to be growing back how much I had lost. I decided to try LLLT now since it has a much better chance of working the sooner you try it. I didn’t want to wait to see how much worse it would get–I was already unable to ever wear my hair down because of how thin it was in the center and at the crown of my head. The scalp sensitivity in the thinning areas also went away. Yay!

I’ve been using the laser treatment every other day for about a month, and at first the shedding was pretty extreme. However, I’m already seeing a huge difference in new growth! I have almost as much new growth between 1/2 cm and just over 1 cm as I have long hair on my head! It’s filling in enough that I am once again wearing my hair down.

Since it seems much safer than chemical treatments, I definitely thing it’s a good thing to save up for and try. There isn’t going to be one treatment that works for everyone, but this one sure seems to be working for me!

Other info about my situation:
I’m a caucasian lady with very light skin and extremely fine light brown hair type. I’ve been following an AIP/Paleo diet for the past year, focusing on veggies and trying to keep my blood sugar balanced all the time. I’m taking supplements recommended by my functional doc (C, D and B vitamins because of deficiencies, omega 3’s, carnitine because of the hyperthyroidism, and theanine for anxiety). I use Shea Moisture brand shampoo and conditioner and wash every day, use a boar bristle brush to stimulate my scalp, and do inversions whenever I think of it (handstands/yoga).

Reading other people’s stories has helped me so much, I hope my hair keeps growing, and I hope this can help someone else too!

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