Hair Restoration Treatments: Hope or Hype? (Part 2)

Rogaine is a hair growth stimulator, meaning that when it is effectively applied to the scalp, it absorbs into the skin where it increases blood flow to the tissue and hair follicles underneath. It primarily benefits the crown and bridge area of the scalp, but some users have seen minimal benefit in the front and along the hairline. Rogaine is approved for use by men and women. It must be used twice a day, EVERY day. When used as directed, Rogaine has been reported to work in 60-70 percent of cases. Skin irritation is a side-effect and primary frustration for users.

Lasers are used with great success in a variety of medical specialties, but what about in improving hair density? The concept is simple; low-level lasers are known to increase blood flow to underlying tissue and can stimulate natural processes beneath the skin. If lasers are effective in stimulating blood flow to lasshair follicles and accelerating the hormonal process of hair regrowth, users should be able to realize slightly thicker hair and possibly more hair on the scalp at any given time.

In addition to the in-office laser treatment, there is a "laser comb" device that has been approved by the FDA. Reportedly, the laser comb, when brushed through the hair and over the scalp, administers phototherapy to the scalp. A six-month study reviewed by the FDA shows that men who used the comb grew an average of 19 more ‘thick' hairs per square centimeter than those who used sham devices. There are a variety of laser combs on the market, all for use three times per week. Prices range from $395 to $545, depending on the version.

Electro-magnetic stimulators claim to actually stimulate the hormones responsible for hair growth into growing new hairs in follicles that have long stopped. Small, acupuncture-type needles are injected into the areas of the scalp with thinning and loss. When the device is activated, slight electro-magnetic pulses are transmitted into the scalp. Supposedly, over time, the hormones responsible for hair growth and ultimately new hair are reactivated. While the product is receiving a lot of attention, there is virtually no clinical data to support its claims and very few medical doctors take it seriously.