Minoxidil As a Hair Loss Treatment

Also known as Rogaine or Regaine, Minoxidil is a commonly used hair loss medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in the form of foams or topical solutions. This treatment has been found most effective in cases of either visible hair loss or escalating hair thinning caused by female and male pattern baldness. On average, 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

Low-level laser light therapy or LLLT for short is a FDA-cleared hair regrowth treatment that uses—you’ve guessed it—low-level laser light energy to stimulate hair follicles by increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Studies into this treatment have revealed as much as a 39% hair regrowth across just 19 weeks of treatment, thanks to easy-use laser devices that 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 hats like the PowerFlex 272 Laser cap offer an even coverage of densely-spaced laser diodes that provide full-head treatments for generalized 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.

Laser Combs

Laser combs, which can be used for as little as 8 minutes a day, three days a week, provide the benefits of laser hair therapy with the convenience of shorter sessions that can easily be incorporated into brushing routines. Though shaped like a comb, this device, much like its larger counterparts, is also held over the scalp on thinning areas. Given its size, light weight, and ease-of-use, localized thinning areas can benefit from the targeted coverage of the HairMax® laser comb. This device is available in 12 medical grade and 9 medical grade lasers.

A Match Made For Hair Regrowth

The benefits of both Minoxidil and laser hair therapy for repair and regrowth are widely known and recorded, but 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.

More recently, emerging studies have also 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) revealed interesting findings that showed a significant increase of growing hair follicles in just two months for a combination test group, but four months for groups that only received one treatment at a time. In other words, combination treatments may well be more efficacious.

This study isn’t alone. 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.

Approaching 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)

Marry Your Treatments With The Help of HairMax^®

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.

To pair you with the ideal device for your hair regrowth needs, start with our quick assessment questionnaire and find the device best suited to you.