9 min read
Thinning to Thriving: LED Light for Intense Hair Growth at Home
If you're struggling with dull hair, hair thinning or hair loss, you're not alone and have almost half of the global population in your club. According to studies, 50% of men around the world face hair loss by age 50, while 40% of women deal with hair loss issues by age 40. More hormonal fluctuations in the female body may explain the earlier onset of hair loss.
Hair loss or alopecia happens due to numerous internal and external factors ranging from genetics, hormonal imbalances, and stress to poor nutrition and environmental pollutants, making it a common problem that affects millions of men and women worldwide and significantly impacts their confidence and self-esteem. We may try to pretend it is ok and get advice from well-meaning friends and family, but anyone who’s ever dealt with visible hair loss or thinning knows it’s not ok, and it cuts deep.
History of hair and psychological significance of hair loss
Our identity, amongst many other things, is a collage of biological and genetical determinism, epigenetic changes, early life experiences and exposures, traumas, joys, interests, capabilities, the way we see ourselves, the stories we tell ourselves of our past, the dreams and worries we have for the future and moral judgments of our actions through various lenses, private or public. Some cultural elements of identity are acquired through socialization and are outside influences that ensure we're not all wild people running a mock but can cooperate with others, belong, and build together. Other elements are far more deeply rooted and culturally universal, although never directly taught. The emotional attachment to hair and the significance of hair in our mental landscapes and self-image is one of those things we just instinctively feel.
Viewed as a form of self-expression, conscious or subconscious communication, individuality, style, self-care, and some solid self-respect-driven vanity hair has also left its trace in history, marking whole eras, social groups, and revolutions with every strand in place, or the lack thereof.
Affluent ancient Egyptians used elaborate wigs and adorned their heads with jewelry and precious metals to distinguish themselves from the labor populous. Native Americans used hairstyles to discern social positions, depicting individuals' roles within a greater community. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the elites showcased their supremacy by styling their hair in an opulent and elaborate fashion that often required a maid to help set it all in place. Leonardo da Vinci even wrote a paper on these elaborate edifices. The roaring 20s and the social liberation that followed came out with some of the most iconic and practical bobs. Hollywood's golden era even caused car accidents as women emulated the silver screen hairdos - that seductively obstructed one of the heroine's eyes - not being able to drive or not seeing passing vehicles. The '60s and '70s sexual revolution and a hippie return to a pastoral idea of natural hair resulted in long, free-flowing hairstyles as African-American women celebrated the afro as praise to their cultural heritage and identity.
Careers and international fame were built on styling these life-affirming strands. Signature hairstyles created public personas recognized all over the world. Would Dolly Parton be just as charming without the largest hairdo you've ever seen on such a petite woman? Would the world see Billy Idol's creativity and innovation as readily had he come with a buzz cut instead of a rowdy head of bleached hair? Elvis brought a revolution; Einstein's hair got the world to listen ever more closely to what this combless genius had to say. Can you even imagine Grace Jones with waist-long curls? Would it be her or her message?
The increasing prevalence of alopecia and the associated frustration has led people to seek natural remedies, science-based, and advanced solutions while also shifting focus from simply addressing hair styling issues to taking better care of the scalp, going straight to the root of the problem to grow thicker and healthier hair.
While countless products and treatments are available, not all of them deliver on their promises, and many come with unwanted side effects in addition to smoke and mirrors marketing. But in the noise of mediocrity, a bold new treatment emerges from the halls of scientific advances: LED light therapy - a revolutionary, non-invasive method to stimulate hair growth from the comfort of your home. We call it “new,” but the zygote of this therapeutic approach started way back in the 60s with Dr. Mester, Endre Mester, now known as the father of photobiomodulation, also called low-level light therapy (LLLT) or simply light therapy. Mr. Mester tested the effect of light on tumor growth, literally looking for the cure for cancer. For that noble purpose, he shaved a mouse and shone a low-power laser onto its skin. He hoped for a noticeable tumor cell change but got a surprising bonus. The red light therapy helped the mouse grow its coat back faster, and the wounds healed quicker. This is where it started; it continued in NASA studies and branched out into wound healing, reproductive health aid, non-invasive rejuvenation, hair strengthening and regrowth, and much more.
Let's explore how LED light therapy works and why it might be the non-invasive and effective hair growth solution you've been searching for.
What is LED Light Therapy?
LED (Light-Emitting Diode) light therapy, in contrast with traditional therapies, is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin at various depths of tissue and promote healing and rejuvenation on the cellular level. Originally popularized in the skincare industry for its benefits in reducing inflammation, boosting collagen production, and promoting anti-aging effects, LED light therapy has now made its way into hair care, where it is used, in addition to traditional therapies, to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
Unlike many other treatments that rely on chemicals or invasive procedures, LED light therapy offers a gentle, natural alternative that harnesses the power of light.
How Does LED Light Therapy Work for Hair Growth?
LED light therapy involves the use of devices equipped with LEDs that emit red and near-infrared light. The scalp absorbs the wavelengths that penetrate each individual hair follicle to stimulate cellular activity and promote new hair growth. Think of it as jump-starting your own processes, rather than introducing something new and foreign to the body.
Red LED delivers safe, concentrated wavelengths of natural light to your skin with no chemicals, harmful UV rays, or excess heat to cause discomfort or a burning sensation. It is just precisely calibrated wavelengths of light. These wavelengths stimulate the mitochondria, your body's power factories, in a way similar to natural sunlight but minus the UV damage), so your body is able to make more core energy to power itself. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that making energy more efficiently throughout your body improves physical function, speeds the healing process, and lowers inflammation. It also has a major stimulating effect on the dermal papilla cells, which play a role in the regulation of hair cycling and growth.
The Benefits of Using LED Light Therapy for Hair Growth
There are several reasons why LED light therapy has become such a popular at-home treatment for hair growth:
- NON-INVASIVE & PAINLESS - Unlike painful surgical procedures or treatments that involve harsh chemicals, LED light therapy is entirely non-invasive - it doesn’t involve needles, medications, or uncomfortable procedures and requires absolutely no recovery time.
- SAFE & SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES - LED light therapy can be used without fear of damage or side effects, whether you have dry, oily, straight, wavy, or curly hair. It’s a universal solution that helps with a wide range of hair concerns, from mild thinning to more significant hair loss, and does not discriminate according to hair length, type, or texture.
- CONVENIENCE & PRICE - With LED light therapy devices now available for home use, you can conveniently fit quick scalp treatment sessions into your daily routine, and there is no need for expensive salon visits or doctor appointments. Investing in an at-home LED light therapy device can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to expenses for treatments or specialized hair products, especially when you take into consideration that it’s a one-time expense. There are no refills, cartridges, or continuous part swapping. Pay once and use it forever.
- PROVEN EFFICACY - Ample research shows that LED light therapy is more than just a trend - it is clinically proven that LED light treatments promote hair growth and significantly increase hair count (the moment you see all of those baby hairs coming in, it will be a really, really good day), and extend the hair growth (anagen) phase to fend off excessive fallout that mocks you from your hair brush.
What To Look For When Choosing Your Forever Hair Growth Device?
With the rising popularity of LED light therapy for hair growth, the market has become saturated with devices, each claiming to be the best. When choosing a device, consider investing in a high-quality one (ideally, you will only buy this once). It’s important to look up the wavelengths and light intensity, its design, comfort and ease of use, treatment coverage, and session time. There would not be much point in saving a buck or two and ending up with something that needs to be used for an hour and a half three times a week. You have a life to live, and the duty of a good brand is to justify your trust and respect your time.
If you're ready to take control of your hair loss issues, we recommend FAQ™ 301 LED Hair Strengthening Scalp Massager. After successfully launching LED anti-aging treatments for the face, neck, décolleté, and hands, FAQ™ Swiss grew into the hair category with the launch of this powerful, elegant, and practical science-based hair loss solution, designed for everyone who is dealing with mild to moderate signs of hair loss and thinning. We’d love to promise miracles, but extreme hair loss may have to be treated with more invasive treatments like physically implanting new follicles in the decimated areas.
FAQ™ 301 LED Hair Strengthening Scalp Massager combines the clinical power of red LED light and T-Sonic™ massage. While red LED light stimulates hair follicles so they produce thicker hairs, T-Sonic™ massage gently stimulates the scalp, helping to boost blood flow so oxygen and essential nutrients can reach the hair follicle. Its 637 silicone bristles gently yet effectively loosen buildup on the scalp, which stops dead skin, sweat, and oil from clogging hair follicles and causing hair loss. The bristles also help part hair, so LED light can evenly reach all parts of the scalp. The device is ultra-lightweight, compact, sassy, and ergonomically shaped to fit perfectly in the hand, and it boasts 6 intensity levels that easily adjust to personal needs and preferences.
FAQ™ 301 LED Hair Strengthening Scalp Massager is clinically proven to significantly reduce hair loss and increase hair density and thickness in just 1 month. Results of 3rd party clinical study (31 subjects, aged 25-55 years) also show:
- 100% of users reported visible hair growth and thickness improvement in just 1 month
- 94% of users reported hair had more volume and suffered from less breakage in just 2 weeks
- 94% of users reported that their scalp was less greasy and had less dandruff in just 2 weeks
To enhance the device’s effects and ensure the maximum possible impact on hair thinning, include the little bonus boost, FAQ™ Scalp Recovery & Thick Hair Probiotic Serum, for a double whammy to help your tired scalp. The lightweight scalp serum strengthens hair strands and repairs follicles, reducing breakage and thinning. Balancing the scalp microbiome, the serum improves overall scalp health and supports healthy hair growth while regulating sebum production on the scalp to prevent greasy hair.
Although, for some of us, the universe has put hair on our heads to remind us that we can't control everything in this life, our deep entanglement (lame puns forever) into the topic of the psychological importance of hair is authentic, historical, evolutionary, universal, and here to stay. Be it a symbol of status, youth, fertility, virility, creativity, and freedom, or the chameleon nature of the human experience - one thing is sure: Unwanted hair loss is a cruel and distressful blow to our self-image. This feeling is made even worse by the popular cultural trope of viewing (and depicting) extreme and sudden hair loss as a sign of disease and marking you out as a person of ill health. This dark cloud upon your psyche can be devastating and lead to emotional distress and psychological issues.
Hair loss can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be permanent. With advancements in technology, specifically LED light therapy, you can revitalize your hair and regain your confidence. But remember, as with all good things, changes don't happen overnight—consistency is key!
Leave a comment