Research Shows Laser Therapy Accelerates Hair Growth After Chemotherapy

Research Shows Laser Therapy Accelerates Hair Growth After Chemotherapy

Researchers at Hasselt University in Belgium have studied whether laser therapy can help women undergoing chemotherapy regrow their hair faster. Their study found that women who used the laser helmet from Swedish Advanced Trichology three times a week experienced faster hair regrowth compared to the control group, which did not use laser therapy.

Chemotherapy and Hair Loss

Chemotherapy is a highly invasive treatment that comes with numerous negative effects on the body. The drugs used in chemotherapy are often compared to toxins, as they effectively kill malignant cancer cells but do not discriminate between healthy and unhealthy cells. This results in a wide range of side effects, including:

• Fatigue and reduced physical endurance
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• A decrease in red and white blood cells
• And, in 65% of cases, hair loss

Hair loss is one of the most distressing and traumatic side effects of chemotherapy. Since hair follicles are highly sensitive to chemotherapy drugs (cytostatics), hair loss is almost inevitable. In fact, hair loss can be so devastating that 8% of women report that they would consider avoiding chemotherapy altogether due to the psychological impact of losing their hair.

Given the profound effect on patients' self-esteem and emotional well-being, researchers at Hasselt University aimed to study how hair loss impacts the quality of life for female breast cancer patients. They also wanted to explore potential solutions to one of the most emotionally challenging side effects of chemotherapy.

Can Laser Therapy Help?

While some existing treatments, such as scalp cooling, have been tested, no significant positive effects have been consistently demonstrated. The goal of this study was to determine whether laser therapy could accelerate hair regrowth, ultimately improving patients' quality of life.

The results supported the researchers' hypothesis. Women who used a laser helmet three times a week for three months experienced faster hair regrowth compared to those who did not use any laser treatment. However, the most notable and rewarding outcome was the increase in self-esteem and overall well-being among the women who underwent laser therapy. Those who used the laser helmet reported feeling more confident and experienced a better quality of life than those who did not receive laser treatment during chemotherapy.

What is Laser Therapy?

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that uses low-intensity laser light to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It is commonly used to treat genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and has also shown promising effects in treating alopecia areata.

While the exact mechanism of LLLT is still being studied, several hypotheses explain its effectiveness in promoting hair growth:

• Improved Blood Circulation: Laser therapy can enhance blood flow to the scalp, increasing the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to the hair follicles. This nourishment helps strengthen existing hair and stimulate new growth.

• Stimulation of the Hair Growth Cycle: LLLT may help extend the growth phase (anagen phase) of the hair cycle while shortening the resting phase (telogen phase). This means hair can grow longer before shedding, and the resting phase is shortened, allowing new hairs to appear sooner.

• Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation in the scalp can contribute to hair loss. Laser therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help restore hair growth by reducing follicle inflammation.

A Potential Solution for Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

While chemotherapy-induced hair loss is often inevitable, laser therapy presents a promising option for accelerating hair regrowth. More research is needed to fully understand its potential, but this study suggests that LLLT can help cancer patients regain their hair faster while also improving their mental well-being.