The HairMax LaserComb
Some people who visit the Discussion Forum have asked questions or made comments about the HairMax LaserComb. The following article by Bryan Barron gives what I think is an unbiased evaluation of this product. Many informative articles including this one can be found on Paula Begoun's website - Cosmetics Cop.
Growing Hair with Lasers?
We receive countless press releases, most of which are not worth reporting on because they’re obviously bogus hype that is not likely to capture the attention of our readers. On the other hand, some are legitimate, and these typically concern products or product lines we may end up reviewing based on several factors, including reader requests. Paula and I took great interest in a press release sent in late January, however, for a product called HairMax LaserComb ($645). This product uses infrared light technology to stimulate hair growth. What caught our eye was the fact that this device has received FDA approval for its intended purpose.
The HairMax LaserComb is roughly the size of a curling iron, and is classified by the FDA as a non-heating infrared lamp. Other examples of similar devices include those meant to heat the skin in a controlled manner to provide relief from muscle pain. Because it is a low-level energy device, it is not subject to the same regulations as cosmetic lasers (such as ablative lasers used for skin resurfacing), which makes the name of this product inaccurate. Then again, perhaps the more appropriate moniker for this product, HairMax HeatComb (rather than HairMax HeatLaser), doesn’t sound as advanced and could cause confusion among consumers who might think the product is a heat-styling device.
This comb is intended to promote hair growth in males with androgenetic alopecia who have Norwood Hamilton Classifications of 2a to 5 and any skin coloring. The Norwood Hamilton system is a visual grading system of hair-loss patterns that is used by medical professionals to determine the progression of male pattern baldness. Stage 2a involves slight recession at the hairline, while stage 5 involves noticeable hairline recession as well as hair loss at the crown (causing the familiar circular bald spot). Stages 5a to 7 involve advanced, diffuse hair loss to the point of being completely bald, except for a fringe around the temple area going toward the back of the head.
HairMax LaserComb manufacturer Lexington International, LLC, is promoting this device as a drug-free alternative to treating male pattern baldness. Their multicenter clinical study revealed that 93% of men using the device experienced an increase in the number of terminal hairs over a six-month period. The improvement average was 19 hairs per square centimeter, which, if you think about it, isn’t all that impressive. Rogaine (active ingredient minoxidil) has more impressive, placebo-controlled studies detailing its positive effects for both male- and female-pattern baldness (Sources: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, November 1999, pages 717–721; September 2002, pages 377–385; and April 2004, pages 541–553).
Both the LaserComb and the minoxidil treatments require ongoing usage to maintain results. It is the usage issue that may dissuade some potential candidates from using the HairMax LaserComb. To get measurable results, you must use the device three times per week (on non-consecutive days) for 10 to 15 minutes. This involves passing the device through your hair, as if you were brushing it (and don’t forget that brushing hair can promote excess shedding and damage if you’re too aggressive). According to information from the company, almost half of the users should see results after 8 weeks, and the majority of users should see results after 16 weeks (four months) of daily usage. As with any hair-growth treatment, compliance is key. As a male who went through my own bout of hair loss (which, for the time being, has subsided), I don’t think the time it takes to use this device is something most men (and many women) experiencing hair loss would want to endure.
Why spend 45 minutes a week brushing your hair with HairMax LaserComb when it takes only seconds to apply a topical minoxidil product once per day, or, for men, swallow a pill (Propecia/finasteride)? Yes, both minoxidil and Propecia have their side effects, but they’re minor, with the biggest effect being scalp itching for minoxidil users and loss of libido in a small percentage of men taking Propecia (completely reversible upon discontinuation of the drug). I think that most men would find that the time required to use the HairMax device was not worth the results, especially when similar, and potentially better, results are obtainable from treatments that require less time in a given week.
The press release for HairMax LaserComb makes no mention of how the product works. We know it generates infrared light, but how does that affect hair follicles and stimulate growth? It may stimulate circulation of the scalp due to its heating effect, but there’s no proof that heat stimulation causes hair growth. If it did, men who spend a lot of time in the sun on hot days wouldn’t be losing their hair!
There is research indicating that other lasers can be helpful for alopecia areata (patchy hair loss on the scalp) and for hair transplants, but other than the clinical study performed by Lexington International, there are no studies proving that infrared light treatments stimulate hair growth. If you are curious to try this and can shoulder the expense and endure the usage schedule, you may indeed see results.
The company does not offer a 100% money-back guarantee, but instead refunds 85% of the cost (there’s a 15% restocking fee) if you do not see results after 12 weeks. Note that this guarantee applies only if you order directly from Lexington; distributors of the device are free to set their own return/refund policies.