Laser Treatment for Hair Loss - Are There Side Effects of Laser Cap?

Laser Treatment for Hair Loss - Are There Side Effects of Laser Cap?

Laser hair restoration is becoming a popular means of recovering a full head of hair. Many other medications and techniques have been used, but many of them have proven to have a host of unpleasant side effects.

This raises the question, are there many side effects of laser caps for hair growth? To answer that quickly, the answer is no. Laser treatment has few side effects, and many people don't suffer any.

But let's take a closer look at laser treatment for hair loss side effects and see how we can set your mind at ease about this revolutionary treatment option.

Hair restoration products for men: Are there side effects?

Hair loss affects men differently than women. When it strikes, hairlines recede, and crowns begin to bald. The aggressive onset of male pattern baldness often leads to men grasping at quick fixes—like prescription pills that promise a full head of hair. 

Today, an ever-growing number of men are letting their prescriptions run out. It all began nearly three years ago when a group of researchers at Johns Hopkins University made a startling discovery: 

The popular hair loss drug, Propecia®, seemed to cause significant sexual side effects in men. Moreover, studies indicated that men continued to suffer from side effects like erectile dysfunction long after medication had been discontinued.

But what are the side effects?

In the wake of the Johns Hopkins study, men are increasingly questioning the potential side effects of hair loss treatments. The prescription medication, Propecia®, has fallen under particular scrutiny. 

Although some physicians argue that follow-up studies are needed to confirm the long-term sexual side effects of Propecia®, many men would prefer not to leave their sexual health to chance. Laser hair restoration has become a leading alternative to Propecia®, offering men a safe, proven, and effective way to regain lost hair.

Are there side effects to laser hair restoration for men?

One of the biggest reasons why laser hair restoration is the leading alternative to Propecia® is relative safety. To date, no study has demonstrated any adverse side effects to hair loss treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT). 

Operating at just 650nm, the medical-grade lasers used by products like Capillus laser therapy caps deliver substantial light energy without causing any damage to the scalp. Light energy is thought to increase circulation and blood flow to the scalp, supplying hair follicles with the oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors needed to grow thicker hair.

That's not to say that this type of treatment is entirely without reputed side effects. Some people have claimed negative effects following laser treatment. However, these side effects are typically not serious and only last for a short time period.

Only a minute percentage of the population claims these adverse effects. The laser cap side effects can include the following:

  • Scalp Sensitivity: During receiving laser cap therapy or afterward, some people may feel brief scalp sensitivity. Itching, tingling, or minor discomfort are possible symptoms. Yet, these symptoms usually go away on their own.
  • Skin Irritation: In certain situations, laser cap therapy may produce minor skin discomfort. This can manifest as modest scalp swelling, warmth, or redness. These side effects often pass quickly after the treatment and are transient.
  • Headache: Rarely people who receive laser cap therapy could feel a minor headache afterward. This may be the result of prolonged laser exposure or a period of adjustment while the body adjusts to the therapy. It's best to see a doctor if your headaches don't go away or get worse.
  • Eye Injury Risk: Lasers and other focused light sources can hurt your eyes. In order to prevent direct laser exposure to the eyes, precautions must be taken. The risk of eye injury can be reduced by using products correctly and adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Hair Shedding: Some people frequently experience momentary hair shedding while beginning laser cap therapy. A natural hair development cycle may cause this loss, which is frequently followed by the growth of new, healthier hair. Nonetheless, it is advised to speak with a healthcare provider if shedding is extreme or continues for a long time.

How to Avoid Laser Treatment For Hair Loss Side Effects 

In most cases, the few hair loss effects seen as a result of laser treatment can be avoided or treated with little to no effort. For the most part, we'd recommend avoiding side effects rather than treating them when they occur. So how do you avoid laser treatment side effects? Here are some excellent ways to do that:

  1. Follow Manufacturer Instructions - One of the most critical elements of avoiding side effects is to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. While there are many similarities between the products manufactured by different brands, each manufacturer understands the nuances of their specific product. This makes them uniquely qualified to provide directions that keep you safe.
  2. Take Necessary Precautions - If you know that you have sensitive skin that dries out or flakes easily, then consider taking preventative measures. Ensure that you moisturize regularly to avoid any drying out or other similar problems. Also, pay careful attention to any warnings or suggestions offered by the manufacturer, and take any preventative measures they suggest.
  3. Avoid Overusing the Device - In many cases, the laser treatment for hair loss side effects results from overusing the laser cap. Try to use it only as many times as the manufacturer recommends and only for that length of time.

Conclusion

While laser cap side effects are possible, they're far from common, and they're generally short-lived. If you obey the manufacturer's instructions, it's highly unlikely that you'll suffer any of these side effects.

Using laser treatment for hair loss is a safe and efficient way to help improve and restore hair growth. If you'd like to give it a try, check out our range of laser caps. If you have additional questions or you would like to know more, feel free to contact us for a free virtual consultation.
Back to blog