The laser hair comb is also known as the HairMax LaserComb. This product has been given clearance for marketing by the FDA in January 2007.
This was a six month study which was studying the effect that the laser hair comb has on male pattern baldness (male androgenetic alopecia). The trial demonstrated the safety and ability of this product to produce results. The study used objective evaluations of macro-images with dot mapping and computers help with the hair count. This was also backed up with subjective evaluations by patients as well as physicians. The study was done in four different centers. It had a sham device which acted as the placebo. The subjects of this study had a hair loss on the Norwood Hamilton scale of between IIa to V. On the Fitzpatrick Skin Type they had a scale from I to IV.
The patients who finished the six month study and who were part of the group who was treated with the HairMax LaserComb were found to have greater increases in mean terminal hair thickness, as opposed to those treated with placebo device.
The laser energy which is produced by the HairMax LaserComb is thought to increase the abundance of ATP, which in turn is kicking off more metabolism within the cell. This is then thought to put the hair follicle into higher gear as the hair follicle has more material and energy to produce the hair strand. So this takes a follicle that was previously performing poorly and leading to the hair loss look and getting it producing again. The laser hair comb has a teeth like mechanism which separated the hair, and lets the laser energy get into the scalp
The treatment generally needs to last between 10 and 15 minutes, and should be done three times per week. It does not have to be done to a rigid structure and can be done at home
HairMax has big claims for this product, including more hair growth, stopping of hair loss, more quick hair growth. More strong colours, an average of 20% new hair growth and results seen in 3 months (based on the results from the clinical study).
One competing product which works in a similar fashion to this one is the LaserCap. Although it does not FDA approval yet it works in a similar way to the Laser comb.