Bald spots often develop on the crown of the head, making them difficult to notice. Many people remain unaware of their hair loss until they see a photo from behind, unexpectedly revealing the thinning area. While bald spots typically don’t pose health risks, restoring your hairline and preventing further loss can make you feel better.
A laser cap offers a simple, noninvasive solution for those who aren’t ready for surgery or prefer a more natural approach. This innovative treatment stimulates hair growth, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to regain thickness and improve their appearance without the need for drastic procedures.
Aaron Cheng, DO, and the top-notch team at Hair Doc in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, are here to explain how the laser cap works and what’s involved.
Did it seem like your bald spot appeared overnight? Many people don’t know a bald spot is happening until it's pointed out by a friend or seen in a photo. While bald spots to many seem sudden, most appear over time due to male pattern baldness.
Male pattern baldness is common and affects half of men by the age of 40. As the name suggests, it often occurs in a pattern, starting with thinning of the hairline and balding on the crown of the head. In most cases, male pattern baldness is genetic and occurs because of sensitivity to the sex hormone dihydrotestosterone.
Although less common, alopecia areata may cause sudden bald spots. This autoimmune condition occurs when your body accidentally attacks hair follicles, leading to instant hair loss. Unlike male pattern baldness, these patches are coin-sized and often occur in groups on the scalp or on your body.
Whether you’re experiencing male pattern baldness or alopecia areata, the laser cap can help halt hair loss while helping fill in bald patches.
Never heard of a laser cap before? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know.
The laser cap is an FDA-approved treatment introduced in the 1960s, but technological advances have made it easier and more effective than ever. To use it, you simply place the cap — which looks like a baseball cap — on your head and wear it for 30 minutes 3-4 times weekly. Multitasking has never been easier; you can read, watch TV, or work while you stimulate your hairline.
The science of the laser cap lies in low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Under the laser cap, lies hundreds of diodes that emit infrared light to:
In this treatment, light penetrates your scalp and is absorbed by the hair follicle, providing enhanced energy for cellular function. The energy promotes vasodilation, expands blood vessels, and improves circulation to hair follicles. More nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles create an optimal environment for a healthy and sustained growth cycle.
Like the best things in life, hair growth takes time. When considering a laser cap, it’s important to have realistic expectations — it’s a gradual process that works over months with consistent use.
Here’s what to expect:
You may experience increased hair shedding in the first few months as weaker strands fall out and make room for healthier hair. This is normal and often a sign that the treatment is working. You may not notice much regrowth in this phase, but the foundation for healthy hair is laid.
During this time, you may notice regrowth in areas of balding and thin patches. In a clinically controlled study, patients experienced a 39% increase in hair at the 4-month mark.
Your existing hair may feel thicker and stronger as the anagen (growth phase) is extended. Shedding is often decreased during this time and a healthier scalp is exposed.
Most patients experience a visible improvement in hair coverage and density. Weakened follicles are revived leading to natural, but fuller-looking hair. It’s important to continue consistent use or else you may compromise your results.
Here, you may enjoy the peak of your hair regrowth with thick, healthy strands. To get the most out of your results, pair with other treatments like medication or platelet-rich plasma therapy.
We’re here to support you on your hair restoration journey. Call 415-907-7354 to schedule your consultation or book online.
Disclaimer: Photos used in this article are models and may or may not have had treatment.
