QUESTIONS ABOUT LLLT
What is LLLT?
LLLT is an acronym for Low-Level Light Therapy. This refers to a therapy that utilizes laser or light energy below a specific energy threshold and within a specific wavelength. Light sources used for LLLT may include laser and LED devices. Laser devices used for LLLT are also referred to as cold lasers. LLLT devices produce no heat, are safe, and cannot burn or injure the skin.
How does LLLT work?
Multiple clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of Low—Level Light Therapy in promoting hair growth in men and women with androgenetic alopecia. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but the most recent research has identified that LLLT is absorbed into the cells, triggering enhanced cellular activity. In other words, the theory is that LLLT makes aging cells more active, thereby increasing their effectiveness in hair growth.
Are there any medical studies (clinical trials) that support the use of LLLT for hair growth?
Yes! Please see our page on clinical studies, here.
Do physicians advise the use of LLLT for hair growth?
Yes, Medical Doctors, including dermatologists, in the United States, Europe and Asia prescribe the iGrow® for use with male patients suffering from androgenetic alopecia.
What is the benefit of a device that combines both Laser and LED light?
Red light from Laser and LED devices emitting 650—670nm wavelength light can stimulate cells within the follicle, as part of an effective LLLT hair treatment. The Laser light produces a specific wavelength that is believed to stimulate the hair follicle cells. The LED light uses a broader beam of gentle light energy to cover a wider area of the scalp. Combining the Lasers and LEDs offers the benefit of both light sources for men and women with androgenetic alopecia (thinning hair). But the proof is in the results. The iGrow Hair Growth System has shown the highest percentage increase in new hair growth of any published clinical studies on light-mediated hair growth.
How does wavelength affect LLLT for hair loss treatment?
It is important to use light within the recommended wavelength for laser hair treatment. Research studies suggest the most effective wavelength for hair growth is between 650—670nm. This wavelength has the most efficient and effective absorption that is essential for hair growth.
Do all LLLT devices use laser and LED together?
Most LLLT devices use either LEDs or Lasers. The iGrow® by Apira Science, Inc. utilizes both high—quality Laser and LED light sources. This form of LLLT is effective for hair growth in men and women with genetic-based hair thinning/loss. Will all laser and light devices provide equivalent results on the scalp? No. Not all devices have the same power and energy output, and therefore will not yield the same results. Many devices only cover a limited area. Most of these devices require the user to manually move a hand-held comb or brush repeatedly over the scalp for 10—20 minutes at a time. This is tiresome and does not provide consistent application of the light. The iGrow® combines Laser and LED light in a hands-free automated device that is easy to use while providing consistent scalp coverage in each 20—25 minute treatment session.
Will all laser and light devices provide equivalent results on the scalp?
No. Not all devices have the same power and energy output, and therefore, will not yield the same results. Many devices only cover a limited area. Most of these devices require the user to manually move a hand-held comb or brush repeatedly over the scalp for 10-20 minutes at a time. This is tiresome and does not provide consistent application of the light. The iGrow® combines laser and LED light in a hands-free automated device that is easy to use while providing consistent scalp coverage in each 20-25 minute treatment session.
Can LLLT be used with treatments such as Rogaine or Propecia?
LLLT can be used with hair loss products Rogaine or Propecia. However, the use of pharmaceuticals is not required to achieve results with the iGrow®. That’s what’s great about the iGrow! It is a product that requires only a one—time investment. The iGrow causes no side effects isn’t messy and is very easy to use.
USING AN LLLT DEVICE
If 3—4x a week has good results, will more frequent sessions yield a better result?
There is no evidence that increased Low—Level Light Therapy (LLLT) will provide better results. LLLT should only be used as prescribed. Each LLLT session should be followed by a period of rest. This translates into alternating session days.
How long will I need to continue LLLT sessions?
Hair loss is a progressive condition. If untreated, you can expect to lose more hair over time. After the initial 4 to 6-month LLLT treatment period, you should continue sessions once or twice per week to maintain your hair quality.
I just noticed my hair is beginning to thin — is it too soon to start LLLT sessions?
The iGrow® is intended to be used by men and women who are afflicted with androgenetic alopecia. LLLT hair treatment should be incorporated into your weekly preventative maintenance routine to preserve and strengthen existing hair and provide a healthy environment for continued growth.
At what age is it safe to start LLLT?
LLLT is effective in men and women ages 18 and older. Please consult your physician if you are under the age of 18.
Can LLLT be used after transplant surgery?
Yes. LLLT can be used immediately after transplant surgery. Doctors have reported that using LLLT can help stimulate the healing of the wounds, and improve transplant results in hair loss patients. In fact, hair transplant surgeons worldwide have chosen to use the LLLT to improve results. Anecdotal reports have shown that LLLT sessions immediately following surgery decrease the recovery time in hair transplant patients, and increase hair thickness. Consult with your transplant surgeon for more information.
Are all LLLT devices safe to use after transplant surgery?
No. After transplant surgery, it is important that your scalp does not come into direct contact with any foreign object. Many devices use teeth or spikes that are studded with a laser. You should not use such devices as they will damage your transplant. Instead, use a device that covers the entire scalp but does not directly touch the scalp. At the present time, only the iGrow® by Apira Science is safe and effective for patients immediately following transplant surgery.
QUESTIONS ABOUT IGROW
Is iGrow® safe to use at home?
The iGrow® has been specially designed with safety features for at—home, office and travel use, including a safety mechanism controlling both laser and LED devices. In addition, the iGrow® is designed so that it can only be turned on when it is firmly placed on your head. The iGrow® is a safe and effective laser hair treatment for use at home or while travelling.
Is the iGrow® fully automated?
Yes, the iGrow® requires no manual movement. Simply, place the iGrow® on your head, select one of 5 pre-programmed sessions and then sit back and relax. When will I know if iGrow® is working for me? Every person is different. However, within 12 to 16 weeks of using iGrow® as directed, most users report that they can see a positive change. The appearance of thicker, fuller, and healthier—looking hair is typical within 24 weeks, or 6 months of LLLT.
Do I need to wash my hair or use a special shampoo before using iGrow®?
You can use your normal shampoo to keep your hair and scalp clean.
Are there any negative side effects associated with using the iGrow®?
No. Testing and user testimonials have shown no side effects when utilizing the iGrow® with LLLT for hair growth.
Why should I use iGrow® versus physician in—office lasers?
The iGrow is one of the most powerful hair growth systems developed for home use, and has an equivalent output to most in—office hair lasers. Further, the iGrow’s patented headphone design maintains a fixed distance of 3cm from the scalp. In addition, the iGrow® can be used conveniently at home, the office, or any convenient location while listening to your favorite music on your iPod® or MP3 player.
Why should I use iGrow® versus other hand held devices?
The iGrow® is hands-free, easy to use and it provides full scalp coverage. Compare that to moving a laser comb every 4 seconds for 20 minutes. The iGrow® has more light energy and provides the most consistent scalp coverage necessary for great results.
I am completely bald and want to use iGrow®. Will it work for me?
The iGrow® is not recommended for those with severe hair loss.
QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY
Is iGrow® regulated for safety?
Yes. The iGrow uses Class 3R Lasers which are recognized as safe by worldwide governing medical bodies. It meets the safety guidelines established by the United States and many foreign governments for safety. The iGrow is manufactured according to ISO 13485, the most stringent standard for medical device products.
Does the iGrow® emit any heat or radiation?
Only low—energy laser and LED light are used. Clinical studies have shown that Low—Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is safe. LLLT has been used for decades in hair restoration clinics. Be assured that iGrow’s non—invasive laser technology is perfectly safe.
Is iGrow® safe to use for a woman?
Yes. The iGrow® is an effective treatment for hair loss in most women, or for thinning hair in women.
Is iGrow® safe to use for a pregnant or nursing woman?
Please contact your medical doctors for guidance.
Is it safe to use finasteride (Propecia™) and/or minoxidil (Rogaine™) while using iGrow®?
Yes. The iGrow® is safe to use with Rogaine® or Propecia®. There are no contraindications with these medicines.
WARRANTY/ORDER/SHIPPING
What do I do if my iGrow® has stopped functioning properly?
Apira Science offers a full 12-month warranty for the iGrow®. The warranty protects against factory defects and workmanship errors. If your unit has stopped functioning within this time period, please contact our customer service department, so that we can personally assist you with your warranty return.
What if my unit has stopped working and I am out of the warranty period?
In the event that your unit stops working after the 12-month warranty period expires, contact our office immediately. Upon receipt and inspection of the unit, we can quote you the price to repair and/or replace it. Please note that an iGrow should not be repaired locally as it involves lasers, whose wavelength has to subscribe to USFDA standards. All repairs, if required, shall be done in manufacturer’s factory only.
Do you ship internationally?
We can ship internationally to most parts of the world. In some areas, we will refer you to our local distributor.
IGROW: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE IGROW?
The iGrow Hair Growth System is a hands-free, FDA Cleared home treatment for men’s and women’s thinning hair. The iGrow delivers a technology called Low-Level Light Therapy (or “LLLT” for short), which uses specific wavelengths or colors of light to stimulate hair follicles to be more productive.
WHO IS THE IGROW FOR?
The men and women in the iGrow’s two clinical studies were aged 18-60, had light to medium-dark skin tones, and were experiencing mild-moderate genetic hair loss. They regrew 35-37% more hair in just 16 weeks so we’re pretty confident in the kind of results people like them can achieve. Of course, results naturally vary from person to person but everyone is welcome to try the iGrow and see what it can do for their situation. Like diet or exercise programs, the only way to truly know how well it works for YOU is to give it a try. With no known side effects and a Satisfaction Guarantee, what do you have to lose?
DOES IGROW WORK ON WOMEN?
Yes! The iGrow has been tested and FDA-cleared for treating genetic hair loss for both men AND women. In fact, results for women were slighter better than men’s results in the iGrow’s clinical trials.
WHAT’S THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE FOR IGROW?
The research into using LLLT for treating thinning hair is extensive. Clinical studies showing the effectiveness of LLLT for thinning hair go back more than 20 years and have been conducted and published by such places as The Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard University, The American Society for Laser Medicine, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons and many others. The iGrow itself was subjected to two double-blind clinical trials, which showed an average of 35%-37% increase in new growth in just 16 weeks. Both studies were published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, submitted to the US Government for review, and were responsible for the iGrow’s FDA and Health Canada clearances for treating genetic hair loss in men and women.
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO USE THE IGROW?
The treatment protocol used in the iGrow’s clinical studies was 25 minutes, every other day for the first 4-6 months. There are no “cures” for hair loss, only “treatments” but using the iGrow just once per week thereafter is usually enough to maintain results thus far and keep your hair growing it’s best.
HOW LONG DOES IGROW TAKE TO WORK?
Like any treatment, some people see results sooner than others but most notice an improvement within 3-6 months. Even strong, healthy hair typically grows only 1/4”-1/2” per month, so we recommend using the iGrow for at least six months before evaluating how effective it can be for your type of thinning hair.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
Naturally, results can vary from person to person depending primarily on the extent of hair loss and how consistent one is with treatment over time. The general rule seems to be that as long as there is some hair left in the follicle there is a good probability of positive results. Unfortunately, like diet or exercise programs, the only way to truly know how well it will work on an individual is to try it for long enough to see results.
SHOULD I WASH MY HAIR FIRST OR USE A SPECIAL SHAMPOO WITH IGROW?
While it’s never a bad idea to have a clean & healthy scalp, it’s not necessary to wash your hair before using the iGrow and you can continue to use your normal hair products.
DO I HAVE TO USE ANYTHING ELSE WITH THE IGROW?
The iGrow is a stand-alone device and doesn’t require any additional products. It does, however, work very well when used in conjunction with other treatments such as Rogaine or Propecia, and is a good addition to any regimen being used.
HOW SAFE IS THE IGROW TO USE?
The iGrow has been tested to international standards and has full safety clearances. There are no contra-indications for Low-Level Light Therapy, which seems to pose roughly the same risk as a room lamp.
I’M SHEDDING A LOT OF HAIR- WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Shedding is a normal part of a hair’s growth cycle, and while there are many things that can make it speed up or slow down (hormones, diet, stress, or seasons for example), it’s common for a person to shed up to 100 hairs a day. A small percentage of people have said they noticed some increased “shedding” at the beginning of all hair loss treatments, which is simply the follicle letting go while a new hair is being created. This usually stops within a couple of weeks and is actually a good sign that someone is reacting to the treatment. It can be alarming, but it’s temporary, only happens in a very small percentage of people, and regrows with the normal growth cycle of the hair.
HOW LONG WILL THE IGROW LAST?
The iGrow uses clinical-grade components including laser and LED diodes which are tested at 10,000 hours, so it’s extremely unlikely that any of them will “burn out” even after many years of constant use. Of course, like all electronics, the iGrow is subject to things like a loose wire or simply a faulty power cord which is rare but can easily be handled by contacting iGrow’s Customer Support. The iGrow is also covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty to replace a malfunctioning unit if needed, although it should last for years with proper care.
IS THERE A WARRANTY?
The iGrow comes with a one-year Manufacturer’s Warranty, which can be found on the iGrow’s website www.igrowlaser.com under “Terms & Conditions”. If you have a problem with your iGrow, please call Apira Science at 1 (800) HAIR-YES or send an email to [email protected].