The Hairmax Lasercomb Many long-term clinical research programs at laser institutes internationally have shown that bio-stimulation of 'cold-beam', low-level laser gives numerous positive effects to the skin and hair.

Approval of the device would make a significant impact on the billion dollar-per-year hair restoration industry since the HairMax LaserComb would be only the third product ever given such approval or market clearance, according to David Michaels, managing director of Boca Raton-based Lexington International. The HairMax LaserComb already complies with FDA safety requirements as a cosmetic laser.

"The significance of this is so important because while a host of hair products claim to be safe and effective, only two have been granted the ability to say that their products have been clinically proven to halt hair loss and regrow hair," said Michaels.

“Moreover the HairMax LaserComb enhances the results of hair transplants,” continues Michaels. “We are confident that it will soon become an essential tool for hair transplant surgeons”.

Lexington is optimistic that their LaserComb will join Minoxidil as the only product approved or cleared for both men and women, and indications are its success rate will exceed that of Rogaine. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine for men and women, has shown a success rate of 19% for moderate hair growth and 40% for minimal hair growth, according to their packaging for women.

Clinical trials began on the LaserComb in April and the company has now passed the very important three-month mark. Results to this point are extremely encouraging. "Although the clinical trials will last 12 months, the three- and four-month marks are significant milestones for monitoring results," according to Dr. Martin Unger, Past President of the American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and one of the worlds leading authorities in hair research.

Anecdotal evidence Lexington has collected to date suggests that more than 90% of users achieve some positive benefits and results. "In general, about 45% of users see noticeable indications of benefits from use of the LaserComb within the first 6 weeks," according to Dr. Unger, who is also Lexington's medical director and advising on the trials. "Another 45% realize indications from 6 to 12 weeks and 5% see subtle improvements after 12 weeks. Although preliminary, the clinical trial results could be heads and shoulders above those products that are already on the market."

"In addition, the LaserComb has no adverse side effects, what-so-ever," says Michaels. "The same can't be said for topical applications, which may sometimes result in an itching, red, inflamed or painful scalp.

Because the HairMax LaserComb is not a hormone-related medication like Propecia, it is safe for women. And when used properly, women who use HairMax LaserComb do not run the risk of experiencing unwanted hair growth on the face or body, as is possible with minoxidil-based solutions.

The HairMax LaserComb, which was named one of TIME Magazine's "Inventions of the Year" for 2001, is a Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) device also referred to as a Cold Laser. International studies have shown that Low Level Laser Therapy works by the principals of PhotoBioStimulation in which certain wavelengths of light in a directed beam increase the ATP (energy) of the cell at the molecular level. The laser energy may also increase blood and lymph circulation in the tissue. When a person is in the process of losing his or her hair, the follicles haven't necessarily died yet – they are just weak and have become dormant. The LaserComb's light energy revives the resting follicles, as well as bolsters those that are still functioning healthily. "This is not the laser you saw in 'Star Wars,'" notes Michaels. "It's safe, effective biostimulative light."

The trials should be completed and the results submitted to the FDA in the early spring. The FDA has already cleared two other LLLT devices this year for "carpel tunnel syndrome" and for "chronic pain relief."

The trials are being done concurrently on both men and women with independent Medical Doctors under specifications that the FDA has been notified of. Each subject will use the comb for six months and submit to monthly hair counts to assess hair growth and hair mass.

There is presently no other product on the market that directly competes with the HairMax LaserComb because it is the only portable, hand-held cold-beam laser product designed for hair. Similar stationary technology is being used in hair-loss salons, but yearly treatment programs cost upwards of ten times the one-time purchase price of the HairMax LaserComb. "In-salon treatments can be as much as $3,000 per six months, compared to the one-time cost of $645 for the LaserComb, which should last the user ten years or longer," adds Michaels. "On top of that, the patent has been approved in the USA and is pending in more than 100+ countries, ensuring that the LaserComb will be the only hair device of its kind for some time."

Lexington International had its beginnings in Sydney, Australia as a hair restoration laser clinic where a prototype of the LaserComb was developed. The company moved to Boca Raton on Florida’s Internet Coast in 2000. In 2001, it introduced the HairMax LaserComb internationally, receiving considerable public attention.