Method and apparatus for the stimulation of hair growth

Abstract

A system for producing hair growth stimulation using light energy, topical compositions, and combinations thereof. By using photomodulation resulting from cellular responses to exposure to specific wavelengths of light, optionally in conjunction with topical compositions and procedures for enhancing the penetration of such compositions, hair follicles are activated to produce hair growth.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. application Ser. No 09 / 819,081, filed Feb. 15, 2001, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 203,178, filed Nov. 30, 1998.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for the stimulation of hair growth, using a novel combination of photothermal, photochemical and photomodulatory alone or by also applying a drug or a cosmeceutical composition, naturally occurring chromophore, or other light-activated chromophore to or into the hair follicle hair bulb, hair bulge, hair stem cell or surrounding tissue and exposing the composition to electromagnetic radiation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are several known techniques for attempting to reduce or eliminate hair growth in human skin. A few of these known techniques such as topical minoxidil or the commerically available product “Rogaine” are scientifically proven and widely accepted as ef...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach effectively stimulates hair growth with reduced risk of damage to surrounding skin, improving penetration and absorption of light energy, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy across various skin types and hair colors.

Problems solved by technology

Most of these processes tend to damage the hair, either by producing heat or by photo-acoustical shock waves.

These known processes have varying degrees of effectiveness, but require multiple treatments and, in their current form, produce only partial permanent hair reduction.

This contaminant may be applied directly onto the skin and may be introduced into the empty space surrounding the hair shaft.

This causes injury to surrounding tissues whose function is to support the growth of the hair shaft.

There are problems with present light and laser hair removal techniques.

At present, these light sources cannot be safely used at optimal very high power settings for people with darker skin or even people with a dark tan.

Treatments which target melanin inherently do not work well on light hair, since there is not enough natural pigment to absorb enough energy to damage hair even if the power is quite high.

This presents a problem.

Either an insufficient or sub-optimal number of graphite particles penetrate into the hair duct, or an insufficient amount of damage is caused by the graphite particles.

Consequently, many treatments tend to be required before an acceptable result is achieved.

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