IN MY twenties and thirties, my thick, shiny hair was my crowning glory – a source of pride and confidence.
Friends and even strangers commented on its splendor and fullness.
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But as my 50th birthday approached, my once strong curls began to thin.
Strands that were once elastic and bouncy were now limp and dull.
It was disturbing and discouraging.
I noticed more hair on the shower floor and my ponytail felt noticeably thinner.
Suddenly, all those ego-boosting compliments were replaced by unwelcome taunts about my barely-there hairstyle.
Even one of my closest friends asked: “Do you have a receding hairline?”
“Thanks,” I thought. “Is it that obvious?”
I looked at snapshots of celebrities in their fifties like Jennifer Aniston and Salma Hayek, whose hairlines were still beautifully full.
What was her secret?
Having a child at 48 didn’t help my hair loss. Then came perimenopause.
When estrogen levels become disrupted and eventually drop, hair growth cycles are disrupted, leading to increased hair loss and thinning.
“Excellent,” I thought. “My body is against me.”
But a new study gave me hope.
Two groups of women who suffered from hair loss were examined. One received red light therapy, the other a placebo.
The group that used red light therapy had 37 percent more hair growth than the placebo group.
It is not the first study of its kind.
Another US study from 2014 came to similar results: participants who used red light therapy benefited from a significant increase in hair density.
Studies have shown that this can also increase the number of hairs by an average of nine to ten hairs per square centimeter.
Then I came across numerous enthusiastic reviews on the Internet about a red light therapy device to combat hair loss.
Women of all ages have praised Kimairay’s Electric Scalp Massage Brush (£19.99, Amazon) for giving them back their youthful locks.
“I WILL TRY EVERYTHING”
Apparently it promotes blood circulation on the surface of the scalp and thus stimulates hair growth.
Anabel Kingsley, trichologist and brand president of Philip Kingsley Hair Loss Clinics, claims that it may be the vibrations of this handy device that bring the results.
She says: “When we enter menopause, our estrogen levels drop, which leads to hair loss.
“Our scalp loses elasticity and produces less oil, which leads to drier hair.
“Most women notice that their hair becomes finer, less thick and less shiny.
“It is believed that this device works by increasing the energy supply to the hair follicles, thereby increasing hair density.”
In my desperation, I decided to give it a try.
I excitedly ripped open the box. With its nine metal prongs, it hardly looks like a fancy cosmetic product, but hey – I’ll try anything.
After charging it for an hour, I open the applicator bottle inside the device and pour in some of my own argan hair oil, which is non-greasy and known for its nourishing properties.
Next, I turn on the device, place it on my scalp and move it gently in circular motions.
It feels surprisingly relaxing. I press the button to distribute the hair oil evenly through the tines.
I’m glad that it doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on my scalp.
Week one: first observations
To begin with, I use it three times a week for 20 minutes.
I quickly grab it in the car while I’m waiting for the kids to finish school and even fill it up in the bathroom while I meet a friend for coffee.
It’s lightweight, comfortable to hold, and fits in my purse, making it ideal for busy days running errands.
At first my curls look a bit disheveled after use and they need to be lightly brushed afterwards to smooth them out.
At the end of the first week, I didn’t notice any dramatic changes in the thickness or volume of my hair, but now it’s a little self-care ritual.
Week two: subtle changes
As I enter the second week, I begin to notice subtle differences.
I usually use the device for about ten minutes in the evening, either before bed or after dinner.
My scalp feels less dry and my curls seem to have a little more shine.
I usually wash my hair three times a week, but I wash it a fourth time to make sure the excess oil from my scalp massages is gone.
It wasn’t a drastic change, but the texture and feel of my hair improved significantly.
I’ve also started using the device in more relaxed situations, like while watching TV or waiting for food to be ready.
Week three: visible improvement
I’m starting to notice less hair on my pillow or shower tray. Old hair, is that you?
My curls look fuller and have more volume at the roots. I am so pleased.
Maybe this strange device does work after all.
At dinner with the girls, my friends rave about my shinier, healthier-looking hair and I even turn a few heads at the bar.
I finally look and feel like my old self again.
The relaxing feeling of the massage has motivated me and I am looking forward to my new evening routine.
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Week four: a month of transformation
ONE month and the change is undeniable. My hair is visibly thicker, shinier and looks healthier.
It appears fuller overall, especially at the crown and temples, where it normally appears flat.
Even my partner, 63-year-old production manager Perry Joseph, noticed. He said my curls looked like they used to.
The clock turns back and my self-confidence increases.
I feel confident when I meet friends for lunch at the pub and they admire my new and improved curls.
I’m not used to getting so many compliments, but they are very welcome.
Compared to the expensive salon treatments I’ve tried, the device seems to be worth the money.
It is a one-time purchase and I have found the results to be more consistent.
After a month of regular use, I can safely say that red light therapy has significantly improved the appearance of my hair.
It has given me back the fullness and shine that I thought was lost forever.
Perimenopause doesn’t have to mean the end of your wonderful curls.
With the right tools, you can revive and restore them without breaking your budget.
There is no way I will miss out on this new look.
I have already recommended it to my friends and since it is safe for long-term use, I plan to continue using the device at least a few times a week as part of my regular hair care routine.
So is red light therapy worth it?
JONATHAN ANDREW, celebrity hairdresser and global ambassador for Fudge Professional, says: “Red light has been used in skincare for some time, so it makes sense that it would also make its way into the hair world.
“It is primarily a treatment of the scalp and not a treatment of the hair itself.
“Red light therapy works by increasing blood flow and oxygen supply, which in turn can contribute to healthier hair growth.
“It can also help improve hair density.
“A scalp massage can contribute to better hair health and therefore stronger hair growth by stimulating blood flow to the hair follicles.
“That’s exactly what this device does.”
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