WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD,

You Feel Good

Laser Hair Therapy of North Dakota builds clients’ confidence by improving hair

By Alicia Underlee Nelson Photography by Jill Ockhardt

Hair loss is a very real problem that affects millions of people around the world every day. And Laser Hair Therapy of North Dakota is helping clients regain their confidence by improving the look and feel of their natural hair using painless, therapeutic laser hair therapy. The company, which is owned by Jill VandeHoven, offers treatments in Carrington, Jamestown, Grand Forks, Harvey, Bismarck and Fargo.

A variety of factors contribute to hair loss, including genetic thinning, hormonal issues, stress, medications, poor nutrition and autoimmune diseases. Enzymes and hormones interact and narrow the hair follicle until it no longer produces a hair and becomes dormant.

Laser hair therapy combats this tendency by using “a cool, low-level light that stimulates the scalp tissue and brings more blood flow to the follicle,” said Fargo franchise owner Connie Bernabucci. Using lasers to treat hair loss was approved by the FDA in 2007, but the process has been well-known in the medical community since the 1960s, when lasers were used to increase circulation in diabetic patients.

The type of light used is very important, said Bernabucci. “True red laser lights jump start dormant cells. Infrared lights heat and can damage and LEDs just work on the surface and scatter when they hit. We use high-grade, true laser lights."

The experts at Laser Hair Therapy of North Dakota assess each potential client’s scalp and hair health during a free consultation session. Most clients require two 30-minute sessions a week, but since certain conditions require a more specialized plan, the team works alongside a client’s other doctors, nutritionists and hair stylists to create a treatment plan for long-term success.

Treatments are conducted in a cheerful, salon-like setting with lots of light and colorful modern art adorning the walls. Clients settle into a comfortable chair, just like they’d find at any hair salon. They can relax or read during the session and if anyone were to walk by, it would simply look like they were sitting under a hood dryer after getting their hair permed or colored.

“It really helps the clients feel comfortable,” explained Bernabucci, who also owns and operates Bucci Salon next door. ”It feels familiar.”

Results vary from client to client, but most report an improvement in the look and feel of their hair. Risks are low and treatment simply requires that clients wear protective eyewear.

“Hair loss is progressive and an ongoing battle,” said Bernabucci. “Treatment may be anywhere from six months to 12 months plus.” Once the client is satisfied, they can switch to a maintenance schedule or purchase a cosmetic laser unit to use at home. Laser Hair Therapy of North Dakota’s Fargo location also carries a line of products designed to keep the hair and scalp clean, as well as products that help the treatments work more effectively.

The Fargo location is growing fast, taking on new clients and expanding from two to six laser machines in 2015 to meet the demand. Jeb Reinhiller of Moorhead encourages anyone who thinks they might be a candidate for treatment to check it out.

“Go in for a consultation and find out in person,” said Reinhiller “This is a real deal. It doesn't all happen overnight, but it is a real treatment with positive results.”

Reinhiller is thrilled with his results. “I can deal with my aging on my terms,” he said, “as opposed to just watching it happen.”

His response makes Bernabucci smile. “My reason for pursuing the laser technology was trying to find help for people with hair loss challenges,” she said. “We are here to help people feel and look better.” [AWM] 1-855-313-HAIR