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.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A method for activating or inhibiting the differentiation of stem cells, comprising exposing the stem cells to a source of narrowband multichromatic electromagnetic radiation under conditions effective to activate or inhibit cell differentiation.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the source of narrowband multichromatic electromagnetic radiation is at least one light emitting diode.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the conditions effective to active or inhibit cell differentiation comprise continuous exposure to the source of narrowband multichromatic electromagnetic radiation.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein an energy fluence of no greater than 4 J/cm 2  is delivered to the stem cells.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the conditions effective to active or inhibit cell differentiation comprise exposure to more than one pulse of light from the source of narrowband multichromatic electromagnetic radiation.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19  wherein an energy fluence of no greater than 4 J/cm 2  is delivered to the stem cells.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 17  comprising applying a chromophore to the stem cells prior to exposure to the source of narrowband multichromatic electromagnetic radiation.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 17  comprising applying an exogenous chromophore to the stem cells prior to exposure to the source of narrowband multichromatic electromagnetic radiation.