Forget slathering on creams and painful surgical treatments. Some doctors are talking about a new way to fight thinning hair.

You've no doubt heard of lasers that zap away hair. Well, here's something new: a low-level laser that a doctor says can help sprout hair.

The "LaserComb" may usher in a whole new approach to restoring hair.

Joan Spadafina says she made an unfortunate discovery a while back.

"I noticed that I had quite a bit of hair loss starting about four years ago," Spadafina said.

But there are few options. For women, Rogaine works, but not that well. Propecia, perhaps the best weapon against hair loss, is only approved for men. And hair transplant surgery seems a bit drastic. A new "LaserComb" may offer another choice.

"Phototherapy is a brand-new emerging treatment modality that promises excellent results for the vast majority of patients," said Dr. Alan Bauman, a hair restoration specialist.

Some scientists say the Hairmax LaserComb works by increasing blood flow to the scalp. Others say it increases energy to the hair follicles themselves. Dr. Alan Bauman says the result is thicker hair.

"Patients are giving us huge results. They're saying they're getting improvements in hair volume, the texture of their hair improves, the color and the quality is better," Bauman said.

Even Dr. Bauman was skeptical at first, but patient after patient -- and photo -- convinced him the Lasercomb works when used two to three a week for a half hour. But it may take up to 6 months to see results.

MORE ON THIS STORY lasercomb.net

The LaserComb has already been cleared as a medical device to restore hair in Canada. FDA clearance is still pending in the U.S.

It's not cheap, at nearly $650, and the results disappear if you stop using it. There's no guarantee it'll work for everyone.