Red light therapy for hair growth is a safe and effective form of low-light laser therapy (LLLT) which can help improve hair density and health in multiple types of alopecia. Studies suggest that red light therapy can increase hair growth by 35% to 51% compared with placebo when used over 16 weeks [1-3].
LLLT has been around for decades as a treatment for wound and tissue repair, as well as pain relief. So how can it stimulate hair follicles for growth to help you tackle androgenetic alopecia and other hair loss conditions?
This article will tell you all you need to know about red light therapy for hair loss:
Red light therapy is a form of low-level laser therapy. It uses light of specific wavelengths to stimulate your hair follicles, resulting in cell proliferation and improved hair growth. Despite the reference to “lasers” in its name, LLLT now mostly uses LEDs to produce light of different wavelengths [4]. Various wavelengths have specific effects on the human body.
As its name suggests, red light therapy uses red or near-infrared beams of light. Wavelengths range from 630 to 700 nm (660 nm is usually preferred). They penetrate the scalp and optimise cell functioning, which, in turn, stimulates hair growth.
Hair loss clinics offer red light therapy for hair loss using state-of-the-art, medical-grade equipment. This is likely to give you the best results, as the equipment, treatment length, and aftercare advice is optimised for hair growth.
However, there are also home devices you can use to try red light therapy at home. These include laser hair growth caps, brushes, combs, and helmets [5].
Yes, red light therapy has been scientifically proven to promote hair growth, improving hair density and thickness by up to 51% [3]. The following studies offer compelling evidence for the use of red light for hair.
Evidence shows that red light therapy is good for your hair, stimulating strand growth. Even though most of these studies were performed on people with androgenetic alopecia, good results have also been reported for alopecia areata and telogen effluvium [6-7].
While the scientific community has yet to reach a definitive agreement regarding the exact mechanism that makes red light therapy work, researchers do have some solid theories.
The most widely accepted is that as focused red or near-infrared light penetrates your scalp, it stimulates an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase found in the mitochondria of our cells [4]. This creates a biochemical reaction, increasing mitochondrial activity, which leads to faster production of a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [4].
ATP is the main energy molecule of the cells. It helps transport energy to your tissue, providing the hair follicles with the necessary resources to remain in the growth phase of your natural hair growth cycle for longer.
Some people are concerned about the side effects of DHT blocking treatments. But there are plenty of hair loss solutions that don’t have an impact on DHT production, including Minoxidil, black seed oil for hair, and platelet-rich plasma hair therapy.
While red light therapy can be effective as a stand-alone treatment, you can get even better results when combining it with other medications and therapies. Here are the best solutions you can try to enhance its effects.
Combining red light therapy with Minoxidil or Finasteride yields better results in increasing hair count than either treatment on its own [8]. So if you’re serious about treating hair loss, combining these therapies is a good way to strive for greater gains.
That said, Finasteride in particular isn’t suitable for everyone (especially women). So it’s a good idea to consult with a trichologist before taking any hair growth medication. It’s important to be aware of any potential medication side effects, so you can weigh up the risks and benefits.
Getting a scalp massage for hair growth can help improve blood flow to your hair follicles. Furthermore, research says it may help activate certain genes and potassium channels involved in hair development [9]. Studies show that using an electric scalp massage device for as little as 4 minutes a day can improve hair thickness in 6 months [10].
Furthermore, regular massage may help reduce your stress levels and minimise anxiety-induced hair loss [11]. Some head massage devices even have built-in red light LEDs, so you can save time by using both treatments simultaneously.
Certain vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss. So if you want to improve your hair growth, you should also eat a diverse and nutritious diet for healthy hair.
While red light can help improve hair density, your hair can only grow properly if it’s getting enough nutrients. It is always best to get these from dietary sources, so try not to rely on vitamin supplements. Avoid restrictive diets that can deprive you of the vitamins and minerals you need for healthy hair growth.
If you want to get the best results from red light therapy, it’s wise to avoid styling choices that can contribute to hair damage. It is tricky to fix heat-damaged hair, so it’s best to avoid frequent heat-styling, as it can cause dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage.
Similarly, styling products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach or hair dye, can cause hair loss. Choose gentle hair care products, shield your hair from the sun, and use UV hair protection where necessary.
An experienced hair doctor can advise you on how to get the best possible results from red light therapy, bearing in mind your particular hair type and scalp condition. They can recommend the most appropriate hair care routine for thinning hair that’s tailored to your needs. They can also prescribe any additional medication or treatment to help keep your hair full and healthy.
Research indicates that red light therapy for hair loss is generally a safe procedure with very few side effects. Minor side effects include:
These side effects are temporary and short-lived. Most research has revealed no adverse effects [1-3], so it’s very unlikely for red light therapy to cause any kind of harm to your hair and scalp.
Intense red light can also be irritating for the eyes, so it is a good idea to wear safety goggles throughout treatment (these are normally supplied alongside red light devices). A normal sleep eye mask can also help if you don’t have goggles.
However, this is a light-based therapy, so people who are prone to light-induced seizures should consult their healthcare provider before getting red light therapy. This includes people with epilepsy and those who experience migraines.
Since there are no safety concerns associated with red light therapy, it can be used as often as you’d like. There is no risk of overdosing or damage associated with overuse.
However, dermatologists recommend getting 20-30 minute treatments 2-3 times a week using medical-grade equipment for optimum results [12]. If you use home devices, undergoing 10-20 minutes of red light therapy 3-5 times a week is best.
It depends on the cause of your hair loss, your overall hair and scalp condition, and how often you get treatment. Less advanced hair loss, with limited damage to the follicles, should respond better to the red light, allowing you to see improvement in hair density sooner than if you have late-stage alopecia.
On average, it is common for an entire course of treatment to last 3-6 months (or over 20-30 sessions). So keep in mind that this is a marathon, not a sprint. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t see new hair growth after the first few sessions.
The cost of red light therapy depends on the number of sessions you need, the type of device used, and your chosen clinic. On average, in the UK, a single treatment session costs around £45. Depending on the extent of your hair loss, you might need at least 20-30 sessions to achieve satisfactory regrowth. So a complete course of therapy could cost around £1,125 in total [13].
While some clinics may offer lower prices, it is important to learn about the type of red light therapy device they use before making a decision. Older machines may be slower or less effective than newer, optimised models.
Purchasing an efficient home red light therapy device can be quite an investment. There are many products to choose from in different forms and various price ranges. Here are some of the best options for various needs and preferences.
Disclaimer: The products mentioned on this page are for reference purposes only and have been selected based on online reviews and user-reported results. The Wimpole Clinic does not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of these products.
This red light therapy helmet is portable and can be comfortably worn while you go about your day. It has 120 light diodes (51 lasers and 69 LEDs) and uses a wavelength of 655 nm, which is in the optimal range. It has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can return it within 12 months of use.
Price: Approximately £550
Main advantages: It is portable, comfortable, and works on your entire scalp.
Main drawbacks: It’s relatively expensive compared to other red light therapy home devices.
This FDA-approved red light therapy comb is lightweight and portable, meaning you can comfortably use it while resting or watching your favourite show. Plus, a 2014 study conducted on men and women with pattern baldness showed an increase in hair density after being treated with this comb 3 times a week for 26 weeks [16].
Price: Approximately £200
Main advantages: The device is portable, easy to use, and less expensive than a helmet.
Main drawbacks: It does not expose your whole scalp to the red light simultaneously, so its results may depend on how you use it.
When opting for a red light therapeutic home device, it is important to select high-quality products. Here are some of the main things to look for when buying a red light therapy device.
Red light for hair growth normally ranges between wavelengths of 630-750 nanometers. However, some devices have several modes, which also offer near-infrared (810-850 nm) or infrared (over 900 nm) light options.
If you would like to use this device for additional purposes than just hair regrowth (such as reducing tissue inflammation, pain management, or skincare), you may want to opt for a device with a broader wavelength range.
This measurement lets you know how bright and powerful the light emitted by the device will be. The higher the intensity, the faster and more efficient the therapy will be. Choosing a low-powered device might yield insufficient amounts of red light for optimum benefit.
Red light is often emitted by therapeutic devices through an arrangement of larger light emitting diodes (LEDs). The more LEDs the product has, the more light it emits, making it faster and more efficient.
If you plan to use this therapy for hair growth alone, products designed for a targeted, smaller treatment area will likely suffice (such as a helmet or a hand-held device). However, if you plan to use it for more extensive body issues (or if your family members also use it for different purposes), look at larger, full-body options.
Helpful features, such as programmable timers or adjustable settings, can make a difference when selecting a red light hair therapy device. A clear, visible interface that is easy to read and interact with can also be helpful.
As with any other product, insight offered by people who have already bought and used red light therapy devices can be extremely valuable. Reviews can speak to product efficiency and usability, plus warn you about hidden flaws in its design or functioning.
If you are experiencing diffuse or patterned hair thinning, especially in the early stages, you may be a good candidate for red light hair therapy. Extensive research [1-3, 5-6] has shown that it is effective in both men and women, especially when hair loss is caused by the following conditions:
Ask your healthcare provider if this type of therapy is suitable for you if your hair loss is due to scarring alopecia. It may not be suitable if your hair follicles have been destroyed due to scarring.
Several misconceptions have emerged in relation to red light therapy for hair. Here are a few of the most common myths about red light therapy for hair loss.
The devices used for LLLT never emit enough heat to cause damage to your skin. The most you may feel is some warmth, which should not cause discomfort. If you are experiencing a burning sensation while using a home red light therapy device, turn it off immediately, as it might be counterfeit and potentially harmful.
While there are many snake oil treatments (especially when it comes to hair growth remedies), the effects of red light therapy on your hair are scientifically proven. Numerous studies conducted on thousands of people in total have found that after 3-6 months of sessions, this type of LLLT does stimulate an increase in hair thickness and density [1-3, 5-6].
Red light therapy does not contain any particles which can interact with the pigment in your hair. It will have no influence on the colour or shade of your hair, and won’t interact with any styling product, such as dye or bleach.
While exposure to regular sunlight or sunbeds can increase your risk of skin cancer, red light therapy devices don’t emit UV radiation. So they are safe to use on your skin and scalp without fear of developing melanoma.
While there are many conditions which can lead to hair loss, here are some of the most prevalent:
Unsure what’s causing your hair loss? Book a consultation at your closest hair loss clinic location. We can assess, diagnose, and treat all kinds of hair loss and recommend the most appropriate therapies for your specific condition.
If red light therapy isn’t giving you the results you want, there are plenty of other proven hair loss remedies. Here are some of the most popular and effective.
This is a simple and effective procedure where hair from a healthy donor area (usually the back of your head) is extracted and reimplanted in the balding spots. The best hair transplant clinics offer experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art techniques, such as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), to ensure you get a natural post-transplant look.
Unlike other treatments, a hair transplant is permanent. So you can enjoy a full, natural head of hair for many years to come.
The Wimpole Clinic has more than 50 years’ experience of offering quality hair restoration services. It’s why we’ve been named hair transplant clinic of the year four years running.
Medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride can help limit shedding and stimulate hair growth, while steroid creams for hair loss can alleviate the symptoms of alopecia areata.
However, these medications should be used at the recommendation of a medical specialist, as they could have adverse effects or not be suitable for your condition.
Also known as derma rolling for hair growth, this therapy involves rolling a small, handheld device covered in very fine needles across the balding areas on your scalp. This can improve blood flow and stimulate hair growth by triggering your body’s natural healing response.
Using topical Minoxidil and a derma roller enhances both their effects, as the micropunctures made by the needles improve the medication’s scalp absorption.
This procedure involves drawing a small quantity of your blood, separating the PRP from the rest of the blood fractions, and injecting it into your scalp.
Because PRP contains a high number of growth factors, it helps repair and nourish hair follicles, improving hair density and thickness.
The efficiency of any treatment option depends on the cause of your hair loss. If you are experiencing unexplained hair shedding, it is very important to be diagnosed by a specialist.
Book a consultation today with one of the renowned trichologists at Wimpole Clinic. They will conduct blood tests for hair loss and based on the results, they will recommend the best hair loss treatments for women or the most efficient hair loss treatment for men.
Find out more about red light therapy for hair growth and its effects on your scalp and hair in these frequently asked questions.
Red light therapy is not painful at all. While it does involve applying focused light to your scalp, the devices used only emit low amounts of heat. This can create warmth but can in no way hurt, burn, or damage your skin.
It’s best to use eye protection during the session to minimise any discomfort, but most patients feel no more than a soothing, comfortable sensation.
You don’t need to wear a sun protection factor (SPF) lotion when using red light therapy devices. They do not emit ultraviolet radiation; they use red or near-infrared light. This means they will not increase your risk of developing sunburn or skin cancer.
The effectiveness of red light therapy vs Minoxidil largely depends on the conditions they treat. While there haven’t been many studies to compare their results, one research conducted on patients with androgenetic alopecia shows similar outcomes with both treatments. Additionally, scientists have found that combining Minoxidil with red light therapy can achieve excellent hair growth outcomes [8].
Yes. If you are struggling with a sparse or patchy beard, red light therapy may help. This is especially true if you have an autoimmune condition like alopecia barbae.
However, your ability to grow a full beard depends on many factors. So it is best to see a trichologist and get recommendations for the best treatment options.
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