What Is Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be a traumatic experience no matter why or when it happens. The most common cause of thinning hair in men and women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern hair loss. It’s a hereditary condition resulting in gradual hair loss starting any time after puberty, either with thinning at the hairline and top of the head or with a widening of the part. There are several ways to treat hair loss, including topical treatments, medications, and even surgical hair transplants. But it wasn’t until I stumbled upon a red light therapy device equipped with LED lights that I learned about this over-the-counter treatment for stimulating hair growth.

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate hair growth. It works like this: when the visible red light laser is applied to the scalp (at the ideal duration, intensity, and wavelength), the body can harness the light and turn it into cellular energy. This stimulates the body's natural healing process — and potentially promotes hair regrowth. "Two separate studies have shown that red light laser therapy works for male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness," said hair expert and cosmetologist Ganima Abdullah.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Hair Loss?

The principle behind red light therapy for hair growth is that light energy is absorbed by the cells of the scalp, leading to several physiological changes that may promote hair regeneration. Red light therapy interacts with mitochondria in cells to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is the energy currency of cells and increased production can stimulate follicular function and new hair growth. This is unique to red light therapy and only possible with light emitting diodes. Healthy hair follicles need a good supply of oxygen and nutrients. Red light therapy is believed to reactivate dormant follicles, extend the anagen phase, and prevent premature follicle miniaturization.

Step

1: When the red light therapy device is applied over the scalp, it penetrates deep into the skin. Step

2: The wavelengths of red light stimulate the mitochondria to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cells' energy currency. Step

3: Increased ATPs help cells better function and repair themselves, leading to healthier and more active hair follicles. Step

4: Dormant follicles may enter the hair cycle's anagen phase (the active growth phase). Research has shown that RLT is particularly effective for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness), the most common type of hair loss. It can also benefit those with telogen effluvium.

Does Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss Work?

Yes, low level light therapy can help promote hair growth in both men and women. Studies have shown promising results for red light therapy in promoting hair regrowth. Research suggests that red light therapy may increase blood flow to the scalp, which can nourish hair follicles and stimulate them to enter the growth anagen phase. Additionally, it might reduce inflammation and improve hair follicle function. A review of multiple studies found red light therapy to be particularly effective for androgenic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss in both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female pattern hair loss).

A 2017 trial considered how effective low-level laser therapy was on women living with hair loss. Researchers found that women receiving red light therapy at 650nm experienced a 51% increase in their hair count. Another similar study from the same year involving 44 women with androgenetic alopecia found an even higher hair growth increase of 51% in the treatment group compared to placebo. In a separate study, 44 men with different stages of male pattern baldness who received 60 home treatments with a red light therapy helmet saw their hair growth increase by 35% more than the placebo group.

Safety and Side Effects

Red light therapy is generally considered safe, but it can have some side effects. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and often resolve on their own shortly after treatment. Here are the potential side effects: tingling, redness, or itching, though these are rare. “If you’re sensitive to light or get a lot of headaches, it may not be the best idea,” says dermatologist Farah. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause skin cancer, research hasn’t found that red light can cause any type of cancer. It also won’t burn your scalp or change your hair color.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss

Most experts recommend using red light therapy 2-3 times per week for it to be effective against pattern hair loss. The standard protocol is to part the hair above the areas being treated and place the red light device about 2-5 inches from the scalp. Each session should last around 15-20 minutes in total, with the light directed to different sections of the scalp. Studies have found using red light therapy less than twice a week is generally not enough to see results. For best results, consistency is key. Red laser therapy may take 4-6 months of 2-3 times weekly use to start seeing benefits like healthier, thicker feeling hair and slowed shedding.

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 optimized 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. Helmets and caps are hands-free, wearable devices that target the scalp to stimulate hair growth. One of these will cost between £250 to £900.

Combining Red Light Therapy with Other Treatments

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. Combining red light therapy with Minoxidil or Finasteride yields better results in increasing hair count than either treatment on its own. So if you’re serious about treating hair loss, combining these therapies is a good way to strive for greater gains. Why not use minoxidil or natural oils like rosemary oil for extra stimulation? Have you considered microneedling or gentle scalp massages to boost blood flow and absorption of topical products?

FAQs

1. How long does it take to see results from red light therapy for hair loss?

Results vary depending on the individual and the severity of hair loss. Most people notice subtle changes, like reduced shedding, within 3 months of consistent use (2-3 times per week). More significant hair growth, such as increased thickness or density, often takes 6-12 months.

2. Can red light therapy regrow hair on a completely bald scalp?

Red light therapy works best for thinning hair or early-stage hair loss where follicles are still active but dormant. If the follicles are completely dead (as in advanced baldness), it’s unlikely to regrow hair in those areas.

3. Is red light therapy safe for everyone?

Generally, yes—it’s non-invasive and has minimal side effects. However, people sensitive to light, prone to migraines, or taking medications that increase light sensitivity should consult a doctor first.

4. What’s the best device for red light therapy at home?

Caps and helmets (emitting 620-700nm wavelengths) are popular because they provide even coverage and are easy to use. Look for FDA-cleared devices for safety and reliability. Prices range from $200 to $900 depending on quality.

5. Can I use red light therapy every day?

Daily use is fine with some devices (e.g., 10 minutes/day), but most studies suggest 3-5 sessions per week (15-20 minutes each) for optimal results. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid overuse.

Red light therapy offers a promising, science-backed option for those battling hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia. Whether you opt for a clinic treatment or an at-home device, consistency and patience are key to seeing results.