How Does Red Light for Hair Growth Work

Red light therapy hair growth is a non-invasive treatment approach that utilizes specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth.

Simply put, the red light penetrates the scalp and is absorbed by the cells of the hair follicles. This absorption of light energy then stimulates cellular activity and promotes several beneficial effects that contribute to hair growth.

By dilating blood vessels and increasing microcirculation, red light improves nutrient and oxygen delivery to the hair follicles, supporting their growth and strengthening the existing hair.

The Benefits of Using Light Therapy for Hair Loss

Red light therapy offers several potential benefits for hair growth, increasing hair density, and reducing further hair loss. Here’s what specific benefits of red light therapy for hair contribute to that:

• Improves blood circulation
• Increases circulation
• Provides oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles
• Reduces inflammation across the scalp
• Increases collagen production

Plus it’s completely painless and suitable for combining with other hair loss treatments or just using it on its own.

As for the limitations of red light therapy for hair, here’s a quick look:

Results may not be immediate and typically require multiple treatments.

Maintenance is required to sustain the results (sometimes the benefits may gradually diminish over time, depending on the type of hair loss condition).

Individual responses to the treatment can vary, and results may take time to become noticeable.

What Conditions Does Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss Help Treat?

RLT can help treat different kinds of hair loss, seeing as various factors contribute to hair loss, such as genetics, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices.

This treatment is suitable for both men and women experiencing various types of hair loss, so let’s go through each one.

Red Light Therapy for Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s cells attack the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. However, the hair follicle is not destroyed, meaning hair can grow back.

Autoimmune diseases in general result in an environment that is pro-inflammatory, as is the case with hair follicles’ environment when it comes to alopecia areata. And since red light therapy has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce the inflammatory response and repair damage.

Red Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, more commonly known as female or male pattern baldness. This condition is genetic and usually caused by increased androgen activity. Raised labels of certain hormones lead to the shrinking of hair follicles, thinning out the hair.

Red light therapy for male pattern baldness is effective since red light stimulates the cells in the bulge of the hair follicle. One study found a 39% percent hair increase upon using red light therapy for hair loss.

Red Light Therapy and Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

Red light therapy has been explored as a potential treatment to mitigate chemotherapy-induced hair loss and promote hair regrowth, but you need to consult with a healthcare team (including an oncologist) to discuss the use of red LED light therapy during chemotherapy.

Once the course of chemotherapy is complete, red light therapy can be used to help regrow hair by improving blood flow to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles.

Red Light Therapy for Female Hair Loss

While hormonal changes, especially those that occur during pregnancy or menopause are the most common cause of hair loss in women, any hormonal shifts can trigger changes in hair volume and density.

Also, certain medical conditions like thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases, scalp infections, and fungal issues can be the reason behind female hair loss.

This hair loss can be reversed with red light for hair growth, as confirmed by a study from 2017 in which researchers found that women receiving red light therapy experienced a 51% increase in their hair count.

Red Light Therapy for Hair Regrowth

Red light therapy does not induce hair growth in areas where there was no hair before.

It can only stimulate dormant hair follicles that have stopped producing hair (or that are producing weak and thin hairs), encouraging them to regrow thicker and healthier hair. So if anyone is worried about red light therapy causing hair growth in other unwanted places, rest assured, that’s not going to happen.

How Many Red Light Therapy Hair Growth Sessions Will You Need?

The procedure has to be done regularly to contribute to hair re-growth. The specific number of sessions depends on the desired results as well as your specific condition.

Factors like the severity of the hair loss condition, individual genetics, and overall health all contribute to the success of treatment.

Usually, the recommended amount of sessions is between 6-10. Results are cumulative, so more noticeable improvements are usually achieved with a higher number of sessions.

Can Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Yes.

You can combine LED therapy with treatments that also focus on promoting hair growth to speed up the regrowing process.

You can look into treatments like microneedling for hair regrowth, which stimulates hair growth by combining the skin’s natural healing mechanism with increased absorption of hair growth products.

You can also look into taking some hair-stimulating medication or topical creams like minoxidil. Talk to your doctor to discuss the best options for your specific hair loss condition.

Is Light Therapy for Hair Growth Safe?

Yes, all LED light therapies are considered safe. They are reportedly well-tolerated by many individuals and don’t seem to cause any pain or discomfort.

In fact, red light therapy for hair is considered to be a non-invasive alternative to treatments like scalp micropigmentation, hair transplant, or medication like Rogaine.

Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss at Home

Performing red light therapy for hair loss at home, allows individuals to undergo treatments on their own schedule and in the comfort of their own homes. Plus, once you make an investment you end up saving money in the long run.

Here are some key pointers to keep in mind when using red light therapy for hair loss at home:

• Choose the right kind of RLT device.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. Pay attention to the recommended treatment duration and the appropriate distance between the device and the scalp.
• You need to use the device consistently and regularly. So, create a schedule and stick to it.
• Ensure that the scalp and hair are clean and free from any styling products or oils since that allows the light to penetrate the scalp more effectively and enhances the treatment's potential benefits.

Before starting your own red light therapy hair growth journey at home, it' s recommended to consult with a dermatologist, as they can provide guidance, evaluate your specific hair loss condition, and offer personalized recommendations for the most appropriate treatment approach.