Does LED red light therapy work for hair loss?

LED red light therapy work for hair loss is an effective and safe solution, this non-invasive and affordable treatment has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness. But does it really work? Read on to find out why red light therapy works for hair loss.

red light therapy for hair loss

Hair loss can be frustrating, disturbing, and stressful. When you see more strands falling out when you brush your hair, or look in the mirror and see your hairline recede, you may feel like you’re losing part of yourself. But it’s been scientifically proven that red light therapy can treat hair loss, slow further thinning hair, and even help regrow hair you’ve lost. Before exploring how red light therapy boosts hair growth, it helps to understand what typically causes loss in the first place.

Overview of Hair Loss

Causes of Hair Loss

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in androgens like testosterone can put hair follicles into rest mode.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Not getting enough protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and other nutrients can starve your follicles. This disrupts the hair growth cycle.
Stress: High levels of cortisol lead to inflammation and expedite the transition of follicles from growth to rest. Chronic stress can substantially thin your locks.
Medications: Blood pressure meds, antidepressants, and more can have hair loss as a side effect. The chemicals disrupt growth patterns.
Aging: As we get older, follicles may shrink and produce thinner, more brittle strands. DNA damage also speeds up aging of follicles.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like alopecia areata cause the immune system to attack hair follicles, drastically impairing growth.
Scalp Conditions: Dandruff, psoriasis, and fungal infections irritate the scalp and create an unhealthy environment for hair growth.
Styling Damage: Too much heat, tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, and rough brushing can physically damage follicles and cause excessive shedding.

Types of Hair Loss

There are many different types of hair loss, including:

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)
Female pattern baldness
Telogen effluvium
Alopecia areata
Traction alopecia
Cicatricial alopecia

The key is targeting the underlying factors. And that’s exactly how red light therapy works its magic.

Does LED Red Light Therapy Works for Hair Loss?

How Red Light Therapy Works for Hair Loss?

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate cells and spur biological processes. But how red light therapy work for hair loss? Let’s break it down.

Increases ATP Production

Red light is absorbed by mitochondria and stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy source for cells. More ATP powers faster rates of tissue repair and growth. This includes your hair follicles.

Reduces Inflammation

The light reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the scalp. This creates an optimal environment for follicles to thrive uninhibited. The light also improves blood flow for better nutrient delivery.

Jumpstarts Hair Cycling

Growth cycles of the hair occur in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (regression), and telogen (resting). Red light shifts more follicles into the active anagen phase so they can grow new strands.

Increases Blood Flow

LED treatment boosts blood circulation to the scalp and skin. Improved circulation provides follicles with more nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals for optimal growth.

Stimulates Stem Cells

Light therapy activates epidermal stem cells in hair follicles. When these master cells are stimulated, they can produce new tissue and kickstart growth of new hair.

Enhances Cells in Papilla

The papilla exists at the base of hair follicles. It contains cells that supply nutrients that control growth. Red light enhances metabolic activity and proliferation of these cells.

As you can see, red light comprehensively addresses many of the root causes of hair loss. It rejuvenates follicles, reduces inflammation, shifts into the active growth phase, and delivers more nutrients. This trifecta effect is why it can reverse thinning and baldness.

Does LED Red Light Therapy Works for Hair Loss?

Yes! Dozens of clinical studies have proven red light therapy effective at stimulating hair growth and curbing loss.

– A 2013 study showed that red light therapy stimulated hair growth in mice with chemotherapy-induced alopecia and alopecia areata. It can also stimulate hair growth in both men and women.[1]

– In a 2014 study of a double-blind randomized controlled trial, women with androgenetic alopecia who used an at-home red light therapy device experienced a 37% increase in hair growth.[2]

– A 24-week randomized double-blind trial in 2018 in patients with AGA who underwent red light therapy for 30 minutes three times a week showed that red light therapy is an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment for male pattern baldness.[3]

– 2019 A six-month study found that red light therapy can promote hair growth and reverse the miniaturization process in male androgenetic alopecia (AGA ) by enhancing dermal papilla (DP) cell function.[4]

How Red Light Therapy Works for Hair Loss?

Why Choose Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss?

Time Savings: No more scheduling, commuting to, and sitting through appointments at the doctor’s office.
Privacy: Treat yourself in the comfort of your own home without needing to show your scalp to anyone.
Flexibility: Use it when and as often as you want.
Ease of Use: Place it on your head and let the automated session timer do the rest while you relax or do other tasks.
Affordability: LED red light therapy can help reduce the need for other expensive hair loss treatments, potentially saving people money in the long run.
Thanks to proven efficacy for boosting fuller, healthier hair growth without the hassle or expense of in-office laser therapy, at-home red light devices are a no-brainer investment in your looks and confidence.

Addressing Common Concerns

How to Safely Use Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss at Home?

Choose a red light therapy device that is specifically designed for hair loss treatment.
Cleanse and dry your scalp before using the device. This will ensure that the red light penetrates the scalp effectively.
Place the device on your scalp and turn it on. Make sure that the red light is in direct contact with your scalp for maximum effectiveness.
Follow the recommended treatment time and frequency for your device. Typically, red light therapy for hair loss is recommended for 20-30 minutes per session, 2-3 times per week.
Move the device around your scalp to cover all areas of hair loss.

How long does red light therapy take to help hair loss?

The length of time it takes for red light therapy to help with hair loss can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the hair loss. However, many people report seeing improvement in their hair growth and thickness within a few months of regular use. It is important to follow the recommended treatment schedule and be consistent with the use of the device to see the best results.

Is red light therapy safe for everyone?

While red light therapy is generally considered safe and has no known long-term side effects, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people who may not be suitable candidates for red light therapy include:

People with epilepsy
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
People with sensitive skin, such as lupus or porphyria
People who are taking certain medicines, including antibiotics, antidepressants, and certain acne medicines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, LED red light therapy is an effective and affordable option for those looking to tackle hair loss. By understanding the science behind the treatment, addressing common concerns, and learning how to use it effectively, you can achieve thicker, healthier hair. Say goodbye to hair loss and hello to a confident new you with LED red light therapy.