Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss: A Natural Solution

Red light therapy (RLT) has been studied for several medical and cosmetic applications, although its effectiveness varies depending on the specific condition. RLT has been investigated for certain dermatological and cosmetic applications, including hair loss. Evidence for other systemic conditions remains limited and condition-specific.

How Red Light Therapy Works

It’s the hair loss angle that’s of interest in this article. According to experts, androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) is common and affects a substantial proportion of men and women with increasing age. These prevalence figures highlight interest in non-invasive treatment approaches for hair loss.

RLT has been studied as a potential adjunctive treatment option for androgenetic alopecia. With that in mind, let’s look at the issue in earnest.

Before investigating how red light therapy helps with hair loss, hair growth, and restoration, it would be prudent for you to gain some understanding of the theory of RTL. Human cells are filled with organelles called ”mitochondria.” Mitochondria serve as the primary energy source for cells. When mitochondria are activated or stimulated, they act to aid in cell growth and repair.

What researchers have discovered is that certain red light wavelengths can stimulate mitochondria. In particular, red and near-infrared wavelengths have been examined in photobiomodulation research for their potential cellular effects. Based on the science, red and near-infrared wavelengths, commonly in the range of approximately 630–850 nm, are frequently evaluated in photobiomodulation studies. The proper wavelength frequency required depends on the target area of the body to which RLT is to be applied. The light also has to be emitted with a certain strength called irradiance or power per square centimetre.

Now that you have some understanding of the theory, let’s answer some specific questions in terms of how RLT helps stimulate hair growth.

Does red light therapy for hair loss work?

Some clinical studies suggest that red light therapy may support hair growth in individuals with androgenetic alopecia, although results vary.

To understand how this is all possible, we take you to the three phases of hair growth:

• The Anagen Phase – this is the stage where hair grows
• The Catagen Phase – as hair matures, the hair follicles start shrinking in this stage
• The Telogen Phase – follicles become dormant and hair loss begins

By applying the proper frequency of red light in treatments over weeks and months, red light therapy may help prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and support the function of existing hair follicles.

Back to the science for a moment, red light therapy acts to stimulate the mitochondria in hair follicles. The proposed mechanism involves photobiomodulation of cellular activity within hair follicles. Clinical response varies, and effectiveness depends on the presence of viable hair follicles. Treatment effectiveness depends on the condition and viability of existing hair follicles.

How to use red light therapy for hair growth?

It is notable that wavelengths around 630–660 nm have been commonly studied in clinical trials evaluating hair growth. This would be referred to as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Red light penetrates superficial scalp tissue, where it may influence cellular activity within hair follicles.

While red or infrared lamps are useful in this process, both laser and LED-based devices have been studied, and current evidence does not conclusively establish superiority of one over the other. When using LED lasers at home, it is important to remember to use caution around the eyes. The eyes are very sensitive and subject to damage from any kind of laser light.

How often to use red light therapy for hair growth?

As is the case with any kind of lamp or laser usage, you don’t want to overdo it. According to experts in the field of RTL, treatment duration and frequency vary by device and protocol; many studies use sessions lasting approximately 15–30 minutes, two to three times per week over several months.

(Read how red light therapy helps boost testosterone in men.)

With the proper home devices, the process is easier and more affordable. In a home setting, home-use devices should be used according to manufacturer instructions and recommended treatment protocols. You can find detailed instructions in an official red light therapy dosage guide. You can continue this treatment process until the results are satisfactory. Note: RLT is generally well tolerated when used according to recommended parameters.

Can red light therapy cause hair loss?

While there is not a lot of information available regarding the potential for red light therapy to cause hair loss, common sense tells us that overuse of laser lights could damage cells. Damage to hair follicles would certainly result in some levels of hair loss. For this reason, caution is warranted with every treatment. For more on this, read about whether hair blocks red light therapy.

Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used appropriately; excessive or improper use may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Can red light therapy reverse grey hair?

Again, there is not a lot of research available on this topic. However, we do know that gray hair occurs because of aging or stress. The graying that occurs because of aging is generally not reversible. Evidence regarding reversal of stress-related hair graying in humans remains limited.

Most of the time, changes in diet and getting exercise can rejuvenate hair, reversing the graying process. It stands to reason the RLT could also play a role in this process. By stimulating the hair follicles, it is easy to imagine that one of the benefits would be the arrival of hair in the individual’s natural hair color.

A little Scientific Proof

Several year back, there was a 16 week clinical study (Pub Med 2014) done. During the study, 44 males and 47 females were brought in as subjects. All of them were treated with LLLT for androgenic alopecia at a frequency of 655 nm. The results were are follows:

Hair vertex view of global photography of a 62-yr-old female patient in the treatment group, diagnosed with Ludwig type II hair loss. Compared to baseline, there was a 25% increase in hair density and a 3.1% increase in hair thickness at 16 wk. A. Baseline, B. 16 wk.

“LLLT of the scalp at 655nm significantly improved hair counts in women with androgenetic alopecia at a rate similar to that observed in males using the same parameters”.

Devices for Red Light Therapy at Home

Given the growing popularity of this process, there are now a lot of new devices on the market. Your task is to find the device that will deliver the results you want with a little effort as possible. For in-home use, the following devices make the most sense. Note: Consumers should consider devices that have received FDA clearance for specific indications, where applicable, like the RLT Home Total Spectrum series.

Red light therapy hair cap

Imagine for a moment you are putting on a motorcycle helmet before getting on a motorcycle. This is a similar approach. The device has little probes that administer the red/infrared LLLT. Hair caps are available to cover all or portions of the scalp. Preferred when treatment encompasses a larger area. Wavelength frequency controls available at wavelengths of 650-900 nm.

Red light therapy hair dryer

These devices have the same functionality as a normal handheld hair dryer/blower. These devices are marketed for hair care purposes; however, clinical evidence supporting restoration of structurally damaged hair is limited.

Red light therapy hair straightener

Works as a normal hair straightener. Best suited for the rejuvenation of dry hair, split end issues, and damaged hair. This device does more than help repair damaged hair. It also serves to help maintain healthy hair during the straightening process. Claims regarding cuticle sealing or moisture retention mechanisms are not well supported by clinical evidence in the context of red light therapy.

Red Light LED Laser

LED laser light treatments are best suited for very specific areas of the scalp. These devices are easy to control and emit laser light wavelength frequencies within acceptable ranges for hair treatment. These devices are versatile enough to be used for other forms of RLT. However, there are not suitable for use on the eyes.

Check Devices for Low EMF

Be wary of the electro-magnetic frequencies (EMF) emitted by any red light therapy devices that you use. Devices should be used in accordance with manufacturer safety guidelines.

Other Topics Related to Hair Treatments and RLT

While the research in a lot of associated areas is limited, there are subtopics of interest. At this point, we would like to address some of these subtopics as best as we can.

Red light therapy after hair transplant

While hair transplants are time-consuming and expensive, they do provide an effective way to promote hair growth in bald areas. With the advent of RLT for hair loss, red light therapy has been explored as a possible adjunct following hair transplant procedures; however, supporting evidence remains limited. While hair transplantation relocates viable follicles, red light therapy has been studied for its potential to support post-procedure follicular activity.

Red light therapy for hair at home

All of the processes mentioned above are manageable at home with the proper devices. From a convenience and cost point of view, home RLT would be preferred. Should you choose this approach, you would want to purchase top-quality devices and follow instructions to a T.

Red light therapy and ingrown hair

There currently not a lot of information on this topic. Evidence regarding the effects of red light therapy on ingrown hair is limited, and its role in this context has not been well established. There is insufficient clinical evidence to conclude that red light therapy specifically alters the course of ingrown hair.

Red light therapy and laser hair removal

After a laser hair removal treatment, the skin around the treatment area is often left looking red and bruised. RLT has been studied as a non-invasive option for certain skin-related applications. There are concerns that the RLT might also spur hair growth, which would be counterproductive to the hair removal process. As long as the hair removal process was effective, leaving no remnants of hair follicles, further hair growth should not be an issue.

Red light therapy for hair removal

RLT is not effective for hair removal. For hair removal, laser hair removal is effective and RLT can be used to heal after a laser is successful at removing the hair follicle.

Based on the above information, you should now have an advanced level of understanding related to the use of red light therapy to treat hair loss. To summarize, red light therapy has been investigated as a non-invasive treatment option for hair loss; clinical outcomes vary, and safety depends on appropriate use.

Clinical Studies on the Effectiveness of Red Light Therapy for Hair

Study 1: Clinical Evidence on the Effects of 650-nm Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 650nm red light on hair follicles and discover the biological phenomena underlying the use of 650nm red light in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Results

Low-level 650 nm red light exposure was shown to promote the growth and activity of human hair follicles. This helped to extend the time the hair follicles remained in the active growth phase (anagen phase) and retarded their entrance into the resting phase (catagen phase). Analysis of gene-expression profiles indicated that red light treatment affected genes related to cell motion, energy production, cell attachment, and blood cell interaction, and these processes play a significant role in the growth of healthy hair.

Conclusion

The results suggest that 650-nm red light treatment can stimulate hair follicle enlargement and reduce hair loss by promoting fundamental biological processes responsible for hair regeneration. These findings suggest that red light therapy may serve as a non-invasive adjunctive option for androgenetic alopecia.

Study 2: Clinical Study on Combined PBMT and PEMF Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to find the level of effectiveness and safety of the photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) plus pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) combination in treating androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).

Conclusion

For the 24 weeks, there was an evident increase in hair density among the subjects treated with PBMT and PEMF compared to the group that used the sham device. The hair density of the treated group improved substantially, but the control group had very little change. The safety evaluation further indicated improved hair growth in the treated group compared to the control group. Side effects of the treatment were minimal, which could be in the form of irritation.

Conclusion

The study reported improvements in hair density under the evaluated parameters, with minimal adverse effects observed.

Red Light Therapy vs. Other Hair Loss Treatments

Red light therapy is a non-invasive modality that does not involve oral medication. RLT is generally reported to have a favorable safety profile, although individual responses may vary. Some individuals resort to using minoxidil. This is a topical cream that works well but can cause skin irritation or excessive hair growth in some users. Others may use the services of finasteride. This is a prescription medication that slows hair loss by preventing the hormones responsible for shrinking hair follicles from reaching the hair tissue. However, for some users, it results in hormonal side effects. Others undergo hair transplant treatments. While effective, this procedure is expensive and requires recovery time.

Red light therapy has been studied as a complementary option alongside other hair loss treatments. Its non-invasive nature and generally favorable safety profile make it an option that may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Hair?

Red light therapy has been investigated in clinical studies and is generally well tolerated when used appropriately. It’s also advisable not to overuse red light therapy, just like you shouldn’t use three or four paracetamol tablets at a time.

Overuse might give the scalp a slightly reddish appearance, irritation, or tingling sensation. However, these effects would not last for too long. Treatment frequency and duration should follow device-specific recommendations and clinical guidance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How many minutes should I use red light therapy for hair growth?
  • Treatment duration varies depending on the device and protocol used in clinical studies.
• Does red light therapy really work for hair growth?
  • Some studies suggest that red light therapy may promote hair growth in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. It's been reported that 630-660nm red light stimulated hair growth and delayed the transition of the hair cycle from anagen to catagen. A randomized controlled trial also supported the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for promoting hair growth in males with androgenic alopecia.
• Does red light therapy make you lose hair?
  • There is limited evidence suggesting hair loss associated with appropriately used red light therapy.
• Can red light therapy reverse grey hair?
  • There's limited evidence regarding the ability of red light therapy to reverse grey hair. While it might promote healthier hair, reversing grey hair is likely beyond its capabilities.
• Can you overdo red light therapy for hair?
  • It's essential to follow the instructions provided with your specific red light therapy device. Overuse or incorrect use of red light therapy could potentially lead to unwanted effects.
• Does red light therapy thicken hair?
  • Red light therapy has been studied for its potential to influence hair follicle activity; effects on hair thickness may vary.
• What red light frequency is best for hair growth?
  • Wavelengths between 630–660 nm have been commonly evaluated in clinical studies investigating hair growth.
• Can red light therapy grow eyebrows?
  • Evidence regarding the use of red light therapy for eyebrow growth is limited.
• Does red light therapy fade hair color?
  • There's no common evidence to suggest that red light therapy fades hair color. It's primarily used to promote hair growth and improve hair health.

Learn More About Red Light Therapy for Hair

• A Guide to RLT for Androgenetic Alopecia
• Does Hair Block Red Light Therapy? Answering a Common Question
• Can Red Light Therapy Help with Dandruff?