Does red light therapy really help hair growth?

 

People commonly experience hair loss and other hair issues today. Men & women find hair loss and hair-related issues very embarrassing. As a result, people are interested in investigating new technology and hair loss remedies. The remedy is red light therapy. People use red light therapy to promote hair growth and increase the hair density.

Does red light therapy help hair growth?

Red light therapy is a minimally invasive, safer procedure that enhances hair thickness and density with nearly no side effects. The correct wavelength of light boosts cellular energy, which helps cells become more energetic and creates a healthy hair growth environment.

Let's discuss the causes of hair loss first before moving on to red light therapy.

Causes of Hair loss

Hair loss is a concerning and unpleasant process for most men and women. It has an impact on personality and undermines confidence. Therefore, finding a workable remedy is crucial as numerous potential causes exist.

Although there are several reasons for hair loss, the following are some of the more common ones:

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune based disease that causes hair follicles and causes hair loss. Any body part can lose hair, but the head and face are the most commonly affected.         

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal disturbance then leads to hair loss in women. Hormones became unbalanced in women for various reasons, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menopause, pregnancy, and other conditions.

Family History

Both men and women may experience hereditary hair loss, known medically as androgenic alopecia (AGA). The individual who contracted the infection received genes that make the hair follicles (the sacs from which each hair emerges) shrink and finally stop producing hair. It results in scaling spots that extend throughout the scalp, a circular bald area, and gradual top-of-head thinning.

Medical Condition

Autoimmune diseases attack the immune system and result in patchy hair loss. You may lose all your hair shortly after receiving radiation therapy (chemotherapy). Hair thinning is also a result of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid infection, and scalp psoriasis.

Stress

Aside from other health problems, stress can also result in hair loss. It has the power to induce a "resting" phase in hair follicles, preventing them from growing new hair. When you reduce stress, your hair frequently grows back to its average length and thickness, so this hair loss is just temporary.

Red light therapy for hair loss does it work

It has been demonstrated in clinical studies that low-level laser therapy may be a valuable tool for treating the condition of androgenic alopecia. For example, a woman in 2017 underwent Red light hair therapy at 650 nm and gained a 51% increase in her hair count.

The overall effects of this therapy are not the same, even though the hair follicles are pleasantly influenced.

Red light therapy's ideal patient still needs to be found.

Before you consider it, you also need to understand the advantages and disadvantages of red light therapy.

Pros

• It is a non-invasive treatment.
• Increase blood flow to scalps.
• Increasing hair growth
• Reduce inflammation across the scalp.

Cons

• It is time-consuming (it takes several sessions a week for several months)
• Professionals' treatment can cost expensive.
• Your result may vary.
• It is not recommended for pregnant ladies

 

How Does Red Light Therapy Help Hair Growth?

Light treatment is a procedure that generates ATP (cellular energy), which helps to repair and regrow new hair. The body absorbs visible red light and transforms it into cellular energy when it hits hair scalps. As a result, the hair follicles that hold the hair in place enlarge and become open, allowing for the growth of new hairs.

It is crucial to select a particular wavelength, and research shows that the best wavelength for treating hair is 655nm ± 20nm. Surprisingly, the combination of multiple wavelengths with near-infrared light above 800nm is even more effective.

The 660 nm can boost cellular metabolism, whereas the 850 nm infrared light can increase blood flow and support hair follicles' nourishment and oxygen supply. They consequently promote hair growth, thickness, and density.

Red light therapy has demonstrated potential benefits for various types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata. In addition, it can be utilized as a complementary treatment or a standalone therapy to promote hair growth.

Research into red light therapy for hair loss has concluded that it works through a number of mechanisms of action to contribute to its effect of promoting hair growth. The following are these mechanisms of action.

Reduces Inflammation

One of the positive effects of red light therapy is its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the scalp. Inflammation is associated with certain types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia. By reducing inflammation, red light therapy creates a more favorable environment for hair growth.

Increases Collagen Production

Research has shown that red light therapy can increase collagen production in the scalp. Collagen is a crucial component of hair follicles, and its increased production can improve the health and strength of hair follicles, promoting better hair growth.

Stimulates Hair Follicles

Red light therapy has been found to stimulate hair follicles by increasing circulation and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. This nourishment can promote better hair growth by providing essential nutrients to the follicles.

Hair Loss Red Light Therapy Guide

Red light therapy can be done at home and is effective using the best device. The requirements for the best red light therapy for hair growth are:

• FDA Clearance: select an FDA-approved device for safety and effectiveness.
• Wavelength: the most effective 620-670 nm & 800-850 nm
• Power output: the device should be high to ensure the light penetrates deep into the scalp. It is recommended that the power output by at least 80 mW/cm2.
• Easy to Use: the device should be easy to use and operate and fit your head circumference.

Researching and comparing different devices is essential to select the one that best meets your needs and budget. So, let's look at some of the most effective red light therapy devices.

Scienlodic Red Light Therapy Hair Growth Hat

Scienlodic is a brand dedicated to providing a full range of red light therapy solutions, and their hair growth hats are equally distinctive in treating hair loss.

Using two wavelengths of LED light sources that are effective for hair growth, enough light beads and soft materials ensure a great treatment experience at home. It's worth emphasizing that at $199, it's a distant second to none on the market.

IRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System

IRestore Laser Hair Growth System is a laser treatment device approved by the FDA for treating alopecia, receding hairlines, and balding and thinning hair to stimulate hair growth in both men and women. Although expensive, you get the maximum laser light intensity at that price point.

It is a non-invasive, helmet-like device that stimulates hair follicles after a session of 25 minutes each day. This item costs about $695 on Amazon.

Theradome EVO LH40

It is a red light therapy gadget made in the USA with a six-year warranty. Both men and women can use the Theradome EVO LH40 laser hair growth equipment. Theradome is the only brand on the market to launch a 680nm home laser device for hair loss

It is a helmet-like device that helps stop hair loss and thicken hair. Its high-energy laser accelerates hair renewal and maintains the hair growth cycle by stimulating keratin production in the hair follicles. For best results, schedule 20-minute sessions four times per week.

You can buy Theradome EVO LH40 from theradome.com for $695.

Hairmax LaserBand 41
Hairmax LaserBand 41 is an FDA-cleared hair growth device for men and women. The LaserBand 41 is a small, lightweight device featuring 41 medical-grade lasers and a Comfort-Flex band.

Its distinctive shape contains teeth that split hair, allowing most lasers to access hair follicles. As a result, it has the quickest treatment time of only three minutes. Treat your entire scalp three times each week. The Hairmax LaserBand 41 is available for $549 on Amazon and hairmax.com.

Side Effects Of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy for hair growth is a less harmful and invasive treatment with nearly no side effects. There is no chance of skin infection or burning with LED therapy. This therapy is simple to apply and carries no danger of discoloration or scarring.

However, in some cases of medical clinical treatment with lasers, we find a small number of complications, and, as stated above, there are no studies to show what kind of people are suitable for red light therapy. Please choose a safe LED light source whenever possible.

Considerations and Precautions

While red light therapy appears promising for hair growth, it is critical to consider individual factors before beginning any treatment, such as the severity and cause of hair loss. In addition, when using red light therapy devices or seeking professional treatment, adhering to proper safety precautions and guidelines is critical. We do not recommend red light therapy for the following people:

12. Patients suffering from epilepsy
13. People with active infections
14. Severe autoimmune skin diseases
15. Pregnant women
16. Heart pacemaker patients
17. People who are sensitive to light or suffer from photophobia

Tips and Tricks to Reduce Hair Loss

Hair loss is a negative personality factor; you should maintain your hair. There are several reasons for hair loss; you can get rid of them by following the tips below.

Avoid tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, and cornrows, which can pull and stress the hair follicles.

12. Try to apply hair serum all over your hair once a day. It will increase hair density and reduce hair fall.
13. Keep your hair away from sources of high heat, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Heat can harm hair and increase its susceptibility to breaking.
14. Be kind when brushing or combing your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush with soft bristles, start at the ends, and work your way up to avoid pulling and tugging.
15. Eat a balanced diet with protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for healthy hair growth. Foods rich in vitamin D, biotin, iron, and zinc can promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
16. Reduce your stress levels because stress has been linked to hair loss. Try deep breathing exercises, yoga, or other relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
17. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can affect the health of your hair and scalp.

Conclusion

Red light therapy for hair growth is a non-invasive treatment option gaining popularity because it promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. Red light therapy may not work for everyone, and it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment for hair loss. However, with continued research and technological advancements, red light therapy may become an increasingly popular option for hair loss treatment.

FAQs

Is it OK to do red light therapy every day?

Yes, you can use red light therapy every day. This therapy is safer until you follow the manufacturer's instructions and consider its inconsistencies. Use within reason, as too much light can harm skin tissue.

How many minutes is red light therapy safe?

Several devices of light therapy have a set standard treatment period. For problematic areas, however, 15–20 minutes may be helpful. Too much light can damage skin tissue, while too little light is ineffective.