All that said, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations about red light therapy for hair loss, says Danilo C. Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Chicago Skin Clinic: “Results can vary based on individual factors and the specifics of the device and treatment protocol used.” So just because a device seemingly worked wonders for your fave #HairTok influencer doesn’t mean it’s going to be the cure-all solution for you.
In general, derms are supportive of red light therapy for hair loss, pointing to its proven benefits backed up by clinical trials. But they caution that it’s best used as one component of a broader strategy to promote healthy hair.
Dr. Green suggests pairing it with other treatments–like topical minoxidil solution, prescribed oral medications, and in-office approaches such as platelet-rich plasma injections–to fully boost and support hair retention and regrowth. Interested in incorporating red light therapy into your hair loss treatment plan? Consult with your dermatologist to confirm it’s the right step for you, Dr. Green says.
Dr. Del Campo, for his part, agrees that when it comes to hair loss, getting a personalized treatment plan is best to maximize results. That said, for general hair care he recommends folks follow the basic tenets of a healthy lifestyle–properly managing stress, getting adequate shut-eye, ensuring high protein intake, and avoiding products that may trigger allergies or irritation on the scalp.
Also worth noting: Since red light therapy devices can be costly–the ones mentioned in this article range from $200 to nearly $3,000 (!!)–Dr. Daveluy typically tells patients to first consider more budget-friendly options, like topical minoxidil 5% and finasteride (a prescription pill sometimes used for pattern hair loss). The catch: “All treatments for pattern hair loss have to be continued as long as you want them to work, since nature is trying to make you lose your hair and we're fighting nature,” Dr. Daveluy says. “So the cost of cheaper treatments adds up over the years.” Still, he recommends them as a “great place to start.” From there, red light therapy can be a good option if folks want to bolster their hair care treatment. That said, there’s nothing saying you can’t start with red light therapy off the bat, if it fits within your budget.
Last tip: When using red light therapy, take it as an opportunity to practice mindfulness or meditation, Dr. Daveluy says. Here’s how: While the treatment is doing its thing, take some deep breaths, focus on the sensation in your scalp, and imagine the red light traveling to the roots of your hair and imbuing them with energy to grow, he says.
Some good news: There are not any known severe side effects of red light therapy, Dr. Green says. During clinical trials, some patients reported minor annoyances like dryness, itching, and scalp tenderness, but the effects were not severe enough for them to quit treatment and they went away within two weeks, she explains.
Dr. Del Campo advises people who are sensitive to the sun or who have conditions that are exacerbated by exposure to intense light to chat with a board-certified derm before trying red light therapy. “A tailored approach, possibly including a patch test or a modified treatment protocol, can help mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety and comfort of all patients,” he says.
• 28 April 2023
If you’ve started to notice your hair thinning, your hairline receding or pattern balding, then it may be time to invest in clinic-grade hair regrowth technology for professional results. The most effective hair growth technology on the market uses low-level lasers or microneedles to stimulate hair follicles. This has been shown to reduce the size of bald patches, enhance thickness and stimulate regrowth. The sooner you begin, the better your long-term results will be. Here's the leading technology for the at-home hair regrowth.
Laser hair regrowth
The affordable, entry-level laser hair loss treatment cap is the first of 3 models from Capillus. As an FDA-Cleared genetic hair loss treatment for men or women, the CapillusUltra Laser Cap for Hair Regrowth is easy and comfortable to wear while you go about your activities. Regrow your hair and nurture fuller, healthier-looking locks that you’ll notice after 6 to 12 months. Simply wear for 6 to 25 minutes (as directed) while you go about your day.
The iGrow Laser Hair Rejuvenation System is specially designed to combat pattern hair loss, promoting hair growth through effective laser light therapy. In just 4 months on daily 20 to 25 minute treatments, see hair feeling thicker and fuller. It’s proven to increase hair growth by 35% in men and 37% in women when used as directed. Plus, with the compatible audio port, connect your smartphone, PlayStation or Xbox to play music or game during sessions.
LED light therapy
Leading red light therapy treatment for hair growth and thinning hair, the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device is clinically proven to give up to 66% more growth than topical, laser and supplement treatments alone. FDA-Cleared LED wavelength (640nm) increases blood flow to affected hair follicles, while increasing scalp circulation to strengthen the follicles and extend the growth (anagen) phase for newer, thicker hair regrowth.
Make sure to following the recommended treatment plan of daily, 10-minute sessions for 16 weeks to activate a higher number of hair follicles per cm² compared to laser hair regrowth treatments. Depending on your hair regrowth cycle you should start to see results by 6 to 8 weeks. Connect to Bluetooth during your hands-free session for uninterrupted listening.
Microneedling
Clinically proven to boost the look of hair density by 50%, fortify your hair, rejuvenate your scalp and encourage hair growth. When using microneedling, just run the device over your scalp to allow serums to absorb and to stimulate cell turnover. Don’t worry, the needles are not long enough to actually hurt you. Instead, you’ll feel a tingling as it stimulates your scalp during the treatment.
The BeautyBio Rejuvenating Scalp + Fuller Hair Therapy and FolliGRO™ complex in the serum refreshes your follicles to remove buildup and help make that hair growth easier. Use the wand together with the serum 1 to 2 times per week on clean, dry or damp hair. Just part, roll, add the serum and repeat for each section. You’ll notice thicker hair, better scalp health and reduced thinning in just 60 days.