Everyone is affected by hair loss either one way or the other. Thus it is only natural that we strive to find the next best solution to treat hair loss. One such solution is without a doubt red light therapy. With the advancements of light therapy in various medical fields red light therapy has also become quite popular in the treatment of hair loss. But what exactly is red light therapy and more importantly what can it do for hair loss?
Red light therapy is a treatment that uses light to stimulate healing in the area. By subjecting a specific wavelength of light to the area in distress aims to boost rejuvenation in the cellular level. In recent years red light therapy has shown quite a radical improvement for patients with hair loss and patients recovering from hair transplants. There are many ways of getting red light therapy including hand-held or hands-free devices that you can use at the comfort of your own home. Continue reading to find out all about red light therapy for hair loss.
Does red light therapy help with hair loss?
Not only does red light therapy help with hair health recovery post-transplant but it also helps with hair loss as a preemptive treatment. It hopes to target hair loss induction on the cellular level by rejuvenating the cells. Regular exposure to red light has shown that mitochondria in our cells, which are responsible for creating energy from oxygen, can increase substantially. Along with increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, regular red light therapy can definitely help with hair loss by extending the life-cycle of a hair follicle.
How does red light therapy work for hair loss?
The logic behind red light therapy for hair loss is simple: exposure to regular red light has shown that the cells can produce more energy as mitochondria in our cells are positively affected by red light waves. The more energy cells have the better the blood and the flow meaning our circulation is much steadier and better in quality. Which means our cell turnover is faster than regular, we can renew and repair cell tissue faster. What this does is increase the quality, viability and durability of hair follicles which not only means your hair will be stronger but it also means new hair growth will also be triggered.
How to use red light therapy for hair loss?
There are many application styles and schools of thought for using red light therapy for hair loss. Some are in clinical settings where the patient can come for check-ins regularly. And some are for individual use at home which are less intense but definitely easier to commit too.
There are many easy to use devices on the market for at home use of red light therapy. These include masks, combs and caps or helmets for your hair. Thanks to such devices keeping up a routine with red light therapy becomes easier not to mention totally customizable. Devices like combs or handheld devices that emirate red light may require some elbow grease while devices like caps or helmets are hands-free and easy to use.
You can also opt to get your red light therapy in your hair clinic. Doctors use medical-grade red light therapy devices which are more professional and may provide better results as it is professionally administered. If you are someone that believes you need guidance or supervision contact your hair clinic and ask whether they offer red light therapy as part of their services.
How often should you use red light therapy for hair growth?
The frequency of which you should use red light therapy depends on a few factors. Firstly, how severe is your hair loss and to what purpose are you needing the red light therapy? Secondly, with which device you will be getting the said therapy is also a determining factor of frequency. And thirdly how long your treatment will last and how many sessions you’ll require. All these factors come together to shape your red light therapy length. An approximate regimen would last somewhere between 6-9 months with 3-5 sessions each week for 30 minutes. However depending on the severity of the hair loss and the method of treatment this may be increased or decreased.
Is red light therapy effective for hair loss?
A 2014 study reveals that patients who suffered from alopecia and had varying degrees of hair loss had more than 35% increase in their hair count after 6 months of regular treatment. Since then several studies have shown the effectiveness of red light therapy for battling hair loss and the treatment itself has an FDA seal of approval. Red light therapy has been known to stimulate hair follicles and rejuvenate the scalp further creating an environment for healthy hair to grow.
The only way red light therapy can be effective is by following a regimen. The patient needs to be consistent with their treatment in order to not only see results but see lasting change in their hair and improve overall hair and scalp health.
How to boost the effects of red light therapy?
Even though red light therapy is a great way to foster healthy hair growth there are additional measures the patient can take to boost the effects of red light therapy. They can opt for additional topical treatments like serums or oils that will moisturize the hair and promote shine and viability. Additionally they can also opt for Minoxidil or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatments to stimulate hair follicles. They can also refer to supplements to further promote overall health. Supplements like Zinc, B Vitamins (particularly B7 and B12) or Vitamin C which improve the scalp health along with their immune system. In a similar vein patients should also take special care of their bodies in terms of their diet and water intake which will significantly and positively affect their hair health. Consult your doctor for the best course of action in order to make sure you can boost the effects of red light light therapy in a way that works for you.
What devices are used in red light therapy for hair loss?
There are lots of different options when it comes to red light therapy for hair loss. Not only are there medical grade lasers that clinics can utilize but there are also devices the patient can administer at the comfort of their own home. Patients can use combs that will directly administer the red light to the hair follicles. This device may require a more hands on approach. But there are also caps or helmets that provide a more conveniently hands-free approach. These devices also administer a more consistent coverage. Recently products that administer both LED and red light therapy have become popular. These come in the shape of panels and patients can use them in their daily routines. Make sure to consult yoru doctor that can recommend the best course of action for your hair recovery journey with red light therapy.
Is red light therapy at home safe?
Red light therapy at home is totally safe. Almost all at-home use medical devices use lower voltages and safer wavelengths. This is done to ensure that patients can’t administer risky dosages of treatments and to eliminate any possible complications. That doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done but rather enable a safer treatment plan.
How much does red light therapy for hair loss cost?
The cost of red light therapy for hair loss depends on the severity of the hair loss and the method of treatment the patient opts for. Home devices can be costly but are easy to use and convenient. These machines can cost anywhere between 1000 to 2000 USD depending on what kind of a device you opt for. Whereas a single session in a clinic can cost anywhere between 40 to 100 USD. You may also invest in packages as you need to keep up a regimen which may prove its worth in due time.
FAQs About Red Light Therapy for Hair Loss
Does red light therapy turn hair gray?
There are various reasons why hair turns gray. It can be due to age, stress or genetics. Sometimes it can be a rare case of pigment loss. However red light therapy with its many benefits can not turn a hair gray as it has nothing to do with the pigment of the hair.
Are there any side effects of red light therapy?
There are no known side effects of red light therapy particularly for hair loss. Some patients may be prone to irritation which can show itself in the form of redness particularly if they are exposed to regular intense sessions. In such cases the patients may find that sensitivity in the skin has been heightened.
Who should not use red light therapy?
There are no underlying health prerequisites that aim to use red light therapy for hair loss however other types of red light therapy may have some complications. Pregnant people, people with a history of skin cancer and patients that have suffered from thyroid problems may have complications with using red light therapy in other parts of their body.
Article Review By: Dr. Jyothi Shenoy V
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MBBS, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MRCOG(UK)
23 Years Experience Overall
