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Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: Results, Benefits, Safety
Dr Meena Zareie (GMC)
Medically reviewed by
Dr Meena Zareie (GMC)
Updated on September 19, 2024

As many as 85% of men and 55% of women are affected by hair loss within their lifetime [2][3]. But the good news is that new treatments have emerged to help you achieve strand regrowth. Red light therapy for hair growth is a safe and effective form of low-light laser therapy (LLLT) which can help improve hair density and health in multiple types of alopecia

This therapy has been around for decades, proving its efficiency in treating wounds and repairing tissue, relieving pain and inflammation, and resolving skin issues. Lately, however, it has also demonstrated promising results in stimulating hair follicles for growth, especially in people with androgenetic alopecia. This article will tell you all you need to know about red light therapy and what it can do for your locks:

  • What red light therapy for hair growth is, and how it works
  • The effectiveness of red light therapy and how it can be increased
  • The necessary number of red light therapy sessions and their cost
  • The best home red light therapy devices  
  • How safe this therapy is and its potential adverse effects
Table of Contents

What is red light therapy for hair?

Red light therapy is a form of LLLT, also known as photobiomodulation. It uses light of specific wavelengths to stimulate your hair growth. Despite having “lasers” in its name, LLLT now mostly uses non-coherent light-emitting diodes (LEDs) [4], which can produce light of different wavelengths with specific effects on the human body.  

As its name suggests, red light therapy uses red or near-infrared beams of light, its wavelength ranging between 630 and 700 nm (660 nm is usually preferred). They penetrate the scalp and optimise cell functioning, which, in turn, stimulates hair growth. 

Wavelengths used in red light therapy for hair growth

If you are interested in this kind of therapy, you can get the best experience at a hair clinic, where you will benefit from state-of-the-art, medical-grade equipment. However, if you prefer getting red light therapy in the comfort of your own home, there are also smaller devices that you can buy and use anytime, such as laser hair growth caps, brushes, combs, or helmets [5].

Red light therapy for hair growth mechanism of action
Red light therapy for hair growth mechanism of action [6]

How does red light therapy for hair work?

While the scientific community has yet to reach a definitive agreement regarding the exact mechanism that makes red light therapy work, researchers do have some solid theories.

The most widely accepted is that as focused red or near-infrared light penetrates your scalp, it stimulates an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase found in the mitochondria of our cells [7]. This creates a biochemical reaction, increasing mitochondrial activity, which leads to faster production of a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [7].

ATP is the main energy molecule of the cells and it plays a role in transporting energy to your tissues, providing the hair follicles with the necessary resources to remain in the growth phase of your natural hair growth cycle for longer. This helps increase strand production and decrease the duration of the shedding phase.

DHT Impact On Hair

Does red light therapy block DHT?

There are currently no scientific studies linking red light therapy to blocking Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While some treatments for hair loss, such as Finasteride, work by blocking this androgen hormone, other therapies, such as LLLT, rely on different mechanisms of action to stimulate hair growth. 

If you would rather not take hair growth medications, you can also try plant treatments that contain natural DHT blockers, such as caffeine, rosemary oil, or pumpkin seed oil.

Is red light therapy good for your hair?

Yes, red light therapy has been scientifically proven to promote hair growth, improving both strand density and thickness. Numerous studies have emphasised its benefits. Here are a few telling examples:

Hair count before and after red light therapy
Hair count before and after red light therapy [8]
Notes on our study
  • A study of 47 women affected by early-stage female pattern baldness revealed that, after 60 sessions of home treatments with a red light therapy helmet, the research group (the women who received the real treatment) showed a 37% increase in hair growth compared to the placebo group [8].   
  • Another, almost identical research on 44 women experiencing androgenetic alopecia produced an even higher hair growth increase than the placebo group: 51% [9]. 
  • A similar study was conducted on 44 men in different stages of male pattern baldness. They also received 60 sessions of home treatments with the same type of red light therapy helmet, and the research group experienced 35% increased hair growth compared to the placebo group [10].  
  • A randomised, double-blind clinical trial performed on forty subjects of both genders with androgenetic alopecia monitored hair growth increase after 8, 16, and 24 weeks of red light therapy. Results showed significant improvement in hair density and thickness after the 24th week of treatment [4].  
Before and after 24 weeks of red light therapy
Before and after 24 weeks of red light therapy [7]

Evidence thus shows that red light therapy is good for your hair, stimulating strand growth. Even though most of these studies were performed on people with androgenetic alopecia, good results have also been reported for alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, etc [11][12]. 

How to improve the effects of red light therapy

While red light therapy can be effective as a stand-alone treatment, you can get even better results when combining it with other medications and therapies. Here are the best things you can try to enhance its effects:

Improving the effects of red light therapy

1. Combine red light therapy with hair growth medication

A meta-analysis of 15 studies comprising 1172 patients with androgenetic alopecia revealed that the combination of red light therapy with Minoxidil or Finasteride yields better results in increasing hair count than either of the two treatments on its own [13]. 

However, it is recommended to see a dermatologist or trichologist before taking any hair growth medication. That is because they can have side effects that may be harmful to some people (e.g. Finasteride is not recommended to pre-menopausal women, as it can cause hormonal imbalances or foetal malformations). 

Man massaging scalp with red light device
[14]

2. Massage your scalp regularly

Getting a scalp massage for hair growth can help improve blood flow to your hair follicles. Furthermore, research says it may help activate certain genes and potassium channels involved in strand development [15]. Studies show that using an electric device to get as little as 4 minutes of head massage daily can improve hair thickness in 6 months [16].

Furthermore, it is pleasant and relaxing and can help lower stress levels, preventing anxiety-induced hair loss [17]. Some head massage devices even have built-in red light LEDs, so you can save time by getting both simultaneously. 

healthy, well-balanced diet for hair

3. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet

It is a known fact that certain vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss. So, if you want to improve your hair growth, you should also eat a diverse and nutritious diet for healthy hair.

While red light can help improve strand density, your hair can only grow properly if its follicles are getting enough nutrients, such as vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and more. It is always best to get them from dietary sources and to avoid restrictive diets that can deprive you of the vitamins and minerals you need.

woman unhappy with hair styling practices

4. Improve your hair styling practices 

If you want to get the best results from red light therapy, it is a good idea to make sure that your existing strands and scalp are healthy. It is tricky to fix heat-damaged hair, so it would be best to avoid frequent heat-styling, as it can cause dry, brittle hair prone to breakage.

Similarly, styling products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach or hair dye, can cause hair loss. So, it is best to choose gentle hair care products and to keep your strands shielded from excessive heat (sunlight included).   

Woman getting trichologist consult

5. Ask a trichologist for personalised recommendations

An experienced hair doctor is the best person to tell you what you can do to get better results from red light therapy for your particular strand type and scalp condition. They can recommend the most appropriate, custom-tailored hair care routine for thinning hair and prescribe any additional medication or therapy that could help you grow fuller, healthier locks. 

Red light therapy safety

Is red light therapy for hair loss safe?

If you are worried about the potential side effects of using red light therapy on your hair, you can rest entirely at ease. There is a general consensus among researchers that this procedure is safe and can be used frequently with no serious negative consequences for your tresses, scalp, or overall health. 

From all the studies that have been performed so far, only a few have reported minor side effects: pruritus (itching), acne and tenderness. These symptoms resolved on their own within 2 weeks [18]. But most research has revealed no adverse effects [8] [9] [10], so rest assured that it is very unlikely for red light therapy to cause any kind of harm to your hair and scalp. 

Intense red light can also be irritating for the eyes, so it is a good idea to wear the special safety goggles normally supplied alongside the red light devices. However, if you haven’t received such goggles, a normal sleep eye mask can also help.

However, since this therapy is light-based, people who are prone to light-induced seizures (e.g., epilepsy, migraines, etc.) should consult their healthcare provider before using it. 

Woman using red light therapy for hair growth

How often should you use red light therapy for hair growth?

Since there are no safety concerns associated with red light therapy, it can be used as often as you’d like. There is no risk of overdosing, and you should be fine if you choose to treat yourself to some daily radiance. 

However, dermatologists [19] recommend getting 20-30 minute treatments 2-3 times a week using medical-grade equipment for optimum results. If you use home devices, undergoing 10-20 minutes of red light therapy 3-5 times a week is best. 

Time it takes for red light therapy to grow hair

How long does it take for red light therapy to grow hair?

The amount of time needed to start seeing results from your red-light hair treatments depends very much on the cause of your hair loss and your overall hair and scalp condition. Less advanced hair loss, with limited damage to the follicles, should respond better to the red light, allowing you to see improvement in hair density and thickness sooner than late-stage alopecia. 

On average, it is common for an entire course of treatment to last 3-6 months (or over 20-30 sessions). So keep in mind that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see new hair growth after the first few sessions.  

How much does red light therapy cost?

The cost of red light therapy depends on the number of sessions you need to undergo, the type of device used, and the clinic where you are getting your treatment. On average, in the UK, a single treatment session costs around £45. Since, depending on the extent of your hair loss, you might need at least 20-30 sessions to achieve satisfactory strand growth, a complete course of therapy might cost around £1,125 in total [20].

While some clinics may offer lower prices, it is important to learn about the type of red light therapy device they use before making a decision. Older machines may be slower or less effective than newer, optimised models. 

What are some of the best home red light therapy devices?

Purchasing an efficient home red light therapy device can be quite an investment. However, there is a wide range of products to choose from in different forms and various price ranges. Here are some of the best options for various needs and preferences:

Disclaimer: The products mentioned on this page are for reference purposes only and have been selected based on online reviews and user-reported results. Wimpole Clinic does not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of these products.

Red light therapy home device
[21]

The iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System

This red light therapy helmet is portable and can be comfortably worn while engaging in other tasks. It has 120 light diodes (51 lasers and 69 LEDs) and uses a wavelength of 655 nm, which is in the optimal range. It has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can return it within 12 months of use.  

Price: Approximately £550

Main advantages: It is portable and comfortable and can access your entire scalp.

Main drawbacks: Its price can be pretty high compared to other red light therapy home devices. 

The HairMax Ultima 9 Classic Laser Comb
[22]

The HairMax Ultima 9 Classic Laser Comb

This FDA-approved red light therapy comb is lightweight and portable, meaning you can comfortably use it while resting or watching your favourite show. Moreover, a 2014 study conducted on 146 male and 188 female participants with pattern baldness shows an increase in hair density after being treated with this comb 3 times a week for 26 weeks [23]

Price: Approximately £200 

Main advantages: The device is portable, easy to use, and less expensive than a helmet.

Main drawbacks: It does not expose your whole scalp to the red light simultaneously, so its results may depend on the user’s capacity to use it uniformly. 

The Viviya electric scalp massager with LED light
[24]

The Viviya electric scalp massager with LED light 

This electric scalp massager also provides red light therapy alongside scalp stimulation for hair growth. It has 8 interchangeable claws of different firmness for a comfortable experience, and it is waterproof, which means you can use it in the bath or shower. 

 Price: Approximately £27

Main advantages: It combines the effect of a relaxing scalp massage with red light therapy at a very reasonable price. It can be used in the bath to save time.

Main drawbacks: Your scalp is not exposed to the red light uniformly. And if your massages are too short, you may not get all the red light you need to produce good results.

Tips for choosing a home red light therapy device

When opting for a red light therapeutic home device, it is important to select high-quality products and avoid any possible scams. Here are some of the main things to look for when buying a red light therapy device:

Wavelength range

Red light normally ranges between wavelengths of 630-750 nanometers. However, some devices have several modes, which also offer near-infrared (810-850 nm) or infrared (over 900 nm) light options.

If you would like to use this device for additional purposes than just hair regrowth (e.g., reducing tissue inflammation, pain management, skincare, or even alleviating symptoms of depression), you may want to opt for a device with a broader wavelength range.   

Light intensity and radiance 

This measurement lets you know how bright and powerful the light emitted by the device will be. The higher the intensity of the product, the faster and more efficient the therapy will be. Choosing a low-powered device might yield insufficient amounts of red light for optimum benefit. 

Number of LEDs 

Red light is often emitted by therapeutic devices through an arrangement of larger light emitting diodes (LEDs). The more LEDs the product has, the more light it emits and the faster and more efficient it is.

Treatment area 

If you plan to use this therapy for hair growth alone, products designed for a targeted, smaller treatment area will likely suffice (such as a helmet or a hand-held device). However, if you plan to use it for more extensive body issues or if your family members also use it for different purposes, you should look at larger, full-body options.   

User-friendly features

Helpful features, such as programmable timers or adjustable settings, can make a difference when selecting a red light hair therapy device. A clear, visible interface that is easy to read and interact with can also be helpful. 

Customer reviews 

Just like in the case of any other product, insight offered by people who have already bought and used the red light therapy device you are interested in can be extremely valuable. Reviews can speak to product efficiency and usability and warn you about hidden flaws in its design or functioning.

Woman benefitting from red light therapy for hair

Who can benefit from red light therapy?

If you are experiencing diffuse or patterned hair thinning, especially in the early stages, you may be a good candidate for red light hair therapy. Extensive research[4][9][10] has shown that it is as effective in men as it is in women, especially when it comes to hair loss due to the following conditions: 

However, ask your healthcare provider if this type of therapy is suitable for you if your hair loss is due to scarring alopecia, as you may not be able to obtain good results (hair follicles may be destroyed in the balding area).

Common myths about red light hair therapy

Common myths about red light hair therapy

In time, a number of misconceptions have emerged in relation to red light therapy for hair. Here are a few of the most common and the reasons why they are not true:

1. Red light therapy can burn your scalp 

The devices used for LLLT never emit enough heat to cause any damage to your skin. The most you may feel is some soothing warmth, which should not cause discomfort. If you are experiencing a burning sensation while using a home red light therapy device, turn it off immediately, as it might be counterfeit and potentially harmful to you. 

2. Red light therapy is pseudoscience 

While there are many snake oil treatments out in the world, the effects of red light therapy on your hair are scientifically proven. Numerous studies conducted on thousands of people in total have found that after 3-6 months of sessions, this type of LLLT does indeed stimulate an increase in hair thickness and density [6][7][8].

3. Red light therapy changes your hair colour

Red light therapy does not contain any particles which can interact with the pigment in your hair. It will have no influence on the aspect of your hair and it will not interact with any styling product, such as dye.

4. Red light therapy can cause skin cancer

This concern is understandable, considering that exposure to regular sunlight can increase your risk of skin cancer if not using protection. However, unlike sunlight or tanning beds, red light therapy devices do not emit UV radiation. They are thus safe to use on your skin and scalp without fear of developing melanoma.

What causes hair loss?

While there are many conditions which can lead to hair loss, here are some of the most prevalent:

Man with androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia 

Also known as male pattern baldness (or female pattern baldness), androgenetic alopecia affects most men and about half of all women at some point in their lives. In men, it causes hair loss in a specific pattern, especially around the hairline, temples and crown. In women, it is more diffuse and generally involves a widening of the midline parting. A complex set of factors, including age, genetics, and hormones, causes this condition.

Mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia can be treated with a variety of therapies or topical medication, such as Minoxidil or Finasteride. However, for the later stages, the most effective form of treatment is a hair transplant.

Man with alopecia areata
[24]

Alopecia areata 

This type of hair loss is the result of an autoimmune condition in which the body’s white blood cells attack hair follicles, damaging them and preventing them from creating new strands. Alopecia areata affects approximately 2% of the population and usually manifests as irregular bald patches that appear suddenly on your scalp (although its rarer forms can also produce diffuse hair loss or even total baldness). 

Unlike androgenetic alopecia, hair transplant for alopecia areata doesn’t usually work because there is no safe donor area (your antibodies would be attacking the implanted hair follicles). 

Woman with telogen effluvium
[25]

Telogen effluvium

This is not a disease of the hair or scalp. It is a condition that occurs when someone is under great amounts of stress or has suffered significant trauma.  What happens when you have telogen effluvium is that the growth phase of your natural hair growth cycle is shortened while the shedding phase is extended.

The result is diffuse hair thinning without any discernible pattern to it. As soon as the stress is alleviated, this condition should also subside, and your hair should start growing back.

Hair loss treatment alternatives to red light therapy

If you are interested in other solutions to prevent your hair loss, here are some of the most popular and effective:

Hair transplant 

This is a simple and effective procedure where hair from a healthy donor area (usually the back of the head) is extracted and reimplanted in the balding spots.The best hair transplant clinics offer experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art techniques, such as follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), to ensure you get a perfectly natural post-transplant look.

Unlike other treatments, hair transplant is permanent, solving your hair woes for good. See our most convenient clinic location for a hair transplant consultation

Hair growth medication 

Medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride can help limit shedding and stimulate hair growth, and steroid creams can alleviate the scalp symptoms of alopecia areata. However, they should be used at the recommendation of a medical specialist, as they could have adverse effects or not be effective for your condition. 

Microneedling

Also known as derma rolling for hair growth, this therapy involves rolling a small, handheld device covered in very fine needles on your scalp. This can improve blood flow and stimulate hair growth by triggering your body’s natural healing response.

Moreover, using topical Minoxidil and a derma roller enhances both their effects, as the micropunctures made by the needles improve the medication’s scalp absorption. 

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy 

This procedure involves drawing a small quantity of your blood, separating the PRP from the rest of the blood fractions, and injecting it into your scalp. Because PRP contains a high number of growth factors, it helps repair and nourish hair follicles, improving hair density and thickness.

Are you concerned about hair loss?

Naturally, the efficiency of any treatment option greatly depends on the cause of your hair loss. If you are experiencing unexplained hair shedding, it is very important to be diagnosed by a specialist.

Book a consultation today with one of the renowned trichologists at Wimpole Clinic. They will conduct blood tests for hair loss and based on the results, they will recommend the best hair loss treatments for women, or, by case, the most efficient hair loss treatment for men

Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: Results, Benefits, Safety, Wimpole Clinic

Frequently asked questions

If you are curious to find out more about red light therapy for hair growth and its effects on your scalp and hair, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions:

Fortunately, red light therapy is not painful at all. While it does involve applying focused light to your scalp, the devices used only emit low amounts of heat. This can make you feel pleasantly warm but can in no way burn or damage your skin.

If you feel that your eyes are bothered by the shine, you can feel free to close them or use eye protection during the session. Normally, all you should be experiencing is a soothing, comfortable sensation. 

You don’t need to wear a sun protection factor (SPF) lotion when using red light therapy devices. They do not use ultraviolet radiation; they use red or near-infrared light. This means they will not increase your risk of developing sunburn or skin cancer. 

The effectiveness of these two hair loss treatments largely depends on the conditions they treat. While there haven’t been many studies to compare their results, one research conducted on patients with androgenetic alopecia shows similar outcomes. Moreover, scientists have found that combining them can achieve the best hair growth outcomes [26].

Yes, if you are struggling with a sparse or patchy beard, this treatment may also help you. This is especially true if you are experiencing a condition such as alopecia barbae.

However, your ability to grow a full beard may depend on many factors, so it is best to see a trichologist and get recommendations for the best treatment options.

Sources:
  1. Theradome Evo Laser Hair Growth Device Guide, Review, Benefits & Much More
  2. Female pattern hair loss: Current treatment concepts
  3. Men’s hair loss
  4. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation
  5. Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in Thai men and women: a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial
  6. Tip Chapter: Low-Level Light Therapy and High-Energy Lasers in Trichology
  7. Low-Intensity Light Therapy: Exploring the Role of Redox Mechanisms
  8. The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources
  9. Novel Approach to Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Females With Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)
  10. The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males
  11. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss
  12. Low-level light therapy and hair loss
  13. The effectiveness of combination therapies for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  14. Is Red Light Therapy Scalp Massager Good for Hair Growth?
  15. Effects for Scalp Blood Flow and Properties from Scalp Massage
  16. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue
  17. The effect of a scalp massage on stress hormone, blood pressure, and heart rate of healthy female
  18. Examining the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Literature
  19. What Is Red Light Therapy? Dermatologists Explain the Potential Skin Benefits
  20. Cost of Laser Treatment for Hair Loss
  21. iRESTORE Essential
  22. HairMax Ultima 9 Classic LaserComb
  23. Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study
  24. Electric Scalp Massager with LED Light, Waterproof Electric Hair Massager with 8 Massage Claws, Portable Head Massager Scalp Stress Relax, Handheld Hair Scalp Massager for Stress Relief
  25. Alopecia areata: An update
  26. COVID-19 infection is a major cause of acute telogen effluvium
  27. Role of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in Androgenetic Alopecia
Dr Meena Zareie (GMC)
Medically reviewed by Dr Meena Zareie (GMC)Updated on September 19, 2024
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
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