Hair loss is a common problem that both men and women face. It can be very embarrassing and frustrating to deal with. This disorder has many reasons, including genetics, age, stress, and even some medications.
There are many treatments for hair loss, but not all of them are effective. Heliotherapy Institute has decades of experience researching the natural healing effect of phototherapy. Skilled experts gathered helpful information about light devices and their benefits for hair loss and overall health.
If you suffer from hair loss, you may want to know if red light therapy is an effective treatment option. In this article, we will explore the research on red light therapy for hair loss and answer the question: Is it really effective?
About hair science
Before going into the details of hair loss treatment, you should understand its structure and life cycle. Hair comprises three parts: the hair shaft, the hair follicle, and the sebaceous gland.
- The hair shaft is the part of the hair that you see above the skin’s surface. It consists of a tough protein called keratin.
- The hair follicle lies beneath the skin’s surface. It is attached to a tiny muscle called the “arrector pili.” This muscle contracts when we are cold or frightened, causing our hair to stand on end (goosebumps).
- The sebaceous gland produces an oily substance called sebum, which lubricates and waterproofs our hair and skin.
The average person has about 100,000 hairs on their head. The hair has a growth cycle that consists of three phases:
Anagen is the active growth phase, during which cells in the hair follicle divide rapidly to form a new hair shaft.
Catagen is a transitional phase during which the actively growing hair starts to detach from the blood supply.
Telogen is the resting phase during which the hair follicle shrivels, and the old hair shaft is shed.
The length of time spent in each stage varies from person to person. About 90% of our hair is in the anagen phase. And about 10% are in the telogen or catagen phases.
Red light therapy (RLT) can increase the length of the anagen phase and decrease the size of the telogen phase. It can potentially increase hair growth and reduce hair shedding.
How red light therapy works
Red light therapy uses low-level lasers or LEDs to stimulate hair growth.
- The cells in the scalp absorb light energy and convert it into ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
- It can increase collagen production, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
- The increased blood circulation and oxygenation to the follicles promote hair growth and help to prevent further hair loss.
There are a few different ways to use red light therapy for hair loss treatment.
- One standard method is to use a handheld device that emits red light from LED bulbs. These devices can be used at home and are relatively affordable.
- Another option is to visit a salon or spa that offers red light therapy treatments. Companies like Core Cryotherapy offer red light therapy in Mississippi. These treatments are usually more expensive, but some find them more effective than at-home devices.
What kind of hair loss can you treat with RLT?
RLT helps treat both genetic and age-related hair loss. It most commonly treats androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. It can also treat alopecia areata, a condition that causes patches of hair loss. Let’s come closer to each of these conditions.
Androgenetic alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss, affecting both men and women as they age. AGA is characterized by a progressive thinning of the scalp hair, which eventually leads to complete baldness. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, roughly 80 million people in the United States are affected by AGA.
There is currently no cure for AGA, but red light therapy can help slow down its progression or even reverse it.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and other body parts. Red light therapy can increase the number of follicles and improve shaft quality. It is a promising treatment for alopecia areata, but more research is needed to confirm its efficacy. If you’re considering using red light therapy to treat your hair loss, speak with a doctor or dermatologist first.
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia and RLT
Hair loss is one of chemotherapy’s most common side effects. It’s estimated that up to 70% of people who undergo chemotherapy will experience some degree of hair loss.
Red light therapy is an effective treatment in this case. It increases the thickness of the hair shaft and improves its density in people with thinning because of chemo.
Benefits of red light therapy on hair growth
So, what are the advantages of red light therapy on hair growth? It can help to stimulate hair growth and improve the overall health of your scalp. If you’re looking for an effective treatment for hair loss, RLT may be worth considering.
Improve the hair quality and texture
Red light therapy can help improve your hair’s quality and texture. It can make it softer, shinier, and smoother. It can also help make the follicles stronger, preventing hair loss. Additionally, you will see less breakage and an overall healthier scalp.
RLT stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, provides nutrients to the hair follicles, and promotes hair growth.
Non-invasive treatment
Red light therapy is a noninvasive, natural treatment for hair loss. It uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate hair growth, so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. It is relatively safe and practically has no side effects. But the main thing you should remember is to follow the instructions correctly.
Reduces inflammation of the scalp
Red light therapy can help reduce inflammation in the scalp, which is often a significant factor in hair loss. It increases blood flow and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the follicles, stimulating the healing of the skin on the head and overall hair growth.
Long-lasting result
If you use it regularly and correctly, red light therapy can give you a durable result. To get the best result, you will need to use it at least four times weekly. The good news is that you can use it at home. Many people report seeing positive results for months or even years after their last treatment.
However, it is essential to remember that this therapy is not a cure for it and will not work for everyone. If you are considering this therapy, you must consult a doctor or dermatologist first to see if it is right for you.
Side effects of RLT
The most commonly reported side effect of red light therapy is a feeling of warmth or tingling on the skin. It is usually mild and temporary. Some people may also experience:
- Headaches
- Eye strain (if not wearing proper eye protection)
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
- Burning sensation
In rare cases, serious side effects such as cataracts, skin cancer, and an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration may occur.
However, these side effects are rare and typically go away quickly. Overall, red light therapy is considered to be safe for most people. If you experience severe side effects after using red light therapy, you must stop using it and consult a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
So, is red light therapy effective for hair loss treatment? We can affirm that it can help you with the hair loss problem if you use it correctly. Take proper eye protection and follow all safety instructions when using red light therapy devices.
While there are some promising studies, more research must confirm its efficacy. In the meantime, if you’re considering trying red light therapy for your hair loss, consult a dermatologist or other medical professional first to see if it’s right for you.
