Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: A Comprehensive Guide
Restore Your Confidence with Red Light Therapy
Many people experience hair loss in their life. Hair loss can significantly impact people’s confidence, whether through age, a medication they may take for another condition, or years of color or lightening treatments. Various options are available to treat hair loss or thinning, from supplements to special shampoos and conditioners to hair transplant surgery. One emerging treatment to stimulate hair growth is red light therapy, which utilizes red and near-infrared light to boost natural cellular processes in the body.
In addition, this article is a guide for those considering offering red light therapy for hair growth to their clients.
What Can Influence Hair Loss?
On average, daily, it’s natural and normal, like a cat or dog shedding their hair. Most of us grow this hair back, but some may not, causing thinning and bald spots. People experience hair loss for some reasons, such as:
- Age: Hair loss is more common as people get older. On the other hand, male pattern baldness can start as early as the teenage years.
- Hereditary conditions: Some people are more likely to experience hair loss due to genetic disorders, such as male or female pattern baldness. In contrast, alopecia areata is not hereditary.
- Hormonal changes: Hair loss can be caused by hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. Furthermore, stress can trigger hair loss, a condition known as telogen effluvium.
- Poor nutrition: A diet low in iron, zinc, or biotin can increase your risk of hair loss.
- Medical conditions: Some conditions, such as thyroid problems, autoimmune disorders, and alopecia areata, can cause hair loss. Consequently, talking to your doctor if you are experiencing hair loss is essential.
Excessive hair loss occurs when the hair follicles are damaged or lack enough energy and nutrients to grow hair properly. Treatments for hair loss aim to repair damaged follicles or improve circulation and nutrient levels for regrowth. Improved stress management or making dietary changes can also help improve the condition of our hair.
How Does Red-Light Therapy Encourage Hair Growth?
Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular energy production. This process is called photobiomodulation, and it has been shown to have many benefits for overall health and well-being.
For example, when red light is absorbed by cells, it converts into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s primary energy source. This increased energy production leads to several beneficial effects, including:
- Increased cell growth and repair
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved circulation
- Increased production of collagen and other proteins
- These effects can all contribute to improved hair growth.
Benefits of Red-Light Therapy for Hair Growth
Red light therapy is effective in stimulating hair growth in people with a variety of hair loss conditions, including:
- Androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness)
- Female pattern baldness
- Telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss caused by stress or illness)
- Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss caused by an autoimmune condition)
In addition to stimulating hair growth, red light therapy has also been shown to improve the thickness and quality of hair. It is a safe, non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects.
How to Get Started with Red Light Therapy?
If you are interested in offering red light therapy to your clients or patients, there are a few things you need to do:
- Purchase a red-light therapy device. Some different devices are available on the market, so it is essential to research and choose one that is right for your needs.
- Train your staff on how to use the device. Ensuring your team knows how to use the machine safely and effectively is vital.
- Market your red-light therapy services. Let your clients and patients know you offer hair growth red light therapy.
How Many Treatments Will My Patient Need?
The number of red-light therapy treatments needed to see results varies from person to person. However, most people see significant improvements in hair growth after 12-24 weeks of the procedure. Treatments are typically done 2-3 times per week.
If you are considering red light therapy for hair loss, you must talk to your doctor or a certified practitioner. They can help you determine if red light therapy is right for you and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
TheraLight’s full-body light beds can address your concerns throughout your body, including hair regrowth. If you want to try PBMT, click the link below to find a TheraLight provider near you.
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A Guide To Red Light Therapy Devices
This article was originally published July 6, 2020, and was last updated June 9, 2023.
