Red light therapy has become a familiar tool for skincare and recovery. Now, targeted red-light devices are bringing the same technology to the scalp—with promising evidence for certain types of hair loss.
But what does the light actually do and can it really help hair grow?
The Short Answer: Yes, for Certain Types of Hair Loss…
Scalp Red Light Therapy—also called Low-Level Laser or LLLT—uses specific wavelengths of red light to reach the area surrounding the hair follicles.
The exact biological process is still being studied. Researchers believe the light may support mitochondrial activity and cellular signaling within the follicle, creating a better environment for active or underperforming follicles to remain in the hair-growth cycle.
Promising, definitely, however it’s important to note that It cannot create brand-new follicles or restore hair in areas where follicles are no longer functioning.
What Has the Research Actually Shown?
When it comes to hair thinning and hair loss, researchers have spent years studying whether red light therapy can do more than simply improve the appearance of the scalp. The strongest evidence currently centers on androgenetic alopecia, better known as male- or female-pattern hair loss.
In a 24-week randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, areas treated with low-level light therapy showed significantly greater improvements in:
- Hair Count
- Hair Thickness
- Hair Coverage
- Overall Visible Regrowth
No serious adverse events were reported in the study. View the clinical trial.
A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 38 studies and 3,098 patients also found that low-level laser and LED therapy significantly increased hair density in people with androgenetic alopecia. Researchers concluded that it is a promising treatment for pattern hair loss, while noting that more research is needed for other types of alopecia. View the systematic review
Unlike temporary shedding caused by stress, illness, hormonal changes or nutritional deficiencies, pattern hair loss involves the gradual shrinking of hair follicles. Over time, those follicles produce finer, shorter strands—making hair appear thinner and less dense. Red light therapy has gained attention because it delivers specific wavelengths of light directly to the scalp, where it can support cellular activity within weakened—but still active—hair follicles.
The Clinically Proven Benefits
Taken together, the available research supports red light therapy as a legitimate, noninvasive option for men and women experiencing pattern hair loss. It is not an overnight solution, nor can it revive follicles that are no longer active. However, with consistent use, scalp red light therapy has been shown to support:
- Less visible shedding
- Increased hair count and thickness
- Improved hair density
- Longer participation in the active growth phase
- Fuller-looking hair over time
Results are gradual. Hair grows slowly, so visible improvement generally requires consistent use over several months.
Know the Cause Before Choosing the Treatment
Shedding may be related to genetics, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, medications, illness, stress or an underlying scalp condition. Because red light therapy has not been equally proven for every cause, new, sudden or unexplained hair loss should be evaluated by a dermatologist or qualified healthcare professional.
The Pura Place Position
Red light therapy for the Scalp is not an overnight fix—and it cannot revive follicles that are no longer active. Yet, for qualifying men and women experiencing pattern hair loss, clinical research supports it as a noninvasive option that can improve hair count, thickness and density with consistent use.
Considering an at-home device for male/female pattern hair loss? Check out our Pulse Post, “Red Light for Hair Growth | iRestore Laser Hair Growth Devices.”
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat hair loss. Consult a qualified medical professional before beginning a new hair-loss treatment.
SOURCES
- Fan, S. M.-Y., et al. “Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial.” Dermatologic Surgery, 2018.
View the clinical trial on PubMed - “Low-Level Laser and LED Therapy in Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.”
View the systematic review on PubMed - Jimenez, J. J., et al. “Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2014.
View the clinical trial on PubMed - Adil, A., and Godwin, M. “The Effectiveness of Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2017.
View the systematic review on PubMed - American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Hair Loss Resource Center.”
View the AAD resource
Hmmm wonder if that works for psoriasis?
Likely, not. The clinical data supported quite specifically male/female pattern hair loss, therefore we would not encourage or promote its use for psoriasis.