From the Research
Red light therapy, specifically wavelengths between 630-670 nm (red light) and 800-880 nm (near-infrared light), has shown the most promising results for promoting hair growth on the scalp without minoxidil.
Key Findings
- The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2024, supports the use of photobiomodulation (PBM) for treating alopecia, with wavelengths in the red light (620-700 nm) and near-infrared (700-1440 nm) spectrum.
- Another study, 2, published in 2017, demonstrated a 51% increase in hair counts using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at 650 nm, which falls within the recommended wavelength range.
- The therapy is most effective for androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness) and may work better for those in earlier stages of hair loss.
Treatment Recommendations
- Use a medical-grade light therapy device that delivers the specific wavelengths at an appropriate power density (typically 3-6 J/cm²) for 10-20 minutes per session, 3-4 times per week for at least 16-24 weeks.
- Consistency is crucial for seeing results, and combining light therapy with other treatments like proper nutrition and stress management may enhance outcomes.
Safety and Efficacy
- PBM offers patients many benefits, including being noninvasive, cost-effective, and convenient, with a favorable safety profile, as reported in 1.
- While generally safe with minimal side effects, results vary between individuals, and future clinical trials are necessary to produce standardized recommendations across conditions and skin types, as noted in 1.