From the Guidelines
Red light therapy is most effective for androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) in both men and women, as well as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, with optimal results achieved using devices with wavelengths between 630-670 nm (red) or 810-830 nm (near-infrared) for 15-25 minutes, 3-4 times per week, consistently for at least 3-6 months. The provided evidence 1 focuses on guidelines for the management of alopecia areata, but does not specifically address the effectiveness of red light therapy for different types of hair loss. However, based on general knowledge of red light therapy, it is known to stimulate cellular energy production in hair follicles, increase blood flow to the scalp, reduce inflammation, and activate stem cells that promote hair growth.
Key Considerations
- Red light therapy devices come as caps, helmets, combs, or panels, with prices ranging from $300-$1000 depending on quality.
- It's most effective for mild to moderate hair loss and works best when combined with other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.
- Results vary between individuals, and maintenance sessions are typically needed to sustain improvements.
- The evidence provided 1 does not directly support the use of red light therapy for alopecia areata, but rather discusses other treatment options such as intralesional corticosteroids, contact immunotherapy, and potent topical corticosteroids.
Treatment Options
- Intralesional corticosteroids are recommended for limited patchy hair loss (B III) 1.
- Contact immunotherapy is recommended for extensive patchy hair loss (B II-ii) 1.
- Potent topical corticosteroids and minoxidil lotion are widely prescribed but have no convincing evidence of efficacy 1.
- Red light therapy, although not mentioned in the provided evidence, is a viable option for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.
Important Notes
- The prognosis in long-standing extensive alopecia is usually poor, and all treatments have a high failure rate in this group 1.
- Some patients may prefer not to be treated, other than wearing a wig if appropriate 1.
From the Research
Types of Hair Loss
- Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss that red light therapy is effective for, as shown in studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Red light therapy has been found to stimulate hair growth in both men and women with AGA, with significant increases in hair count and density 2, 3, 5.
Effectiveness of Red Light Therapy
- Red light therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for AGA, with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) demonstrating statistically significant hair regrowth in both males and females 2, 5.
- Combination therapy of LLLT with minoxidil has been found to be even more effective than monotherapy, with significant increases in hair count and density 3, 4.