Red light therapy, (often called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), has been demonstrated to stimulate hair growth. Red light therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM) is gaining wide attention as an exceptional therapy for hair loss. Red light therapy is roaring into the wellness spotlight as a fundamental alternative health practice that targets numerous conditions.

If you are reading this article you most likely want some answers on how to use red light therapy for hair growth.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is the practice of utilising photons to stimulate cellular respiration which then produces more energy to harness more healing powers. By stimulating our mitochondria with specific frequencies of bioactive light we can produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is our body’s energy currency. By optimising energy production, we can assist healing at a cellular level which stokes up our body’s immune system to heal faster, recover rapidly and stimulate hair regrowth.

Red light therapy can be administered at home, in a salon or at some gymnasiums. The optimum way to use red light therapy is at home as it costs less in comparison to salon sessions and also allows you to have treatments in the comfort of your own home.

Setting up red light therapy at home is easy and you can start enjoying your first session in only a few minutes with some devices.

How to Use Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth?

The underlying principles of red-light therapy work to stimulate hair growth. If you want to get up to speed with how red light therapy works and what the scientific community are concluding about red light therapy you can check out this page which will give you an excellent overview of red light therapy.

Red light therapy has been demonstrated in the academic and scientific literature to be a safe and effective treatment for numerous conditions such as reducing cellulite, helping with acne and aiding with weight loss. Red light therapy treatments have been determined safe and the effects of red light therapy have been documented in over 4,000 medical studies and clinical trials.

By stimulating the hair follicles cells on your scalp, red light therapy helps activate hair growth. Visible red light between 630nm and 660nm combined with near infrared light at 850nm helps activate hair growth in both men and women. When used in combination with topical hair regrowth creams red light therapy can act as a a catalyst for hair growth.

When you choose a red light therapy panel for hair growth you should ensure the irradiance is over 100mw/cm2 to get the best power needed to promote hair growth. Once you have found the panel you like (BON CHARGE has a large selection to choose from) you can then set up your panel to treat hair loss.

Once you have set up you red light machine based on the manufacturers set up guide you can start your treatment. Position your head toward the device and conduct a 20 minutes session. Red light therapy for hair loss can be conducted morning, noon or night. It is essential to utilise red light therapy consistently to achieve the most optimal results.

Is Red Light Therapy a Safe Treatment for Hair Growth?

The general consensus across the scientific and academic communities is that infrared therapy is a safe and effective treatment for numerous situations. This has been demonstrated in countless peer reviewed journals and meta-analysis.

Whilst thousands of studies have shown red light therapy to be safe with little to no side effects, you should always seek medical advice from a qualified physician before commencing red light therapy as a treatment for hair loss.

One study found that some participants were sensitive to red light and developed a rash. Whilst only a minor side effect for a small number of people it is always recommended to conduct a light sensitivity test prior to starting red light therapy for hair loss.

Electrical safety is also something to seriously consider before starting a course of red light therapy. Many company’s but not have their devices tested for electrical safety.

Before placing your head near a device it would be wise to ensure the company you purchase your red light device from has electrical certification. BON CHARGE Red Light Panels have been tested and passed SAA safety standards (the gold standard for electrical safety) and are entered in the EESS database.

When assessing the risks of red light therapy its good to understand that not all red light therapy devices have been created equal. Some brands have not had their devices registered with the FDA or ARTG which means they may not meet the safety standards in these countries.

It is best to purchase a device for a reputable supplier who has their red light therapy machines registered with the relevant medical databases. BON CHARGE have our red light therapy panels registered with the FDA and listed in the ARTG.

How Long do I Need to Use Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth?

One session of red light therapy will not be enough to show any results. You should use red light therapy for between 4 and 12 seeks to start seeing any impact on hair growth. Consistency is key, 20 minutes, once a day for 12 weeks should start to get you great visible results.

What is the Science Saying About Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth?

Hair loss is a common condition globally with almost 50% of men suffering from hair loss as they age. Women over 65 are also susceptible to hair loss with over 75% impacted.

A study in 2018 showed that red light therapy was a more effective treatment for hair loss than hair growth drugs. This study also showed that red light therapy came with no side effects whereas the drugs they reviewed did. This study showed that hair grows quicker when using red light therapy.

Again, in 2018 a study showed that using infrared light therapy was a great treatment for male pattern baldness. The great result about this study was the enrolled participants only had to use red light therapy for 30 minutes a day, 3 times week. Those who took part sure significant improvements in hair regrowth and thickness.

Female pattern baldness has also been shown to be conquered with red and near infrared light. One study showed a 37% increase in hair growth in the group who used red light treatments.

Back in 2017 another well formulated study showed an improved hair count and thickness of hair with using red light. The researchers also found that the majority of the participants were very happy with their results.

The Final Word

The academic literature clearly shows that LED red light therapy can be an effective treatment for hair loss. Red light therapy can stimulate hair growth in both men and women with little to no side effects.

If you want to get started with red light therapy for hair growth you can view BON CHARGE red light therapy devices for hair growth here.