Does Red Light Therapy Actually Help With Hair Loss?

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Hair Loss?

Red light therapy works just as well for hair as it does skin, but the process might look a little different. Just ask Steven Pearlman, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “The principle is similar, stimulating cells and improving circulation, but the application and intensity are specific to hair follicles,” he says. Scalp tissue responds differently to the treatment than facial skin, he adds. “Red light and clinical-grade laser therapy stimulate cellular activity in the hair follicle, improve blood flow, and promote healthier, thicker hair growth.” It’s a great treatment to consider if you’ve noticed a little too much hair falling out when brushing or showering, and less invasive than other treatments like surgery.  

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Like most beauty treatments, it’s easy to want results overnight—but don’t expect to wake up looking like Rapunzel after your first go-around. No matter what form you’re choosing for red light therapy, it can take anywhere from four to six months to start seeing progress. “Hair restoration is an ongoing process, similar to how we manage skin or facial volume over time,” says Dr. Pearlman. “Consistency is key to keeping follicles healthy and achieving long-lasting results that integrate naturally with a patient’s facial features.”

What’s the Difference Between an At-Home Treatment and a Professional One?

Choosing between an at-home treatment and an in-office one really comes down to your personal preference, from your hair goals to your budget. 

When it comes to gadgets you can use at home, there are plenty of options. A red light therapy helmet can be used for just ten minutes a day and is easy to pop on when you’re chilling on the couch, meaning you’ll probably be more consistent with it. Still, the gadget is definitely an investment. This one from CURRENTBODY retails for $860, while this THERADOME one will run you about $700. At $450, the HIGHERDOSE red light hat is a more affordable option—plus you can discreetly wear it while running errands. 

An LED headband can be helpful when addressing hair loss or thinning at the crown and sides of your head, which might be a result of too many slicked-back updos. This headband from SOLARIS LABORATORIES uses a combination of red and blue light therapy to help potentially trigger hair growth, and it’s got sonic pulsations that feel like a mini massage on your head. 

For an even more targeted treatment, consider a red light therapy brush. FOREO’s FAQTM 301 brush features a stimulating massage specifically designed to work with liquid hair treatments like rosemary oil or minoxidil. Meanwhile, the LADUORA DUO 4-in-1 Pod Based Scalp & Hair Care Device comes with an in-unit serum dispenser—which you can fill with your favorite serum, or the one that comes with it—and uses a combo of red light therapy, microcurrent, scalp massage, and even gentle heat to help the serum absorb more deeply. It’s the next best thing to a head spa. 

In-office red light therapy is what Dr. Pearlman recommends above all else. The more potent treatment is what he calls “the next best thing” for patients who want real results without jumping to surgery. His GetHairMD platform, unique to his practice, is a physician-led program that combines diagnostic scalp analysis, clinical-grade laser therapy, and customized care. The personalized treatment examines hair density, follicle health, and scalp condition to create a plan unique to you and your hair growth journey. 

“Unlike at-home devices, professional lasers are much more powerful and target the follicles effectively and safely,” he adds. “[In-office treatments] deliver the precision, coverage, and strength needed for meaningful results.” That means the treatment doesn’t have to be performed daily, and can be done weekly or biweekly depending on your hair goals. You’ll have to follow up, however, with an at-home treatment to maintain results. 

Final Thoughts

No matter which method you choose, red light therapy can help treat hair loss and lengthen your locks. If you’re noticing excess shedding or hair thinning, consider trying it out before turning to more invasive treatments like surgery. After a few months, you might just be looking at a fuller head of hair—and a fuller sense of confidence.