Hair loss is a growing concern and most people lose about 50 to 100 from their scalp every day. This often leads to many people seeking treatment as a solution to prevent further hair loss. There are various solutions available to improve the overall health of your hair and one method gaining a lot of popularity is red light therapy for hair loss. But does it work?
In this blog, we will explore what red light therapy is, its effectiveness for hair loss, and any potential side effects.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is a form of phototherapy that uses low-level laser light to penetrate the skin. The purpose of this is to increase the production of mitochondria which often leads to improved cell repair and function.
Red light therapy provides many health benefits and is different to your typical UV lights, providing a natural approach to skincare.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work For Hair Loss?
Understanding how red light therapy works for hair loss can sometimes be quite complex. Red light therapy uses low levels of light that are directed towards the scalp which then stimulates the process of hair growth.
The use of red light therapy for hair loss involves exposing the scalp to low wavelengths of light from laser devices. This increases the level of blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth.
What Causes Hair Loss?
The process of hair loss can often be overwhelming for many people, impacting their overall confidence in their appearance. If you are currently experiencing hair loss, finding a solution for this can be quite challenging; however, red light therapy has shown a lot of promise.
Before finding the right solution, identifying the key causes of hair loss is key and will help your therapist tailor your sessions to your needs. Here are some of the key causes of hair loss:
- Genetics: One of the most common causes of hair loss is hereditary. This type of cause is driven by genetics and often leads to a gradual thinning of hair which can impact both men and women. For men, it often results in a receding hairline and bald spots whereas women experience thinning on the scalp.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances are a key cause of hair loss, especially for women. Conditions such as pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause can typically lead to either temporary or permanent hair loss.
- Age: As we get older it is common for hair to naturally get thinner. Hair growth typically slows down leading to shorter and thinner hair growth. Age-related hair loss affects both men and women and is influenced by hormonal and genetic changes.
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress can lead to telogen effluvium, a condition in which large numbers of hair follicles enter the resting phase and then fall out a few months later. It is typically temporary but can lead to noticeable shedding.
The Benefits of Red Light Therapy For Hair Loss
Red light therapy has gained a lot of popularity for the many benefits it has to offer to skincare. However, the treatment is also highly beneficial for hair loss, here are some of its key benefits:
- Non-Invasive: Red light therapy doesn’t involve surgery or needles, making it a safe and painless option for those looking to avoid more invasive treatments.
- No Significant Side Effects: Unlike medications like minoxidil or finasteride, which can cause side effects, red light therapy is generally considered safe with minimal risks.
- Easy to Use at Home: Many red light therapy devices, such as laser caps and combs, are available for home use, offering convenience for ongoing treatment.
What are the Side Effects of Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy is considered a safe form of treatment with minimal risks, especially for hair loss. However, like most treatments, there are some potential side effects. Most people aren’t affected by these side effects but understanding the potential risks is always important before seeking any treatment.
Here are some of the side effects that can be associated with red light therapy:
- Skin Irritation: Some people may experience mild skin irritation, redness, or sensitivity after using red light therapy, particularly if the treatment is too intense or the skin is sensitive. This is usually temporary and eases off shortly after your session.
- Eye Damage: Direct exposure to the eyes can be harmful. Since red light therapy involves high-intensity LED or laser lights, it’s essential to wear protective goggles during treatment to avoid potential eye strain or damage.
- Dryness: You may notice dryness or flaking of the skin in the areas where red light therapy is applied, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Applying moisturiser after treatment can help reduce any irritation.
- Headaches: In some cases, you may experience headaches after using red light therapy devices. This can typically be down to prolonged exposure to the light, leading to potential dizziness.
Who Can Benefit From Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy has shown to be very effective for anyone experiencing hair thinning or mild hair loss. People suffering from a temporary hair loss condition caused by stress, illness, or hormonal shifts, may also find some benefit from this type of treatment.
However, people who are suffering from more severe levels of hair loss, may not see significant results. Consulting with a healthcare provider is important before looking to start your treatment as this will help determine if red light therapy is the right form of treatment for you.
Red Light Therapy at Concordia Clinic
Does red light therapy work for hair loss? The answer is yes! Even though there is still ongoing research on the benefits, red light therapy is still considered a key solution for treating hair loss. At Concordia Clinic, red light therapy is one of our best treatment options, providing tailored therapy sessions to ensure that they best suit your needs.
If you are still unsure of how red light therapy works and have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team who will guide you through the process of our sessions.
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