There is a growing demand for non-invasive, safe and effective hair loss solutions. One treatment that has gained a lot of attention recently is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for hair growth. That’s because LLLT therapy promises to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth in people with hair thinning. It even has use as an adjunct for post-transplant care. However, how effective is this treatment really and do LLLT hair results stand up to all the hype? In this article, we’re doing a deep dive into the science behind low-level laser therapy for hair regrowth and how to use it. We’ll also review its effectiveness in treating hair loss and if there’s a case for LLLT therapy after hair transplant.
What is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Hair?
Low-Level Laser Therapy or LLLT for short is also sometimes referred to as red light therapy or cold laser therapy. It involves the use of low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate hair follicles. This non-invasive treatment uses a specific wavelength of light to penetrate the scalp and enhance cellular activity in the follicles. The increased activity encourages the growth of healthier thicker hair. Unlike more invasive treatments, LLLT therapy doesn’t cause burns or damage to the skin. This makes it a safe and pain-free option for hair loss treatment. Devices designed for LLLT hair treatment range from in-clinic systems that a medical practitioner applies to at home caps.
Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Really Boost Hair Growth?
To understand how LLLT therapy helps hair growth, it’s important to review the basic science of hair loss and regeneration. Our hair follicles actually cycle through different four different phases or stages. These are the anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase) and telogen (resting phase) stages. Hair thinning and baldness often result from the shortening of the anagen phase and prolonged resting or dormant phases. This is particularly the case with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss).
LLLT therapy for hair loss works by stimulating the follicles to spend more time in the anagen phase. The specific wavelength of light emitted (generally between 650 and 655nm) by LLLT hair devices enhances blood circulation around the follicle. This boosts nutrient and oxygen delivery. The process helps reduce follicular inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to hair loss. The result is that LLLT hair treatment creates a more supportive environment for hair regrowth which encouraging the follicles to produce thicker and healthier hair strands.
There’s actually some scientific evidence behind this and multiple studies support the potential value of low-level laser therapy for hair regrowth. Research has shown that LLLT can increase hair density and diameter in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. As such, LLLT treatments can improve hair count and hair thickness in both men and women. That being said many of the human studies are lower level and small as such its worth approaching with caution. This doesn’t mean that they’re without value but it does mean more research is needed in the form of randomised control trials to really evaluate this treatment.
Is There a Case for LLLT Therapy After Hair Transplant?
One of the most promising potential applications of low-level laser therapy is its use in post-hair transplant care. After undergoing a hair transplant, patients usually use non invasive treatments that can improve healing and enhance graft survival. As such LLLT is often recommended by hair transplant specialists as part of an aftercare regime, particularly for those who want to maximise their hair transplant results. The rationale for this being that LLLT therapy after a transplant may increase graft anchoring and improve the overall survival rate of the transplanted hairs. Whilst there are studies show that using LLLT after hair transplant can expedite recovery by improving blood flow to the transplanted follicles and reducing inflammation, these are small in number and the results are not significant.
LLLT Hair Treatment Devices
Its important to differentiate between professional and at home LLLT therapy. Both these therapies use LLLT devices which emit low-level lasers directly to the scalp. The main difference between at-home LLLT and professional LLLT lies in the device’s power and precision. Professional LLLT devices used in clinics are typically more powerful. As such they provide deeper scalp penetration and more targeted stimulation for hair regrowth. In contrast, at-home devices are offer convenience and lower cost. They offer lower intensity treatments but require more time, regular use and consistency to get results.
LLLT hair devices come in a variety of forms, each designed to fit different lifestyles and treatment preferences. The most common options include:
- Laser Caps: These are wearable caps with laser diodes that deliver consistent light exposure to the scalp. Caps are a popular choice due to their ease of use and hands-free nature.
- Laser Combs: Laser combs allow for targeted treatment by manually moving the device over the scalp. This requires more effort but can be effective for those targeting specific thinning areas.
- In-Clinic LLLT Devices: These are usually larger, more powerful systems usually in the form of panels or a large cap. You can find them in dermatology clinics or specialised hair treatment centres.
Regardless of the format, the success of LLLT therapy for hair loss largely depends on consistent and regular use. Many at home devices are for daily or bi-weekly use whilst professional treatments usually involve a number of sessions over a set period of time. Following that, you might have less regular maintenance sessions. It is not clear whether stopping resumes hair loss but its probably likely that this is a lifelong therapy like other non surgical treatments.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Low Level Laser Therapy Hair Growth Treatment?
One of the most frequently asked questions about LLLT hair treatment is how long it takes to see visible results. While individual experiences may vary, most people start noticing improvements in hair texture, thickness, and growth around the 12-week mark. For some, this may happen sooner, while for others, it may take a bit longer. It really all depends on the extent of hair loss and the consistency of treatment. It’s important to note that LLLT therapy requires patience. The process of hair regrowth takes time. To boost your chances of success you may need to use LLLT hair treatment alongside other hair regrowth treatments like topical minoxidil or supplements.
It’s important to note that LLLT therapy is not for everyone and its success will depend on the nature of your hair loss and individual factors. LLT is most effective for individuals in the early stages of hair loss or those with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. It can also benefit people who have undergone hair transplant surgery and want to improve the survival and growth rate of the transplanted hairs. Unfortunately, if you have advanced hair loss, where the follicles have become dormant for extended periods, the success rate may be lower. As such, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist to determine if low-level laser therapy for hair growth is the right solution for you.
Risks & Side Effects
One of the key reasons behind the growing popularity of Low-Level Laser Therapy for hair regrowth is its a largely safe procedure with few side effects and no downtime. Assuming you’re using a an appropriate device and if at home following the instructions properly, the risk of major side effects is very low. This is because the lasers in LLLT are low-energy, so they don’t cause damage to the skin or tissue beneath the scalp. That being said, some users may experience mild scalp redness or a sensation of warmth during or after treatment. The good news is that these effects are typically short lived. Nonetheless, it’s always wise to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult a professional before starting any new treatment.
How to Maximise Your Chances of Success LLLT Hair Treatments
Whether you’re having a professional treatment or using an at home device, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success. These revolve around respecting the fact that there are multifactorial reasons for hair loss and hence taking an holistic approach is usually best. Our top tips for boosting your LLLT hair regrowth results are:
- Consistency is Key: Stick to the recommended treatment schedule, as irregular use can slow down progress.
- Combine with Other Treatments: LLLT can be even more effective when used alongside other hair loss treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.
- Scalp Health is Important: Ensure that you treat any dandruff or irritation and adopt good haircare habits as an unhealthy scalp can in itself lead to hair loss.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Your scalp and hair are linked to your overall health and well-being. Ensuring a balanced diet, staying hydrated and managing stress can positively impact scalp health and reduce hair loss.
- Follow Aftercare Instructions: If you’re using LLLT therapy after a hair transplant, be sure to adhere to your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. This will help you to maximise the survival and growth of your transplanted hair.
Low-level laser therapy for hair regrowth offers a promising solution for individuals struggling with hair thinning or seeking to enhance their results after a hair transplant. To date, the evidence surrounding LLLT hair regrowth results are encouraging. However, LLLT therapy isn’t for every body and doesn’t address all forms or severities of hair loss. More higher level scientific research is needed to fully understand how effective it is and when it is most useful. Until then, you can maximise your chances of success by using it alongside other hair loss treatments and improving your overall health.
We understand that hair loss is a deeply personal journey. This is why we created personalised hair loss and regrowth treatments through our online skin clinic. Our doctors create custom hair loss treatments using actives such as Minoxidil, Spironolactone and Tretinoin for each and every patient. We also treat skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and signs of skin ageing with bespoke skincare treatments. Start your virtual consultation and begin your journey to great hair today.
