Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has gained recognition in recent years as a scientifically-backed method for promoting hair regrowth. This non-invasive therapy uses red light wavelengths, typically between 630 and 660 nanometers, to stimulate cellular activity in hair follicles.

Here, we look at the science, facts, and numbers behind red light therapy’s effectiveness for hair regrowth, citing key studies. 

As a summary these various studies have proven the efficacy of red light to help stimulate the follicles, support hair regrowth & thickness. Additionally studies have also shown that red light can positively affect the quality & the appearance of hair.

Red light devices can be bought for at-home use and do not need to be approved by the FDA to be made available to users. 

It is recommended that red light should be used for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a week.

Using a hair oil with time-tested natural ingredients like amla, rosemary, shikakai, bhringraj can further enhance the benefits of red light. These natural ingredients have been used for thousands of years to enahnce hair health & improve its appearance. With regular usage ingredients like amla and rosemary can have very beneficial effects for thinning or dry hair. This approach combines ancient wisdom & modern proven scientif technology to attain healthier, shinier, fuller hair. 
Using a hair oil 1-2 times a week before washing is recommended in Ayueveda.

Mechanism of Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth

Red light therapy works by penetrating the scalp at a cellular level to stimulate the mitochondria within cells, which are responsible for producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

The increase in ATP production boosts cellular energy, leading to improved cell function and hair follicle health. This process can help extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, potentially increasing hair density and thickness.

Key Studies on Red Light Therapy for Hair Regrowth

1. 2013 Study: Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Hair Growth showed that red light therapy resulted in a 37% increase in the hair density of participants who previously experienced hereditary hair loss.
Published in: American Journal of Clinical DermatologyStudy
Design: Randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled study
Participants: 128 men and women with androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss)Treatment
Duration: 26 weeks (using a helmet-like LLLT device)
Results: The study found a 37% increase in hair density in participants who received red light therapy, compared to a 2% increase in the control group. Participants in the LLLT group reported significant improvements in hair thickness and fullness, with no adverse side effects reported.
Conclusion: This study supports that red light therapy is effective in significantly increasing hair density in both men and women suffering from genetic hair loss.

2. 2014 Meta-Analysis: Efficacy of LLLT in Hair Regrowth. This study showed that there was an average increase of 35% in the hair count and a 27% improvement in hair thickness across many studies.
These results were shown to sustain for up t0 12 months.
Published in: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
Study Design: Meta-analysis of 11 studies evaluating the efficacy of red light therapy in hair regrowth
Results: The meta-analysis revealed an average increase of 35% in hair count across all studies involving LLLT. Additionally, there was a 27% improvement in hair thickness, which was sustained for up to 12 months after treatment.
Conclusion: This large-scale review provides strong evidence that red light therapy is an effective, long-lasting treatment for increasing hair count and thickness in patients with hair loss.

3. 2017 Randomized Controlled Trial: Efficacy of LLLT for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss. This study showed a 20% increase in hair density in the participants. The group also saw an improvement in hair quality and shedding.
Published in: Journal of the American Academy of DermatologyStudy
Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialParticipants: 44 patients with male and female pattern hair lossTreatment
Duration: 16 weeks with a hand-held LLLT device
Results: Participants in the treatment group showed a 20% increase in hair density compared to the placebo group. The treatment group also reported improved hair quality and reduced hair shedding.
Conclusion: This study confirmed that red light therapy using LLLT devices effectively improves hair density and quality in both men and women with pattern hair loss.

Additional Benefits of Red Light Therapy in Hair Regrowth

Reduction in Hair Shedding: A 2020 study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that participants undergoing red light therapy experienced a 23% reduction in hair shedding after 24 weeks of usage.
Minimal Side Effects: Unlike many other hair regrowth treatments, red light therapy has been shown to have minimal to no adverse effects, making it a safer alternative for long-term use. Most studies report no significant side effects beyond mild scalp warmth during treatment.