Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. While there are various causes of hair loss, including genetics, hormonal changes, and medical conditions, etc, finding effective treatments can be a daunting task. In this article, we will discuss root causes of hair loss, the science behind red light therapy and its potential benefits for individuals struggling with hair loss.
Causes of Hair Loss
Genetics: The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary, known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is usually determined by a combination of genetic factors and hormone levels.
Physical or emotional stress: High levels of stress, whether due to a traumatic event, illness, or major life changes, can trigger hair loss. This condition is known as telogen effluvium.
To understand how red light therapy aids hair growth, it is crucial to comprehend the hair growth cycle. The hair follicles undergo three distinct phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting) phases. Hair loss occurs when hair follicles remain in the telogen phase for extended periods or when they become miniaturized. Red light therapy has been found to influence this cycle positively.
Increased Microcirculation to the Scalp
The photons emitted during red light therapy penetrate the scalp and stimulate cellular activity, encouraging the follicles to shift from the resting phase to the growth phase and promoting thicker, healthier hair.
Conclusion
While red light therapy for hair loss shows promising results, it is important to note that individual outcomes may vary. It is not a magical cure, and results may take time to become noticeable. It is advisable to use red light therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to hair loss, including a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and consultation with a healthcare professional. Learn more about Healio red light therapy here.
Hormonal changes: Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and menopause can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and cause hair to thin or fall out.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can cause hair loss, including autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, scalp infections (such as ringworm), trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and other skin conditions.
Hairstyling and treatments: Frequent use of harsh hair products, excessive heat styling (such as straightening or curling irons), tight hairstyles (like braids or ponytails), and chemical treatments (like perming or relaxing) can damage the hair and lead to breakage and hair loss.
The Science behind Hair Growth
Red and near-infrared light therapy has been shown to increase the creation of new capillaries, which improves blood flow to the scalp and brings oxygen and nutrients to cells.
Stimulate Hair Growth with Red Light Therapy
Increased blood flow brings white blood cells to the area, which is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing hair loss related to diseases or those facing abnormal inflammatory responses that may disrupt normal hair follicle function. But it’s not just blood flow that improves; capillaries are also present in the lymphatic system, which removes waste that can lead to hair follicle damage.
Red and near-infrared light therapy can help reduce inflammation in the scalp, which is the cause of hair loss. Inflammation can damage hair follicles and lead to thinning or loss of hair. By reducing inflammation, red and near-infrared light therapy can help support healthy hair growth.
Several Specific Studies on Red Light Therapy and Hair Growth
A study titled "Hair Growth Promoting Effects of 650 nm Red Light Stimulation on Human Hair Follicles and Study of Its Mechanisms via RNA Sequencing Transcriptome Analysis" by Yang et al., was published in the journal Annals of dermatology in 2021. Research results show that red light therapy significantly increases parameters related to hair growth, including the length of the hair shaft, the proliferation of the keratinocytes of the hair shaft, and the production of melanin in the hair shaft. The researchers concluded that 650nm red light therapy can promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicle proliferation and extracellular matrix organization. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the hair growth-promoting effects of red light therapy and demonstrates its potential as a safe and effective hair loss treatment.
Another study titled "Role of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in Androgenetic Alopecia," by Pillai et al., was published in the Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery in 2021. Some of the studies included in the review used a combination of red and near-infrared light wavelengths, suggesting that both wavelengths may be effective for stimulating hair growth in patients with androgenic alopecia. The review found that red and near-infrared light can improve hair density, thickness, and growth rate in patients with male hormone alopecia. The mechanism behind the hair-promoting effects of red and near-infrared light is thought to involve increased blood flow and oxygen supply to hair follicles, reduced inflammation, and increased production of growth factors.