LED Light Therapy: The Future of Hair Growth?

We’ve all tried hair oils, supplements, and multiple methods but could LED therapy take the top spot? Heralded by dermatologists and making its name as the new buzziest haircare trend, LED therapy technology could be the latest way to promote longer, thicker, and healthier hair. From LED infrared hair brushes and hair growth helmets to LED scalp massagers and innovative light therapy devices, our haircare routines are about to get more interesting…So what exactly does LED therapy do for our hair and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about the fast-growing trend…

What is LED therapy?

LED – or light-emitting diode – therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level wavelengths of light (often red or blue) to supply your skin’s cells with more energy so they can work efficiently to repair and reproduce. It’s made a big name for itself in skincare, popular for its believed anti-aging, rejuvenating, and healing effects.

Our skin cells naturally become comprised as a result of ageing and trauma to the skin meaning cell rejuvenation can decline. LED therapy encourages the repair of damaged cells by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin and boosting circulation to help with tissue repair. It’s often used to treat skin conditions, scars, wrinkles, acne, and even sun damage. But how does it benefit our hair?

LED therapy for hair growth

Promoted by celebrities, hailed by influencers, and verified by doctors, LED light therapy has had its fair share of skincare spotlight but studies are beginning to look at its effects on our hair. Could this treatment be a sure-fire short cut to thicker, healthier locks?

Products on the market vary in form and price from red light therapy helmets to scalp massagers and LED combs. Many devices prove to be much more efficient for promoting hair growth than supplements or topical treatments and even scientists at Harvard are studying the effects of LED light on the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

How does it work?

LED technology has been found to prolong the hair’s growth phase by enhancing cellular activity by increasing ATP production (the fuel that powers cellular processes), stimulating hair growth by targeting the follicles, increasing blood flow and circulation, reducing inflammation and prolonging anagen growth. It works as both a reparative and restorative solution to your hair woes by helping to deal with damage and thinning while also promoting growth and health.

Lots of us suffer with hair loss and one of the most common causes is androgenetic alopecia whereby hair follicles shrink in size producing finer hair over time. Red light therapy can help improve the condition of the scalp and hair follicles to combat thinning and hair loss.

Should I be using LED on my hair?

There are a growing number of beauty gadgets on the market revolutionising hair growth by harnessing the power of LED meaning it’s more accessible than ever. Forget hefty salon price tags and invest in a convenient at-home device – they all come in different shapes and forms so you can find a device that works for you to employ the consistency needed to see the results you want.

If you suffer with thinning, balding, breakage, or hair loss or you’re just in search of a simple solution of longer, healthier hair, LED light therapy could well be what you’ve been looking for. Researches have found that people receiving red light therapy at a wavelength of 650 nm experienced a 50% increase in their hair count. But how do you choose the right product for you?

If you’re unsure about using LED light therapy, in-salon professionals can help tailor sessions based on your hair type and goals so you can be guided through the hair growth/regrowth journey. Equally, there are over 30 low-level red light therapy devices approved by the FDA for at-home that mostly fall into the categories of comb, mask, helmet, cap, or hairband. The caps are proving a hit on social media, offering convenience so you can continue your daily jobs round the house as you help your hair grow, they also cover the whole scalp to target a large coverage of cells. For entry-level budget-friendly devices, red light scalp massagers and combs are a great way to integrate red light therapy into your haircare routine and can be paired with topical treatments like oils and hair-growth serums to boost growth.