Hair loss is common and happens for various reasons, including genetics, hormonal changes, underlying medical conditions, stress, medications, and more. It affects men and women almost equally. There are many treatments out there, including red light therapy (RLT). RLT is one non-invasive option that has become increasingly popular as a dermatological treatment, driven, in part, by social media excitement on TikTok. But is it safe and effective? Read on to learn about how red light therapy works for hair loss, its side effects and risks, where you can get it, and more.

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of treatment that uses red light to address a variety of conditions, including hair loss. It fits into the category of low-level laser therapy (LLLT). If you were to look at a red light device, you’d see a series of red bulbs. Proponents say the light from these bulbs is what may promote beneficial changes in the body. RLT can be provided in a dermatologist’s office or you can purchase a device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use at home. If you go the at-home route, it’s best to speak to your dermatologist before using one.

There are a variety of different types of hair loss. Red light therapy is used for androgenic alopecia or male or female pattern baldness, a common form of hair loss.

When it comes to red light therapy, it’s important to know that light is more than “just” light. “Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of low-level light to stimulate cellular activity in the scalp,” says Mona Mislankar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Cincinnati Skin Center in Cincinnati.

RLT may do this by increasing blood flow and oxygen to hair follicles, a process that, in theory, promotes growth factors that support follicle regeneration, Dr. Mislankar says. The therapy may do this by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle, as well as reducing inflammation that may contribute to thinning, she explains. That said, this is not believed to be a permanent fix, and you need ongoing treatment to maintain results.Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have found red light therapy to be more effective than placebo treatments, says the board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert Ronda Farah, MD, an associate professor in the department of dermatology at the University of Minnesota and the founder of Alluma Dermatology in Medina, Minnesota. “These trials showed an increase in hair counts in the LLLT group compared to sham (fake) devices. From my perspective, we have good evidence that these can be effective,” she says. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that RLT has been shown to improve hair thickness and length, and may be just as effective as minoxidil (Rogaine) in treating hair loss for those with pattern hair loss.One systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials reflects these results. In the review, researchers analyzed the effects of LLLT on pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) and found that these devices could improve hair density for men and women with this type of hair loss. Researchers point out several limitations, including smaller sample sizes, short-term trials, and different LLLT protocols, which can affect the results. Another issue with the research is that some of these trials were industry-funded, which could be a source of bias. “More research that is non-industry based is always ideal,” Mislankar says. Research involving larger sample sizes would help solidify the conclusions, she says.Red light therapy doesn’t use the same type of light as tanning beds, and for most people, it is a safe treatment. That said, these devices may cause eye damage if you don’t wear eye protection.In Mislankar’s experience, other side effects tend to be mild and temporary, and aren’t common. The following may occur:

• Dry skin

• Scalp tenderness

• Mild headaches (rare)

• Scalp irritation, redness, or itching

• Warm sensation during treatment

RLT may be especially suitable for people who aren’t good candidates for other hair loss treatments, such as medication like oral finasteride, which can cause side effects like erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and increased body hair growth.

If you experience persistent scalp redness or the side effects above are interfering with your quality of life, it’s best to stop RLT and talk to your dermatologist, Dr. Farah says.

Red light therapy is generally safe, Mislankar says. “I do think the studies show us that LLLT [may be] helpful and, more importantly, [could be] overall a safe option,” she says. With that in mind, she advises patients with the following conditions to avoid red light therapy:

• Active scalp infection

• Scalp disease

• Scalp wounds

• Skin cancers, such as melanoma

First, visit a dermatologist to evaluate if red light therapy may be a viable hair loss treatment for you, Farah says. Although we might think of derms as skin doctors, they are also experts in hair and scalp health and disease, she says. (You can use the American Academy of Dermatology’s Find a Dermatologist tool to find a board-certified dermatologist in your area.)

If you are a good candidate, you can get red light therapy in a dermatology office, clinical medical spa, or use an at-home FDA-cleared RLT product, Farah says.

When purchasing a red light therapy device (such as a helmet or cap), look for a product cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Farah recommends. The term FDA-cleared indicates a low level of risk of using these devices, but it doesn’t guarantee effectiveness. These devices can cost several hundred dollars, so compare prices across brands and the cost of in-office procedures. In addition, if you are using an at-home device, be sure to follow the directions for use and use protective eyewear to safeguard your eyes from the light, Farah says. Doing so will help reduce the risk of side effects. Generally, the procedure isn’t covered by insurance, as it is considered cosmetic.

Hair shedding, specifically telogen effluvium (TE), is different from hair loss, and it doesn’t necessarily require treatment. TE occurs when more of the hair shifts into the resting — or shedding — phase, and it can be triggered by stress, childbirth, or extreme weight loss. If this is the case for you, Mislankar advises giving it time and having patience, as shedding will stop and hair growth will return to normal. “In the meantime, supporting healthy hair practices and prioritizing a healthy diet with protein is helpful,” she says. In addition to a balanced diet, healthy hair practices also include proper scalp hygiene, such as washing hair regularly, which can support a healthy environment for hair to grow.For androgenetic alopecia, topical medications like minoxidil (Rogaine), oral prescription medication like minoxidil, finasteride (Propecia), or spironolactone, or supplements to correct a nutrient deficiency may be helpful. Microneedling, an in-office procedure in which a dermatologist rolls a device with thin needles over your scalp, may be an option, as well. Another option is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which involve a doctor injecting your own blood cells into your scalp. Your dermatologist may also recommend adding red light therapy to minoxidil to treat hair loss in earlier stages, or if you partially respond to minoxidil alone, Mislankar says.

• Red light therapy is a type of low-level laser therapy that is one treatment for androgenic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).

• RLT works by increasing blood flow and oxygen to hair follicles, stimulating their growth phase, and reducing inflammation.

• Side effects — which are usually mild and short-term — may include scalp irritation and itching.

• If you experience hair loss, visit a dermatologist to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.