Can Red Light Therapy Help with Hair Loss or Thinning?

Hair loss and thinning are more common than many people realise, affecting men and women of all ages. Whether it’s a widening part, a receding hairline, or noticeable shedding in the shower, the impact often goes beyond appearance. For many, hair loss affects self-confidence, mood, and even social life.

While there are countless products and treatments claiming to reverse hair loss, one therapy with increasing scientific attention is red light therapy (RLT). At ReGen Rooms in Leamington Spa, we’ve seen how this advanced technology can support scalp health and encourage thicker, healthier hair. This article explores how it works, the research behind it, and what results you can expect.

Understanding Hair Loss and Thinning

Balding and hair thinning are becoming an increasingly common concern, particularly among men aged 25 to 45, although women are also significantly affected. Research suggests that around two-thirds of men will experience some degree of noticeable hair loss by the age of 35, and by age 50, that figure rises to approximately 85%. Women are not immune — studies show that up to 40% will experience visible thinning by midlife, often with a more diffuse pattern than in men.

The most common cause is androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness, which is linked to a combination of genetic predisposition and the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, DHT can miniaturise hair follicles, making them smaller and weaker until they eventually stop producing hair altogether.

However, pattern baldness is far from the only culprit. Other triggers include hormonal fluctuations such as those experienced during menopause, after pregnancy, or with thyroid disorders. Chronic stress, poor nutrition, autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, and certain medications can also play a role. Even scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or prolonged inflammation can create an unfavourable environment for healthy hair growth.

Because hair loss is often the result of multiple overlapping factors, tackling it successfully usually requires a multi-faceted approach. This might involve targeting the underlying cause, supporting scalp health, optimising nutrition, and integrating evidence-based therapies like red light therapy to stimulate and preserve active follicles. Acting early is key — the sooner intervention begins, the better the chances of protecting and improving hair density.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy — also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) — uses specific wavelengths of light to energise cells and improve circulation. At ReGen Rooms, we use the NovoTHOR Red Light Therapy Bed, a medical-grade system considered the gold standard in full-body light therapy.

When light penetrates the scalp, it stimulates the mitochondria in the cells to produce more ATP (cellular energy). This boost in energy improves nutrient delivery, reduces inflammation, and supports follicle function - creating the right conditions for hair to grow.

The Science Behind Hair Regrowth

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been the focus of a growing body of clinical research over the past decade — and the results are consistently promising. Scientists believe its effectiveness comes from its ability to stimulate the mitochondria within cells, leading to increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency that fuels cellular repair and regeneration. For hair, this means better-functioning follicles, improved blood flow to the scalp, and reduced inflammation — all crucial factors for maintaining and restoring healthy growth.

What the Research Shows

• In 2017, a randomised, placebo-controlled study found that participants using LLLT experienced a 37% increase in hair growth compared to those receiving no treatment¹. This improvement was seen in both hair count and overall scalp coverage.

• A 2014 multi-centre trial reported significant increases in hair density after just 26 weeks of consistent treatment, with participants experiencing both cosmetic and psychological benefits².

• A 2019 systematic review concluded that RLT is a safe and effective treatment option for both men and women with androgenetic alopecia, particularly when follicles are still active³.

The key takeaway from the research is that timing matters. RLT works by reviving and energising existing follicles, so it delivers the best results in cases of thinning or early-stage hair loss. Once follicles have been inactive for a prolonged period, their ability to produce hair diminishes significantly, making early intervention crucial for success.

What to Expect

• Weeks 1–4: Scalp feels healthier, less irritation or itching.

• Weeks 4–8: Noticeable reduction in daily shedding.

• Weeks 8–12: Hair feels thicker and strands stronger.

• 3–6 Months: Visible improvement in density for many clients.

• 6–12 Months: Ongoing gains with regular maintenance sessions.

Beyond Hair Growth - What Are The Whole Body Benefits?

Although many clients initially visit for hair concerns, red light therapy delivers benefits far beyond the scalp. One of the most noticeable changes for many is an improvement in skin quality. By encouraging collagen and elastin production in the dermis, red light helps create a healthier, more resilient skin structure. Over several weeks, clients often observe a more even tone, calmer redness, and a smoother surface texture. For those who struggle with dryness or irritation around the hairline, these symptoms frequently improve alongside scalp comfort.

Another major advantage is its effect on muscle recovery and joint comfort. The therapy supports blood flow and helps to reduce low-grade inflammation, which can ease post-exercise soreness and relieve the stiffness that builds up from long days at a desk. Many clients describe feeling looser, more mobile, and generally more comfortable after regular sessions.

There are also notable benefits for stress and sleep quality. A consistent red light routine can help regulate rest patterns, with many clients reporting deeper, more restorative sleep and a calmer nervous system on treatment days. This relaxation response can indirectly support hair health by reducing stress-related shedding triggers.

Improved circulation is another key effect. By enhancing micro-circulation, red light therapy boosts the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, which in turn supports energy levels and overall resilience. This increased vitality makes it easier to maintain healthy habits — from exercise to balanced nutrition — that also benefit hair growth over time.

To get the most from each session, we recommend arriving well-hydrated, keeping the scalp clean and free of heavy products, and committing to your treatment plan long enough to see results. Pairing your sessions with gentle scalp massage, a nutrient-rich diet, and reduced heat styling can maximise the benefits. Many clients find that when they care for their body as a whole, the improvements in hair health come more quickly and last longer.

Why Choose ReGen Rooms

We are centrally located in Leamington Spa, close to the Royal Pump Rooms and the River Leam. We’re proud to serve Warwickshire, including Warwick University students, Coventry Football Club athletes and more, with cutting-edge therapies that support both recovery and rejuvenation.

Our red light therapy sessions last between 15–20 minutes, and we recommend two to three weekly treatments for the first few months before moving to maintenance. The NovoTHOR system ensures even, consistent coverage — something smaller devices can’t match.

Combining Red Light Therapy with Other Hair Care

For best results, we encourage a holistic approach. This might include a nutrient-rich diet, gentle scalp massage, and topical treatments such as minoxidil or peptide-based serums. Stress management and gentle hair care routines also help maintain healthy growth.

Ready to Start Your Hair Regrowth Journey?

Book your first red light therapy session at ReGen Rooms in Leamington Spa and see the difference for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to see results?

  Most clients notice early changes within 8–12 weeks, with more visible results after 3–6 months.

• Is it safe?

  Yes, RLT is non-invasive and has no known side effects when used properly.

• Can it help advanced baldness?

  It works best for thinning hair or recent loss. Follicles that have been inactive for years are less likely to respond.

• Can I use it with other treatments?

  Yes — combining RLT with other hair growth therapies can enhance results.

References

1. Lanzafame RJ, Blanche RR, Bodian AB, Chiacchierini RP, Fernandez-Obregon AC, Kazmirek ER. “The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males.” Lasers in Medical Science. 2017;32(4):865–873. doi:10.1007/s10103-017-2193-2.

2. Jimenez JJ, Wikramanayake TC, Bergfeld W, Hordinsky M, Hickman JG, Hamblin MR, Schachner LA. “Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study.” American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2014;15(2):115–127. doi:10.1007/s40257-013-0060-6.

3. Gupta AK, Foley KA. “A Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss.” Dermatologic Surgery. 2017;43(2):188–197. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000000939.