Red Light Therapy Is the Next Big Thing for Hair Loss (2025)

What if I told you reversing hair loss was as easy as wearing a hat-like device for 15 minutes a day? That may actually be the case, as the research behind red light therapy for hair loss continues to look promising. Convenient, pain-free, and drug-free, these hair-growth devices are quickly becoming a go-to treatment for hair loss—so what do you need to know before you try them? We’re breaking it all down, with expert intel from board-certified dermatologist Omer Ibrahim, board-certified trichologist Colleen Camp, and Foreo product marketing manager Anika Sekhri—so you can tackle hair loss with confidence.

According to the experts, yes. “Red light therapy has been shown to help with hair loss and fallout, particularly in androgenetic alopecia, or male and female pattern hair loss,” says Ibrahim. Red light therapy (RLT for short) is “backed by a strong base of peer-reviewed clinical research,” adds Sekhri, who says it has been shown to “increase hair count, hair density, and hair thickness.”

Ibrahim also notes that RLT can be done in-office or at home, though for convenience, “Most patients opt for at-home devices.”

Red light therapy helps with hair growth by “stimulating the hair follicles, increasing circulation in the scalp, and encouraging cellular activity,” explains Camp. “The red light penetrates the scalp and stimulates the mitochondria in the cells, which helps in producing more ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This energy is essential for cellular function and hair growth.”

It all comes back to the mitochondria, a.k.a. the powerhouse of the cell (remember from science class?). “Making energy more efficiently throughout your body improves physical function, speeds the healing process, and lowers inflammation, as demonstrated in numerous peer-reviewed studies,” says Sekhri. “It also has a major stimulating effect on the dermal papilla cells, which play a big role in regulating hair cycling and growth.”

And although the red light may look a bit intimidating, it “delivers safe, concentrated wavelengths of natural light to your skin, with no chemicals, UV rays, or excess heat,” explains Sekhri.

Each tool is different, but they basically work like a red light mask—only for your scalp. You simply leave it on for a specified amount of time while it gets to work.

Like many treatments, results takes time and consistency. “Generally, using red light therapy devices two to three times per week is recommended,” says Camp. “Results can typically be noticed after several weeks to months of regular use.”

Ibrahim also stresses that “Benefits are gradual, often taking three to six months to notice significant improvement.” Plus, he notes that crucially, “Hair may revert to its previous state if therapy is discontinued.”

Not a risk, per se, but Ibrahim does say that “Not everyone responds” to red light, and “Results vary based on the type and stage of hair loss.” It may be less effective for those with severe hair loss, such as those with advanced androgenetic alopecia or scarring alopecia, says the derm.

In addition, “Some users report mild redness, dryness, or itching, though this is uncommon,” says Ibrahim.

You can also combine red light therapy with other hair loss treatments. “If you're combining red light therapy with other hair growth treatments like minoxidil or finasteride, there’s generally no major risk,” says Sekhri. “However, it's always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider to make sure there won’t be any negative interactions.”

As the treatment gains popularity, it’s easy to go for what’s gone viral or what’s least expensive—but it may not be the best. “It's important to choose FDA-cleared devices for safety and efficacy,” reminds Camp. Below, find a few red-light therapy devices for hair loss approved by our panel of experts.

Though it can make a difference, red light might not be the end all, be all of your hair growth journey. “Treating hair loss is most often a multi-pronged approach where combining treatment modalities usually yields the best results,” says Ibrahim, who also recommends oral or topical minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone (for women), PRP, and exosomes to help with hair loss.

• Omer Ibrahim, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
• Colleen Camp is a board-certified trichologist and global education director at Keranique and BosleyMD
• Anika Sekhri is a product marketing manager at Foreo

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