Red light therapy for hair loss after birth: does it work?

Losing hair can feel like losing a piece of your identity, especially after birth when you need to put your baby first. My thick, curly hair had always grown back except after my fourth, where clumps came out in my hands and there was no sign of regrowth. I was devastated! Maybe it’s down to my age, in which case, I’m scared my hair won’t ever grow back. It’s not just about vanity; it’s about how you see yourself and, in many ways, how you believe the world sees you. The psychological impact can be significant.

For those experiencing postpartum hair loss, this feeling is all too familiar. You’ve just brought a new life into the world, and as you navigate this beautiful yet challenging journey, you’re also dealing with changes to your own body, including your hair.

Enter red light therapy for hair loss – a glimmer of hope for us postpartum mums, as it’s non-invasive, and there’s science to back up its claims. The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet* is a prime example of this technology in action. As someone who’s walked the path of trying to reclaim not just the fullness of my hair but also a piece of myself, I’ve decided to share my personal experience with this device. From the anticipation of unboxing to the day-to-day routine of wearing the helmet, I’ll take you through every step of my journey.

But first, let’s dig a little deeper into what causes hair loss, with a special focus on the postpartum hair-shedding rollercoaster. We’ll explore why red light therapy, particularly through devices like the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet* is worth considering. Along the way, I’ll unpack the science behind red light therapy, how it compares to laser treatments, and its specific role in tackling postnatal hair loss.

Understanding hair loss

Losing hair can hit harder than just seeing more strands in your brush. So, understanding why hair falls out, how it affects us, and what we can do about it is the first step in dealing with it. Maybe your hair’s getting thinner all over, you’re spotting some bare patches, or it’s just coming out easier than before. By looking into how hair normally grows and what throws it off track, along with all the ways to tackle the issue, from doctor-recommended treatments to simple tweaks in how we live, we start to peel back the layers of this tricky problem. Let’s dive in and find some light at the end of the tunnel.

What causes hair loss?

You may start to lose hair due to genetics, hormones going haywire, not getting the right nutrients, too much stress, or even some kinds of medical treatments. Sometimes hair loss is just for a little while; other times, it might stick around, depending on what’s causing it.

One of the most common reasons people lose their hair is something called androgenetic alopecia. It’s mostly about your genes and it can affect anyone, but men usually have it more visibly. Other issues like thyroid problems, autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, and even how you live your life – like what you eat and how much stress you’re under – also have a big impact.

Losing hair after having a baby, is actually pretty common. After the baby arrives, the big drop in pregnancy hormones can make a lot of hair start to fall out. It sounds scary, but most of the time, it gets better on its own in a few months.

When does postpartum hair loss start and stop?

Losing hair after having a baby, otherwise known as postpartum telogen effluvium, is something new parents go through. It’s all because of the big hormone changes that happen after you give birth. While you’re pregnant, you’ve got more oestrogen floating around, which makes your hair grow more and not fall out as much, giving you that great pregnancy hair. But after the baby comes, those hormone levels drop, and suddenly a lot of hair starts to shed.

So, when does this all start? Usually, about three to four months after you have your baby. It might be a bit different for everyone, but essentially your body is trying get back to how it was before you were pregnant.

And when does it stop? Don’t worry, this isn’t forever. Most of the time, your hair will get back to how it was by the time your baby’s blowing out their first birthday candle. You should see things getting back to normal anywhere from six to twelve months after you start noticing the loss.

It’s really important to remember that this kind of hair loss is totally normal and just part of the process. But, if you’re still seeing a lot of hair falling out after a year or it seems like too much, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor or a skin specialist just to make sure everything’s okay. Eating well, being kind to your hair, and maybe some supplements can all help your hair get back to its pre-baby state.

How to treat postpartum hair loss?

Tackling hair loss after having a baby is all about taking care of yourself in different ways, as mentioned above, from what you eat to how you treat your hair and even managing stress. Plus, some specific treatments can help, like red light therapy. Let’s break down what you can do:

Eating right

If you’re dealing with hair thinning, make sure you’re eating a balanced diet. Getting enough iron, zinc, vitamin D, and those B vitamins is important for keeping your hair healthy. If you’re not sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need from your meals, talking to your doctor about supplements might be a good move, especially if you have certain foods you can’t eat.

Be kind to your hair

When it comes to looking after your hair, the gentler, the better. Try to steer clear of tight hairstyles that pull on your hair, harsh chemicals, and use a lot of heat to style your hair. A shampoo that adds volume and a conditioner that’s moisturising can make your hair look thicker and keep your scalp happy. Use a decent hairdryer like the mdlondon BLOW hairdryer that has a cool setting, so the direct heat doesn’t damage the hair.

Keep stress in check

Stress can actually make hair loss worse, so finding ways to relax and stay calm is really important. Things like yoga, meditation, or just getting in some regular exercise can help keep stress levels down.

Watch your hormones

After having a baby, it’s normal for your hormones to be all over the place, but they usually settle down on their own. If you’re worried your hormones are still out of whack and it’s affecting your hair, it might be worth chatting with your doctor to see what’s going on.

Medical treatments

Sometimes your doctor might suggest trying topical treatments like minoxidil, also known as Rogaine. It’s important to chat about whether these treatments are safe, particularly for parents who are breastfeeding.

Consulting with a specialist

If you’re losing a lot of hair after your baby arrives and it’s not getting better, it might be time to see a dermatologist. They can take a closer look at what’s going on and recommend the best way to tackle it. This might include checking whether red light therapy is a good fit for you. We will focus on red light therapy in this article.

What is red light therapy for hair?

Red light therapy is a spotlight solution for hair loss that’s been creating quite the buzz. This innovative approach involves a device that emits a soothing red light, aimed at revitalising your scalp right down to the follicles, by boosting blood flow and cranking up energy production.

How does it work?

The magic of red light therapy lies in its ability to nudge dormant hair follicles back into action, propelling them from the lazy days of their resting phase into the bustling growth phase. This not only encourages new hair growth but can also enhance the health and vitality of your scalp.

Recommended by healthcare professionals, these at-home devices are user-friendly, requiring just a few minutes of your time, a couple of times a week.

Is red light therapy a good choice?

There are quite a lot of studies out there suggesting red light therapy can help with growing hair back, and the best part is it doesn’t come with scary side effects. But, just like anything else, what works for one person might not work for another. Listening to what healthcare pros suggest and following how you’re supposed to use these gadgets is pretty much the golden rule here.

Let’s dive a little deeper

The cool thing about red light therapy is that it goes straight to the source – your hair follicles. By boosting blood flow and kicking metabolism into higher gear right at the scalp, it gets the growth of new hair going. It also increases ATP, that all-important cell energy, encouraging more hair to sprout. Plus, if you’ve got inflammation on the scalp, this therapy can help calm things down, creating a better environment for hair to grow and stick around longer in the growth phase.

Who should give it a try?

If you’re struggling with pattern hair loss, noticing your hair isn’t as thick as it used to be, or you’re a new mum dealing with hair falling out after birth, then red light therapy could be a good choice.

What’s the difference between laser therapy and red light therapy?

A lot of people think red light therapy is laser therapy, but actually the two are quite different. Let’s break down the difference between red light therapy and laser therapy.

Red light therapy

• Red light therapy uses red LED lights that shine at certain wavelengths, usually between 630nm and 700nm.
• The devices for red light therapy have a wide beam that covers a bigger area but with a softer touch than lasers.
• It’s great for surface-level stuff because the light only goes a few millimetres deep into the skin, making it perfect for improving skin health, speeding up wound healing, and helping your hair grow.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

• LLLT includes red light therapy but also brings low-level lasers into the mix. They use gentle lasers or LED light to wake up the cells in your hair follicles.
• While LLLT often gets talked about in the same breath as red light therapy for hair growth, it’s actually a bigger umbrella that covers more types of light therapy.

Laser treatments

• These treatments use lasers that are more focused and powerful, and they can zero in on specific tiny spots and go deeper into your body.
• You’ll find lasers being used for medical situations, like surgeries, clearing up acne, and helping with deep tissue issues.
• Because lasers are so intense, you’ll usually see a doctor or another healthcare pro if you’re getting a laser treatment done.

So, in a nutshell, red light therapy is like a soft, wide light blanket for surface-level issues, while laser therapy is more like a high-powered, precision light pen for deeper or more specific problems.

The CurrentBody Helmet and Red Light Therapy

The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet* uses red light therapy to tackle hair loss head-on. It shines red light at the sweet spot of 640nm wavelength, which is just the right kind of light to wake up the hair follicles, boost blood flow, and get more oxygen and nutrients moving to your scalp. This specific wavelength is good at getting through to your scalp without being too intense. It has been proven to be the right wavelength (not too strong and not too gentle) to help your hair grow.

How does red light therapy help with postnatal hair loss?

Red light therapy can help address postnatal hair loss because it’s non-invasive, pain-free, and effective to support hair regrowth and scalp health.

Calming inflammation

If your scalp’s feeling a bit inflamed after childbirth, you’re not alone. This inflammation can make hair loss even worse. Red light therapy can help create a more fertile ground for your hair follicles to thrive and produce new hair.

Helping with hormone changes

While red light therapy doesn’t directly juggle your hormones back into place, it supports a healthier scalp. And a happy scalp means it can better handle whatever hormonal changes come its way, helping your hair grow back stronger.

Why it’s great for new parents

Red light therapy is a safe and hassle-free way to address hair loss. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and doesn’t come with nasty side effects, making it a perfect match for the postpartum period. Plus, using red light devices at home, like hair growth helmets, means you can treat your hair without adding another appointment to your already packed schedule.

Click the link here to buy the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet now with 15% off when you use the code ‘MOTHERHOOD’!*

The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet experience

Diving into the world of red light therapy for hair loss, let’s talk about an industry game-changer: the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet.* This neat gadget brings the power of red light therapy right into your living room, offering an easy and effective way to help with thinning postpartum hair.

You can use the CurrentBody Helmet in the comfort of your own home. This means you get all the fancy benefits of red light therapy without having to step foot outside, making it convenient for busy parents.

I have been gifted the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet* to try out on my thinning hair, so let’s dig deep into the review and see how we got on!

CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet unboxed

Cracking open the box of the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet is like discovering something from another world. The box is like a gift package, opening from the centre. Once opened you’re greeted by the helmet itself, a pretty hefty piece of kit that smells like it just came straight from a lab. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to get started:

• The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet comes in a small/medium size (you can also get a larger size, but there’s a handy size guide included to make sure it fits you just right.)
• A Protective Non-Charging Base where your helmet can rest when you’re not using it, keeping it safe and sound.
• A USB Charging Cord to power up your helmet. Just a heads up, there’s no wall plug in the box, so you’ll need to have one handy.
• The User Manual is your go-to for all the details on how to use the helmet properly. It’s packed with everything you need to know to get the most out of your new hair growth buddy.

How to use the CurrentBody Helmet

Getting started with the CurrentBody helmet is pretty easy and fits right into your daily routine. Here’s a quick guide to get you going:

1. Setting It Up: First things first, pop the helmet onto its protective base. Then, grab the USB cord it came with and plug it in to give it a full charge before you use it for the first time.
2. Before You Start: Make sure your hair’s clean and completely dry. This helps the LED light do its thing without anything getting in the way, like oils or moisture.
3. Turning It On: Now, put the helmet on your head and find the screen on the side. Hit the start button, and you’ll see a 10-minute timer pop up on the display, along with some cool red light starting to glow.
4. Killing Time: To make those 10 minutes fly by, you can connect your phone to the helmet using Bluetooth and listen to your favourite podcasts or tunes. Pretty neat, right?
5. While It’s Working: You’ll feel a slight warmth while the helmet’s on—it’s just the LED lights doing their job on your scalp. It’s made to be comfy, so just relax and enjoy the warmth.
6. Wrapping Up: When the helmet beeps after 10 minutes, that means it’s done. It’ll turn itself off, so you just take it off, put it back on its resting port, and go about your day. Easy peasy!

First impressions and setup

The initial unboxing and setup process is impressively user-friendly. The futuristic design of the helmet, coupled with its clinical smell, immediately sets it apart as a sophisticated piece of technology. Setting up the device is intuitive, thanks in part to the clear instructions provided in the user manual. The ability to connect to Bluetooth for entertainment during treatment is a thoughtful addition, enhancing the overall user experience.

How often should you use the CurrentBody Helmet for red light therapy?

It really depends on what kind of red light therapy device you’ve got, how serious your hair loss is, and how your body reacts to the treatment. You can use the CurrentBody Helmet for just ten minutes a day and experts say you should see visible results in four months. But don’t worry, there’s a general game plan you can follow to get the most out of red light therapy for growing your hair:

• Starting Out: Most of the time, if you’re using a red light therapy device meant to help your hair grow back, you’ll want to use it around 3 to 4 times a week when you first start. This helps wake up your hair follicles without overdoing it.
• How Long for Each Session?: Expect to spend about 10 to 30 minutes per session, based on what CurrentBody recommend. It’s important to stick to their advice to keep things safe and effective.
• Keeping It Going: After you’ve been at it for at least three months—and you start noticing some good changes, you might dial it back to just once or twice a week to keep those gains without needing to do as much.

But wait, there’s more:

• Follow the Manual: Each red light therapy device can be a bit different, so make sure you’re doing what the manual says. The company that made your device should tell you how often and how long to use it, based on the kind of light it uses and how it works.
• How Much Hair You’re Losing: If you’re losing a lot of hair, you might need to use red light therapy more often at first.
• Your Personal Results: Everyone’s different. You might need to use it more or less often, depending on how your hair responds.
• Mixing Treatments: If you’re using red light therapy with other hair loss treatments, the number of red light therapy sessions you do might change based on what else you’re doing.

Keeping it safe and effective

• Red light therapy is usually pretty easy on you, but don’t go overboard to avoid irritating your scalp.
• Stick with it regularly, according to the schedule. It’s better than trying to cram all your sessions into a shorter time frame.

Talk to a professional

Before you jump in with red light therapy, chat with a dermatologist or a hair loss expert, so they can give you advice tailored just for you, making sure red light therapy is a good fit.

While the typical advice is to aim for 3 to 4 therapy sessions a week for hair loss, remember to check out your device’s instructions and maybe get some professional guidance to figure out the best plan for you. With the CurrentBody Helmet, you can use it for ten minutes daily.

What can you start to see results with the CurrentBody helmet?

Here’s what your journey might look like:

First few weeks (0 to 4 weeks)

At the start, the LED light in the helmet gets busy boosting blood flow to your scalp, waking up hair follicles that weren’t doing much. It’s also putting the brakes on DHT, a hormone that’s no friend to your hair. You might not see changes right away, but it’s laying down the groundwork for new hair to grow.

The middle stage (4 to 8 weeks)

Now, things get exciting. That improved blood flow starts to rejuvenate sleepy follicles, and your scalp begins to feel like a more hair-friendly place. Those follicles are ready to switch from chill mode to grow mode.

Seeing changes (8 to 16 weeks)

This is when the magic happens. From about two months in, you’ll start noticing new hair. Studies show that by week 16, you could see a 33% boost in the number of hair follicles. Keeping up with the treatment is key to getting and keeping those gains.

How does the CurrentBody Helmet stack up against other treatments?

• Against Finasteride – The helmet can ramp up hair growth by 126% in 16 weeks. Finasteride, a hair loss drug, doesn’t match up to this without continuous use.
• Compared to laser treatments – It’s also been found to be way more effective than some laser treatments, outperforming them by 126%.
• Versus Minoxidil – Against the topical solution Minoxidil, the helmet brings 62% more new hairs, minus the daily hassle and potential skin issues.

So, if you’re eyeing the CurrentBody helmet as your choice against hair loss, it looks like it could be a pretty solid option.

Personal and customer reviews of initial experiences

With 34 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, people really like the CurrentBody Helmet for its solid build and how easy it is to use. While the scores on seeing results dip a bit, it’s key to stick with it for about four to six months to start seeing your hair come back. Christine K. from Canada was hoping for quicker results in just three months. The team at CurrentBody, with Zubda leading the charge on beauty tech advice, stresses sticking it out for about six months to really see the difference.

People like JCS and Liz O. are happy about how well red light therapy works and how top-notch the helmet feels. Hadas from Israel and Nils P. from the Netherlands have seen their hair get thicker and healthier. Though Hadas did point out that it can snag your hair, tossing your hair into braids seems to fix that right up.

On the expert front, Craig Ziering, a big name in hair restoration, promotes using red light therapy to get those hair follicles moving and bumping up hair density without the downside of harsh side effects. Celestine Gitau also favours using red light therapy alongside good eating, keeping stress in check, and taking care of your scalp to tackle hair loss.

CurrentBody helmet results: before and after

Lots of people who’ve stuck with using the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet* have seen some real changes. Their hair feels thicker and denser, and their scalp seems healthier too. Everyone’s experience is a bit different, but the before and after pictures people share usually show a pretty big decrease in how much their hair is thinning. Most agree that if you keep up with it regularly, just like the manual suggests, you’re more likely to see good results.

My before and after

As I’m only on Week 1 of using the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet* I can’t show you any actual results yet. But watch this space as I will be updating my journey here and via social media too. I’m very hopeful!

Where can I buy the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet?

Click the link here to buy the CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet now with 15% off when you use the code ‘MOTHERHOOD’!*

What are the pros and cons of red light therapy?

Lots of research out there is giving a thumbs up to red light therapy for dealing with hair loss, with a whopping 128% boost in how fast hair grows back, meaning people are seeing thicker, stronger hair after sticking with red light therapy for a while. And compared to options like minoxidil or finasteride, which might irritate your scalp or lead to other side effects, red light therapy is pretty chill with hardly any downsides reported.

Pros

• No Surgery Required: Red light therapy doesn’t involve any cutting or poking, making it a gentle choice for many.
• Easy on You: Side effects are pretty rare, especially if you’re comparing it to drugs for hair loss.
• Do It at Home: You can get your red light therapy session in without having to step out, thanks to gadgets you can use in your living room.
• Happy Scalp: It’s not just about more hair; red light therapy can make your scalp healthier, cutting down on problems like inflammation.

Cons

• Time: You’ve got to commit to using it regularly over a long stretch to see results, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
• Costs Upfront: Getting your own red light therapy setup at home can be a bit pricey at the start, though it could save you money down the road compared to other treatments.
• Mixed Results: How well it works can really depend on the person. Some might see big changes, while others might only notice a little difference.

Beyond the Helmet: Are there any hair loss treatment alternatives to red light therapy?

Stepping out from under the CurrentBody Helmet, let’s look at other options to tackle hair loss if red light therapy isn’t your go-to.

Medications

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): You can grab this topical treatment you massage into your scalp at your local pharmacy. It’s got a thumbs up for both men and women, but you’ve got to keep at it without a break to keep the gains.
• Finasteride (Propecia): More of a behind-the-counter pick, this pill slows down hair loss and might even invite new growth. This is aimed at men, though, and it’s not without its set of potential side effects, especially in the bedroom department.

Medications bring results, no doubt, but they’re not free of side effects. Red light therapy, on the other hand, keeps things gentle and non-invasive.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

You utilise your own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets, so PRP therapy injects it into the scalp. This method aims to stimulate hair growth by enhancing tissue repair and cellular functions.

PRP therapy requires clinical visits and is more invasive, potentially accompanied by discomfort and higher costs. Red light therapy, alternatively, offers a non-invasive, pain-free treatment option that can be conveniently administered at home, though PRP may provide faster results for some people.

Hair transplant surgery

Hair transplant procedures, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), offer permanent hair loss solutions by redistributing hair from denser to sparser areas.

While hair transplant surgery delivers immediate and targeted results, it involves significant financial investment, recovery time, and surgical risks. Red light therapy is a gentle alternative or a complementary treatment to support healing and enhance hair growth without the need for surgical intervention.

Microneedling

Microneedling for hair loss involves a process where very fine needles create tiny punctures on the scalp. This action is meant to kickstart the skin’s healing process, potentially encouraging hair growth. It’s often used alongside other treatments to help them penetrate deeper and work more effectively. You can use the CurrentBody Helmet device in conjunction with microneedling if you wanted to.

Compared to the simplicity of red light therapy, microneedling is more direct, with a bit of discomfort due to its invasive nature. While it can be effective, especially when combined with other hair loss treatments, red light therapy offers a gentler, non-invasive alternative that’s easy to use regularly at home.

Both approaches have their place in the array of hair loss treatments available, from the straightforward application of medications to advanced techniques like red light therapy. Each method offers different benefits, and the best choice can depend on your individual needs, preferences, and the specific condition being treated.

Final thoughts, recommendations, and guidance

The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet is a pretty cool tool in the fight against hair loss, mixing smart tech with everyday hair care. It’s got a thumbs-up from both science and real users, making it a solid pick for handling hair loss right at home. This helmet is all about using light in a gentle way to help out thinning hair without any fuss. If you’re thinking about giving it a try, here’s what you might want to keep in mind:

1. Do Your Homework: Take a closer look at how red light therapy works and why it might be good for your hair. Look for solid research and trials to back up what the helmet promises. Places like PubMed or NIH are great for finding trustworthy studies.
2. Check What You Need: Think about how much hair you’re losing and if this kind of therapy fits your situation. Sometimes, other conditions might need a different approach.
3. Weigh the Costs: Consider what you’re spending upfront against what you’ll save by not having to keep buying treatments or going for more drastic measures.
4. Listen to Others: Check out what people who’ve been in your shoes have to say about their experience with the helmet.
5. Look for FDA Approval: Especially in the U.S., knowing the device is FDA-cleared can give you a bit more peace of mind about its safety and effect.
6. Check the Warranty: Make sure you know what kind of support and warranty comes with it, so you’re covered if anything goes sideways.
7. Be Patient: Remember, good things take time. Consistent use is key to seeing a real change, so stick with it as recommended.
8. Track Your Journey: Taking before and after photos can be a great way to really see the difference over time.

Keeping these points in mind, the CurrentBody helmet seems like a pretty smart pick for those looking to tackle hair loss head-on. It offers you a non-scary way to help your hair out, backed by science and good reviews from users. Just like with anything big in healthcare, chatting with a pro and thinking it through can help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

FAQs

Is red light therapy for hair loss safe?

Absolutely, red light therapy is generally considered safe for hair loss. It’s non-invasive and doesn’t come with the scary side effects some treatments might have. Just make sure to follow the guidelines for your device to keep things smooth.

Can red light therapy make hair loss worse?

There’s no evidence to suggest that red light therapy worsens hair loss. In fact, it’s known for its benefits in stimulating hair growth and improving scalp health. If you’re concerned, chat with a healthcare professional.

Is red light therapy for hair painful?

Not at all. red light therapy is a gentle, pain-free treatment, so if you’re not a fan of the ‘ouch’ that comes with some other treatments, red light therapy could be up your alley.

Can red light therapy reverse grey hair?

Red light therapy is more about encouraging hair growth and improving the health of your scalp and hair. There’s not much out there to say it can bring back your original colour if you’re going grey.

I’m thinking of buying a red light lamp for my fiancé who has back pain and hair loss – would any red lamp work?

It’s best to look for a device specifically designed for the issues you’re tackling. Red light therapy devices for hair loss and back pain might have different specifications, like wavelength, so picking one that’s meant for hair loss is your best bet for seeing results.

Can an LED mask with red light also be used on the scalp for hair loss treatment?

Some LED masks are versatile enough to be used on different parts of the body, including the scalp. A normal LED mask will help a little as it does penetrate the skin at a cellular level. But it’s important to choose a device that has the correct wavelengths to reach the follicles, which is usually a different wavelength than the face LED masks. So the hair-focused helmet will work better, as it will reach the correct level. Just check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure it’s safe and effective for hair loss treatment.

Does light therapy stop hair loss, or is it just for regrowth? Can it replace Finasteride if you do it every day?

Red light therapy is known for both halting hair loss and encouraging regrowth by stimulating the follicles. As for replacing finasteride, it’s a bit of an apples and oranges situation. Red light therapy offers a non-drug, side-effect-free method, but whether it can replace finasteride for you depends on your specific situation and what your healthcare provider suggests.

Resources for further reading and understanding

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

• “Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss“: A systematic review and meta-analysis in Lasers in Medical Science (2014) examining the efficacy of LLLT in treating pattern hair loss. The study concluded LLLT to be an effective and safe treatment, noting significant improvements in hair density and thickness.

Clinical trials

• “Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia with LLLT“: Published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy (2013), this study involved individuals with androgenetic alopecia treated with LLLT and reported significant improvement in hair count and density after 26 weeks.
• “LLLT for Women with Androgenetic Alopecia“: A study in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (2014) highlighted the positive effects of LLLT in increasing hair density in women, compared to placebo groups.

Comparative studies

• “Comparing LLLT with Minoxidil“: Published in The American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2014), this study found LLLT to be as effective as a 5% minoxidil solution in promoting hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.

*This post is sponsored by CurrentBody but all thoughts are 100% my own. Please note that links marked with a ‘*’ are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission when you click through at no extra cost to you.

About Leyla Preston

Leyla is a UK mum of four, a writer and the founder of Motherhood Diaries, which she has edited since 2010. She has written about pregnancy, birth and family life for more than 15 years, edited NCT Harrow’s Special Delivery magazine, and is the author of several children’s and family books. She is also co-founder of Poppy, a new app helping UK parents find trusted local support, and presents Tech Talks Zone, a YouTube channel reviewing tech and AI tools for busy parents. Read Leyla’s story

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Our health articles follow NHS guidance and aren’t a substitute for advice from your midwife, health visitor or GP.