RED light, LED hair loss treatment device, effects and correct use

“Director, I bought a helmet (hat) for home hair loss treatment. Is it really effective? Is it safe to continue using it?”

As interest in hair loss treatment increases, many people purchase and use home LED treatment devices that use red or blue light. Since you bought it with great interest, it is natural to be curious about its effectiveness and safety. In conclusion, “If you have already purchased it, we recommend using it consistently.” However, I would like to emphasize that the principles and limitations of these devices must be accurately known and used wisely as ‘an auxiliary means of treatment.’

1. Principle of LED scalp therapy device: Light awakens hair follicles

Most home hair loss treatment devices use the principle of ‘Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)’. It is a method of activating the function of hair follicle cells by shooting light (LED or laser) of a specific wavelength to the scalp, and each color of light has a slightly different role.

Red light (630~660nm wavelength)

• effect:Light plays a key role in hair loss treatment. It penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates **mitochondria** within hair follicle cells. Mitochondria are the ‘energy factories’ of cells, and when activated, they stimulate cellular metabolism, increase hair follicle blood flow and reduce inflammation. As a result, you can expect the effect of converting telogen hair follicles into the growth phase and improving hair thickness.
• reason:LLLT has been approved by the U.S. FDA as an effective medical device for treating androgenetic alopecia, and its effectiveness has been proven in numerous research papers.

Blue Light (415nm wavelength)

• effect:It acts on the superficial layers of the skin and has primarily **antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects**. It can help suppress bacteria that cause seborrheic dermatitis or folliculitis (such as P. acnes) and regulate sebum secretion.
• role:Rather than having a direct hair growth effect, it plays an auxiliary role in improving the inflammatory environment of the scalp that worsens hair loss.

2. Correct usage and precautions

• Usage:The most important thing is to consistently follow the time and cycle (usually 3 times a week, 15 to 20 minutes per time) according to the product instructions.
• caution:
  • Be careful not to shine light directly into your eyes.
  • It is recommended to avoid use when there is a wound or severe inflammation on the scalp.
  • If you are taking certain medications that may cause photosensitivity (tetracycline, quinolone, isotretinoin, topical retinoid ointment, etc.), you should consult a specialist before using this product.

3. Limitations: We must not forget that it is an auxiliary tool.

It is difficult to completely cure hair loss or expect dramatic improvement using home care devices alone. Most studies on the effectiveness of LLLT observed its effectiveness in patients with 'mild' to 'moderate' hair loss, and it was more effective when combined with other treatments rather than when used alone. These devices should be used as **'auxiliary means'** to help with fundamental treatment such as oral medication, topical medication, or professional scalp care. A synergistic effect can be expected when basic treatment prevents hair loss while adding vitality to hair follicles with home care devices.

4. Will the effect be less effective if there is a lot of hair?

“I still have a lot of hair, but isn’t it ineffective because the light doesn’t reach the scalp well?”

This is a very accurate and important question. Yes, that's right. The effectiveness of LLLT depends on how well the light energy reaches the hair follicles.

• If hair loss is not severe or the hair is long:Dense hair may block light, reducing the amount of energy reaching the scalp, making it relatively less effective. In this case, it is recommended to use a comb-shaped product rather than a helmet-shaped product.
• If you have severe hair loss or short hair:Since the area of ​​the scalp directly exposed to light is larger, light energy is delivered to the hair follicles more effectively, so a greater treatment effect can be expected.

Therefore, it is a good idea to set realistic expectations for using the device, taking into account your own hair loss progress and hair length.

In conclusion, home care hair loss treatment devices are useful tools that can help improve scalp health and hair when used consistently. However, please be aware of its limitations and use it wisely in conjunction with professional treatment.