Do LED Lights help hair growth?
Yes, LED lights—specifically red and near-infrared wavelengths—are clinically proven to stimulate hair growth. Known as LED or Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), this treatment works by energising hair follicles at the cellular level. The light boosts circulation, increases nutrient delivery, reduces inflammation, and encourages follicles to enter a growth phase, resulting in increased hair density and reduced shedding.
LED therapy is particularly beneficial for conditions such as androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness), stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium), and post-partum thinning. It’s safe, non-invasive, painless, and when used consistently, can significantly improve hair thickness and overall scalp health.
What colour LED Light is good for hair growth?
Red and near-infrared LED lights (typically wavelengths of around 630–670 nm for red and 800–880 nm for near-infrared) are most effective for stimulating hair growth.
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Red LED Light (around 630–670 nm) penetrates the scalp, boosts blood circulation, enhances oxygen and nutrient supply, and helps stimulate dormant hair follicles.
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Near-Infrared LED Light (around 800–880 nm) penetrates even deeper, increasing cellular energy production (ATP) and promoting follicle regeneration and growth.
Together, these wavelengths encourage hair regrowth, improve scalp health, and reduce hair thinning, making them the ideal choice for treating hair loss and promoting hair density.
LED Light for Hair Growth Side Effects
LED light therapy for hair growth is generally considered very safe, with minimal to no side effects. The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and drug-free, and typically does not cause any discomfort.
In rare cases, some people may experience:
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Mild scalp redness (usually fades within an hour)
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Slight scalp warmth or tingling during the session
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Temporary headache or eye strain (if protective eyewear isn’t used properly)
These minor side effects are uncommon and resolve quickly. Unlike laser or invasive treatments, LED does not cause burns, scarring, or lasting discomfort, and there’s no downtime, making it one of the safest treatments for hair restoration.
How to use LED Light for hair?
Using LED light therapy to promote hair growth is straightforward and convenient. Here’s how it works:
1. Consultation:
Begin by consulting with experienced medical professionals to assess your scalp condition and determine the best treatment plan for your specific hair loss concerns.
2. Treatment Frequency:
For optimal results, LED treatments are typically recommended 1–2 times per week initially, lasting about 20 minutes per session. Regular and consistent treatments produce the best hair regrowth outcomes.
3. During the Session:
You’ll comfortably sit or recline while a medical-grade LED device is positioned close to your scalp, delivering targeted red or near-infrared light directly to the hair follicles. Protective eyewear is provided.
4. Post-Treatment Care:
No special aftercare or downtime is required. You can immediately resume normal activities. Continue with a healthy scalp care routine, and any topical treatments recommended by your clinician.
5. Maintenance:
After achieving initial results (usually within 3–6 months), ongoing weekly or biweekly maintenance treatments are advised to sustain healthy hair growth long-term.
For maximum convenience and affordability, many clinics, including Contour Clinics, offer unlimited LED membership plans, making consistent treatments accessible and cost-effective.
How does in clinic LED Light for hair compare to LED caps?
While both in-clinic LED therapy and at-home LED caps use similar low-level light therapy (LLLT) technology, there are notable differences:
1. Strength and Effectiveness:
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In-Clinic LED Devices:
Professional, medical-grade devices (such as MediSol, Healite, and Dermalux) provide stronger and more precise doses of therapeutic light. These devices penetrate deeper and stimulate hair follicles more effectively, delivering quicker and more noticeable results.
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LED Caps:
Consumer-grade devices typically deliver lower energy levels, meaning results often take longer to appear and may be less dramatic.
2. Consistency and Supervision:
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In-Clinic LED Devices:
Sessions are administered by experienced medical professionals who tailor treatments specifically to your scalp and hair needs, ensuring correct device placement, wavelength selection, and duration.
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LED Caps:
Effectiveness relies entirely on your consistent and correct usage, which can lead to variable outcomes.
3. Treatment Area Coverage:
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In-Clinic LED Devices:
Offer uniform coverage and intensity across the entire scalp area, effectively addressing diffuse thinning and patchy hair loss.
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LED Caps:
Often have inconsistent coverage, with some areas receiving inadequate or uneven exposure, reducing their effectiveness for extensive hair loss.
4. Cost and Accessibility:
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In-Clinic LED Devices:
Usually cost more per individual session, but membership plans (such as Contour Clinics’ unlimited LED membership) make them cost-effective long-term, especially given their superior results.
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LED Caps:
Offer a one-time purchase convenience but can represent limited value if results are insufficient.
