Hair loss can be a frustrating and concerning issue that can impact one’s self-esteem and confidence. Hair loss affects both men and women of all ages (1), (2), and there are many factors that can cause it, including genetics, aging, and environmental factors. While there are many interventions available for hair loss, photobiomodulation (PBM) is gaining popularity as an effective way to promote hair growth. In this blog post, we will discuss how PBM works, its benefits, and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine to promote hair growth.

 

Table of Content:

      • Introduction
      • Common causes of hair loss
      • How does Photobiomodulation promote hair growth?
      • Benefits of Photobiomodulation for hair growth
      • Application Methods
      • How to include red light technology into your daily routine
      • Additional tips to promote hair growth
      • Conclusion

     

    1. Introduction

    Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, according to a 2023 study by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, approximately 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States experience hair loss. Globally, it is estimated that up to 70% of men and 40% of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. While there are many factors that contribute to hair loss, there are also numerous counteracts and methods available to promote hair growth. One of the latest gaining attention is photobiomodulation (PBM). The non-invasive method uses red- and near infrared light to stimulate hair follicles and promote blood flow to the scalp. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of hair loss, the science behind PBM and how it can be used to encourage hair growth. Additionally, we will provide practical tips on how to integrate PBM into your daily routine to improve the overall health and growth of your hair. Whether you are experiencing hair loss or want to enhance the strength and vitality of your hair, this post will provide valuable information to help you achieve your goals. (1), (2)

     

    2. Common causes of Hair Loss

    Hair loss can be a distressing experience, and it is important to understand the possible underlying causes in order to effectively work against it. Some common signs of hair loss include thinning hair, bald patches, and gradual hair loss over time. Hair loss can occur in both men and women and can be caused by a variety of factors. 

    One of the most common causes of hair loss is genetics. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is a hereditary condition that can lead to hair loss. This type of hair loss occurs when hair follicles shrink and eventually stop producing new hair. (1)

    Other causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause. But also nutritional deficiencies, stress, and certain medications can also contribute to hair loss. Stress is an often-overlooked or neglected cause of hair loss. Ongoing stress can disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This occurs because stress hormones can cause hair follicles to enter the telogen, or resting phase, prematurely, resulting in increased shedding. (1), (2)

    In addition to those listed above, environmental factors can also play a role in hair loss. Exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and toxins can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Wearing tight hairstyles or using hair products that contain harsh chemicals can also contribute to hair loss. (1)

    In some cases, hair loss may be temporary and can be reversed with proper treatment. However, in other cases, hair loss may be permanent. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause of hair loss and determine the best course of action. (2)

    In the next section, we will explore how photobiomodulation (PBM) can be used to promote hair growth as a non-invasive treatment option for hair loss. (1), (2)

     

    3. How does Photobiomodulation promote hair growth?

     

    When PBM is applied to the scalp, it penetrates the skin and stimulates the hair follicles.This interaction stimulates the hair follicles and promotes blood flow to the scalp, which can lead to the growth of new hair. (3)

    The hair growth process involves several stages, including anagen (growing phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase) phases. During the anagen phase, cells in the hair follicles divide and differentiate, which leads to hair growth. PBM can improve the health and function of cells in the hair follicles, which can enhance the anagen phase and promote hair growth. Additionally, PBM increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is a molecule that provides energy to cells. The increase in ATP production can improve the health and function of hair follicles, promoting hair growth. In a study of men and women with androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss, PBM was shown to increase hair growth by 35%. (3)

    PBM is a non-invasive treatment that has a broad study basis. Studies have shown that PBM is safe with minimal side effects, making it a promising option for those looking to promote hair growth. Overall, PBM can promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles, promoting blood flow to the scalp, and increasing ATP production. It is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment option with a broad study basis. (4)


    4. Benefits of Photobiomodulation for hair growth:

     

        1. Non-invasive:
          PBM is non-invasive, meaning that it does not require any surgical procedures or medications, making it safe in usage. (4)(5)
        1. Safe:
          PBM is known to have minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience temporary mild itching or tingling on the scalp, but these side effects usually subside quickly. (5)
        1. Effective:
          Many studies have shown that PBM can be effective in promoting hair growth. One study found that PBM increased hair growth by 35% in men and women with androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. (5)
        1. No downtime:
          PBM does not require any downtime, meaning you can resume your daily activities immediately after the session. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. (5)
        1. Imroved hair health:
          PBM can also improve the overall health of your hair, making it stronger, shinier, and more resilient. It can also help to reduce hair breakage and split ends.(5), (6)
        1. Free of chemicals:
          Many other interventions use chemicals, which are harmful to other processes within the body. With red-light technology, the hair-growth process is all natural and close to 0 side effects or counter effects. (6), (7)

       

      5. Including red light technology for hair growth into your daily routine:


      PBM can be applied to the scalp in several ways. The duration and frequency of PBM treatment can vary depending on the device and the individual’s needs. However, it is generally recommended to use PBM daily for 20 minutes to achieve the best results. Incorporating PBM into your daily routine is easy. The devices can be used while watching TV or reading a book, making it a convenient way to promote hair growth. The key is to make PBM a consistent part of your routine to see results. It’s important to note that said results may vary and it may take several weeks to months of consistent use to see visible improvements in hair growth.


      We’ll let you in on a little secret:
      We are currently running an experiment on PBM and hair growth over a certain period of time – we’ll let you know how it went once the experiment is over. (8), (9)


       

      6. Additional tips to promote hair growth:


      We’ve covered the topic of hair loss before in a blog post – in which we’ve listed 10 effective and most importantly natural ways to reduce hair loss – check it out if you want more info. In addition to PBM, there are other steps you can take to promote hair growth and improve the health of your hair. Here are some more tips:


          • Eat a healthy diet:
            A balanced diet that includes protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair growth. Incorporating foods like eggs, nuts, fish, and leafy greens into your diet can help promote hair growth. (10), (11)
          • Avoid harsh hair treatments:
            Chemical treatments, such as coloring and straightening, can damage hair and lead to hair loss. Try to limit these treatments or opt for natural alternatives. (10), (11)
          • Manage stress:
            Stress can contribute to hair loss. Try to manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation. (10), (11)
          • Get enough sleep:
            Lack of sleep can affect the health of your hair. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. (10), (11)

         

        7. Conclusion:


        To conclude, hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Globally, it is estimated that up to 70% of men and 40% of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and environmental factors.

        One of the latest methods gaining attention for promoting hair growth is photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive therapy that uses light to stimulate hair follicles and promote blood flow to the scalp. PBM works by shining red or near-infrared light to the scalp, which penetrates the skin and interacts with cells in the hair follicles. This interaction stimulates the hair follicles and promotes blood flow to the scalp, leading to the growth of new hair.

        To incorporate PBM into your daily routine, place your Luminousred device so the shines focussed to your scalp. The recommended time of your sessions varies, but typically ranges from 5-20 minutes per session. It is important to use PBM consistently to reach results, and it may take several weeks or months to see noticeable changes.       


         

        Sources:
        1.https://medihair.com/en/hair-loss-statistics/#:~:text=How%20many%20people%20in%20the,women%20experience%20hair%20loss%20worldwide.

        2.https://scandinavianbiolabs.com/blogs/journal/hair-loss-statistics
        3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
        4.  https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/introduction.html
        5. Avci, P., Gupta, G. K., Clark, J., Wikonkal, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2014). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers in surgery and medicine, 46(2), 144-151.

        6. Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS biophysics, 4(3), 337-361.

        7. Kim, H. J., Lee, S. J., Choi, Y. J., & Choi, J. H. (2013). Hair growth stimulated by conditioned medium of adipose-derived stem cells is enhanced by hypoxia: evidence of increased growth factor secretion. Biomedical research, 34(4), 231-238.

        8. Liebert, A., Krause, A., Goerner, C., & Babilas, P. (2014). A review of the biological effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing, pain relief, and inflammation. Photomedicine and laser surgery, 32(3), 134-146.

        9. Mignon, C., & Uzunbajakava, N. (2016). SRRF microscopy as a tool to image photobiomodulation effects at sub-cellular resolution. Journal of Innovative Optical Health Sciences, 9(03), 1630001.

        10. Rittié, L. (2013). Cellular mechanisms of skin repair in humans and other mammals. Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling, 7(1), 1-10.

        11. Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and laser surgery, 32(5), 283-293.