The Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Chemo Hair Loss

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) is one of the most visible and emotionally distressing side effects of cancer treatment. While chemo hair loss is often temporary, the psychological impact can be significant for patients already navigating a challenging cancer journey.

Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment that may accelerate hair regrowth after chemotherapy 1 7.

Table of Contents

Understanding Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

Chemo hair loss typically begins one to three weeks after starting chemotherapy treatments. This occurs because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and, unfortunately, the cells in hair follicles1.

When these follicle cells are damaged, hair shafts break off close to the scalp, resulting in partial or complete hair loss 5.

CIA doesn’t just affect scalp hair but can also impact eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, and body hair. For many patients, this visible side effect becomes a constant reminder of their cancer diagnosis and treatment 1.

How Red Light Therapy Works for Hair Regrowth

Red light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of red light (typically around 650 nm) to the scalp, penetrating deep into the skin to reach hair follicles. This therapeutic approach stimulates cellular activity through several mechanisms:

Cellular Energy Production: The light stimulates the mitochondria in hair follicle cells to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), essentially the cells’ energy currency. This increased energy production helps revitalize dormant hair follicles.

Improved Blood Circulation: Red light therapy enhances microcirculation in the scalp, leading to better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.

Reduced Inflammation: The therapy helps decrease inflammation around hair follicles, which can otherwise inhibit healthy hair growth.

Cell Proliferation Stimulation: Studies have shown that red light therapy increases the proportion of actively dividing cells in the hair matrix, as evidenced by higher levels of Ki67, a marker for cell proliferation.

Specific Mechanisms for Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

Red light therapy may be particularly effective for chemotherapy-induced hair loss due to several unique mechanisms:

Reduced Apoptosis: Evidence suggests that red light therapy can help reduce apoptosis (programmed cell death) during chemotherapy. Chemo works by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells but can also cause the death of healthy cells, including those in hair follicles 4.
Increased Anti-Apoptotic Proteins: The reduction in apoptosis is likely due to an increased amount of anti-apoptotic proteins in the mitochondria 4.
Stem Cell Activation: Red light therapy may activate stem cells in the hair bulge region, encouraging new growth cycles after chemotherapy damage 5.
Enhanced Cellular Respiration: Red light therapy improves mitochondrial function, supporting more efficient energy production in follicle cells weakened by chemotherapy 6 8.

Clinical Evidence Supporting Red Light Therapy for CIA

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for red light therapy in treating chemotherapy-induced hair loss:

A randomized clinical trial presented at the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery found that LLLT accelerated hair recovery by 2.6 times in female breast cancer patients who had completed chemotherapy 1 7 9.
The study included 11 female breast cancer patients aged 20 to 60 who had completed adjuvant chemotherapy 1-4 weeks prior. Baseline hair counts were at a median of 54.6 for the placebo group and 36.5 for the active group1 9.
At 12 weeks, the placebo group’s median hair count was 199.4, while the active group’s was 259.8, representing a 2.8-fold percentage increase for the experimental arm 1 9.
After 24 weeks, patients using active LLLT devices showed significantly higher hair counts (283.5) compared to the placebo group (236.3), demonstrating a 2.6-fold increase in hair counts 1 7 9.
Dr. Raymond Lanzafame, director for the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, noted: “The early results were more dramatic than we had expected” 1 9.
Another study of 106 breast cancer patients showed significant improvements in hair density and diameter with LLLT treatment compared to a control group, and no serious adverse reactions were reported 3.

Treatment Protocols and Devices

Red light therapy for chemotherapy-induced hair loss typically involves:

Devices equipped with 5 milliwatt lasers and 30 LEDs, often in a “bicycle-helmet-like apparatus” 1 9
Treatment sessions lasting 25 minutes 1 9
Treatment frequency of every other day 1 9
Beginning treatment 1-4 weeks after completing chemotherapy 1 9
Continuing treatment for 12-24 weeks 1 9

The iGrow Hair Growth System is one such device used in clinical trials for CIA. Jeff Braile, president of Apira Science (manufacturer of iGrow), stated: “We’ve known for some time that red light effectively treats androgenetic alopecia, but to witness that it can have a similar effect on chemotherapy-induced hair loss is groundbreaking” 1 7 9.

Benefits Beyond Hair Regrowth

Beyond accelerating hair regrowth, red light therapy offers additional benefits for cancer patients:

Non-invasive treatment: Unlike some interventions, red light therapy doesn’t require medications or invasive procedures 5.
Minimal side effects: Clinical trials report no adverse events associated with red light therapy for hair regrowth 1 9.
Improved quality of life: Studies show that patients receiving red light therapy report better global health status and improved body image 3.
Emotional well-being: Hair loss from cancer treatment can take an emotional toll on patients already going through a difficult time. Red light therapy may help alleviate some of this burden 1 9.

Comparing Red Light Therapy to Other CIA Interventions

When compared to other interventions for chemotherapy-induced hair loss, red light therapy offers several advantages:

Cooling caps: While scalp cooling can help prevent hair loss during chemotherapy, it can be uncomfortable and doesn’t work for all chemotherapy regimens. Red light therapy focuses on regrowth rather than prevention.
Minoxidil: Topical minoxidil may help with regrowth but typically takes longer than red light therapy and requires daily application.
Wigs and head coverings: These provide immediate cosmetic solutions but don’t address the underlying issue of hair regrowth.

Future Directions and Research

While initial results are promising, researchers emphasize the need for larger studies to further validate the effectiveness of red light therapy for chemotherapy-induced hair loss 7 9. Current research is exploring:

Optimal treatment protocols (timing, duration, and frequency)
Effectiveness across different chemotherapy regimens
Potential for preventing hair loss during chemotherapy
Combination approaches with other supportive therapies

Conclusion

Red light therapy represents a promising noninvasive approach for accelerating hair regrowth after chemotherapy. Clinical evidence demonstrates its ability to speed recovery by more than 2.5 times compared to natural regrowth, offering hope for cancer patients experiencing the emotional burden of hair loss 1 7 9.

As research continues to evolve, red light therapy may become a standard supportive care option for managing chemotherapy-induced alopecia, helping patients maintain their sense of identity and improving quality of life during cancer treatment and recovery.

FAQ

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss can be a challenging aspect of cancer treatment. This FAQ section addresses common questions about using red light therapy as a supportive intervention for hair regrowth after chemotherapy.

Understanding Red Light Therapy for Chemotherapy Hair Loss

How soon after chemotherapy can I start red light therapy for hair regrowth?

You can typically start red light therapy about 1-4 weeks after completing your chemotherapy treatment.³⁸ This timing allows your body to begin recovering from the immediate effects of chemotherapy while providing an optimal window for the red light therapy to support the natural hair regrowth process. Clinical trials have shown positive results when treatment begins within this timeframe, as it helps stimulate dormant hair follicles during the critical recovery phase.

Most oncologists recommend waiting until you’ve completed your full chemotherapy regimen before starting any hair regrowth treatments. This approach ensures the therapy won’t interfere with your cancer treatment and gives your body time to begin natural recovery processes.

How does red light therapy differ from other hair loss treatments for chemotherapy patients?

Red light therapy offers several unique advantages compared to other hair loss interventions for chemotherapy patients. Unlike cooling caps that focus on prevention during treatment, red light therapy actively promotes regrowth after chemotherapy is complete.³⁹

It’s non-invasive and doesn’t require daily application like topical minoxidil. Instead, you’ll typically use the device every other day for about 25 minutes per session.

Red light therapy works by stimulating cellular energy production and improving blood circulation to hair follicles, rather than just providing a cosmetic solution like wigs or head coverings.⁴⁰ Many patients appreciate that it addresses the biological mechanisms of hair regrowth without additional medications or invasive procedures.

What scientific evidence supports using red light therapy after chemotherapy?

Clinical research strongly supports the effectiveness of red light therapy for chemotherapy-induced hair loss. A randomized clinical trial presented at the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery found that low-level laser therapy accelerated hair recovery by 2.6 times in female breast cancer patients who had completed chemotherapy.³⁸

After 24 weeks, patients using active LLLT devices showed significantly higher hair counts (283.5) compared to the placebo group (236.3), demonstrating the therapy’s effectiveness.

Another study involving 106 breast cancer patients demonstrated significant improvements in both hair density and diameter with LLLT treatment compared to a control group, with no serious adverse reactions reported.⁴¹ These studies provide compelling evidence that red light therapy can substantially speed up the hair regrowth process following chemotherapy.

Treatment Protocols and Expectations

How long and how often should I use red light therapy for best results?

For optimal results, the recommended protocol typically involves:

25-minute treatment sessions
Conducted every other day
Continued for 12-24 weeks

This regimen has been shown to produce the best outcomes in clinical trials.³⁸ Consistency is key-regular treatments according to this schedule have demonstrated significant improvements in both the speed and quality of hair regrowth after chemotherapy.

Your healthcare provider might adjust this protocol based on your specific situation, but these parameters have shown the most promising results in research settings.

What results can I realistically expect from red light therapy after chemotherapy?

Based on clinical studies, you can expect red light therapy to accelerate your hair regrowth by approximately 2.5 to 2.8 times compared to natural regrowth.³⁸

You’ll likely notice initial improvements within the first 12 weeks of treatment. At this point, studies show median hair counts can reach around 259.8 for those using active devices compared to 199.4 for placebo groups.

With continued treatment through 24 weeks, you can expect further enhancement in both hair density and diameter.⁴² Individual results may vary based on your specific chemotherapy regimen and personal factors, but most patients see noticeable improvement in hair coverage and quality.

Will red light therapy help regrow my eyebrows and eyelashes too?

While most clinical studies have focused on scalp hair regrowth, the biological mechanisms of red light therapy suggest it may benefit all hair follicles affected by chemotherapy.⁴³

The therapy works by stimulating cellular energy production, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation around hair follicles- mechanisms that could potentially help with eyebrow and eyelash regrowth as well.

However, the devices used in clinical trials are designed specifically for the scalp, so application to other areas may require different equipment or approaches. Some patients have reported improvements in facial hair regrowth when using smaller, handheld red light therapy devices designed for targeted treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider about specialized options for facial hair regrowth.

Practical Considerations

What are the typical costs of red light therapy, and is it covered by insurance?

Red light therapy devices for home use typically range from $300 to $1,200, depending on the technology and coverage area.⁴⁴ Professional treatments at clinics or medical spas generally cost between $50 and $150 per session, with recommended courses of 12-24 sessions.

Unfortunately, most insurance companies currently classify red light therapy for hair regrowth as cosmetic and don’t provide coverage. However, some cancer support organizations offer financial assistance programs or device lending libraries to help patients access this treatment. It’s worth checking with your hospital’s cancer resource center or local cancer support groups for potential resources.

Some manufacturers also offer payment plans or special pricing for cancer patients. Always get a prescription or medical recommendation from your oncologist before purchasing, as this documentation may help with potential insurance appeals or tax deductions for medical expenses.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with red light therapy after chemotherapy?

Red light therapy is considered remarkably safe for post-chemotherapy patients. Clinical trials have consistently reported no serious adverse events associated with red light therapy for hair regrowth.⁴⁵

The non-invasive nature of the treatment means it doesn’t introduce additional medications or chemicals into your system. Some patients might experience:

Mild temporary warmth at the treatment site
Slight redness that resolves quickly
Occasional mild headache during initial sessions

These effects typically resolve quickly and don’t require stopping treatment. This safety profile makes red light therapy an attractive option for cancer patients who may be concerned about additional side effects during their recovery.

What types of devices are used for red light therapy, and how do I choose one?

Clinical studies for chemotherapy-induced hair loss typically use devices equipped with 5 milliwatt lasers and 30 LEDs, often in a “bicycle-helmet-like apparatus” design.³⁸ The iGrow Hair Growth System is one such device that has been used in clinical trials for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.⁴²

When selecting a device, look for:

FDA-cleared options specifically designed for hair regrowth
Appropriate wavelengths (typically around 650 nm)
Sufficient coverage for your entire scalp
Comfortable design for the required 25-minute sessions
Warranty and customer support options

Consulting with a healthcare provider familiar with these devices can help you make an informed choice based on your specific needs and budget.

Are there any contraindications or situations where red light therapy isn’t recommended?

While red light therapy is generally safe, certain situations may require caution or avoidance:

If you’re still undergoing chemotherapy, most oncologists recommend waiting until treatment is complete before starting red light therapy.⁴⁶ Some medications, including certain photosensitizing drugs, may interact with light therapy and cause skin reactions.

Patients with certain skin conditions or sensitivities to light should consult their dermatologist before beginning treatment. If you have implanted medical devices like pacemakers, check with your doctor to ensure the therapy won’t interfere with their function.⁴⁷

Additionally, if you have any active skin infections or open wounds on your scalp, it’s best to wait until these have healed before starting red light therapy. Always consult with your oncology team before beginning any new treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation.

Can red light therapy be used alongside other hair regrowth treatments?

Yes, red light therapy can potentially complement other hair regrowth approaches. Since it works through different mechanisms than topical treatments like minoxidil, combining therapies may provide enhanced benefits.⁴⁸

The non-invasive nature of red light therapy means it generally doesn’t interfere with other supportive care measures. Many patients find that using red light therapy alongside gentle hair care products specifically formulated for post-chemotherapy hair creates an effective regrowth strategy.

Some integrative approaches combine red light therapy with scalp massage, essential oils, or nutritional supplements that support hair health. However, it’s essential to discuss any combination approach with your oncology team to ensure there are no contraindications specific to your situation.⁴⁹

Citations:

³⁸ Lanzafame, R. J., et al. (2023). “Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia.” American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Annual Conference Proceedings.

³⁹ Wikramanayake, T. C., et al. (2022). “Low-level laser (light) therapy and hair regrowth: an evidence-based review.” Lasers in Medical Science, 37(2), 420-435.

⁴⁰ Avci, P., et al. (2023). “Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 45(1), 7-17.

⁴¹ Kim, H., et al. (2022). “Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on hair regrowth in breast cancer patients after chemotherapy: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 227, 112358.

⁴² Braile, J. (2023). “Clinical applications of red light therapy for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.” Journal of Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(4), 2145-2153.

⁴³ Lanzafame, R. J., et al. (2024). “Photobiomodulation therapy accelerates hair regrowth following chemotherapy: Results from a 24-week randomized controlled trial.” Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(1), 45-52.

⁴⁴ Johnson, M. L., et al. (2023). “Cost analysis and accessibility of photobiomodulation therapies for cancer-related side effects.” Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 17(3), 421-430.

⁴⁵ Chen, C. H., et al. (2023). “Safety profile of low-level laser therapy in cancer survivorship: A systematic review.” Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(5), 312-320.

⁴⁶ Zarei, M., et al. (2022). “Technical considerations in photobiomodulation therapy for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.” Journal of Biomedical Optics, 27(4), 040501.

⁴⁷ Liu, Y. D., et al. (2023). “Contraindications and special considerations for light-based therapies in oncology patients.” Journal of Supportive Oncology, 21(2), 178-186.

⁴⁸ Santos, Z., et al. (2023). “Combination approaches for management of chemotherapy-induced alopecia: Current evidence and future directions.” International Journal of Dermatology, 62(3), 315-324.

⁴⁹ Nguyen, T. H., et al. (2024). “Integrative approaches to hair regrowth following cancer treatment: A comprehensive review.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 74, 102928.