Low-Level Laser Therapy for Hair Loss (LLLT): An Increasingly Accessible Option for Men
Lasers and LEDs are a great way to stimulate hair growth, and the technology is more readily available for at-home use.
July 22, 2024
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Low-level laser therapy (or LLLT) is one of the best available ways of reviving and strengthening your hair follicles in order to regrow hair and maintain fullness. It involves sending photons via these lasers into the scalp, where they stimulate cell growth and reverse follicular shrinking.
And while it can be expensive to receive clinical LLLT therapies, this technology is becoming more and more accessible through at-home efforts (as well as similar LED treatment options).
Read on to understand how the LLLT treatment works for hair growth and retention.
How Low Level Laser Therapy Works for Hair Growth
The easiest way to summarize how this laser technology works is that LLLT utilizes red and near infrared lasers with a specific wavelength (roughly 600–950 nanometers) to stimulate hair follicles. In doing so, these lasers accelerate the growth of hair as well as extend the amount of time hair is in its growth phase (before hairs enter resting and shedding phases); LLLT also decreases the amount of time hair spends resting. (Again, this would make LLLT similar to minoxidil, which also extends the growth phase and shortens the resting phase.)
Studies further suggest that LLLT increases circulation in the scalp (like minoxidil) to improve nutrient delivery and follicle strength, and many claim that these low-level lasers reduce DHT around the follicles (like finasteride). DHT is the testosterone byproduct that shrinks hair follicles, so mitigating its buildup is a surefire way to stifle hair fall.
LLLT vs. Other Hair Loss Treatments
LLLT vs. Minoxidil and Finasteride
In terms of function, LLLT compares closely with minoxidil, a vasodilating drug that improves nutrient delivery to the follicles while also lengthening the growth phase of hair cells (anagen phase) and shorting the dormant resting period (telogen). LLLT has this same impact on hair growth stages, which means consistent use can yield fuller hair overall—since hairs spend less time dormant and more time growing. Collectively this yields a full hair expression across the head at any given time, not to mention, the treatment improves strand density, too, as LLLT can also inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production—which is the hormonal androgen that can cause follicular miniaturization, similar to the function of finasteride.
Studies suggest that it’s equally as effective as minoxidil in treating hair loss, too. However, I’d rank LLLT slightly behind finasteride and minoxidil both, given how much more accessible and affordable those options are. Even as LLLT options become more readily available for at-home use, there’s no competing with the fact that minoxidil can sometimes cost under $10 per month, and finasteride isn’t much more expensive than that low amount, either.
On the upside, LLLT has far fewer side effect risks than those other two drugs (namely finasteride), when administered in a safe, controlled environment.
LLLT vs. PRP
Compared to PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections), I think LLLT offers more promising results since it targets hair loss in multiple profound ways: Both LLLT and PRP essentially supercharge cellular growth and can lengthen the anagen phase of hair growth, but PRP doesn’t have the DHT-interference that LLLT offers.
Perhaps of more importance to the everyday patient, LLLT is increasingly more accessible as an at-home treatment option, and is far less expensive as a result. There are also much more cost effective LED alternatives to LLLT becoming available.
In the big picture, both treatments have inconsistent studies and can be administered somewhat incongruently from one source to the next. So, I would place LLLT above PRP on a man’s list of priorities—while, again, they would both fall below finasteride and minoxidil, probably even below hair loss supplements.
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How Much Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Cost?
LLLT used to cost hundreds of dollars per session (if not a thousand+) at the dermatologist or hair restoration clinic, depending on one’s zip code. But to spend that much money on clinical treatments is starting to be a waste of money since there are terrific at-home laser therapies available now.
At-home laser caps for hair loss aren’t as strong as the clinical treatments, and as such will need to be used daily or every few days, however directed. And even though some of them cost upwards of $100 (the low-tier LED options)—and some as much as $5,000+ (the high-tier laser options)—it’s easy to get your money’s worth considering what you’d otherwise pay for just a few sessions at the clinic. With these home options, you can boost hair growth for years on that single purchase.
The cost of at-home LLLT devices often boils down to how many bulbs of light they include (usually between 100-350; these bulbs are called diodes), as well as how potent each treatment is (translation: how long you have to wear it each day). Product design can also play a role in cost, since ventilation and portability are appreciated, and giant dweebish helmets are not.
The Best At-Home Laser Caps and LED Helmets for Hair Growth
At-Home LLLT/Laser Devices
One of the best at-home laser caps is also one of the costliest—but its value compared to clinical treatments is still incredible. This is Dr. Bauman’s laser cap which has 300 diodes (compared to many that have ⅓ of that amount). It is adjustable to different head sizes, travels flat, ventilates heat extremely well, and only requires five minutes per day. Buuuut, it’s over $5,000. Yes, this is the one we use primarily in our home—and yes, it was received for a product trial. But god damn, it’s great.
The best value and middle ground is Capillus; they’ve got a bunch of different levels of potency and diodes, but here’s one Capillus laser cap for around $2-3K that demands just six minutes a day, has 304 diodes, looks the least weird, and travels easily if you fill it with socks or underwear.
Capillus has multiple options—and I’d be remiss not to tell you about this other similar option that is about $1K cheaper than the above pick. It is largely the same (ballcap worn 6 minutes a day) but only has 214 diodes compared to 304. So, the intensity the first one is about 42% stronger, meaning you get that much more oomph with each day’s application, multiplied across every day of use for years on end… personally, I’d pick the more expensive choice (the PRO Cap) but I think using either of them will benefit you greatly.
A Cheaper Alternative: LED Treatments for Hair Loss
As an alternative to expensive laser treatment caps, you can also consider LED helmets. They are less effective by comparison, since LED diodes can’t “shoot” lasers as far into the scalp—and thus can’t be directed into the follicles as directly. Still, with consistent use, the wide-set glow of LEDs can still provide similar stimulating benefits. This is why LED caps are usually mentioned alongside LLLT as a viable at-home option for hair follicle stimulation.
One I love is CurrentBody’s LED helmet which is cushioned, ventilated, and has Bluetooth headphones. It doesn’t travel as easily, and has 120 diodes, but still only demands 10 minutes of your day, which is still easy to incorporate into your regimen (compared to as much as 30 minutes with many LED hats). Plus, it’s like 1 ⁄ 6 the cost of the Bauman and half the cost of the cheaper Capillus.
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