Brian Johnson has tried this hair repair treatment: Does it really boost hair growth?

Whether it’s illness, stress, or genetics, there are many causes of hair loss. If you believe in home remedies, you can try onion oil or rosemary oil for hair growth. However, if you are working on hair removal using technology, there may be a solution. Just like American high-tech entrepreneur Brian Johnson, you can give red light therapy for hair growth. Just a few months ago, Johnson was known for his anti-aging efforts, but shared that this non-invasive treatment is part of his hair repair journey. Also, should I use red light therapy for hair growth?

What Brian Johnson says about his hair removal journey

Brian Johnson, 47, is known for sharing products with health hacks and products that he uses to increase his longevity. On his hair removal journey, he once blogged: “I started losing my hair in my late 20s and started to turn gray.

He suggests that people start early and work actively to address their hair loss issues rather than ignore them. “After realising I made the mistake of dealing with hair loss and grey. By the age of 20, about 20% of men have already had visible hair removal. Many people lose up to 50% of their hair before they realize they’re thinning.

While highlighting that proper nutrition is important for hair health, he also revealed the use of red light therapy. He writes:

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment commonly used in dermatology and cosmetic medicine. “We usually use low-wavelength red or near-infrared light between 630-670 nanometers (nm) and 810-850 nm,” says dermatologist Dr. Vinata Shetty. Treatment uses these specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin layer. It is usually used for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating effects.

What are the benefits of red light therapy?

Some of the benefits of red light therapy include:

1. Stimulates collagen production

Red light increases the synthesis of collagen, a protein that maintains skin elasticity and structure. “Increased collagen levels help smooth wrinkles, thin lines and sagging, making your skin look even more firm,” says the expert. During a study published in Skin Research & Technology, a significant increase in skin elasticity of 12.5% ​​was observed in participants who used red light therapy for two months.

2. Improves blood circulation

It promotes nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels. This increases blood flow and allows for better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and scalp tissue. “Improved circulation is important as it supports cell regeneration and overall skin health,” says the expert.

3. Reduces inflammation

It has anti-inflammatory effects that are particularly beneficial for people with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. “Red light therapy soothes the skin, reduces redness and reduces the mild irritation that is often caused by these skin conditions,” experts say.

4. Improves skin tone

By promoting skin cell transformation and reducing inflammation, this treatment helps to even out pigmentation, tighten pores, reduce dullness, and improve skin texture. “It also minimizes the appearance of sun damage on the face and the appearance of age spots,” says Dr. Shetty.

Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: How Does It Help?

It is not used solely to support skin health. Some people use red light therapy for hair growth. A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine showed that people treated with red light therapy had a 37% increase in hair growth. Another study published in the Annals of Dermatology found that a 650 nm red light was the most effective and practical way to stimulate hair growth.

Here are the reasons why red light therapy for hair growth works:

1. ATP production strengthened

Red light penetrates the scalp and is absorbed by the mitochondria (cell organelles) of hair follicle cells. “This promotes the production of adenosine triphosphate or ATP, the cell’s energy currency, and promotes cell metabolism and repair,” the expert explains.

2. Improvement of microcirculation

Red light therapy for hair loss works as light energy promotes the expansion of blood vessels in the scalp. This increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the hair, nourishing the hair follicles, improving function and supporting thick hair growth.

3. Extend the long term stage

Hair growth occurs in the Angen phase, the growth stage of the hair follicle. Red light therapy helps to prolong this stage and delays entry into the terogenic or cataggenic stage. This increases the density of the hair and leads to longer chains.

4. Reduces inflammation around the follicles

Inflammation can lead to smaller follicles, especially in cases of patterned alopecia or scalp conditions. Red light therapy for hair growth works because it reduces inflammation and creates a healthier scalp environment suitable for growth.

Red light therapy procedure for hair growth

You can use red light therapy for hair growth in the clinic or at your home.

Clinical Procedures:

A dermatologist will check your scalp and recommend light sources such as hood devices and laser caps. The session usually lasts 10-20 minutes, exposing the scalp to a red light.

At home:

Devices such as LED helmets, caps, combs, panels and more can be used. The device is usually worn or placed on the scalp without any discomfort. The device must be stabilized for a specified amount of time.

How often should you use red light therapy for hair growth?

Usually, two to three sessions are recommended first, and two to three sessions per week. “After three to four months, maintenance can be reduced to one or two times a week,” the expert says. You need to focus on consistency for the best results.

“A noticeable hair improvement usually begins after 8-12 weeks of regular red light therapy for hair growth. You will see optimal visible results over the course of 4-6 months,” says Dr. Shetty. For some people, the results can continue to improve for up to a year.

What are the side effects of using red light therapy to use for hair growth?

It is generally safe with minimal side effects, but some people may experience it.

• Temporary scalp redness or warmth
• Mild headache
• Eye strain when the eyes are not protected during a session
• Very rarely, scalp irritation can occur.

Red light therapy is used to improve skin elasticity and skin tone. Anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects can help improve skin health. Beyond the skin, red light therapy is also used for hair growth. It has proven to be an effective way to manage hair removal.