Excessive hair loss is a subject that directly affects the self-image and self-esteem of people who face this situation. According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), 30% of women will have problems related to baldness by the age of 50. The cause is diagnosed by a dermatologist or trichologist and can be caused by several factors. According to a study published in National Institute of Healththe solution to the problem can literally be light, especially the one emitted by the red LED.

Sunlight has been known since the beginning as a factor that generates life on Earth, through solar rays it is possible to obtain three types of radiation: infrared, visible light and ultraviolet (UV). Sunlight benefits circulation in the hair follicles, which strengthen, as heat dilates blood vessels, and improves oxygen irrigation in the region. In addition, the UVB ray helps in the synthesis of vitamin D, an essential element for hair growth.

According to Dr. Álvaro Pereira, postdoctoral angiologist at Harvard University, “In the visible light spectrum is red light (630-700nm), it stimulates cells to produce more energy and to function better. In this way, the light penetrated into the scalp promotes the increase of hair growth factors, in addition to having an anti-inflammatory action, contributing once morest dandruff and other types of inflammation in the scalp”.

How was light treatment discovered?

In 1967, when Dr. Endre Mester noticed the positive effects of a low power laser on hair growth and wound healing in the mouse, this led to increased scientific interest in cell stimulation to enhance healing and growth, and the field of photobiomodulation/ LED therapy was born.

In the 1990s, LEDs began to become popular, making personal phototherapy a possibility. In 2002, the US government agency, the FDA, approved the use of LED therapy devices for the first time. According to WALT, a world leader in promoting clinical applications in the field of photobiomodulation, research in this area is diverse and there are already studies involving even treatment for intracranial disorders.

In Brazil, the first LED therapy equipment for hair treatment began to be sold in mid-2012.

How does light act on the scalp?

Also, according to Pereira: “The red light irradiated on the scalp stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy used by the cells. The cells that make hair have many mitochondria, a high metabolic rate, constantly consume energy and therefore benefit from photobiomodulation”.

The doctor points out: “As with all hair loss treatments, results vary from person to person, some see hair regrowth quickly, while others may have to wait a little longer. The truth is, consistency is the key to LED therapy. The sooner you start treatment, the better.”

Does LED therapy have contraindications?

There are almost no contraindications, only photosensitive people cannot use it. According to Dr. Flavia Betini, Member of the SBD and American Academy of Dermatology, “The process of irradiating lights on the scalp to stimulate hair growth is a safe procedure, without side effects such as medication and less invasive than a hair transplant”.

Can it be used with other therapies?

“LED therapy can be associated with other treatments or done alone, as a single hair treatment. It acts as a complement in all techniques, as its action allows the scalp to be oxygenated to improve the absorption of medications, as well as to heal the wounds caused by injections”, Álvaro explains.

“Most people will face abnormal hair loss at some point in their lives, the important thing is to know that technology has advanced and there are ways to treat the process, with the help of non-invasive procedures, to guarantee quality of life and preserve the quality of life. patient’s self-esteem”, adds Dr. Flavia.

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