Can red light therapy and infra red light improve hair growth for men?

Key Points

• Research suggests FlexBeam, using red light therapy, may help with male baldness, but it’s not its primary use.
• Evidence leans toward red light therapy promoting hair growth, with studies showing increased hair density.
• It seems likely that FlexBeam could be adapted for scalp use, though it’s designed for pain relief and recovery.
• The effectiveness may vary, and consulting a dermatologist is recommended for personalized advice.

Overview

FlexBeam is a portable, wearable device that uses red light therapy (RLT) and near-infrared light, primarily marketed for pain relief and recovery. However, given the growing evidence supporting RLT for hair loss, including male pattern baldness, it is possible to use FlexBeam for this purpose, though it requires adaptation for scalp application.

How It Works

Red light therapy involves exposing the scalp to specific wavelengths of light (typically 630–670nm for red light and 810–845nm for near-infrared), which can stimulate hair follicles, increase cellular energy (ATP), and promote hair regrowth. FlexBeam emits these wavelengths, aligning with those used in studies for hair loss treatment.

Potential for Male Baldness

While FlexBeam isn’t explicitly designed for hair loss, research suggests RLT can be effective for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Studies, such as a 2018 trial, showed significant improvements in hair coverage and thickness after consistent RLT sessions. FlexBeam’s technology could theoretically be applied to the scalp, though its design (intended for joints and muscles) may require users to hold it in place or find a way to secure it.

Considerations

• Adaptation: Using FlexBeam on the scalp might be less convenient compared to devices like helmets designed for hair loss, but it’s feasible with effort.
• Effectiveness: Results may vary, especially for advanced hair loss stages, and consistent use (3–5 times weekly for months) is key.
• Safety: RLT is generally safe, but consulting a dermatologist is advised, especially if on photosensitizing medications.

For more details, visit Recharge Health Blog or Wimpole Clinic.

Comprehensive Analysis on FlexBeam and Red Light Therapy for Male Baldness

This detailed analysis explores the potential of using FlexBeam, a portable red light therapy (RLT) device, for treating male baldness, focusing on its technological basis, scientific backing, and practical considerations. The discussion is informed by extensive research into RLT’s efficacy for hair loss and FlexBeam’s specifications, ensuring a thorough understanding for users considering this application.

Background on FlexBeam

FlexBeam, developed by Recharge Health, is a wearable and portable RLT device primarily marketed for pain relief, faster recovery, and general wellness. It uses red light (625–635nm) and near-infrared light (810–845nm), with a total optical power output of 5.5W, claimed to be three times more powerful than competitors. Its design allows for targeted application on joints, muscles, and other body parts, making it versatile for home use. However, its primary applications, as seen on Recharge Health, focus on pain management and athletic recovery, with no explicit mention of hair loss treatment in official marketing.

Red Light Therapy and Hair Loss: Scientific Foundation

Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, involves exposing the scalp to specific light wavelengths to stimulate cellular activity. For hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), RLT is believed to work by:

• Increasing mitochondrial ATP production, enhancing cellular energy.
• Improving blood circulation to the scalp, delivering more nutrients to hair follicles.
• Prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and reactivating dormant follicles.

Scientific evidence supports RLT’s efficacy for hair loss. For instance:

• A 2018 study, as detailed on Degree Wellness, conducted a 6-month randomized, double-blind trial with 100 participants, applying RLT to one side of the head three times weekly for 30 minutes. Results showed significantly greater hair coverage, thickness, and count on the treated side, concluding RLT is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for male pattern baldness.
• A 2021 systematic review, mentioned on MyNucleus, found LLLT effectively treats both male and female hair loss, increasing hair density and thickness.
• A 2014 study in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, accessible via PubMed, reported that 655nm LLLT significantly improved hair counts in males with androgenetic alopecia.

These studies typically use devices like helmets or panels, but the wavelengths (630–670nm red light and 810–850nm near-infrared) align with FlexBeam’s specifications, suggesting potential applicability.

FlexBeam’s Potential for Male Baldness

Given FlexBeam’s use of red and near-infrared light, it theoretically could be used for hair loss treatment. However, several factors must be considered:

Technological Suitability

FlexBeam’s design is ergonomic for joints and muscles, with velcro bands for attachment, as noted on Peak Athletics. This makes it less intuitive for scalp application compared to dedicated hair loss devices like helmets. Users would need to hold it against the scalp or find a way to secure it, potentially reducing convenience and effectiveness for larger areas like the scalp.

Evidence and Case Studies

While FlexBeam’s official blog, such as Recharge Health Blog, mentions historical evidence (e.g., 1967 research by Endre Mester showing faster hair regrowth in laser-treated animals), there are no specific studies or case studies directly linking FlexBeam to hair loss treatment. Reviews and user discussions, such as on Trustpilot, focus on pain relief and recovery, with no mentions of hair loss, indicating it’s not a primary use case.

Practical Application

For hair loss, RLT typically requires consistent sessions (3–5 times weekly for several months), with each session lasting 10–30 minutes, as suggested by Wimpole Clinic. FlexBeam’s 10-minute session capability, as mentioned on Recharge Health, could fit this protocol, but users must ensure adequate coverage of the scalp, which may be challenging given its focused design.

Comparative Analysis with Dedicated Hair Loss Devices

Dedicated RLT devices for hair loss, such as helmets or caps (e.g., CurrentBody Skin helmet, as noted on Women’s Health), are designed for scalp application, offering full coverage and ease of use. FlexBeam, while powerful (3x more output than competitors, per BTM Group), may be less efficient for hair loss due to its targeted nature. However, for users already owning FlexBeam, it could serve as a supplementary or exploratory option, especially for smaller scalp areas.

Safety and Recommendations

RLT is generally considered safe, with minimal side effects, as noted on WebMD. However, users should:

• Consult a dermatologist, especially if experiencing sudden hair loss or taking photosensitizing medications, as advised by PlatinumLED Therapy Lights.
• Ensure proper eye protection during use, given the intensity of light.
• Be aware that RLT may be less effective for advanced hair loss stages, as per Cosmedica.

User Experience and Community Insights

Community discussions, such as on Reddit (e.g., r/redlighttherapy), focus on FlexBeam for pain and recovery, with no specific mentions of hair loss. This suggests limited anecdotal evidence for this use, but given RLT’s broader efficacy, users might experiment with it, sharing experiences over time.

Conclusion

FlexBeam, while not designed for hair loss, leverages red light therapy, which research supports for treating male baldness. Its potential lies in its wavelengths and power, but practical application requires adaptation for scalp use, potentially reducing convenience. For optimal results, dedicated hair loss devices may be preferable, but FlexBeam could be a viable option for users seeking to repurpose it, with consistent use and professional guidance.

Table: Summary of Key Findings

Key Citations

• Recharge Health Blog definitive guide red light therapy
• MyNucleus Bryan Johnson red light therapy protocol
• RedLightTherapyNews FlexBeam review pain relief
• WebMD red light therapy effectiveness treatment
• Wimpole Clinic red light therapy hair growth
• Degree Wellness red light therapy hair growth baldness
• Women’s Health best red light therapy hair growth
• PubMed growth human scalp hair red light
• PlatinumLED Therapy Lights red light therapy hair loss
• Cosmedica red light therapy hair loss solution
• Peak Athletics FlexBeam red light therapy device
• BTM Group FlexBeam revolutionary red light therapy
• Trustpilot Recharge Health customer reviews