What is LLLT Laser Therapy? Low-Level Laser Therapy Explained

What is LLLT Laser Therapy? Low-Level Laser Therapy Explained

Author

Hairy Hair

Verified by

Matthew Payne

Published on

May 25, 2025

Est. Reading Time

12 mins

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-surgical therapy that stimulates cells with low levels of light. Through causing biochemical reactions, this pain-free therapy may be able to heal tissue and alleviate inflammation.

LLLT can be utilised in hair loss treatment to promote hair growth in individuals suffering from androgenetic alopecia, among other types of hair loss. It is also used in a range of other uses, from physical therapy to sports medicine.

In the remainder of the paragraphs below, we will go over what LLLT is and how it can be used to treat your own hair loss. We’ll also take a look at what Hairy Hair may do to help you potentially recover your hair.

How does LLLT work?

Further research is needed to understand the biochemical mechanism that provides therapeutic benefits from LLLT. However, it can have a range of effects at different layers. In the mitochondria, LLLT can improve energy to aid in healing and regeneration. It can improve damaged bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and soft tissue.

As regards laser hair removal treatment, LLLT is also known as cold laser therapy. This is because the levels of light used in cold laser LLLT are low enough not to cause burning in the tissue. Through low levels of light stimulation, laser therapy can influence a range of cell types that can be useful in hair growth.

For example, LLLT is able to promote fibroblast, keratinocyte, endothelial cell, and lymphocyte proliferation. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for producing elastin and collagen, which have the ability to promote hair growth.

Keratinocytes help create keratin, the protein that forms strands of hair. Stimulating endothelial cells can help improve blood circulation because they exist in blood vessels, lymph vessels and the heart. With improved circulation on your part, your scalp gets increased oxygen and nutrients, therefore, your hair follicles remain healthy.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help with your immune system. A healthy immune system is critical to healthy hair growth.

 

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of LLLT?

As a non-invasive treatment, it is usually painless and is safe to administer. LLLT has no known common side effects. Individuals have reported mild rash or headache in some cases from prolonged exposure to an LLLT device.

The range of uses of LLLT is such that it would be suitable to treat a large number of disparate conditions, even baldness. The frequency of treatment required can make it quite an expensive venture.

Clinical therapies are less expensive in the short run, but the number of sessions required has the cost building up over a period of time. A good-quality device used at home is a higher initial outlay, but it might be worth it in the long run.

Devices used at home for LLLT laser therapy are better suited to the initial phases of hair loss, while clinical-grade therapies are better suited for mild hair loss. Clinical sessions may be less frequent than at-home treatments, but either way, consistency is key to seeing and maintaining results.

Can LLLT combat hair loss?

According to a 2019 meta-analysis of 11 double-blind randomised controlled trials, LLLT substantially promoted hair growth in women and men. The subjects in the trials suffered from hereditary hair loss (one of the most common causes of hair loss)  and used both comb and helmet-type devices.

Many of these treatments are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is responsible for ensuring the safety of medical devices available to consumers. Depending on the type of device, the frequency with which you’ll need to use it will vary.

Cap-type devices for widespread or diffuse thinning may need to be used daily, while laser-comb devices for specific areas of thinning will likely require alternating sessions every other day.

While there have been encouraging results with hair growth through LLLT, studies are still being done as to wavelength, treatment length, and sessions per week. Furthermore, maximal effects may be achieved only if used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as minoxidil.

If you are unable to use drugs like finasteride or minoxidil due to an allergy, interaction with other medications you are using, or a response to the treatments, it might be an option.

What else is LLLT used for?

LLLT is being utilised in a variety of treatments due to its therapeutic stimulation and pain relief qualities. Some applications are back pain treatment, plantar fasciitis treatment, cancer treatment, sports performance, and fungal treatment of toenails.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that leads to pain in the heel of your foot. It is characterised by immediate pain upon rising, which can vanish with activity. Research has suggested that pain from plantar fasciitis can be alleviated for three months following treatment.

How can Hairy Hair help with my hair loss?

LLLT actually can help stimulate hair growth in those who are suffering from hair loss. Used on its own, it will not be enough to prevent hair loss or cause hair regrowth, particularly if you are past the initial stage of hair shedding.

LLLT results can be improved by combining other treatments to encourage healthy hair regrowth. If you combine other treatments with your LLLT protocol, you can give your hair a better chance at regrowth.

Hairy Hair provides a unique daily supplement that targets different causes of baldness. In the potent blend of ingredients, the pill is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitor. DHT is the hormone responsible for the miniaturisation of hair follicles, causing them to shrink. When the follicles shrink, they are unable to produce new hair strands.

Apart from this, the pill also acts as a vasodilator. This widens the blood vessels in the scalp so that additional oxygen and nutrients can be directed to your hair follicles. With sufficient vitamins and minerals, your hair follicles may be able to grow healthy and strong hair strands.

The supplement is rounded out by natural growth promoters that may help produce keratin and reduce inflammation in the scalp. Through a single daily supplement, you may be able to better address hair loss concerns through a comprehensive treatment strategy.

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Conclusion

LLLT is a non-invasive treatment option that can be appealing to hair loss sufferers who want to try a device that has minimal chances of side effects. With at-home devices available, it may be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

LLLT can be used for a variety of treatments since it is able to stimulate different cells. It has been proven through research that LLLT has the ability to promote hair growth in patients at the initial and minor stages of baldness.

It’s better to address your hair loss beforehand, as the best time to treat your hair loss is when you first experience it. A complete treatment that covers a number of hair loss issues can raise your chances of stopping hair loss and encouraging new growth.

If you are suffering from hair loss and are looking to take the first steps to try to treat it, contact Hairy Hair today. To start your treatment, all you need to do is fill in a short online form so we can get to know you and your hair loss. From there, a qualified Australian GP will review your details and give you a call to discuss your personalised treatment plan.

Finally, your treatment will be shipped straight to your door, meaning clinic visits are not needed. What’s more, our dedicated support team will be on hand to help you at every stage of your journey to potentially restore your hair and your confidence.

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