People shed more hair in winter than at other times of the year. This is quite normal and is caused by a combination of factors like hat wear, dryness from central heating, cold weather and winds, a lack of humidity, dehydration and stress. The darker, colder months can stress us out more than the warmer months because things may seem a bit more bleak and we get less sunlight. Add hair loss to this, and holiday spirits can be dampened.
“Additional hair loss in winter is a little known phenomenon. Many people don’t even notice it, but for some it’s a worrying issue that can add to the winter stress that further causes it, creating a cycle” says Scott Chaverri, Founder and CEO of Mito Red Light. “But there is a non-invasive treatment you can do at home that can help to combat hair loss.”
Below, Scott reveals one trending and science backed treatment that can help promote hair growth and reduce hair fall in winter: red light therapy.
Red Light Therapy to Combat Hair Loss
While it's an emerging treatment, red light therapy uses low levels of red light to simulate cells and improve the body's healing and regenerative processes. It's also been clinically proven to combat winter hair loss.
“One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy head of hair during the cold months is red light therapy. Regular light therapy can help promote hair growth in both men and women,” Chaverri explains. “If you’ve got great hair, you’re probably going to want to look after it. Winter hair fall isn’t something you have to accept. Using red light therapy in controlled, prescribed ways has been shown to combat this seasonal phenomenon."
Clinical trials have yielded encouraging results for red light therapy as a stimulus of scalp hair regrowth. Red light therapy can enhance blood flow in the scalp. This cultivates hair follicles and stimulates them to enter the anagen growth phase. Red light hair therapy also reduces inflammation and improves hair follicle function.
“Multiple studies have determined red light therapy to be effective for androgenic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. These findings reported increased hair density and thickness after treatment,” adds Chaverri.
So, how do you begin, and when do you start to see results? Chaverri shares that red light therapy may not work right away, but that consistency and persistency is key to reap the benefits.
"Sit in front of your red light panel for about 30 minutes every day. You may want to build up your treatment time, over time, but don’t overdo it. Be consistent and persistent. The therapy won’t work straight away, but it will be stimulating hair growth and fighting hair fall subtly. The therapy is becoming ever-more popular as people realize the widespread benefits and research confirms its effectiveness," he says.
Additional Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy doesn’t only help to prevent hair fall in winter. It can provide other benefits that can make the cold months a bit easier.
Red light therapy can be good for:
- Fighting SAD: Red light therapy can help ease the symptoms of SAD, a type of depression that occurs in the winter. This is because the lack of light in winter affects our hormone balance, which can inhibit the production of ‘happy hormones’ - endorphins. More light - specifically low energy red light - can make a difference.
- Getting more sleep: Red light therapy has been shown to help regulate melatonin levels. This can improve sleep quality. Sleep, especially REM sleep when you dream more, is vital for stress relief and holistic wellbeing.
- More energy: Red light therapy can increase cellular energy production by stimulating sub-cellular mitochondria. This can help to fight winter fatigue and increase energy levels. The result: You feel more motivated and capable.
- Treating skin conditions: Light therapy can alleviate skin conditions like acne, dermatitis, wrinkles and vitiligo, promoting overall wellbeing for the individual.
For More on Red Light Therapy
To learn more about red light therapy, you can visit Mito Red Light's website.
Mito Red Light specializes in high-quality red light therapy devices designed for home use, fitness and wellness. The company offers a range of products, including full-body panels and portable devices, featuring advanced LED technology emitting red and near-infrared light at therapeutic wavelengths (630nm, 660nm, 810nm, and 850nm). These wavelengths are known for their potential benefits in promoting cellular energy, reducing inflammation and supporting muscle recovery. Mito Red Light's products are distinguished by their high irradiance, flexible usage options and rigorous design focused on maximizing efficacy and user safety.
