Can Red Light Therapy at Home Stop Stress Hairfall?

Stress shows up physically, often in the most unwelcome of places. For many, the first sign of mounting pressure is a clogged shower drain or a hairbrush full of strands. This stress-related hair shedding, clinically known as telogen effluvium, has become increasingly common among adults navigating career, caregiving, or health challenges.

But this effect can be reversible, especially with non-invasive solutions like red light therapy at home. Originally used in clinical settings for various facial concerns, this technology is now gaining momentum for treating concerns beyond facial aesthetics, including supporting scalp health.

So can this treatment really cure your stress-related hair shedding? Find out with our experts at Rojo Light Therapy UK below. 

What Is Stress-Related Hair Shedding?

One of the most common stress-induced hair conditions is telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding that occurs when a large number of hair follicles are prematurely pushed into the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle. 

Under normal conditions, up to 90% of your hair is actively growing, while only a small percentage is resting. But during periods of physical or emotional stress like an illness, burnout, grief, or major life transitions, that balance can flip. Within a few weeks to months, you might start noticing more hair on your pillow, in the shower, or on your hairbrush.

Unlike permanent forms of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), telogen effluvium doesn't destroy the follicles. Instead, it disrupts the hair cycle temporarily. With the right intervention and stress reduction, growth can resume.

This type of shedding can feel sudden and alarming. But in most cases, the root cause is internal and that means recovery is possible. 

This is where therapies like red light therapy at home come into the picture, offering a gentle yet science-backed way to support the body’s natural ability to recalibrate and regrow.

How Red Light Therapy at Home Supports Hair Regrowth 

Red light therapy is a clinically studied, biologically active treatment that supports both hair follicle health and regrowth, especially in cases of temporary hair shedding like telogen effluvium. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Boosts cellular energy in hair follicles (ATP production)

Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the body. For them to grow strong, healthy strands of hair, they need a constant supply of energy.

Red light, especially in the range of 630–670 nanometres and infrared light therapy in the 810–850nm range, stimulate an enzyme in our cells called cytochrome c oxidase, located in the mitochondria. 

This activation increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy currency of cells. More ATP means cells in the hair follicle can function more efficiently, supporting growth and repair.

2. Improves blood circulation to the scalp

Red light also increases the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves microcirculation in the scalp. Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach the hair follicles, which can help shift them back into their active growth phase (anagen).

3. Reactivates dormant hair follicles

Clinical trials have shown that red light therapy can reactivate miniaturised or dormant hair follicles, especially in early-stage hair thinning. These follicles aren’t dead. They’re simply inactive due to factors like stress, inflammation, or hormonal shifts.

In a series of double-blind, randomised controlled trials using Home-use red light laser combs (like HairMax), researchers consistently observed increased growth of thicker hair. This is only one of the healthier and more active hair follicles. 

4. Extends the hair growth phase

Hair grows in cycles, and the anagen phase (growth phase) is where visible growth happens. Red light therapy has been found to prolong this phase, helping hair grow longer and stronger before it naturally transitions to the resting phase (telogen).

How Red Light Therapy Helps Reverse Stress-Induced Hair Loss

Stress can disrupt your hormonal profile, increase inflammation, constrict blood flow, and impair sleep, all of which contribute to hair shedding. In fact, studies have linked chronic psychological stress with elevated cortisol levels, which prematurely shift hair follicles out of the growth phase and into rest (telogen).

Here’s how red light therapy at home may help manage stress-related hair loss from both the outside in and the inside out:

1. Reduces inflammation systematically

Inflammation is a physiological byproduct of stress, and it’s also an enemy of healthy hair. Chronic low-grade inflammation can cause the miniaturisation of hair follicles, delay growth cycles, and damage the scalp barrier. 

Red light therapy has been shown to downregulate inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha across multiple studies.

2. Improves sleep quality

Sleep is when your body restores and regenerates, including your skin and hair. Poor sleep caused by stress can further disrupt hormone levels and delay follicular recovery. 

Preliminary research suggests that red and near-infrared light exposure in the evening may help regulate melatonin production, supporting better sleep latency and quality.

3. Supports mood and mental wellbeing

Emerging studies in the field of photobiomodulation for brain health suggest red light can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Though these effects are still under active study, they show promise in helping individuals better cope with the emotional toll of hair loss and stress.

How Long Until You See Results with Red Light Therapy at Home for Stress-Induced Hair Loss?

The short answer? Red light therapy is a long game. Like any intervention aimed at restoring hair health, especially when stress is the underlying cause, patience and consistency are key.

What to expect:

• Weeks 1–4: Reduced hair shedding, improved scalp comfort.
• Weeks 8–12: Early signs of regrowth. Fine baby hairs may appear.
• Weeks 16–24: Noticeable improvements in hair density and thickness, especially with 3–4 sessions per week.

However, please keep in mind that results will vary per person.

Can You Combine Red Light Therapy with Other Hair Treatments?

Yes and in many cases, combining red light therapy with other scientifically supported treatments can improve results, especially when dealing with stress-related shedding.

For instance:

• Topical treatments: Red light therapy can be safely combined with minoxidil, a common topical vasodilator. Apply minoxidil after your red light session to allow better absorption and avoid potential photosensitivity.
• Nutritional support: Hair loss linked to stress is often worsened by nutritional deficiencies. Pairing red light therapy with a well-rounded diet or targeted supplementation can address internal imbalances while red light improves scalp health externally.
• Scalp massage and dermarolling: Manual scalp stimulation (e.g., gentle massage or dermarolling) may help increase blood flow to hair follicles. However, let the skin recover for at least 12–24 hours between treatments to prevent irritation.
• Mindfulness and stress reduction practices: Because red light therapy helps down regulate stress pathways, incorporating meditation, breath work, or evening routines can boost its effects.

What not to combine

• Excessive heat styling tools (e.g., hot irons) immediately after therapy can counteract anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Photosensitising medications or skincare ingredients (like retinoids or AHAs) may increase sensitivity and should be used cautiously in red light-exposed areas.

Regrow Your Hair While Regaining Your Calm

With consistent use, red light therapy at home offers a dual benefit for stress-related hair loss. It supports your scalp at the cellular level while helping your body dial down stress from within.

At Rojo Light Therapy, we help you take control, one session at a time.

Ready to turn the light on regrowth? Explore Rojo’s at-home red light solutions today!