Using a red light device

Read red light therapy first for what the trials show and what to check before you buy a device. This guide is about using one well.

Set a schedule you can keep

Every device comes with its own instructions: how many minutes per session and how many sessions a week. Follow them. The devices in the trials were used regularly for months: combs three times a week for 26 weeks, and a helmet every other day for 16 weeks.^1,2

More is not better. Using a device more often or for longer than the instructions say has not been shown to help.

What matters most is not missing weeks. Some ideas that help:

Pick fixed days, such as Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and put them in your calendar.
Pair it with something you already do, like reading, a podcast or your evening news.
Keep the device where you'll see it, charged and ready.

Before each session

Clean, dry hair and scalp. Oils, gels, sprays and thick creams can block or scatter light. If you use minoxidil, use the device first and apply minoxidil afterwards, or at a different time of day, once your scalp is dry.
Remove hats, clips and hairbands.
Check your scalp. Skip the session if it is sunburnt or has a rash or open sore.

During a session

Caps and helmets. Put the cap on so it sits evenly and close to the scalp over the thinning area. With long or thick hair, part it underneath where you can. Stay still enough that the cap doesn't slide. Most caps switch off on their own when the session ends.

Combs. Move the comb slowly across the scalp, front to back, in overlapping rows, so the teeth part the hair and the light reaches the skin. Follow the time per area in the instructions; going too fast means too little light.

Eyes. Don't look into the lights, and don't point a comb towards your eyes. Follow any advice to close your eyes or wear eye protection.

Things to check with a doctor first

Ask a doctor before you start if you:

have a condition that makes your skin sensitive to light
take a medicine that does, such as some antibiotics, acne treatments or heart medicines
have a mole or patch on your scalp that has changed or doesn't heal

Judging the result

Fig. 1 Using a red light device: regular sessions, then a fair check at about six months1 square = 1 month

Take progress photos before your first session, then compare at about six months, the same point the European guideline uses.³ Change is slow and modest at best. If you see nothing at six months after regular use, it is reasonable to stop.

The guideline makes no recommendation for use beyond six months, because there is little trial data past that point.³ If you continue, keep taking photos every few months so you can tell whether it is still adding anything.

Looking after the device

Wipe the inside of caps and the teeth of combs as the maker advises. Avoid soaking anything electronic.
Keep it charged and stored in a dry place.
Note the warranty and return terms. If lights fail or flicker, contact the seller. A device that isn't working properly won't give the dose that was tested.