Red Light Therapy After a Hair Transplant: Science, Timeline, & Results

If you’re a man in the greater Austin, TX, area who’s chosen to undergo a hair transplant procedure, you may have some ongoing questions and concerns. Where do I go from here? What’s the best path for ensuring the success of both my new and existing hair? Can I use red-light therapy after a hair transplant? Will red-light therapy reduce “shock loss” after surgery? If so, how often should I do it? And is a laser cap worth it after a transplant?

Those are all great questions, and the pros at Flycatcher Men’s Aesthetics are here to provide men in the ATX with answers, in conjunction with our exclusive partnership with GetHairMD. The good news is that we’re able to share an evidence-based timeline that offers some guidance on what to seek, and what to expect with red-light therapy after hair transplant. So, let’s dig in.

Why Add Red-Light Therapy post-hair transplant?

There are three primary benefits of utilizing red-light therapy after a hair transplant surgery.

1. Graft Survival

After a hair transplant, graft survival is critical for achieving optimal results. Red-light therapy supports graft survival by enhancing oxygen delivery and microcirculation to the transplanted follicles. This increased blood flow provides essential nutrients and energy to the newly implanted grafts, helping them establish a strong blood supply more quickly. Additionally, red-light therapy reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the scalp, creating a healthier environment that minimizes cellular damage and promotes the integration and growth of transplanted hair follicles.

2. Faster Healing

In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, a red light-treated scar was observed to heal in half the time, compared with the nontreated side in the same patient. Those are significant results. Dr. Nour Kibbi, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford, observes that there could indeed be measurable benefits from using red-light therapy during the first few weeks of wound healing.

3. Thicker Regrowth

Red light has been shown to penetrate the skin at shallow depths and stimulate follicle growth thanks to vasodilation. According to Dr. Zakia Rahman, clinical professor of dermatology at Stanford, the resulting dilation of blood vessels enables more blood and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. Used over multiple months consistently, red light has been shown to regrow thinning hair. But Dr. Rahman also notes that when the red-light therapy is stopped, these beneficial effects also stop.

How Red-Light/LLLT Works

Red-light therapy is also commonly known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The LLLT mechanism of photobiomodulation has been explored for hair loss treatment for over 50 years. FDA-approved LLLT devices like those offered by Flycatcher and GetHairMD are recognized as a safe treatment for addressing both male and female alopecia. Now, red-light therapy is widely used as a non-invasive treatment option for hair loss, with clinical studies indicating both increased hair growth and added thickness for many individuals.

How does the technology work? Low-level laser therapy heals hair follicles by penetrating the scalp with specific wavelengths (650-675 nm) of light energy, serving to stimulate cellular activity and improve blood circulation. Dormant hair follicles are revitalized, extending the growth phase and encouraging the production of thicker, healthier hair strands. LLLT also helps reduce inflammation and accelerates tissue repair, creating an optimal environment for hair growth. 

Controlled clinical trials demonstrated that LLLT stimulated hair growth in both men and women. As noted in the National Library of Medicine from the NIH, the main mechanism appears to revolve around the stimulation of epidermal stem cells in the hair follicle bulge and the shifting the follicles into anagen (growth) phase.

LLLT is a non-invasive, painless treatment that has proven itself to be a powerful tool in combating hair loss and promoting scalp health, offering patients an effective solution with no discomfort and no downtime.

Post-Transplant Timeline & what to expect

When should you start red-light therapy after a hair transplant? Most specialists advise waiting until the initial healing phase is complete—typically around 7 days post-surgery—before beginning laser sessions. Depending on your surgeon’s instructions, low-power treatments can be introduced as early as Weeks 1 and 2. During Weeks 3 to 6, it’s recommended to increase usage to 3-4 sessions per week, followed by ongoing maintenance sessions starting in Week 7 and beyond to maintain progress.

Always follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely. Generally, devices should not come into direct contact with the scalp in the first several days. Providers often allow scalp-contacting devices around day 10, once grafts are secure and there’s no significant risk of disturbing them.

Clinical Evidence & Success Rates

What can be expected with red-light therapy hair growth results? That’s certainly a fair question. A 2013 randomized controlled trial included 41 men (aged 18–48) with androgenetic alopecia (hereditary hair loss). 22 of those received LLLT, and 19 were given a placebo. The treatment of hair loss patients in the active group resulted in a 35% hair growth increase after just 16 weeks!

A similar 2014 study included 42 women (aged 18–60) with female pattern hair loss. 24 of those received red-light therapy, and 18 were given a placebo. The active group saw a 37% hair growth boost within just 16 weeks. And a comparable 2017 clinical trial resulted in women gaining a 51% hair growth  increase.

Choosing a Device: Cap, Comb, or Clinic?

If you’re looking to explore the effectiveness of infrared light for hair, including the use of a laser hair cap at home, here’s some information you can use.

In-Clinic Technology with Hair Growth Laser

The Clinical Hair Growth Laser used with our GetHairMD in-office treatments at Flycatcher is a cutting-edge device designed to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health through low-level laser therapy.

LLLT treatment involves three key components. First, it prevents further hair loss by stabilizing the hair and serving to reduce shedding and thinning. Second, it improves hair quality by making existing hair thicker, fuller, stronger, shinier, and healthier. Third, LLLT helps regrow hair as the diminished (or miniaturized) hairs begin to develop into more normal, thicker, full-sized hairs.

A typical treatment only lasts 20 minutes, and patients say the experience is actually comfortable and relaxing. There is no pain or associated side effects, and there’s no downtime from normal daily activities. Our recommended protocol includes a series of treatments for up to one year after transplant for maximum benefits. 

Our Red Light Unlimited Membership includes unlimited use of our Clinical Hair Growth Laser. Members pay only $279/month. There are no upfront fees or minimum requirements- pay for only what you need after your hair transplant. Learn more about our membership here.

At-Home Dual Wave Energy Cap

One of the other beauties of the GetHairMD treatment approach offered exclusively by Flycatcher is its synergistic approach. In-clinic laser treatments are coupled with at-home treatment via the GetHairMD Dual Wave Energy Cap.

Commonly known as a laser cap for hair growth, the Dual Wave Energy Cap utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in an advanced, non-invasive capacity to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density. This medical-grade cap features a network of LEDs that emit two precise wavelengths of light to penetrate the scalp, enhancing blood circulation and energizing hair follicles. The increased blood flow and cellular activity help to revive dormant follicles, promote additional hair growth, and also strengthen existing hair.

The Dual Wave Energy Cap is an FDA-cleared device that’s easy to use and can be worn discreetly, either at home or on the go. Just a few laser cap sessions are required each week to deliver noticeable results. The Dual Wave Energy Cap hair restoration regimen involves simple 10-minute treatments that are easy to apply, cause no pain or side effects, and result in no active downtime for the user.

What About Laser Combs?

Many experts will tell you that laser combs can be effective when used as part of a broader hair care strategy. But while a laser comb can provide some beneficial effects, hair regrowth professionals acknowledge that laser caps offer more comprehensive and even coverage. Laser caps cover more of the scalp, and also don’t break the “no device touching scalp” rule that applies during those initial sensitive days of the post-surgery period. 

Safety, Contraindications, & Over-Use

If you’re wondering, “Is red-light therapy safe?” The general consensus is that it is. LLLT is a non-invasive treatment for hair regrowth that has become widely recommended, but certain risk factors and precautions should still be considered. These include:

• Pre-existing skin and scalp conditions
• Photosensitivity and medications that increase light sensitivity
• Contraindications with certain medications, like those used to treat epilepsy
• Potential for eye damage

In addition, individuals with active cancer or a history of skin cancer should exercise caution.

Questions related to red light therapy after a hair transplant

Can I use red-light therapy after FUE?

Yes, red-light therapy is generally considered safe and can be used after a follicular unit extraction (FUE) hair transplant. In fact, LLLT is often recommended as a complementary treatment to help with scalp healing and potentially enhance hair growth.

How long before red-light therapy works?

It’s advisable to start with realistic expectations. Visible hair thickening can be expected at the 12-16 week treatment mark, with peak gains typically experienced after 6-12 months of regular therapy.

How often should I do it?

Hair restoration specialists generally recommend beginning red-light therapy a few days after the procedure at a rate of 2-3 sessions per week. It's also important to consult with your surgeon for personalized advice on when to start and how frequently to use it, as individual healing timelines can vary.

Will it reduce “shock-loss”

Red-light therapy may help reduce shock loss after a hair transplant by boosting blood flow, reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and potentially stimulating hair growth. It should also be noted that some temporary shedding of hair is normal after a hair transplant; it's a natural part of the healing process, and doesn't mean the transplant failed.

Can I over-use a laser cap?

Yes, it is possible to overuse a laser cap for hair growth. While laser caps are generally considered safe when used as directed, excessive use can lead to potential side effects and diminished effectiveness. Be sure to follow the device manufacturer’s directions, and adhere to the counsel of your medical provider.a

Does red light fade hair color?

No, red-light therapy does not fade hair color. LLLT is designed to stimulate hair growth and improve scalp health. It has not been shown to interact with hair pigment or typical styling products.

Professional Red-Light Hair Regrowth Treatments for Men in Austin

If you’re an Austinite who’s interested in exploring red-light therapy for graft survival, we’ve got you covered with our Red Light Unlimited Membership (in-clinic) along with our Dual Wave Energy Cap for at-home treatment. It's the best of both worlds!

Flycatcher is conveniently located in Spicewood, Texas – just three miles west of The Galleria in Bee Cave. We’re proud to serve Spicewood, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and the surrounding areas of Austin and the Texas Hill Country.

Ready to grow a fuller nest? Let Flycatcher help you hatch a fuller hair plan to gain more confidence with more robust plumage. You can download our Hair Restoration Information Packet here or give us a call or shoot us a text at (737) 239-0112 today.