Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the use of low-energy light, emitted by LEDs or cold lasers, to stimulate cellular activity. When applied to the scalp, it aims to prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle , improve microcirculation, and reduce hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia .
Several controlled clinical trials have measured an increase in hair density after 16 to 26 weeks of regular treatment. It does not replace long-term drug treatments, but can effectively complement them within a comprehensive protocol.
Photobiomodulation, also called LLLT photobiomodulation Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or LED therapy, involves exposing tissues to low-energy light to induce a biological reaction at the cellular level. It differs from the high-power lasers used in surgery: here, there is neither ablation nor a thermal effect. The light energy acts photochemically, without heating the tissues.
This technology is not new. Its foundations were laid as early as the 1960s by the Hungarian researcher Endre Mester observed a stimulation of hair regrowth in mice exposed to a low-power red laser. Since then, applications have multiplied in regenerative medicine, rheumatology, and, more recently, hair medicine.
The central mechanism relies on the absorption of photons by cytochrome c oxidase, a mitochondrial enzyme. This absorption triggers a cascade of cellular reactions: increased ATP production (cellular energy), reduced oxidative stress, stimulation of cell proliferation, and improved scalp microcirculation.
At the level of the hair follicle, these effects translate concretely into a prolongation of the anagen phase (the active growth phase of the hair), a reduction in apoptosis of follicular keratinocytes, and improved oxygenation of the bulb. The expected result is denser, stronger hair that grows longer before falling out.
The most documented wavelengths for hair applications are in the red (630 to 670 nm) and near-infrared (810 to 830 nm) ranges. These ranges allow sufficient penetration into the scalp layers to reach the dermis and follicles. At the Croix d'Or Hair Clinic , we use both of these wavelengths to improve hair health.
The difference between a medical device and a consumer-grade LED helmet is significant: emission power, diode density, session duration, and, above all, the adaptation of the protocol to the patient's profile. A non-medical device used without a prior diagnosis may produce no effect or be unsuitable for the stage of alopecia in question.
The honest answer is: yes, with some important caveats.
Several randomised controlled trials published in specialist journals have assessed the effectiveness of photobiomodulation in androgenetic alopecia. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2019) concluded that there was a statistically significant increase in the number of hairs per cm² in treated patients compared with the placebo group, in both men and women.
Visible results usually take around 4 to 6 months of regular treatment. Maintenance of results depends on continuing treatment: upon discontinuation, the benefits tend to fade gradually, in the same way as with other medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia. This is not a curative treatment but a stabilising and stimulating one.
Photobiomodulation produces the best results in the following situations:
However, its effectiveness is low or non-existent on permanently atrophied follicles (advanced alopecia with completely bald patches) and its results remain poorly documented in alopecia areata, which is a distinct autoimmune condition.
Its overall safety profile is excellent: no ionizing radiation, no heat, no injections. Side effects are generally limited to slight, transient redness of the scalp during the first few sessions.
Some contraindications to check before starting:
This is why a prior medical consultation remains essential, even for a seemingly non-invasive treatment. Dr. Raphaël Meyer systematically assesses these factors during the initial evaluation.
The market for consumer LED headsets has exploded in recent years. These devices can complement in-clinic sessions between appointments, but they do not replace them.
There are three reasons for this. First, power: consumer devices emit less energy, which reduces penetration and biological effect. Second, consistency: without monitoring, sessions are often irregular. Most importantly, the lack of a diagnosis makes it impossible to adapt the protocol to the patient's stage of alopecia. An LED helmet applied without a prior assessment may produce no effect if the patient's profile is not suitable.
In clinical practice, PBM is integrated into a comprehensive protocol. It is often associated with PRP hair injections or mesotherapy , whose action it enhances by increasing the cellular receptivity of the scalp.
At the Clinique du Cheveu Croix d’Or, photobiomodulation is offered by Dr Raphaël Meyer as part of a personalised hair care programme. Treatment never begins without a diagnostic assessment: type of alopecia, stage of progression, current treatments and any potential contraindications.
Depending on the patient’s profile, photobiomodulation may be incorporated into a protocol combining several approaches: medical treatments (minoxidil, finasteride, clascoterone), injections of PRP or mesotherapy or even exosomes, and in some cases, a hair transplant. The aim is always to offer the treatment combination best suited to the stage of alopecia and the patient’s expectations.
To assess whether photobiomodulation is suitable for your situation, you can start with an online assessment or contact the clinic directly.
LED photobiomodulation is a hair treatment whose effectiveness is documented by rigorous clinical studies, particularly in moderate stages of androgenetic alopecia. It is not a miracle cure and does not replace long-term medical treatments, but it is a valid, safe, and well-tolerated complementary therapy, especially when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. As with any hair treatment, its effectiveness depends on an accurate diagnosis and a protocol tailored to your individual needs.
To find out if photobiomodulation is suitable for your situation, start with an online hair diagnosis or contact the Croix d'Or Hair Clinic in Geneva directly.
Make an appointment today for personalized and high-quality aesthetic care. Our team of experts is here to offer you innovative treatments tailored to your needs.
Please select all the means by which you would like to receive information from the Clinique de la Croix d'Or:
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For more information about our privacy practices, please review the privacy policy on our website.
We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices