Red and infrared light are among the most studied areas in photobiomodulation, with research dating back to the 1980s. Studies point to effects in three main areas:
Hair and scalp — increased hair density and reduced hair loss
Skin — firmness, texture, more even skin tone and fewer blemishes
Body and recovery — faster recovery after training, less stiffness and soreness in muscles and joints
HAIR AND SCALP
Hair loss affects a great many men AND women throughout their lives – many as early as their 20s. For many, it leads to reduced self-confidence, social insecurity, and psychological stress. In addition, hair loss can be experienced as a loss of identity or masculinity. Light therapy has been developed over several years with the aim of helping young people take control, strengthen their self-esteem, and regain confidence in themselves through reduced hair loss and increased hair growth. Below you can read parts of the research that has been carried out in this field.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss can be triggered by many factors: genetics, hormones, medication, illness, or lifestyle. But often these factors affect one crucial thing:
The hair's growth cycle.
Ideally, about 90% of your hair is in an active growth phase at any one time. The remaining 10% are in the resting and shedding phase.
Hair loss occurs when this balance shifts towards the shedding phase.
Skin
Blemished skin and visible signs of ageing are the two most common skin concerns — and they have more in common than many believe. Both are about the balance in the skin: how much energy the cells have to cleanse, repair and renew themselves. Light treatment with red, near-infrared and blue light has been developed to support precisely this balance.
What causes impure skin and early signs of ageing?
Skin is affected by heredity, hormones, products, environment, and lifestyle. But regardless of the trigger, the same thing often happens, in two variations:
Pores become unbalanced — and the skin produces less collagen.
When the skin produces too much oil, pores become clogged with dirt and bacteria, resulting in red and irritated breakouts. And as the skin ages, it produces less collagen and elastin, losing firmness and moisture — lines and wrinkles become visible more quickly.
Common to both: skin cells with low energy and poor circulation do the job more slowly.
BODY & RECOVERY
Do you work out, or do you find yourself feeling stiff and sore more often than before? Recovery is where the body truly rebuilds itself — and it may need help. Red and near-infrared light has been investigated in numerous studies on precisely this. Here is an excerpt of the research behind it.
Why do you get stiff — and why does recovery take time?
Physical activity creates microscopic damage to the muscles. This is normal — it's how muscles build themselves stronger. But repair requires two things from the body:
Energy in the cells and good circulation.
The cells' 'batteries' (mitochondria) must produce enough energy for the repair work, and the blood must transport nutrients in and waste products out. If this process is slow, you will feel it as stiffness, soreness, and heavy sessions.
HAIR AND SCALP
Hair loss affects many – often as early as their 20s – and can impact self-confidence and self-esteem. Light therapy is developed to reduce hair loss, stimulate growth, and restore your confidence. Here is an excerpt from the research behind it.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss can be triggered by many factors: genetics, hormones, medication, illness, or lifestyle. However, these factors often affect one crucial thing:
The hair's growth cycle.
Ideally, around 90% of your hairs are in an active growth phase at any given time. The remaining 10% are in the resting and shedding phase. Hair loss occurs when this balance shifts towards the shedding phase.
Skin
Impure skin and visible signs of ageing are the two most common skin concerns — and they have more in common than many believe. Both are about the skin's balance: how much energy the cells have to cleanse, repair, and renew themselves. Light therapy with red, near-infrared, and blue light is developed to support precisely this balance.
What causes impure skin and early signs of ageing?
Skin is affected by genetics, hormones, products, environment, and lifestyle. But regardless of the trigger, the same often happens, in two variations:
Pores become unbalanced — and the skin produces less collagen.
When the skin produces too much oil, pores become clogged with dirt and bacteria, resulting in red and irritated breakouts. And as the skin produces less collagen and elastin over the years, it loses firmness and moisture — lines and wrinkles become visible more quickly.
Common to both: skin cells with low energy and poor circulation do the job slower.
BODY & RECOVERY
Do you train, or do you find yourself stiffer and sorer than before? Recovery is where the body actually rebuilds itself — and it may need help. Red and near-infrared light has been investigated in a number of studies on precisely this. Here is an excerpt of the research behind it.
Why do you get stiff — and why does recovery take time?
Physical activity creates microscopic damage to the muscles. This is normal — it's how muscles get stronger. But repair requires two things from the body:
Energy in the cells and good circulation.
The cells' "batteries" (mitochondria) must produce enough energy for the repair work, and blood must transport nutrients in and waste products out. If this happens slowly, you'll feel it as soreness, stiffness, and heavy workouts.
Clinical studies on red light therapy
Clinical studies on red and infrared light for hair growth (the basis for Red Light Cap)
Research shows that red light (630–660 nm) and near-infrared light (808–850 nm) can stimulate hair follicles, increase blood circulation, and reduce hair loss. Several studies confirm the effect of light therapy for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss). Here are some of the most recognised:
Avci et al. (2014): A comprehensive review concluding that low-energy light therapy (LLLT) is effective for androgenetic alopecia and stimulates hair growth. Read the full study on PubMed.
Jimenez et al. (2014): Clinical study showing that LLLT increases hair density and hair thickness in both men and women. Read the full study on PubMed.
Adil & Godwin (2018): Systematic review and meta-analysis showing that low-energy light therapy (LLLT) for hair loss has documented effects. Read the full study on PubMed.
NHI.no (2024): Norwegian summary of research on low-intensity red and near-infrared light for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Read more on NHI.no.
These results are consistent with the technology in the Red Light Cap, which uses the same wavelengths to support hair growth and reduce hair loss.
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