Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: Why Elysian Head Spa Trusts the iRestore Elite
Hair loss can feel like an uphill battle—especially if you want options that don’t involve medications. Luckily, red light therapy (also called low-level laser therapy, or LLLT) offers a non-invasive, science-backed path to help stimulate hair follicles, slow shedding, and even boost thickness. At Elysian Head Spa, we prefer the iRestore Elite as our go-to device because of its clinical data showing meaningful results.
What is Red Light Therapy & How It Works
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light (often in the red to near-infrared spectrum) to stimulate biochemical processes in the hair follicle. Some of the mechanisms include:
Enhancing cellular energy production (mitochondrial function), which helps follicles that are weakened or miniaturized.
Improving blood flow to the scalp, which delivers more nutrients and oxygen.
Reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and prolonging the growth phase (anagen) of hair.
This light acts like a gentle “wake-up call” to follicles that still have life in them, helping to restore healthier growth without medication or aggressive treatments.
Why We Choose the iRestore Elite at Elysian Head Spa
Not all red light devices are made equal. The iRestore Elite stands out because it offers:
FDA clearance as a non-surgical, over-the-counter device for treating hair loss and thinning in both men and women.
A Significant number of laser and LED diodes: it uses 500 combined lasers + LEDs, delivering strong power output (roughly 2,500 mW) with broad scalp coverage (temples, hairline, crown) so more of the scalp gets treated in each session.
Triple-wavelength technology (around 625, 655, 680 nm) which lets different light wavelengths reach follicles at different depths and stimulate more layers of hair growth.
An efficient treatment protocol of only 12 minutes per day. For many users, that’s more feasible than longer or more frequent sessions.
What the Research Shows: Results & Expectations
Here’s a summary of what the clinical / manufacturer-backed trials and reviews are reporting for iRestore, particularly the Elite version:
Outcome
What Was Found
Hair Count Increase
A published study by iRestore report an average ~43.23% visible increase in hair count in participants vs placebo when used over a period (around 16 to 26 weeks) in both men and women.
Who It Helps
Effective for both male pattern baldness (various Norwood-Hamilton stages) and female pattern hair loss (Ludwig class I-II). Early intervention optimizing results.
Safety & Side Effects
Generally safe. If side effects do occur, they are mild and transient (e.g. warmth, temporary shedding or scalp sensitivity). No serious adverse events were reported in studies.
Timeframe for Visible Improvements
Many users begin to see changes in shedding and initial “baby hairs” by 3-6 months with consistent use. Some full density improvements may take longer.
What to Know Before Starting
Consistency is key. Skipping sessions or using irregularly tends to reduce results. The daily or near-daily regimen for several months is what has shown benefit.
Expect some shedding early on. This is sometimes reported during the first weeks. It can feel scary, but it often means the follicles are cycling and newer growth is beginning.
Set reasonable goals. If follicles are completely non-viable, as seen with advanced balding, the red light won’t be able to regenerate hair —but it can help stabilize areas that are thinning and encourage regrowth where follicles are still alive.
Combine with scalp health habits. Things like gentle hair care, proper nutrition and protein intake, managing stress, and avoiding harmful styling practices all help support the efficacy of LLLT.
