For most people, hair care is all about the strand, but as expert hairdresser and trend consultant, Tom Smith, knows the secret to healthy hair lies in your scalp. Whether you’re longing for longer locks or experiencing hair thinning or loss, learn how red light therapy targets the root of the problem (literally).
Why is scalp health important for hair growth?
Just as a plant needs nutrient-rich, fertile soil to thrive, hair follicles need a healthy scalp environment to produce strong, healthy hair. Tom explains: “A good scalp environment creates the proper foundations for strong and healthy hair growth with clear and well-functioning follicles, allowing your hair to grow effectively”.
A healthy scalp has good circulation, allowing a strong supply of oxygen and essential nutrients to flow to follicles and fuel new growth. Inflammation, product build-up and flaky scalp conditions such as dandruff can all lead to clogged follicles, limiting their function and leading to thinner, weaker hair over time.
What are the signs of an unhealthy scalp?
An unhealthy scalp can manifest in a number of ways. The first sign is often a change in sensation, including “itchiness or tenderness, or just a general feeling of tightness or sensitivity.” Tom explains: “You might notice flakiness or excessive oiliness as your scalp tries to combat whatever has irritated it.” Changes may also include “an increase in hair shedding when washing or brushing your hair, or more tangles when styling”.
How to improve scalp health
Scalp health is influenced by a combination of internal, external and lifestyle factors, including stress, medications and diet—”a balanced microbiome is vital for a healthy scalp, and so a balanced, healthy diet can really help. Many people notice negative changes in their scalp health when their consumption of alcohol, refined sugars or dairy increases.”
Infrequent hair washing can also contribute to poor scalp health, as oil, dead skin cells and product residue build up. Tom recommends regular shampooing to remove impurities and bacteria, maintaining a healthy, comfortable scalp environment.
Red light therapy for hair growth
Red light therapy improves scalp health by penetrating the skin and energising cells. This boosts blood flow and reduces inflammation, creating a healthy environment for hair follicles, while fueling them with the energy to stay in the growth phase for longer.
Tom explains: “Hydration levels and general scalp condition can be improved by up to 15% in just 12 weeks of consistent use of red light therapy”. The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Growth Helmet provides full scalp coverage for optimum results—think thicker, stronger strands. According to Tom, “A better overall balance to your scalp skin will likely be the first thing you notice,” as a calming of redness and reduced oil production are some of the early benefits of red light therapy. “Your hair will begin to feel stronger after a few weeks, and you’ll notice more shine.”
Red light therapy scalp treatments for healthy hair growth
For best results, Tom recommends just 10 minutes of red light therapy a day: ”Hair grows slowly, and while red light can optimise this, it’s not going to grow your hair inches overnight!”, adding that a “daily dose is the best way to enhance your scalp and hair in the long term.”
As is usually the case, consistency is key—Tom suggests habit stacking to encourage regular use, building sessions into your daily routine, whether your morning ritual or evening wind-down. “I have clients who wear the device while watching TV in the evenings, and others who wear it while preparing their evening meal. 10 minutes go very fast while you’re distracted doing something else”.
Invest in your scalp care routine, and your hair will thank you—lay the foundations for healthy hair growth with red light therapy and achieve fuller, stronger hair at home.
