Hair restoration is booming as more people across different genders and ages seek solutions for thinning hair and hair loss. The global hair thinning market size is projected to reach $2.75 billion by 2030 and, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, nearly 160 million people have, have had, or will have alopecia areata, including nearly 7 million people in the United States. With minimally invasive options gaining popularity, skin, hair, and wellness professionals can expand their offerings to embrace treatments that resonate with both cosmetic and wellness goals.
Among these innovations, LED light therapy (also known as low-level light therapy) stands out. It offers a nonsurgical, painless modality backed by credible clinical evidence and is a natural extension for skin and wellness clinics aiming to diversify.
AT THE ROOT
Hair loss can arise from a wide range of underlying causes, many of which overlap and compound one another. Genetics plays the most prominent role, with androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as pattern hair loss, remaining the leading cause for both men and women.
Hormonal shifts are another significant factor, particularly during life stages such as pregnancy and menopause or in the presence of thyroid imbalances and heightened androgen activity. Stress and lifestyle choices contribute as well, with chronic stress, nutrient deficiencies, and poor sleep patterns all accelerating the shedding process. The natural aging process also plays a part, as hair follicles gradually miniaturize and produce thinner strands over time. Finally, medical factors such as autoimmune diseases, chronic illness, or the side effects of certain medications can further disrupt normal hair growth cycles.
There are also several distinct types of hair loss that professionals should be aware of when assessing client concerns. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common, manifesting as progressive thinning that follows a recognizable pattern in both men and women. Telogen effluvium, by contrast, often occurs after a period of stress, illness, or hormonal change, and results in diffuse shedding across the scalp. Alopecia areata presents differently, creating sudden, patchy areas of loss due to autoimmune attack on the follicles. The most severe form is cicatricial alopecia, in which scarring destroys the follicle entirely, leading to permanent loss in affected areas.
Emotional Impact
Hair loss erodes self-confidence and can affect identity and social well-being. Restoring hair is not just cosmetic but deeply emotional, making hair restoration one of the most gratifying services practitioners can offer.
LEAVE IT TO THE PROS
A layered treatment strategy yields the best results. At its core, LED therapy is a highly reliable scaffold, supporting and enhancing other interventions.
LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy has become one of the most widely researched and clinically validated tools for hair restoration. Studies consistently show that it stimulates follicular activity, improves circulation to the scalp, and helps delay the miniaturization process that leads to thinning hair. When applied regularly, red and near-infrared light can encourage dormant follicles back into an active growth phase, resulting in measurable increases in both hair density and thickness.
Importantly, this therapy has been proven to be safe, comfortable, and well-tolerated by clients, with no downtime or significant side effects. Beyond simply maintaining the health of existing hair, light therapy has demonstrated the ability to improve overall scalp environment, making it an excellent foundation for any comprehensive hair restoration program. As a noninvasive modality, it integrates seamlessly with other in-spa treatments and at-home regimens, allowing practitioners to deliver visible, confidence-boosting results without stepping outside their professional scope.
Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses confirm that low-level light therapy stimulates follicular activity, improves hair density, and delays follicular miniaturization.
Research published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine in 2013 demonstrated significant increases in both hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia patients after 24 weeks of treatment with a helmet-type LED device. In 2014, the same journal confirmed safety and efficacy in a double-blind, sham-controlled study, showing visible increases in hair count over 16 weeks. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine also published systematic review in 2014, concluding that FDA-cleared low-level light therapy devices significantly increase hair density compared to controls. In 2019, Annals of Dermatology published mechanistic evidence that 650-nanometer LED light delayed the catagen phase and promoted follicle proliferation in ex vivo human models. These studies collectively support low-level light therapy as a scientifically validated, noninvasive foundation for hair restoration.
Microneedling
Microneedling has gained significant traction in hair restoration as a technique that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the scalp, this treatment triggers the release of growth factors that help awaken dormant follicles and encourage new hair growth. At the same time, these microchannels improve the penetration of topical products, allowing active ingredients to reach deeper into the scalp where they can have the most impact. In clinical practice, microneedling is often paired with nutrient serums or regenerative solutions, amplifying results beyond what either therapy could achieve alone.
Research has shown that when combined with growth factors, microneedling produces notable increases in hair density compared to topical treatments on their own, making it an excellent choice for practitioners who want to enhance outcomes within a comprehensive program.
Hydrodermabrasion
Hydrodermabrasion scalp treatments take a different approach, focusing on creating the healthiest skin environment for hair to thrive. Just as exfoliation and hydration are vital for radiant skin, the scalp benefits from treatments that remove keratin buildup, soothe irritation, and replenish essential moisture.
A hydrodermabrasion session gently exfoliates the scalp, clearing away dead skin cells and debris that can clog follicles, while simultaneously infusing hydration and nutrients. This combination not only revitalizes the scalp but also prepares it to better absorb and respond to other hair restoration therapies. In many practices, hydrodermabrasion treatments serve as a valuable complement to LED therapy or microneedling, ensuring the scalp is primed for growth.
INGREDIENT INSIGHTS
Topical solutions also play an important role in supporting hair restoration both in the clinic and at home. Peptide serums, for example, provide targeted nourishment that encourages follicular activation and strengthens the hair shaft. Minoxidil-based formulas remain one of the most widely recognized FDA-approved treatments, helping extend the growth phase of hair follicles. Botanical and nutrient-rich scalp care formulas can also help balance inflammation, improve scalp circulation, and support overall follicle vitality. These products not only serve as adjuncts to in-spa treatments but also empower clients to actively participate in their own results between sessions.
Look for ingredients like Redensyl™. This utilizes glycine and zinc technology that helps support follicle health, reactivating the growth phase. Capixyl™ is a a peptide-rich dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitor and hair-nourishing technology that stops thinning hair and promotes growth. Anargy™ is a plant-based protein technology that nourishes, protects, and detoxifies the hair root, helping reactivate the hair growth cycle. Niacinimide (vitamin B3 supports healthy skin on the scalp. Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a bio-nutrient that supports hair growth. Caffeine promotes blood circulation and enhances nutrient delivery to follicles. Panthenol improves hydration, prevents dryness, and can have a thickening effect on hair strands for the appearance of fuller and thicker hair.
Other Treatments & Modalities
For those working in medical settings or in collaboration with medical professionals, advanced therapies are becoming increasingly popular. Exosome therapy, which harnesses cell-derived vesicles that carry regenerative signals, represents a cutting-edge approach with the potential to stimulate follicle regeneration at a cellular level. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, meanwhile, involves extracting a patient’s own platelets and injecting them into the scalp to release growth factors directly where they are needed most. Both treatments require specialized training and medical oversight, but when incorporated appropriately, they can significantly amplify the effectiveness of a hair restoration program. For nonmedical professionals, LED therapy remains the safest, most effective evidence-based intervention within scope.
CONTINUED CARE
One of the most effective ways to ensure lasting results for clients is to extend their care beyond the treatment room. At-home support not only reinforces professional treatments but also empowers clients to take an active role in their own progress. Offering a curated selection of scalp health products, such as gentle cleansers that prevent buildup or restoring growth serums that can be used daily, helps encourage an at-home routine.
Oral supplements are another important tool, with options like biotin, zinc, vitamin D, and collagen supporting hair health from the inside out. Many practitioners also choose to create custom hair regrowth kits that bundle together topical serums, nutritional support, and at-home LED devices. These comprehensive packages give clients a convenient way to stay consistent, while also providing practices with a reliable stream of retail revenue. The combination of in-spa treatments and carefully selected homecare products creates a powerful synergy that maximizes outcomes.
KEEP CLIENTS IN THE LOOP
Client education is one of the most important aspects of a successful hair restoration program. Because hair grows slowly and results do not happen overnight, setting realistic expectations is critical. Clinical studies consistently show that it takes between 16 and 24 weeks before most clients see visible improvements, so helping them understand this timeline from the start builds trust and patience.
Consistency is another key factor. Regular in-spa LED sessions combined with a disciplined homecare routine will deliver far better outcomes than sporadic efforts. Documenting progress with before-and-after photography can also be extremely valuable, as it allows clients to see visible the improvements they may not notice day-to-day. This will also reassure them that their investment is working. When clients understand the process, they are more likely to remain committed, which leads to both better results and stronger long-term relationships.
STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS
Adding hair restoration services to a service menu is not just a clinical decision; it is a powerful business strategy. Marketing these treatments effectively can help professionals reach a wide range of clients, since hair loss affects both men and women. In fact, nearly 40% of women will experience noticeable thinning at some point, making it essential that messaging speaks to all genders.
Building partnerships with local hairstylists and salons can also open referral opportunities, as stylists are often the first to notice when a client’s hair begins to thin. Social media platforms provide another valuable avenue, allowing the sharing of transformation stories and compelling before-and-after images that resonate strongly with prospective clients. Offering consultations as an easy, low-barrier entry point can help attract new clients who may be hesitant but curious. With the right marketing approach, hair restoration services can become a major driver of both new business and repeat revenue.
By incorporating hair restoration into a practice anchored by the proven benefits of LED therapy, professionals position themselves as a trusted authority in both aesthetics and wellness. Light therapy is safe, effective, and supported by scientific research, making it an ideal foundation for a comprehensive approach that can also include topical solutions, microneedling, or advanced medical therapies through collaborative care.
Most importantly, addressing a confidence-related concern such as hair loss allows the professional to make a visible, life-changing difference in clients’ lives. Offering these solutions not only improves client satisfaction and outcomes but also deepens loyalty and enhances professional credibility. In an expanding market where demand continues to rise, positioning oneself as a hair restoration expert helps ensure both the growth of a practice and the long-term trust of the clients it serves.
References
- Gupta, A. K., and D. Daigle. “The Use of Low-Level Light Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss: A Systematic Review.” Lasers in Medical Science 29, no. 2 (2014): 629–38. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1468-6.
- Hwang, E., D. G. Lee, I. S. Lee, and S. Y. Kim. “Effects of 650-nm Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Hair Growth in Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells.” Annals of Dermatology 31, no. 4 (2019): 421–27. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2019.31.4.421.
- Kim, W. S., H. I. Lee, J. W. Lee, Y. C. Lim, B. J. Kim, and M. N. Kim. “The Effect of a Low-Level Laser Therapy on Hair Growth: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine45, no. 8 (2013): 495–503. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22173.
- Lanzafame, R. J., R. R. Blanche, A. B. Bodian, R. P. Chiacchierini, A. C. Fernandez-Obregon, and E. R. Kazmirek. “The Growth of Human Scalp Hair Mediated by Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources in Males.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 46, no. 8 (2014): 601–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22277.
- Lee, W. S., S. H. Lee, and D. W. Kim. “Efficacy of Microneedling Therapy Combined with Growth Factors for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Dermatological Treatment 29, no. 4 (2018): 373–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2017.1385867.
- Gupta, A. K., and D. Daigle. “The Use of Low-Level Light Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss: A Systematic Review.” Lasers in Medical Science 29, no. 2 (2014): 629–38. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1468-6.
- Hwang, E., D. G. Lee, I. S. Lee, and S. Y. Kim. “Effects of 650-nm Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Hair Growth in Human Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells.” Annals of Dermatology 31, no. 4 (2019): 421–27. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2019.31.4.421.
- Kim, W. S., H. I. Lee, J. W. Lee, Y. C. Lim, B. J. Kim, and M. N. Kim. “The Effect of a Low-Level Laser Therapy on Hair Growth: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine45, no. 8 (2013): 495–503. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22173.
- Lanzafame, R. J., R. R. Blanche, A. B. Bodian, R. P. Chiacchierini, A. C. Fernandez-Obregon, and E. R. Kazmirek. “The Growth of Human Scalp Hair Mediated by Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources in Males.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 46, no. 8 (2014): 601–7. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22277.
- Lee, W. S., S. H. Lee, and D. W. Kim. “Efficacy of Microneedling Therapy Combined with Growth Factors for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Dermatological Treatment 29, no. 4 (2018): 373–78. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2017.1385867.
Annet King has more than 25 years of clinical education and sales management experience and is a dynamic and highly skilled, senior executive leader in the professional skin, spa, and medical spa industry. She is internationally renowned and recognized as an industry leader, brand spokesperson, and master educator. King is currently the vice president of global sales for BioPhotas and the award-winning Celluma Series of light therapy devices.
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