Red light therapy (LLLT), minoxidil, and finasteride are three of the most popular treatments for hair loss — but can you use them together?
The short answer is: yes, you can combine them, and in many cases, this may lead to better outcomes than using any one of them alone.
That’s because each therapy works differently:
Red light therapy increases ATP production in hair follicle cells, improves blood flow, and reduces inflammation — essentially supporting a healthy scalp environment for hair growth.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator that increases blood flow to the follicles and extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a primary hormone involved in male pattern baldness.
Since these therapies don’t overlap in their mechanisms, there’s no direct conflict in using them together. In fact, some dermatologists recommend a stacked protocol — finasteride internally, minoxidil topically, and red light therapy as a supportive, non-pharmaceutical booster.
A 2014 study published in Lasers in Medical Science showed that combining red light therapy with 5% topical minoxidil led to higher hair density improvements than either treatment alone. Similar results have been observed in anecdotal reports and clinic-based regimens.
The main benefit of adding red light therapy to a pharmaceutical routine is that it’s:
🔹 Non-invasive
🔹 Drug-free
🔹 Free from systemic side effects
However, there are a few things to consider:
Apply minoxidil first, then wait for it to fully absorb and dry before using red light. This prevents light from being blocked by the topical solution.
Red light therapy doesn’t replace finasteride’s hormonal effects. If you’re experiencing DHT-driven hair loss, you’ll still need to address that root cause if you choose not to use finasteride.
Results take time. Most people begin noticing improvements after 3–6 months of consistent use across all treatments.
For those wary of pharmaceutical treatments, red light therapy offers a low-risk option to try first — or as an addition if progress has plateaued.
