In Korea, a hat against hair loss has been created

South Korean scientists are developing a flexible light therapy cap that could become a new method for combating hair loss.

In laboratory experiments, the technology suppressed age-related changes in hair follicle cells by nearly 92% compared to untreated samples. The work was published in the journal Nature Communications (NatCom).

The development was created by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology with support from City University of Hong Kong. The device is based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that emit near-infrared light in the 730–740 nanometer range. According to the authors, this spectrum is optimal for activating dermal papilla cells - key structures at the base of the hair follicle responsible for hair growth.

"Since OLED panels are thin and flexible, they can closely conform to the curved surface of the scalp, providing uniform light stimulation across the entire area," explained electrical engineer Keon Jae Lee from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Unlike existing light therapy "helmets" that use lasers or conventional LEDs and appear bulky, the new system can be integrated into a soft, flexible cap. Light is distributed more evenly, potentially increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Under laboratory conditions, scientists evaluated the effect of radiation on human dermal papilla cells. With age, these cells begin to produce an aging marker - β-galactosidase. This enzyme is used to assess the effectiveness of anti-aging and hair loss treatments. According to the researchers, exposure to tuned infrared light significantly reduced the level of this marker - by 92% compared to the control group. The effect was more pronounced than with red light used in some existing devices.

Today, only a few approved therapy methods are available. Minoxidil slows hair loss but does not help everyone.

The drug finasteride can be effective but is associated with a risk of side effects and is not used in women. Therefore, interest in low-level light therapy has been growing in recent years.

"Going forward, we plan to confirm the safety and efficacy of the technology in preclinical studies and gradually evaluate its therapeutic potential," noted Lee.

The developers are also working on creating a fully washable version of the device suitable for everyday use.