Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy For Hair Loss

PEMF works by moving calcium in and out of cells, activating cellular pathways that improve the metabolic activity within the scalp’s hair follicles. It’s specifically been shown to  promote hair growth by triggering the proliferation and migration of dermal papilla cells, which support hair formation. This is believed to support hair growth and improve scalp health, resulting in increased hair thickness and density. PEMF also helps prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle, helping prevent hair shedding and premature hair loss.

PEMF therapy has shown it can stop hair loss in almost all users, and promote hair growth in the vast majority. It’s been shown to work for people with androgenetic alopecia and chemotherapy-associated hair loss, as well as individuals experiencing mild symptoms of generalized hair loss, such as hair thinning and hair shedding.

Like other hair loss treatments, results from PEMF treatments vary from person to person and are somewhat dependent on the hair growth cycle. Studies generally show improvements such as reduced hair shedding and improved hair growth around 3-4 months after treatment, with major improvements after about 6 months. Notably, long-term studies have shown continuous improvements in hair regrowth, even after over a year (16 months) of treatment.

PEMF has also been shown to stop hair loss in almost all users, including people with conditions like androgenetic alopecia and chemotherapy-associated hair loss. For example, one study showed that over 96% of participants experienced no further hair loss after about 6 months of PEMF treatments​. PEMF was also shown to prevent chemotherapy-associated hair loss in 92% of participants when used as before, during, and after chemotherapy.

Clinical grade PEMF devices are used semi-regularly, with treatments initially once or twice a week, then declining in frequency over time. These devices are used to treat androgenetic alopecia and chemotherapy-associated hair loss. Home-use PEMF devices, which are intended to counteract hair thinning and shedding, are used more frequently.  For best results, these devices should be used daily. StimuField recommends 30-minute treatment sessions each day.

PEMF hair therapy devices come in several forms, including in-clinic systems and portable home-use devices. In-clinic PEMF devices are typically intended to be used for specific types of hair loss and treatments are administered under the supervision of trained clinicians. These PEMF devices may be combined with other hair loss treatments, like laser hair therapy. 

PEMF devices for home use, such as StimuField, are intended to support hair and scalp health and counteract early signs of hair loss, such as hair thinning and hair shedding. These wearable devices target the scalp with low-frequency electromagnetic pulses. PEMF hats are similar in appearance to LLLT hats, like Capillus, but deliver PEMF technology instead.

PEMF therapy is generally safe. In fact, no side effects have been attributed to the use of PEMF therapy for hair loss when used as a stand-alone treatment for androgenetic alopecia or chemotherapy-associated hair loss.   

Reports of side effects in studies that combined PEMF with other hair loss treatments — such as low-level laser therapy or topical solutions — suggest that the side effects are more likely linked to the additional therapies instead of PEMF itself. The side effects, which were mild and included issues such as skin sensitivity, redness, and itchiness, seemed more likely to be associated with the light or topical agents rather than the electromagnetic pulses.

At-home PEMF therapy devices can cost considerably less than the price of long-term in-office treatments. However, depending on the device, they can be quite costly as well. They can range from $250 USD to $50,000 USD! In general, smaller PEMF devices like PEMF headbands and PEMF pads are cheaper, while larger devices, such as PEMF mats and PEMF beds tend to cost 4 figures or more.

There is currently only one PEMF therapy device sold for hair rejuvination. The price of this device, StimuField, depends on where you’ve purchased it. Buying a device directly through the manufacturer costs about $900, but a third of this cost is reimbursable if you submit before and after photos. You can also buy a StimuField device through your dermatologist or aesthetician, but the amount they charge for this PEMF wearable can vary.