Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and hair growth: Discover the benefits
Boost hair health with oxygen therapy that supports growth and healing
Hair loss is more common than most people realize. Around 85% of men and 33% of women will experience it at some point in their lives. For men, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) accounts for about 95% of cases. By age 35, over 65% of men will have noticeable hair loss, and by age 50, that number jumps to 85%. [1]
As more people seek natural and effective ways to manage thinning hair, one unexpected option is gaining traction: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Typically known for its use in wound healing and recovery, HBOT is now being explored for its ability to improve scalp health, boost circulation, and support hair growth.
Continue reading to learn more about HBOT and how it may help improve the health of your hair.
What is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing your body to take in more oxygen than it would at normal air pressure. This increased oxygen intake boosts circulation, promotes tissue repair, and supports cellular function throughout the body, including the scalp.
Can HBOT help with hair growth?
With hair loss affecting the majority of men and many women, innovative therapies like HBOT are becoming part of the conversation. While individual results may vary, HBOT may support hair restoration in several meaningful ways:
- Boosts circulation: More oxygen in the blood means better delivery of nutrients to hair follicles, which may help wake up dormant follicles and support growth.
- Calms inflammation: A calmer, healthier scalp environment can promote stronger, more consistent hair cycles.
- Speeds up healing: For individuals recovering from procedures such as hair transplants, HBOT may help reduce swelling and promote a faster recovery.
- Supports healthy cell activity: Oxygen plays a vital role in tissue repair, which can benefit scalp health and the function of hair follicles.
Related resource:
How does HBOT help with hair transplant recovery?
What does the research say?
Early studies suggest that HBOT may be a helpful add-on for people undergoing hair restoration, especially after hair transplants. In one clinical study, 34 patients with hair loss were split into two groups. One group received standard hair transplant surgery, while the other also received HBOT for seven days after the procedure. The results showed that the HBOT group had:
- Less itching and folliculitis (11.8% vs. 35.3%)
- Much lower rates of temporary hair shedding after surgery (27.6% vs. 69.1%)
- Greater satisfaction with early results (88.2% vs. 52.9%)
While long-term hair growth was similar between the two groups, the HBOT group experienced a smoother and more comfortable recovery overall. [2]
Who might benefit from HBOT for hair?
HBOT may be worth exploring if you are experiencing the following:
- Recovering from a hair transplant and want to enhance healing and graft survival
- Have traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, or other non-scarring types of hair loss
- Experience slow hair regrowth due to aging, stress, or poor circulation
- Want to support your overall scalp health in combination with other treatments
Hair restoration specialists, such as those at Bauman Medical, have incorporated HBOT into post-operative care routines to speed up recovery time and improve hair transplant results.
What to expect during treatment
During HBOT, you’ll relax inside a specially designed pressurized chamber for about 60–90 minutes. You’ll breathe pure oxygen while reclining or sitting comfortably. The session is non-invasive and painless, allowing many patients to use the time to read or watch videos.
For hair-related benefits, a series of treatments is typically recommended, often administered several times a week over a period of one month or more. As with any wellness therapy, individual results may vary.
A growing solution for hair health
Although more research is needed to confirm the full extent of its benefits, early results and patient feedback suggest that HBOT may offer real promise for those seeking fuller, healthier hair. Whether used as a stand-alone option or in combination with other therapies, it could be an innovative way to revitalize your scalp and support natural hair growth.
How we can help
At the Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we are committed to supporting your healing journey. With our qualified team, highest safety standards, comfortable environment, and commitment to welcoming all patients, our goal is to prioritize your needs and ensure they are met throughout your experience at our centers in Orlando and New Smyrna Beach.
Our state-of-the-art Sechrist 3600 monoplane hyperbaric chambers are made of clear acrylic and feature streaming capabilities, allowing you to relax and watch your favorite TV show during treatment.
Our team of hyperbaric specialists is ready to answer any questions you may have before undergoing treatment! We welcome you to contact us today.
