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Singapore's NTU Develops OLED 'Hat' to Combat Hair Loss

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 10:25 GMT by Newsweek
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Singapore - February 5th, 2026 - A groundbreaking development from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore is offering a new beacon of hope for the millions worldwide struggling with hair loss. Researchers have unveiled a wearable device - resembling a comfortable hat - utilizing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to stimulate hair follicles and potentially prevent, and even reverse, hair loss. The findings, initially published in the journal Small in 2024, are now showing promising results in expanded trials, paving the way for a potential commercially available treatment within the next few years.

The global hair loss market is a multi-billion dollar industry, driven by the widespread prevalence of conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) affecting both men and women. Current treatments range from topical medications like minoxidil and finasteride, to more invasive procedures such as hair transplants. These options often come with side effects or limitations, leaving many seeking alternative, non-invasive solutions. This is where the NTU's OLED hat steps in.

The core principle behind the device is the stimulation of hair follicles using red light therapy. This concept isn't entirely new. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as red light therapy, has been used for years to promote hair growth. However, the NTU team, led by Associate Professor Peter Wong, has significantly refined this approach. "Existing LLLT devices are often bulky, require stationary treatment sessions, and can lack precise targeting," explains Li Zhang, co-author of the initial study. "Our OLED device offers a distinct advantage in terms of comfort, portability, and focused delivery."

The device itself is a marvel of flexible electronics. Constructed with multiple layers - a flexible substrate ensuring comfortable wear, a light-emitting layer housing the OLEDs, and an electrode layer for power distribution - it's designed to conform to the shape of the head. The OLEDs emit red light at a wavelength of 630 nanometers, a frequency specifically chosen for its effectiveness in stimulating hair follicles. This wavelength penetrates the scalp and encourages cellular activity within the follicles, promoting hair growth and combating the shrinking of follicles which is a hallmark of hair loss.

Initial studies conducted on mice demonstrated remarkable results. Researchers observed a significant increase in hair growth and a reduction in follicle shrinkage in the test subjects exposed to the OLED hat. While promising, these pre-clinical trials were just the first step. Since the initial publication, NTU has been conducting larger-scale human trials. Early results from these trials, shared exclusively with this publication, indicate comparable positive effects in human subjects. Participants experienced noticeable improvements in hair density and thickness after several months of consistent use.

Beyond hair loss, the research team is exploring the potential of this OLED technology for a wider range of applications. The underlying principle of targeted light therapy could be adapted to treat other conditions characterized by cellular dysfunction, such as chronic skin inflammation, accelerating wound healing, and even potentially addressing certain dermatological conditions. Professor Wong stated, "We envision a future where wearable OLED devices become commonplace in personalized healthcare, offering targeted therapies for a variety of ailments."

However, challenges remain. The long-term effects of prolonged OLED exposure need to be thoroughly investigated. Ensuring the device's durability and affordability are also crucial for widespread adoption. The team is currently working on optimizing the device's power consumption to extend battery life and reduce operational costs. Manufacturing scalability is also a key focus.

The next phase of research will involve extended clinical trials with a larger and more diverse participant group. Researchers are also investigating personalized treatment protocols, tailoring the intensity and duration of light exposure to individual needs. The NTU team is actively seeking partnerships with industry leaders to accelerate the commercialization process, with a projected market launch tentatively scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028. While still in its early stages, the OLED hat represents a significant leap forward in the field of hair loss treatment, offering a potentially effective, non-invasive, and convenient solution for a widespread and often debilitating condition.