FoLix: What You Need to Know
What to expect
Good candidates
Safety & side effects
Fast facts
Folix by Lumenis is the first nonablative fractional laser to be FDA cleared as a hair loss treatment.Â
It works by delivering laser energy into the scalp’s dermal layer, without damaging the surface. Controlled heat triggers a natural healing response that boosts blood flow and activates cytokine activity and promotes collagen synthesis (new collagen formation), to stimulate hair follicles.Â
In the weeks post-treatment, you should start to notice new hair growth and a healthier look to the hair you already had.Â
Clinical studies by Lumenis show an increase in the number of hairs and an improvement in hair appearance, with minimal discomfort: 1–2 on a scale of 10 (with 10 being the worst possible pain).Â
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva offers FoLix at the LEA Aesthetics Lab, her practice in Newport Beach, California. She says they’ve had “very positive feedback from patients undergoing Folix treatments. The majority begin to notice new hair growth after 3 to 4 monthly sessions, with optimal results typically seen after a series of 6. Because it’s a newer technology, some patients start conservatively with 4 treatments—but visible results often motivate them to complete the full series.”
As Dr. Ho Taghva explains, “what makes FoLix especially exciting is that, unlike topical treatments like minoxidil that require ongoing daily use to maintain results, FoLix stimulates natural follicular regrowth by triggering a healing response. It increases blood flow, enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to the scalp, and activates cytokine signaling to reawaken dormant follicles. The effect is regenerative, not just maintenance-based.”
How does it compare to other nonsurgical options? Dr. Ho Taghva says her practice “offered PRP injections in the past with some success, but we did not see the same level of consistent responses we see when compared to Folix. PRP injections are also a lot more painful,” which is why her practice no longer offers them.Â
This relatively new treatment option is becoming more widely available across the U.S., Canada, Israel, Hong Kong, and the UAE.
Pros
- Unlike most hair loss treatments, FoLix involves no chemicals, needles, anesthesia, or surgery, making it an appealing choice for people who prefer more natural solutions.Â
- It’s a “lunchtime treatment” that takes just 30 minutes, with no downtime afterward.
- Results are backed up by clinical studies involving over 120 patients.
Cons
- As with most noninvasive treatments, this isn’t a one-and-done solution. Lumenis recommends a series of 4 to 6 monthly sessions for the best results. You’ll also need to plan for 2 to 3 maintenance sessions a year to keep them up.
- Like many lasers, this one isn’t FDA cleared for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types V or VI (dark or deeply pigmented brown skin).
Your provider should ask you to arrive at your appointment with a clean and dry scalp, with no hair care or styling products.
Each session takes about 30 minutes. First, you’ll lay down and put on protective eyewear to shield your eyes. The treatment is comfortable enough that you won’t need anesthesia.Â
Once you’re prepped, your provider will systematically move the laser’s tip across your scalp, focusing on the areas where you’re most concerned about thinning.Â
FoLix can treat any part of the scalp, but these are some of the most common areas:
- The hairline and temples, if you have a receding hairline
- The crown (back of the head), especially if you have androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss)
- The mid-scalp, especially if you have androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss)Â
The Folix device’s proprietary technology keeps the laser’s energy at a consistent level to maximize results, while the FoliCool tip cools the scalp to minimize discomfort. Patients often describe the sensation as warm prickles.
Once you’re done, you’ll be free to resume normal activities with no downtime.
According to Dr. Ho Taghva, "some mild shedding may occur in the first couple of days post treatment, but we’ve found that with refined technique, this can be minimized—making the outcome somewhat operator-dependent.” If you experience shedding, know that it’s temporary: it will grow back.
To get the best results, Dr. Ho Taghva recommends “pairing FoLix with Nutrafol supplements and Plated Hair serum for enhanced, synergistic results.”
People of all genders and Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV can be good candidates for FoLix treatments. The best candidates have early to mid-stage hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. It can be an especially good option for those with post-partum or age-related thinning or shedding.
According to Dr. Ho Taghva, “Results tend to be more visibly dramatic in men due to shorter hair, but we’re seeing excellent outcomes in women as well.
FoLix isn’t recommended for people with cancer, a history of skin cancer, or pre-cancerous lesions in the treatment area. Those with active infections, or fungal or bacterial diseases, will need to resolve those issues before considering this treatment.Â
Consult with an experienced provider who offers FoLix and other hair restoration options to discuss whether this one is the best choice for you.Â
The FDA-cleared FoLix laser is widely considered safe and effective for people who are good candidates.Â
Its proprietary technologies are designed to optimize energy delivery and coverage to maximize results, with contact cooling that makes the treatment more comfortable.
There’s no downtime, but temporary side effects can include redness, swelling, and shedding in the treatment area.Â
Scarring or pigmentation changes are rare but possible. A provider who has several years of laser treatment experience will know how to minimize the chance of these kinds of side effects.
Updated June 18, 2025