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These days it feels like red-light therapy is the Swiss Army knife of skin care: It can help reduce fine lines, quell inflammation and redness, and even minimize acne. Another potential perk? The best red-light therapy devices for hair growth can also help stimulate the follicles to improve overall density and thickness.
Vogue’s Favorite Red-Light Therapy Devices for Hair Growth:
Ali Shahbaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, says research suggests that using red light on your scalp may indeed improve natural regrowth with consistent use. For the best effects, opt for a cap, comb, or helmet from a reputable manufacturer. To help us determine the best red-light therapy for hair growth, we asked a number of dermatologists to weigh in on all there is to know and consider.
In This Story:
Best Overall: CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet
- Why We Love It: The unique shape of this red-light helmet gives you complete and optimal scalp coverage. Based on the results of clinical testing, CurrentBody claims that using this red-light hat for 10 minutes daily can increase the hair growth rate by 128% in 12 weeks. Nicole Ruth, DO, a board-certified New York dermatologist, previously told Vogue: “As a dermatologist, I love the CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet for its evidence-based use of red-light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and prolong the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair cycle.” She added that with consistent use, the device can improve hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse thinning. “It offers a safe, noninvasive adjunct to topical and systemic treatments.” Read one Vogue contributor’s full review here, as well.
- Red-Light Wavelength: 620–660nm
- Device Type: Helmet
- Target Treatment Area: Head
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Specs: Various helmet sizes available, LED light diodes, FSA/HSA eligible
Best Hat: HigherDOSE Red Light Therapy Hat for Hair Growth
- Why We Love It: From a company well-known for its high-quality light-therapy products, this red-light hat is an easy-to-wear device designed to promote scalp and hair health by increasing blood circulation to the scalp. What’s more, it may strengthen hair at the root and even prevent shedding.
- Red-Light Wavelength: 650nm
- Device Type: Hat
- Target Treatment Area: Head/scalp
- Treatment Time: 10 minutes
- Specs: FDA cleared, one-year warranty, 120 medical-grade LED bulbs
Best Helmet: iRestore Essential Laser Red Light Therapy Cap for Hair Growth
- Why We Love It: This red-light cap is a favorite among a few of the dermatologists we spoke to. Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified New York dermatologist, says that she appreciates that it uses a combination of both diode lasers and LED, and she’s seen improvements with her own patients after they’ve used the iRestore Cap.
- Red-Light Wavelength: 655nm
- Device Type: Cap
- Target Treatment Area: Head
- Treatment Time: 25 minutes
- Specs: 600mW, 120 light diodes (51 lasers and 69 LEDs), two-year manufacturer’s warranty, FSA/HSA eligible
Best for Medical-Grade Lasers: Capillus Ultra Mobile Laser Therapy Cap for Hair Regrowth
- Why We Love It: Dr. Shahbaz highly recommends this easy-to-use cap as it features low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles and encourage natural regrowth. He loves that it’s hands-free, features 112 medical-grade lasers (not LEDs), has a discreet design, includes multiple power levels, and offers excellent scalp coverage.
- Red-Light Wavelength: 650 nm
- Device Type: Hat
- Target Treatment Area: Head
- Treatment Time: 6 minutes (auto-programmed)
- Specs: 5mW laser, continuous output, head circumference of up to 23 inches, one-year limited warranty, FSA/HSA eligible
Best for Androgenetic Alopecia: Theradome PRO Laser Hair Growth Helmet LH80
- Why We Love It: This fully cordless hair-growth helmet features a laser-only design for deeper follicular stimulation, says Dr. Shahbaz. He loves that this device has a high laser count, ease of use, and, in his experience, good patient adherence. Plus, based on clinical research, the brand claims this device is effective at stopping hair loss and promoting regrowth for 98% of men and women with androgenetic alopecia.
- Red-Light Wavelength: 680nm
- Device Type: Helmet
- Target Treatment Area: Head
- Treatment Time: 20 minutes
- Specs: FDA-cleared, six-month money-back guarantee, 80 lasers, FSA/HSA eligible
Everything You Need to Know
Does red-light therapy actually help with hair loss?
In short, yes, it does. Research suggests “it can help increase hair count, thickness, and density,” says board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist Lauren Moy, MD, especially for androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss). “However, it also depends on how severe the hair loss is,” she notes. “If it is very severe or scarring, it may not be as effective.”
Dr. Castilla adds that there is less evidence for its benefits in other types of hair loss, like alopecia areata or scarring alopecias. Plus, efficacy really depends on the device and how consistently it is used.
What wavelength of red light is best for hair growth?
“The wavelength and power output of the device are critical factors in determining whether it will be effective,” says Dr. Castilla. “If insufficient energy reaches the scalp, the device is unlikely to produce results.”
With that in mind, she suggests seeking red-light hats with wavelengths of 630 to 670nm—noting that some studies cite 650nm as the best wavelength.
“This range of wavelengths stimulates hair follicles by increasing circulation to the scalp and stimulating cells responsible for cell turnover and hair growth,” says Dr. Moy. “It also helps reduce inflammation and increase the healing process.”
What’s more, Dr. Castilla adds, “devices that use low-level laser diodes tend to be more effective than those using LED lights. Diode lasers can penetrate deeper into the skin, better targeting the hair follicle level than LED lights.”
How to use red-light therapy for hair loss
“Consistency and persistence are the keys to success,” says Dr. Castilla. To really see the impact, she suggests using red-light therapy at least two to three times per week for at least six months before evaluating any improvement. “It’s important to understand that any improvements you see with red light must be maintained through continued use,” she says. “If treatment is discontinued, hair loss will likely resume as it would have without intervention. It shouldn’t be worse, but it would slowly regress to where it would have gone naturally.”
Dr. Castilla and Dr. Moy both note that hair-loss treatments work best in combination with topical treatments or oral medications such as the best vitamins for hair growth. What’s more, “starting treatment early is also important, as most therapies are more effective at strengthening and preserving existing hair rather than growing new hair,” says Dr. Castilla.
Is red-light therapy for hair loss safe?
“Yes, it’s generally considered very safe, noninvasive, and well tolerated when used properly,” says Dr. Shahbaz. While rare, potential side effects may include temporary scalp warmth or tingling and mild scalp redness or irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.
However, some autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or medications that cause sensitivity to light, can worsen with red light, notes Dr. Moy, so be sure to consult a dermatologist first.
- Ali Shahbaz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
- Lauren Moy, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist in Beverly Hills.
- Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
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