A Dermatologist's Guide to the Best Red-Light Therapy for Hair Growth

Vogue

6 days ago

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
Currentbody
LED Hair Growth Helmet
$859
CURRENTBODY
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.
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
620–660nm Device Type: Helmet
Helmet Target Treatment Area: Head
Head Treatment Time: 10 minutes
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.
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
650nm Device Type: Hat
Hat Target Treatment Area: Head/scalp
Head/scalp Treatment Time: 10 minutes
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
Essential Laser Red Light Therapy
$499
AMAZON
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.
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
655nm Device Type: Cap
Cap Target Treatment Area: Head
Head Treatment Time: 25 minutes
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
Capillus
Ultra Mobile Laser Therapy Cap
$350
AMAZON
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.
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
650 nm Device Type: Hat
Hat Target Treatment Area: Head
Head Treatment Time: 6 minutes (auto-programmed)
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
Theradome
PRO Laser Hair Growth Helmet
$995
AMAZON
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.
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
680nm Device Type: Helmet
Helmet Target Treatment Area: Head
Head Treatment Time: 20 minutes
20 minutes Specs: FDA-cleared, six-month money-back guarantee, 80 lasers, FSA/HSA eligible
Everything You Need to Know