Can Red Light Help With Hair Growth — Here's What An Expert Says

Studies indicate more than 50% of women1 will experience female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) between the ages of 50 and 65 years old—and, while aging tends to be the primary driver2, factors such as genetics, stress, and nutritional deficiencies can also play a role.

That’s why I’m always looking for ways to optimize my hair and scalp health, and I jumped at the chance to test the new HigherDose Red Light Hat. 

While I’m no stranger to the brand itself (its best-selling PEMF mat, red light face mask, and infrared sauna blanket have all become integral parts in my well-being routine), this new launch sent me on a deep dive to discover if red light can really help reverse hair loss and promote a thicker, healthier mane.

Board certified plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D. previously recommended low-light laser therapy (LLLT) to mindbodygreen as an impactful treatment for hair loss, noting that LLLT can create changes in your follicle's growth phase, which can help to thicken and grow hair. 

Existing research is encouraging, too. One study found that women who used red light therapy at 650 nm every other day for 17 weeks experienced a 51% increase in hair density3—and another clinical trial found that red light therapy yielded increased hair density and thickness4 in both men and women after 24 weeks of treatment.

Certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology, William Gaunitz, FWTS, agrees that a LED light cap can help improve hair growth, and adds that laser and LED caps have been used for nearly 15 years with positive effects on hair growth.

After talking with Gaunitz, I couldn't wait to test out the red light hat from HigherDose myself. Here's what makes the device a standout launch.

The technology

The HigherDose hat uses FDA-cleared red light technology to increase blood flow to the scalp, rejuvenate the hair follicle, and strengthen hair follicles at the root.

It looks like a regular hat

Okay, so aesthetics aren't the most important factor here—but I love that this red light device looks just like a trendy baseball cap. As you'll see in my photo below, you can't even tell when the red light is turned on!

The battery is long-lasting

You'll get 8 to 10 sessions per full battery charge—and when the device is low on battery, you’ll see a blinking green light.

It's comfortable and easy to use

Technology, science, and results aside, perhaps my favorite thing about this hat is how simple it is to incorporate into your routine. Simply put the lightweight hat on your head, press the power button, and go about whatever else you're doing.

The same way it looks like a standard baseball cap, it feels just like a regular hat when you're wearing it. And since this type of red light doesn't emit heat, your head won't feel hot or uncomfortable.

It meets expert standards

The HigherDose red light hat is made with 120 medical grade LED bulbs that emit 650 nm red light, falling right within the range of Gaunitz's recommendation (and the most studied wavelength for hair growth).

It's less expensive than competitors

I've surveyed the market to learn more about the best red light hats, and there's a wide price range. While $449 is an investment, it's significantly lower than other hats I've seen (some are up to $1,500).

Hair thinning can feel isolating and frustrating, but technology has come a long way, and treatments like red light therapy are no longer reserved for medical offices.