11 best red light therapy hair growth devices, reviewed
Red light therapy hair growth devices are the craze right now, and if longer, thicker hair is on your 2026 wishlist, one of these tools could be the missing piece. If you’re already committed to the best LED face masks or you’re a fan of the best LED neck masks, it makes total sense to bring that same tech into your hair routine too.
Unsurprisingly, one of the most talked-about options is CurrentBody’s LED Hair Growth Helmet. Glamour’s Lian Brooks tested it for a full month and shared her honest thoughts in her CurrentBody LED hair growth helmet review. CurrentBody founder Laurence Newman describes LED hair growth devices as “non-invasive, painless, and free from the side effects often associated with pharmacological treatments,” adding they can be “a fantastic option for many” people experiencing hair loss, and there are, unfortunately, a lot of us.
In fact, research suggests up to 50% of women will experience hair loss at some point, whether it’s down to genetics, conditions like PCOS, autoimmune issues, or even post-COVID shedding. Personally, I’m still not entirely sure what kicked off my own hairline breakage, but after scalp serums and biotin supplements did very little, I wanted to see what red light therapy for hair loss could actually do.
Glamour's best red light therapy hair growth devices, at a glance:
I’ve always been into LED face masks, so trying an LED hair growth helmet felt like a natural next step. Alongside bond-building treatments and shampoos for thinning hair, I’ve been testing and researching these devices for months. With input from experts and the wider Glamour team, many of whom have dealt with hair thinning too, this is my edit of the best red light therapy hair growth devices to buy for 2026.
- What are the leading causes of hair thinning and hair loss?
- What wavelength of light is best for hair regrowth?
- What colour LED light is best for hair growth?
- What kind of devices are best for your scalp?
- Are red light therapy devices for hair loss safe?
- How often can you use red light therapy on your scalp?
- How long does it take to see hair growth with red light therapy?
- Glamour's red light therapy for hair growth device comparison chart
How I tested red light therapy for hair loss devices:
I have taken care to test as many of the red light therapy for hair loss devices in this edit as possible, as I am well aware they are not cheap purchases. However, it's worth noting that LED masks for the hair and scalp are relatively new to the market, so we are still in the process of testing these over longer periods of time to gauge results. For example, both Sophie Donovan (pictured) – Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer, and Lian Brooks, Glamour's Senior Audience Development Manager, are in the throes of testing the CurrentBody hair growth helmet.
When testing, we have been assessing against a number of functionality criteria, from practical wearability features to the tech behind each device. For example, comfort and wearability are crucial; how does this device sit on the head or get used? Is it handheld, or are there straps to keep it in place? And how does this impact its ease-of-use and practicality?
Testers have also taken note of the wealth of knowledge we have from testing the best LED face masks – and transferring that to their assessment of the potential efficacy of LED helmets. For example, we remember not to be fooled by a huge number of bulbs or multiple colours. Hannah Measures and Laura Ferguson, founders of The Light Salon, said that “clinically-proven wavelengths of light are key; they should be seen as the ingredients you look out for in your skincare, such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide. The most clinically-proven wavelengths of light are 633 nanometers & 830 nanometers.” We also look at coverage across the entire scalp, the distance away from the scalp that the bulbs sit, and how often the brand recommends using each device. With all this in mind, we came up with the following shortlist.
Why you can trust me:
It has been my job to test beauty and wellness products for the past eight years – so I've seen an array of beauty trends come and go. I've attended press days, interviewed doctors, MUAs, dermatologists and optometrists – and I've tested hundreds of products. As such, I know more about brands, new releases and which products are worth your money than your average beauty fan.
Red light therapy is a trend that seems to have stuck around, so I've done a lot of research into LED benefits, how to use LED face masks, LED eye masks and LED devices for lips. I've reviewed countless devices, from LED neck masks to the UKLash LED face mask – and I've not given coverage to hair growth devices that I didn’t like. Helmets that have been discounted from appearing this edit, as a result of not passing testing, include the Solaris Laboratories Intensive LED Therapy Hair Brush. Read more about why it wasn't featured.
Editor's note:
September 2025 update: We removed the Solaris Laboratories Intensive LED Therapy Hair Brush from this guide because — although we appreciated the massage and volume right after use — we found that it didn’t thicken our hair the same way that other devices on this list.
Ahead, the very best red light therapy hair devices and LED helmets for hair loss 2026.
What are the leading causes of hair thinning and hair loss?
Almost all men, and over half of all women, will experience hair loss in their lifetime – and the most common cause of this hair loss in all genders is “androgenetic alopecia”. Genetics can be at play, of course, and lifestyle factors like pregnancy and stress can lead to hair loss (telogen effluvium is a post-stress form of hair loss), but androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause.
What wavelength of red light is best for hair growth?
For red light therapy to encourage the stimulation of hair regrowth, the optimum wavelength range is considered to be between 620 and 670 nanometers (nm). CurrentBody's device emits a spectrum of red light between 620-660nm which is, more specifically, the most effective within that range.
What colour LED light is best for hair growth?
What are the effects of red light therapy, and how does it work for hair thinning and hair loss? “LED (light-emitting diode) therapy, particularly in the form of low-level light therapy (LLLT), has been studied for its potential benefits in promoting hair growth,” begins Dr. Raj. “This therapy is thought to stimulate hair follicles, increase blood circulation in the scalp, and enhance cellular metabolism, which can lead to improved hair density and thickness.”
He explains that “studies have shown positive results for individuals with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) and other types of hair loss.”
From a trichologist's POV, Kingsley explains that, “there is limited evidence on the guaranteed results of using LED, although there is no harm in trialling this option” as a part of your hair loss/growth journey if you so choose. She echoes the idea that devices using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) [also known as photobiomodulation] have more backing in terms of studies, but that any device is best used in tandem with other hair loss solutions, such as minoxidil, “to gain the maximum benefit.” This way, your hair regrowth journey for thicker hair will not rely on just one thing - it will be part of a full treatment plan.
What kind of LED devices are best for the scalp?
“There are many available on the market, from caps, helmets to combs,” says Dr Raj, who believes the best are “ergonomic, easy to use devices that can be used in smaller areas more consistently.”
As you'll see, many brands offer solutions, ranging from caps you wear on your head, to small handheld devices you massage your scalp with. The latter can help to stimulate circulation at the scalp where hair grows, and can sometimes be used alongside scalp scrubs or oils, making them potentially doubly as effective.
But it's really down to preference and budget in terms of which hair loss treatment is best for you. LED devices just offer a great non-invasive treatment option, no matter which you choose.
Are red light therapy devices for hair loss safe?
Experts I quizzed agreed that genuine, high-quality devices (such as the ones we've reviewed) are safe, and you should not experience unwanted side effects. That said, you must always follow the specific product's instructions.
“Some users may experience mild irritation, redness, or discomfort on the scalp; however, these symptoms are often temporary.” Dr Raj adds that consulting with your doctor or derm is essential if persistent reactions occur.
How often can you use red light therapy on hair?
This is very dependent on your particular device, but in general, “consistency is vital across all home use tech and none more so than with hair growth,” according to Newman, who adds that the CurrentBody Helmet, for example, should be used daily.
Newman explains that “regular usage is key to seeing results, and frequency typically depends on the device type and treatment goals. For example, many LED devices are designed for daily or every-other-day use for 10–20 minutes per session, though specific guidance will depend on the model." He adds: "Consistent use is critical to achieving and maintaining the desired effects, whether for skin improvement or scalp treatments.”
Ferguson and Measures recommend that for their The Light Salon device, you should use it “three to five times a week.” They conclude: “used this often, the number of treatments amounts to 240 a year, making an LED an amazing investment.” Elsewhere, the FAQ 301 device is best used on alternate days.
How long does it take to see hair growth with red light therapy?
Unfortunately, there is no solid answer to this – due to varying factors. “Hair type, the level of hair loss and hair density will all contribute to how quickly you see results,” explains Newman. “Also, you would need to consider any other treatment therapies you are using alongside devices, such as oral minoxidil.”
“Results from red light therapy for hair growth can vary among individuals,” confirms Dr Raj, who adds: “Generally, users may begin to notice improvements within 12 to 24 weeks of consistent treatment. However, the full effects often take several months to manifest.” In other words, it's crucial to be patient!
Red light therapy for hair growth comparison chart:
Comparing featured devices:
| Product | Light modes: | Treatment time: | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet | Red light (620-660nm). | 10 minutes per day. | ||
| Dermalux Flex MD LED Light Therapy Device | 3 clinically proven LED wavelengths: blue (415nm), red (633nm) and near-infrared (830nm) to reduce the visible signs of ageing, redness and hyperpigmentation. | Daily, in 1 to 30 minute sessions, depending on goals. | ||
| HigherDOSE Red Light Hat | Red light. | 10 minutes per day. | ||
| Solaris Labs NY Hair Boost Red LED Hat Supporting Growth | Red light. | one 10-minute session daily, 3-5 times a week. | ||
| Foreo Luna 4 Hair | Red light. | Daily, in 3-4 minute sessions on each section of the scalp. | ||
| The Light Salon BOOST LED Body Patch | Red light 633nm and near-infrared light 830nm. | Daily for ten minutes. | ||
| Solaris Labs NY Intensive Red LED Hairband Supporting Growth | Red and blue light. | 10 minutes daily. | ||
| Foreo FAQ 301 | Red light. | Four minutes every other day. | ||
| Nooance Laser and LED Hair Helmet PRO | 82 lasers + 200 LEDs emitting 650nm wavelength light. | 25 minutes, every other day. | ||
| HairMax Laser Hair Growth Band LaserBand 82 ComfortFlex | N/A, it uses medical-grade lasers. | 90 seconds, three times a week. | ||
| Skin Gym LED Hair Brush | Red and blue light. | Twice a day. |














