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When I was dealing with postpartum hair loss, I remember wishing there was something beyond biotin gummies and hope to help those rogue baby hairs grow faster. These days, the best red-light therapy devices for hair growth help fill that void.
Whether you’re dealing with hormonal shedding, thinning due to age or stress, or just want to encourage healthier, fuller growth, these at-home devices work by delivering low-level red light (typically between 630 and 660 nanometers) to the scalp to improve hair count. Dermatologists say this helps stimulate hair follicles, improve circulation, and extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, leading to thicker strands and increased hair density over time.
After testing more than a half-dozen of the most popular and top-rated red-light therapy devices for home use on the market, our top pick is the Current Body LED Hair Growth Helmet. It covers the whole head, fits comfortably, and uses FDA-cleared technology that testers said truly made a difference in the fullness of their hair. But if you’re looking for something different—like a device that also emits blue light or a more affordable red-light brush—there are plenty of other great options to add to your hair and skin care routine.
The best red-light therapy devices for hair growth, at a glance
- Best Overall: CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet, $860
- Best With Blue Light: Solaris Laboratories NY Intensive LED Therapy Brush, $70
- Best Hair Band: Hairmax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex Hair Growth Device, $549
- Best Handheld: Foreo FAQ 301 LED Hair Strengthening Scalp Massager, $299
- Best Brush: Skin Gym LED Stimulating Hair Brush, $80
- Best for Hair Health: Laduora Duo 4-in-1 Pod Based Scalp & Hair Care Device, $300
Best Overall: CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet
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- What we love: Full scalp coverage; hands-free design
- What could improve: Hard to store
This helmet-style device stood out in testing for its smart, user-friendly design and full-coverage LED treatment. Unlike more targeted tools, it saturates the entire scalp in 660nm red light—wavelengths known to stimulate follicles, improve circulation, and encourage stronger, thicker hair over time.
Despite the bulkier helmet shape, it’s surprisingly easy and convenient to use, thanks to its hands-free design, ergonomic fit, and soft silicone lining. Even the full 10-minute sessions felt manageable, since I could walk around and multitask without any slipping or shifting. After a month of consistent use, I’ve noticed a slight boost in hair density and even an improvement in my scalp’s overall health. It doesn’t get oily as quickly, and I’ve had fewer bumps and clogged follicles than normal. While the progress is subtle so far, it feels promising—especially after just a few weeks.
Best With Blue Light: Solaris Laboratories NY Intensive LED Therapy Brush
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- What we love: Includes both red and blue LED therapy; lightweight and compact; travel-friendly
- What could improve: Can only be used on dry hair
While red light tends to get all the attention when it comes to hair growth, blue light plays a valuable supporting role—especially if you’re dealing with scalp irritation, excess oil, or product buildup. This LED brush combines both wavelengths plus gentle sonic vibration, helping to stimulate the scalp while also calming it, thus creating a healthier environment for hair to grow.
“The blue-light technology on this one was really soothing,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “After a few uses, my scalp felt and looked pretty calm and irritant-free.” The thick, widely spaced prongs help the light reach the scalp more effectively, and the design makes it easy to move around your head. “I like that it’s lightweight and the prongs were thick, making it easy to get in between hairs and all parts of the scalp,” says Kilkeary. “My hair itself looks a little thicker at the root, and I can definitely see myself reaching for this again when I want a little extra oomph.”
Best Hair Band: Hairmax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex Hair Growth Device
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- What we love: Best laser hair-growth device; Hands-free use makes multitasking easy; quick treatment time
- What could improve: A bit bulky overall
This headband-style device uses 41 medical-grade lasers to target thinning areas at the root—without tying up your hands. Each treatment cycle lasts just 30 seconds per section, and a gentle vibration signals when it’s time to reposition. Built-in combs help part your hair, allowing the light to better reach your scalp.
“The Hairmax LaserBand is very comfortable to wear and incredibly easy to incorporate into a routine. I found myself wearing it while doing my makeup in the morning,” says Glamour tester Caitlin Wormser, noting it stayed firmly in place, even while she moved around. “Like all red-light therapy, patience and consistency are key, but I’m very excited to see how results shape up over time.”
Best Handheld: Foreo FAQ 301 LED Hair Strengthening Scalp Massager
- What we love: Compact and cordless; waterproof; quick treatment time
- What could improve: Using the included serum may make hair a bit greasy
Whether you’re noticing more hair in the shower drain or just want to treat your scalp to some extra TLC, this compact, waterproof device is a multitasking powerhouse. It combines red LED light therapy with Foreo’s signature T-Sonic pulsations to help boost circulation, clear buildup, and improve the absorption of scalp serums or hair oils. It’s completely cordless and rechargeable, and its ergonomic design makes it easy to use.
“I’d never tried a red-light tool on my scalp before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “But I ended up really liking the experience. It has a powerful vibration that’s almost like a massage for your scalp. You can make it a little more or less intense as you please. The red light is super bright and feels warm upon contact,” she says, noting it was gentle enough not to irritate. “I haven’t noticed a huge difference yet, though my hair is a little bit thicker around my crown and I am seeing some new hair growth.”
Best Brush: Skin Gym LED Stimulating Hair Brush
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- What we love: Equipped with both blue and red light; lightweight and compact; vibration adds a soothing element
- What could improve: Vibration feature is a bit loud and can’t be shut off
It’s shaped like a classic paddle brush, but instead of focusing on detangling, it delivers red and blue LED light directly to the scalp. The wide-tooth design helps part the hair so the light can actually reach your skin, while the firm plastic bristles offer a subtle massaging effect to further stimulate circulation.
During testing, I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight and compact it is—it’s definitely cute enough to leave out on your counter or vanity. I also appreciated how easy it is to use: Just long-press the power button to turn it on, then press again to toggle between red and blue light depending on your needs. The wide-tooth design glided through my long hair effortlessly, and the vibration made the whole experience more soothing. That said, this feature does make the device a bit loud during use.
Best for Hair Health: Laduora Duo 4-in-1 Pod Based Scalp & Hair Care Device
- What we love: Combines four technologies; pairs with pod-based serums for targeted scalp and hair treatments; easy to use; pods are recyclable
- What could improve: Pods require ongoing purchases
Red-light therapy is just one part of what makes the Laduora Duo stand out. This sleek, wand-style tool also combines microcurrent, sonic vibration, and heat therapy to elevate your scalp and hair care routine. It’s also designed to work alongside pod-based hair serums that can be inserted into the brush and massaged into the scalp. The brand offers three formulas, including pH-balancing and strengthening options so you can tailor your treatment to your specific hair goals.
Despite all the tech packed inside, the device is surprisingly intuitive to use. I especially liked the microcurrent feature, which delivered a noticeable—but not at all uncomfortable—tingle that almost felt like someone gently scratching my scalp. After using it several times a week for three weeks, I was impressed by the overall improvement in my hair’s health. While I didn’t see a major change in density, my hair looked shinier and smoother (especially as it recovered from heat damage), and I noticed less shedding in the shower.
Frequently asked questions
Can red-light therapy help hair growth?
Clinical studies suggest that red-light therapy at wavelengths of 650 nanometers (nm) can support hair growth for some people. It works by using low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or LED light, to stimulate the hair follicles, increase blood flow, and energize cells in the scalp. This process, called photobiomodulation, may help promote thicker, stronger hair over time.
“LLLT stimulates follicle cell metabolism by increasing ATP production, reduces inflammation, and helps prolong the hair growth phase,” says Alan Bauman, MD, a board-certified hair-restoration physician at Bauman Medical. “It’s well supported by research and is one of the most effective non-invasive tools for hair regrowth.”
Clinical trials have shown promising results for people with androgenetic alopecia (sometimes referred to as androgenic alopecia), which is thinning hair that affects 60 to 70% of the adult population worldwide. Low-level light therapy may also be an effective treatment for autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, postpartum shedding, and general hair thinning in men and women. That said, results can vary, and consistency is key—you’ll need to use an LED device regularly for several months to see noticeable improvement.
What is the best wavelength for red-light therapy for hair growth?
The most commonly studied and effective wavelengths for hair growth fall between 630 and 680 nanometers, says board-certified dermatologist David Johnson, MD, cofounder of RedliteX. “That is the type of red light that penetrates just deep in your scalp to activate the root hair follicle cells but doesn’t do any harm.”
Some red-light therapy devices also incorporate blue-light-emitting diodes (around 415 nm), which may help target bacteria and improve scalp health—especially for those dealing with buildup, oiliness, or irritation.
How long does red light take to grow hair?
It usually takes three to four months of consistent use to see noticeable results from at-home red-light therapy, says Dr. Johnson. Some people may see early signs like reduced shedding or slightly thicker strands within the first couple of months, but visible regrowth (especially along the hairline or the crown) can take longer. “That’s due to the cycles of the hair—they don’t go immediately into the ‘growth phase.’ The follicle must be ready,” says Dr. Johnson, who recommends using red-light therapy “three to four times weekly for 10- to 15-minute treatments.”
Are there any side effects to red-light therapy for hair growth?
At-home red-light treatment is generally safe for all skin types, especially when used as directed with devices cleared by the Food and Drug Administration. Unlike medications like topical minoxidil or finasteride, heat-based laser treatments, or even hair transplants, red-light therapy is non-invasive—and side effects are rare. “Some people feel a little warmth on their scalp. A few may get slight redness, but it goes away quickly. No pain, no peeling, and nothing harmful,” says Dr. Johnson.
Of course, you should always follow manufacturer instructions and consult your doctor if you have any underlying skin or scalp conditions and are concerned about the effects of red light.