The 6 Best Red Light Therapy Devices to Promote Hair Growth, According to Beauty Editor Testing
From helmets to headbands, these top-rated red light devices support thicker and healthier hair.
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If your hair is thinning—whether due to age, tight ponytails, or a really bad haircut—and you want to stimulate hair growth, a red light therapy device can be a relatively low-effort way to get the job done. These gadgets come in all shapes and sizes (helmets, hats, headbands, brushes, you name it) and many of them claim impressive results, including the potential to boost hair growth in just a few months with consistent use. Team Cosmo uses them on the daily (alongside our favorite hair-growth shampoos and scalp serums), so we have some strong opinions about the best red light devices to use for hair growth.
And it's not just us: Dermatologist and hair-loss expert Craig Ziering, DO, says that at-home red light treatments can be beneficial for promoting hair growth and your overall scalp health. But before picking the right device for you, there are a few key things to consider (but don’t worry, we break it all down with Dr. Ziering below).
Our top picks for hair-growth devices in 2026:
Keep scrolling for all the details, plus the best red light hair-growth devices on the market, according to Cosmo editors and first-person reviews.
Pros
- Most comfortable LED helmet I've tried
- Covers the entire head, which I *love*
Cons
- Charging port is a bit clunky
Why we love it: As a major fan of CurrentBody's skincare devices, I knew I had to try their hair-growth option too. It actually covers the entire scalp, not just the top half of the head, which is great for any thinning at the nape of the neck or at the back of the head from all those super-tight, slicked-back buns and ponytails.
The helmet even comes in two different head sizes (for the same price, mind you!) and could help increase hair growth in as few as 12 weeks. Simply plop it on your head every day for 10 minutes for the best possible results. We love it so much that we crowned it best hair growth device in our 2026 Holy Grail Awards.
One Cosmo editor says: "I absolutely love how comfortable this device is, thanks to the hands-free red light action and ear pads. Not only are the cushioned headphones comfortable, but they also act as Bluetooth headphones, so you can listen to music or a podcast during your session to let the time pass quickly. I also love the timer on the side that lets you know how much time I have left."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 10 minutes, daily |
| Red light wavelength | 640nm |
Pros
- Stays charged for dozens of uses
- Can be worn wherever since it's so discreet
Cons
- Has a small charging pack in the back
Why we love it: This innovative hat has the same red light powers as every other high-tech device on this list...but it looks just like a regular baseball cap with a small battery pack on the back. You can walk around wearing the hat while it's turned on, and no one is able to see any red light being emitted. Simply press the button on the controller attached to the back, and let the red light do its job for 10 minutes to encourage root strengthening and increase scalp circulation.
Plus, the brand recently launched a hair serum filled with peptides to use alongside the red light therapy for an added dose of hair-strengthening.
One Cosmo editor says: "Higherdose's red light hat is so sneaky and stylish, I wear it at my desk and no one is able to tell the difference between it and a typical baseball cap. If you're looking for a comfortable hair growth-promoting device, this is the best option out there. I've also been able to use it for weeks at a time without needing to charge it."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 10 minutes, daily |
| Red light wavelength | 650nm |
Why we love it: Another device that team Cosmo has been loving for red-light therapy is this cap from BON CHARGE. The treatment is just ten minutes, and best of all, the branding is so subtle that most people wouldn’t be able to even spot the logo (without being a true super fan, like us of course). It’s lightweight, so easy to wear, and will match all of your favorite outfits.
One Cosmo editor says: “I've been using this for about a month, which certainly isn't enough time to truly see results just yet. But It's the first-ever hair device I've convinced myself to use consistently, which is the key to seeing any kind of result with a tool like this, no matter which one you buy. This is a standard cap (my roommate just thought I was wearing a baseball cap for no reason at 10 p.m.) made of fabric that really just feels like all the other hats I own. It's lightweight and easy to charge, although I've only charged it one time since I got it. Best of all, the treatment time is quite short. I legit wore this down the street to grab a coffee the other morning and it didn't feel like I was exposing to the world that I was red-lighting my scalp as I ordered a latte (mostly because the branding is nondescript and simple).”—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
| Usage notes | 10 minutes, daily |
| Red light wavelength | 650nm |
Pros
- Serum pods come with the device and last a while
- Cosmo Holy Grail Award Winner
Cons
- Requires more effort than just sitting in a hat or helmet
Why we love it: This little handheld device truly does it all for your hair. You start by popping in your go-to scalp serum—either the one that comes with it, or your personal favorite. Then the gadget combines red light therapy, microcurrent, scalp massage, and gentle heat to help the serum absorb more deeply and stimulate your follicles as you brush through your hair. It’s insanely relaxing, too. Who needs a head spa when you’ve got this at home?
One Cosmo editor says: "This multitasking device is always the one I recommend to anyone dealing with hair shedding since it boasts so many scalp-stimulating features. It feels so relaxing on the head, and I love that it combines red light therapy with a built-in serum, so you're really getting the holistic scalp treatment in one step. The device is also lightweight enough that your hand doesn't get too tired after a five-minute session."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 5 minutes, daily |
| Red light wavelength | 660nm |
Pros
- On sale for black friday
- Hands-free
Cons
- Doesn't cover the entire head
Why we love it: This LED headband uses both a combo of red and blue light therapy to help potentially trigger hair growth, as well as sonic pulsations that feel hella relaxing when you glide the brush through your hair. Together, the light and vibrations help boost circulation and blood flow, slowly building a healthier scalp environment, and hopefully, some hair growth arises with continued use.
One Cosmo editor says: "I’ll be honest, when a device isn’t specifically made with curly-kinky hair in mind, I brace myself. But this Solaris Lab NY Intensive LED Headband surprised me in the best way. It slips on easily without disturbing my coils and gives me a relaxing 15-minute dose of red and blue light therapy that targets shedding and tired hair follicles. I love that it’s hands-free, lightweight, and fits seamlessly into my routine…no serums, no mess, no heat. While it’s designed for all hair types, my textured hair felt fully included."—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 10 minutes, daily |
| Red light wavelength | 660 nm |
Pros
- Great for targeting specific areas on your scalp, like your hairline
- The device is cordless, which is great for travel
- On sale for Black Friday
Cons
- A few reviewers said the timer sometimes isn't accurate
Why we love it: The Ultima 12 Lasercomb brushes through your hair while delivering low-level laser therapy directly to the scalp, targeting hair follicles to help encourage thicker, fuller-looking growth. The comb's teeth part the hair and allow the 12 medical-grade lasers to precisely target the scalp as you glide it through thinning areas. Lightweight and easy to use, it’s a great option for anyone who prefers a handheld device over a full hat or helmet.
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 8 minutes, 3 times per week |
| Red light wavelength | 655 nm |
Do red light hair growth devices really work?
These devices may improve hair growth and reduce shedding, but consistent use over time is the key to better results. Red light therapy works by supporting a healthier scalp environment, which can help hair follicles function at their best. The wavelengths penetrate into the scalp to increase circulation and deliver nutrients (which is why they work best when paired with a hair serum) and oxygen to follicles.
Some studies suggest that red-light devices also may reduce scalp inflammation, which can be a factor in hair thinning. While they won’t produce instantaneous results, many people find that regular use helps maintain stronger, healthier-looking hair over time. Especially if you use them alongside a full lineup of hair-boosting products like shampoo, serum, etc.
What is the best technology to grow hair?
The best technologies to regrow hair at home include red light therapy, low-level laser therapy (also referred to as cold laser therapy), and microneedling, says Dr. Ziering. Red-light therapy and low-level laser therapy both send heat into your hair follicles, which then is believed to help prolong the growth phase of your hair. More time to grow before shedding = more hair, essentially.
Microneedling, however, which creates micro-injuries in your skin, triggering it to send more blood flow to the area, can help regrow thicker hair. "More significantly, though, it creates 'microchannels' that enable topical treatments for hair loss, such as minoxidil and finasteride, to be more effective," says Dr. Ziering.
But it's important to keep in mind, “if you are experiencing hair loss, you should consult with a hair loss expert who can properly diagnose what’s causing your hair loss and advise you on what types of treatments would deliver optimal results for you," says Dr. Ziering.
How to choose the best hair-growth device
Consider your commitment level.
If you are fine with spending some time precisely gliding a brush throughout your entire scalp every day, then def try something like the Laduora Duo (which combines heat, red-light, and a serum in one treatment). But if you want something you can kinda pop on your head and just chill out a few times a week, definitely choose a helmet-style device, like our favorite from CurrentBody or the hat from Higherdose.
Factor in your budget.
Laser and LED hair-growth devices are the most likely to be effective at home, especially when combined with in-office treatments and growth-focused products. But they're much more expensive than, say, a dermaroller and over-the-counter minoxidil. But on the other hand, they’re lower effort. Which is why it's important to talk to your dermatologist or a hair-loss specialist first.
Meet the expert
- Craig Ziering, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon in New York, NY. He's the owner of Ziering Medical in NYC; Greenwich, CT; and Beverly Hills, CA.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than three years of experience writing about the best beauty products and innovations out there. She's serious about hair and scalp care and regularly tests and analyzes new products and devices as a result. She tested half of the devices on this list for comfort, ease of use, and more.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories that range from wavy-hair products to protein treatments. She’s an authority in all hair categories, but is an expert when it comes to hair-growth devices after interviewing dermatologists and trichologists about hair loss and thinning hair, as well as testing the newest treatments and technologies.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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