7 Best Red Light Therapy Devices to Promote Hair Growth, According to Beauty Editor Testing
From helmets to headbands, these red light devices support thicker, 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 for hair growth 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 claim impressive results, including the potential to boost hair growth in just a few months with consistent use. Team Cosmo uses them consistently (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 hair growth and promoting overall scalp health. But before picking the right device for you, there are a few key things to consider (don’t worry, we break it all down with Dr. Ziering below).
Our top picks for hair-growth devices in 2025:
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.
Best Deal
Pros
- Most comfortable LED helmet I've tried
- Covers the entire head, which I *love*
Cons
- Charging port is a bit clunky
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.
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.
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
This innovative hat has the same red light powers as every other hi-tech device on this list...but it legit looks like a regular baseball cap. You can seriously walk around wearing the hat while it's turned on, and no one would be able to tell. I use this at my desk once a day and none of my coworkers know when a treatment is underway. Simply press the button on the controller and let the red light do its job for 10 minutes to encourage root strengthening and increase scalp circulation.
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 |
Pros
- Silicone is soft on the hair
- Great for targeting balding spots
Cons
- Needs to be used with a serum
This compact device is designed to precisely target thinning areas on your scalp, delivering low-level light therapy only where you need it. Its ergonomic shape makes it easy to maneuver through your roots and along sparse spots to support fuller-looking hair over time. Plus, it has a built-in massager to stimulate hair follicles and help serums do even more for your scalp.
One user writes: "I didn’t expect to love this much, but it’s become my favorite little pre-bath ritual. My scalp used to feel tight and itchy, and now it just feels alive? The red LED light with the massage is so soothing, and I swear my hair looks a bit fuller already. I actually look forward to using it. It’s like giving my scalp a moment to breathe."
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 1 minute per treatment area, every other day |
| Red light wavelength | 650 nm |
Pros
- Serum pods last a while
- Cosmo Holy Grail Award Winner
Cons
- Takes more effort than just sitting in a hat or helmet
This little handheld device 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 does-it-all 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
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
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.
One user writes: "This is a great product. In combination with PRP, my hairline has been completely restored in 7 months. No messy Rogaine every day, no wigs or hairpieces. I’ve tried them all. This works fast, it’s clean, and this new laser comb is cheaper than the last one I purchased five years ago."
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 8 minutes, 3 times per week |
| Red light wavelength | 655 nm |
Pros
- On sale for Black Friday
- Reviews said it's v easy to use
- Most bulbs on this list than any other device
Cons
- Some testers said it was a bit too small for their heads
The iRestore Professional 282 Laser Hair-Growth Device uses 282 medical-grade lasers and LEDs to deliver low-level light therapy across your entire scalp, helping support thicker, fuller-looking hair over time. The FDA-cleared helmet offers 360-degree coverage, a comfortable fit, and 25-minute sessions you can do hands-free, making it an easy, at-home option for targeting shedding and thinning.
One user writes: "I bought this item and hid it from my husband because I felt stupid spending so much money on something that I thought probably would not work. But it definitely did work! I used it faithfully every other day for five to six months before I noticed anything. Last May or June, I noticed significant new hair growth along my hairline in the front. This growth has continued and thickened ever since. This machine is the first thing that actually increased my hair volume. I highly recommend it and hope this review helps someone make their purchasing decision."
Features at a Glance
| Usage notes | 25 minutes, every other day |
| Red light wavelength | 680nm |
Do red light hair growth devices really work?
These devices can potentially improve hair growth and decrease shedding, but it'll take consistency and time to see results. Basically, these devices work by creating a healthy scalp environment for hair to grow, increasing circulation, and/or stimulate hair follicle activity.
What is the best technology to regrow 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 plop on your head and just chill out for a few times a week, definitely choose a helmet-style device, like our favorite from CurrentBody or Higherdose.
Factor in your budget.
Laser and LED hair-growth devices are definitely some of the most likely to be effective at home, especially when combined with in-office treatments. But they're much more expensive than, say, a dermaroller and over-the-counter minoxidil. Which is why it's so 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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