Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: How It Works & Benefits

Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: How It Works & Benefits

Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth: How It Works & What to Expect

It's time to take your hairline seriously. Hair thinning happens, but red light therapy might be your new secret weapon.

Let's be real, gents - hair thinning is way more common than we tend to talk about. Whether you've noticed a slower-growing crown or a subtle retreat at the temples, hair changes are a natural part of life. Nearly half of all men experience some level of hair thinning by age 50. For many, it starts even earlier. But it doesn't have to be a slow slide toward surrender. Today, we have smarter, science-backed tools to help you take ownership of your appearance - that's exactly where red light therapy comes in. It doesn't cover things up. It doesn't mask the issue. It goes deeper, targeting the root.

We're turning up the glow on one of our wearable, tech-forward solutions: the HigherDOSE Red Light Hat. It's time to talk red light therapy for hair growth - because your scalp deserves serious self-care, too.

What Is Red Light Therapy? 

Red light therapy is a wellness treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to support the body at a cellular level. By gently energizing the cells, this non-invasive approach promotes skin health, reduces inflammation, and supports overall recovery. It’s increasingly popular in holistic health routines thanks to its natural, light-based method for enhancing well-being.

What Causes Hair Thinning in Men?

Hair thinning (a.k.a. Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern thinning) affects over 50% of men by age 50, and it’s not just your genes calling the shots. Stress, hormones, nutrient deficiencies, poor circulation, and even scalp inflammation can all contribute to thinning hair or increased hair fall. But that’s where technology steps in. The HigherDOSE Red Light Hat uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT), aka red light therapy, to help support your scalp health and stimulate your hair follicles.

The HigherDOSE Red Light Therapy Hat: Real Science. No Gimmicks 

The HigherDOSE Red Light Hat uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a non-invasive, drug-free method that has been shown in clinical studies to support natural hair regrowth. It's flexible with removable LED panels, is discreet, and fits into a regular cap.  Its user-friendly features allow for you to use it at home or on the go.  Customers report visible improvements in scalp health and hair fullness over time. It's wellness tech that fits into your life.

Here's how it works:

  • Stimulates ATP production (the energy your cells need to repair and grow)

  • Increases blood flow to the scalp, improving nutrient delivery

  • Wakes up dormant follicles and strengthens existing ones

  • Reduces inflammation at the scalp level - often a silent hair killer

How Long Does It Take for Red Light Therapy to Work for Hair Growth?

You can expect to see initial improvements after 3–6 months of consistent use. Results vary based on age, genetics, and overall health.  It's not a miracle. It's mitochondria…and it works when you stay consistent. All you need is 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a week. Easy.

Does Red Light Therapy Help Hair Growth?

Red light therapy for hair growth isn’t just a trend - it’s backed by solid scientific evidence with many added benefits. Studies have shown that consistent use of red light (typically in the 630–850nm range) can help with hair regrowth. In fact, a 2017 meta-analysis published in Lasers in Medical Science confirmed that LLLT significantly improves hair regrowth in both men and women experiencing pattern hair loss.¹

Red Light Therapy Benefits for Hair Growth and Health

There are various benefits of red light therapy for hair loss. Below are a few for reference:

  • Increase hair density

  • Is non-invasive and painless. 

  • Prolongs the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle, thus promoting natural hair growth and reducing shedding. 

  • Improve hair thickness and scalp coverage.

  • Safe for all skin and hair types 

  • Stimulate stem cell activity around the follicle.

  • Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress on the scalp.

  • It may act as a support for hair loss caused by stress or medical treatments

Does Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth Block DHT?

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a key hormone linked to male pattern hair loss. Some in vitro studies suggest that red/orange wavelengths (620–660 nm) can inhibit 5-α reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. While promising, most of this research comes from lab settings. More large-scale human trials are needed to fully confirm the DHT-blocking potential of red light therapy.

5 Tips on How To Incorporate Red Light Therapy into Your Hair Care Routine

While your HigherDOSE Red Light Hat is working its magic, you can boost your results by supporting your scalp and follicles from every angle. You're already disciplined. At work. At the gym. This is just another area to master. Here's how to support red light therapy for hair growth.

1. Scalp First, Always

Your scalp is skin, and it deserves respect. Cleanse it with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid harsh products. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or rosemary extract to promote circulation and keep pores clear.

2. Start with a Clean, Dry Scalp for Maximum Light Absorption

Red light therapy works best when nothing’s in its way. Make sure your hair and scalp are clean and completely dry before each session to allow the light to fully penetrate the follicles and deliver maximum results.

3. Feed those Follicles

A well-fueled body performs better, so does your hair. Nutrients like zinc, biotin, omega-3s, and vitamin D play a critical role in follicle health. Supplement if necessary. And yes, stay hydrated.

4. Keep the Pressure Off

Stress can be a silent disruptor of sleep, energy, and elevate cortisol, which can inhibit hair growth. Aim to support stress recovery and try PEMF therapy or an Infrared Sauna Blanket to reduce cortisol, improve blood flow and support recovery. 

5. Make it part of your routine…and stick with it. 

Red light therapy isn't a quick fix. It's a process. Stick with it, track your progress, and give it time to work. Confidence grows when you know you're doing the work. Consistency is key with red light therapy, so find a time that fits easily into your day - whether you’re: 

  • Getting ready for your day
  • Reading
  • Meditating
  • Relaxing  

If you have any underlying scalp or hair concerns, a quick check-in with your healthcare provider can help you get the most out of your regimen. Red light therapy is a supportive, not curative, treatment. Results are maintained with ongoing use to sustain results. For more information, see our guide to at-home red light therapy devices.

What Makes The Red Light Therapy Hat The Perfect Gift?

Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift for your dad, brother, or friend, the HigherDOSE Red Light Hat is a stylish and meaningful way to show you care. Clinically backed and completely hands-free, this device fits seamlessly into any routine, making it a smart tool for self-care that respects your time and goals. It is a practical, confidence-boosting addition to any modern wellness routine.

 

Citations & References

  1. Gupta, A. K., & Lyons, D. C. (2015). The use of low-level light therapy in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and other hair loss disorders. Lasers in Medical Science, 30(8), 1959–1967. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-015-1761-0

  2. Avci, P., Gupta, A., Clark, J., Wikonkal, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2014). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of hair loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 46(2), 144–151. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170

  3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2022). Hair loss: Who gets and causes. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes

  4. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021). Hair loss. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss

  5. PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Restoration. https://smoothlinesfacialaesthetics.uk/prp-for-hair-restoration/

  6. Onion Juice for Hair | How Can It Help You Stop Hair Loss?. https://howtoplantation.com/info/onion-juice-for-hair-how-can-it-help-you-stop-hair-loss/

  7. Minoxidil Itchy Scalp: Know the Surprising Facts | Nina Ross. https://ninaross.co/blogs/hair-loss/minoxidil-itchy-scalp-know-the-surprising-facts