HigherDOSE’s Red Light Hat Is A Solid Value—Especially If You’re New To Red Light Therapy

3 min readAs our picky beauty editor, I regularly test new products and treatments, such as microcurrent devices and SkinMedica’s DiamondGlow facials at Shafer Clinic. But one high-powered tech that has been helpful for my skincare journey is red light therapy. While at-home LED face masks are most known for targeting fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne, research shows that certain wavelengths of light can stimulate hair growth.Enter: The HigherDose Red Light Hat. Emitting 650 nm wavelengths, this black baseball cap hits the sweet spot to stimulate hair growth. Dermatologist Candace Spann, MD, recently told me that red light therapy helps target female pattern genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and hair loss related to hormones, stress, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata.ProsRed lights are discreetShort, 10-minute treatmentsSimple to useFeatures an adjustable strap to accommodate most head sizes and thick and textured hair Includes country-specific adaptors for travelConsOnly available in one colorKey SpecsTreatment time10 minutesLEDs120 bulbsWavelengths650 nmFDA StatusFDA-clearedChargingUSB-CWhat I LikeIt Emits The Right WavelengthsThe previously mentioned study found devices emitting 630-690, 820-880, and 910-970 nm light wavelengths are the most effective at supporting hair growth. HigherDose’s red light therapy hat emits 650 nm, hitting the sweet spot for hair growth.Discreet CoverageThe biggest win with HigherDose’s cap is that no one will know you're actually treating your hair loss while using the device! It looks like a regular black baseball cap, but it has a removable thin lining covered in red light-emitting diodes.It’s so stylish that I can wear this cap without using the LED lights, but TBH, I'd rather just buy a regular baseball cap instead so I won’t have to worry about excessive wear and tear on my HigherDose. And when powered on, the red lights aren't visible to those around me. The LEDs emit 650 nm, hitting the sweet spot to stimulate hair growth.SHOP THE HIGHERDOSE RED LIGHT HATCordless DesignI was initially confused on how to power up the device because it's cordless. However, I soon realized the included black pod magnetically attaches to the back of the cap and for a quick 10-minute treatment session. When the time is up, the pod beeps when the sesh is over so I can get back to my day.What I Don’t LikeHonestly, the only downside with this cap is that it’s only available in one color, so the neutral black tone won’t complement my colorful summer wardrobe. TBH, it’s not a real dealbreaker for. me, but if you want to wear your hat regularly in public then you have that option.SHOP THE HIGHERDOSE RED LIGHT HATTL;DR Is the HigherDose Red Light Hat Worth It?At nearly $450, the HigherDose is an upfront investment. However, it’s relatively more affordable than other alternatives out there. For example, the CurrentBody Skin helmet is almost double the price. HigherDose is cheaper and more stealth, but I experienced less shedding with CurrentBody. Choose HigherDose for on-the-go use, affordable price tag, and a limited budget. If you’re willing to invest in a best-in-class device, then CurrentBody is the cream of the crop.More Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth Devices We TrustCurrentBody Skin Red Light Hair Growth HelmetNow 28% OffLaduora DuoCapillus CapillusMeanwhile, the LaDoura will only set you back $300. You could use that extra $150 to invest in other areas of your beauty routine like a splurge-worthy face moisturizer for mature skin, a bougie Sisley Paris hair mask, or treat yourself to something new during Dermstore’s annual sale. The Ladoura brush targets hair thinning with a mix of red light therapy, microcurrent, massage, and vibration. HigherDose has the advantage because it’s hands-free and covers the entire scalp, whereas brushing your scalp and strands for 10 minutes can be tedious. Plus, HigherDose is equipped with120 LED bulbs versus Laduora’s 30.There’s also the entry-level Capillus helmet, which costs a casual $1,500. That’s half my rent, and truthfully that’s more than I’m willing to spend on a beauty device. However, dermatologist Candace Spann, MD, recommends the line so if you’ve got the extra funds to really invest upfront then this is a worthy option.SHOP THE HIGHERDOSE RED LIGHT HATOther HigherDose Devices Worth ShoppingStill interested in HigherDose but perhaps looking for a second product to complement your new at-home routine? Consider these three tools that start at just $69.HigherDose Supercharge Copper Body BrushDry brushing exfoliates the skin and promotes clearer, brighter, smoother-looking skin that’s more even tone, dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, previously told us. She says dry brushing can also help prevent ingrown hairs and body acne by clearing away dead skin cells that clog the follicles or pores.HigherDose Red Light Face MaskThis LED face mask uses red light therapy to boost collagen production and plump up fine lines and wrinkles.It’s made from flexible, medical-grade silicone to accommodate beautiful and diverse facial features without compromising comfort. Its functional attributes, like an adjustable head strap and comfy eye holes, justify the higher cost.HigherDose Full Body Red Light MatHigherDose’s mat is covered in 1,000 LED bulbs that bathe your skin in red light from head-to-toe. You can lay on the mat or hang it if you prefer.Sessions vary between 20 to 30 minutes, but if you’re looking to unwind and relieve your muscles then HigherDose advises using it for 30 to 40 minutes.Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.