Red light therapy uses low-intensity red light to increase the number of mitochondria in cells, which triggers repair processes, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation. One clinical study found that red light therapy on the scalp increased hair growth by 37% in women, while another study increased hair growth by 35% in men. Many other studies have also confirmed this finding. In other words, red light therapy for hair growth is no joke.
If you’ve been struggling with hair loss, you may have considered red light therapy, only to find that these products look like cartoon brain hemorrhages. If you’re put off by the awkwardness and confusion associated with these products, let the HigherDose Red Light Therapy Beanie seduce you. This simple black hat doesn’t scream, “My hair is falling out!” It’s more like, “I’m stylish, tech-savvy, and smart enough to irritate my scalp.”
All you have to do is wear a beanie for 10 minutes a day. I have a hard time finding 10 minutes a day for gentle exercise and cash back on online purchases. But can I bear the thought of having thicker hair? And more importantly, will the HigherDose Red Light Hair Cap work for my anemic ends?
As a seasoned (or rather, elderly) beauty editor, I know all about home gadgets and machines. Normally, I’d get excited, imagine the consequences, and then shove the device in the bathroom cabinet and leave it there forever. It’s not that I don’t like its performance, but I do like its cord that gets cut in the bathroom, its short battery life, and its tedious maintenance.
With the HigherDose Red Light Cap, you don’t have to worry about making excuses anymore. It comes in a bright blue box, neatly packaged, fully charged and ready to use. Its discreet black power supply easily attaches to the back of the cap – no need to worry about a thing.
Here’s the wear: light as a feather, hard as a board. If you like red LED masks, you know that they often shine in your eyes. Honestly, when I put this hat on, I can’t tell if I’m wearing it or not. A beep will remind you when the procedure is finished.
I would like to sum up my feelings about the HigherDose Red Light Cap with the words of Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “How much do I love you? Let me count how much.” I know that sounds a bit exaggerated, but it’s true: I have nothing bad to say about it; I love everything about this device.
Once charged, place the magnetized black battery on the back of the cap until it clicks into place. Press the power button, wait for the red light to come on, then place the hat on your head. You are free to do whatever you want (within your legal rights) for ten minutes until the hat beeps to indicate that it has automatically turned off.
While red light can rejuvenate your scalp, make sure the environment is clean and free of debris and buildup. I still use a few topical products that I recommend for scalp health: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo for Thinning Hair ($30), Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Serum ($30) in place of conditioner, and Verb Ghost Exfoliating Scalp Honey ($21) between washes.
Combating hair loss is a multifaceted, gradual, and often cryptic process. If you’re not a fan of topicals/serums, this clean cap will keep your roots clean and dry. The minoxidil formula has a thick, sticky texture that can be harmful to cats and can cause hair loss in the early stages. If you’re taking an oral supplement like Nutrafol ($88) (which I and many dermatologists recommend), be sure to take several tablets daily. The High Dose Red Light Cap can be used with both products, but consult your doctor if you’re undergoing ultrasound treatments, injections, or implants/prosthetics. If you’re experiencing severe and/or sudden hair loss, see your doctor/trichologist to determine the underlying cause. Hair loss is often linked to genetics and age-related changes, but can also be a symptom of underlying health issues.
Don’t expect immediate results. Like any hair loss treatment, it’s a gradual process. The brand recommends daily wear for four months, followed by maintenance three to four times a week. I’ve been using it for a month now, and the most noticeable hair growth is around my hairline, and the weird curls I’ve had since childhood are looking thicker. I’ll continue to do so and update this story once I’ve completed the full course.
While the hat looks discreet, it’s not completely invisible—the power port on the back of the hat is slightly raised. Anyone who looks closely at the back of your head will notice something there—but does anyone really do that? I wear this hat to the grocery store, to the park, and when I’m running errands, and if anyone notices, they won’t tell. Even if they do, it’s like wearing a cute pimple patch in public—I’d find it cute and understandable.
As for sizing, if you have a smaller head, this hat will fit looser. It suits my style, like an early 2000s Von Dutch trucker cap.
The HigherDose Red Light Cap is available on the brand’s website, as well as at Sephora and Nordstrom.
Alana Peden is an award-winning storyteller, strategist, and brand builder. She gained experience in print media working at magazines like InStyle and More before moving on to digital leadership roles at Penske Media Corporation and Bustle Digital Group. In 2017, she conceived and launched the fashion and beauty verticals of Elite Daily. Most recently, she served as Editor-in-Chief of StyleCaster.