Have you noticed tufts of hair clogging up your shower drain lately, or that your hair feels significantly thinner than usual? If so, we're here to help. Whether you're experiencing hair shedding or hair loss, there are various hair-growth solutions on the market — including hair growth hats.
These red-light-therapy caps are recommended by many hair care experts, but you might be wondering: Do hair growth hats work? Experts say yes.
"Hair growth hats are a type of red light at-home treatment for hair loss," explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist. "Red light therapy is used to treat hair loss because the long wavelengths of red light can penetrate deep into the skin," he adds.
Along with Camp, we spoke with two trichologists as well as a professional hairstylist and colorist to learn the ins and outs of hair growth hats as well as some other products that can be of assistance in the area.
We also understand that these hats can be expensive, so we included some of our favorite affordable products for hair growth. Keep scrolling to score the best expert-recommended and editor-tested hair growth caps and solutions.
Expert-recommended hair oil$undefined$12.95
How do hair growth hats work?
In a nutshell, hair growth hats utilize red light therapy to help promote hair growth.
"Hair growth hats, often referred to as laser caps or photobiomodulation light therapy (in the clinical world) are wearable devices designed to stimulate hair growth," says Kimberly Vaughn, a clinical trichologist and hair loss coach.
"They use low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which emits red or near-infrared light to penetrate the scalp and promote healthier hair follicles, resulting in hair growth," she adds.
“It is thought that red light has an effect on the growth of hair follicles by potentially improving blood flow, reducing oxidative stress from free oxygen radicals, and lengthening the amount of time hair follicles remain in anagen, which is the growing phase of the hair cycle,” explains Camp.
The benefits of hair growth hats
There are many long-term benefits when it comes to investing in a hair growth hat.
"Red light devices for hair loss are generally painless, have limited potential side effects and are non-invasive," says Camp. "On the other hand, they can be expensive, require regular use and should be used for at least three to four months before deciding if they are helping or not," he advises.
“The goal of hair loss treatment is retention of remaining hair," suggests Camp. "Noticing less hair shedding after using a product for a few months is a positive sign that the product is working. New hairs may be fine, soft and lighter in color than other scalp hairs," he mentions.
"The light energy from LLLT improves blood flow and cellular metabolism in the scalp, encouraging hair follicles to shift from the resting (telogen) phase into the active growth (anagen) phase as well as delaying the (catagen) shedding phase of hair growth," states trichologist Sara Hallajian.
She adds that with consistent use over time, users can see improvements in hair density and hair quality.
The best hair growth hat, tested by a Shop TODAY editor
Cavalcante recommends this HigherDose cap, which was tested by an editor on our team.
Cavalcante explains, "This device uses 650 nanometers of red light and 120 powerful LED diodes to boost blood flow to your scalp, helping to nourish hair follicles and minimize shedding." He continues, "Over time, this can lead to less hair loss, stronger strands and visible hair growth."
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto recently noticed her hair was shedding and decided to put this cap to the test ahead of her wedding. "Since it’s cordless, it’s super easy to use while watching TV, cleaning or even while cooking each night," she said.
Along with the HigherDose cap, Ricevuto also used Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo and SickScience PowerCycle Scalp Treatment Serum as part of her regular hair care regime and saw incredible results.
In fact, she called this combination of these three products her “holy grail.”
The best hair growth hats, according to experts
Camp is also a big fan of this Theradome cap that comes with a carrying bag for easy travel. “Twice weekly, twenty-minute treatments deliver a specific wavelength of light (680 nanometers) that can penetrate the scalp and stimulate hair follicles to improve hair thickness, density and overall hair health,” he says.
“This FDA-cleared device combines 282 lasers and LEDs to promote hair regrowth and prevent further loss,” suggests Cavalcante. “Users appreciate its comfortable design and effectiveness. This is not something you can just wear and go on with your day, but it seems to give great results,” he adds.
“I often recommend this device for clients beginning their hair restoration journey,” notes Hallajian.
Camp recommends this CurrentBody LED Hair Growth Helmet, which requires a daily 10-minute treatment. Incorporating this hat into your routine can “improve scalp blood flow,” he explains.
Vaughn is a fan of this cordless Revian kit that provides full scalp coverage, according to the brand. This hands-free gadget will only take up 10 minutes of your day and includes a cap, travel bag, USB cable and charger. Satisfied customers speak to the device's ease of use and its overall effectiveness.
More hair growth products to shop, recommended by experts and editors
Cavalcante recommended this rosemary oil that has an impressive 79,000+ five-star ratings on Amazon. “Add three drops to your shampoo when washing hair, or mix it with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut and apply it to the scalp the night before washing your hair to stimulate growth,” he explained.
Cavalcante is also a big fan of this plant-based formula from Kitsch. Enriched with rosemary oil and jojoba seed oil, this affordable product can be used on all hair types and offers a refreshing lavender scent.
Associate editor Shannon Garlin tested this serum by The Ordinary and noticed huge improvements to her scalp and hair. "My hairline looks fuller and there’s new growth starting to appear. I even have family and friends commenting on how long my locks have gotten," she explained.
“I love this brand in general and use multiple products, but this oil is great for tackling the roots of your hair to add strength and inches,” social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo previously told Shop TODAY.
“I use it once a week before I shower and have noticed my hair has less breakage and seems to grow a little faster,” she noted.
Not only is this Dr. Groot Miracle in Shower Treatment a Shop TODAY 2025 Beauty Award winner for best hair growth treatment, but it is also an Amazon’s Choice product. Satisfied Amazon customers say it softens hair texture and is easy to apply.
Editor Vivien Moon noticed baby hair growth after using this spray for a few months. "It’s easy to apply and I especially loved that it only took a minute to apply it once a day (that’s what I was doing at least),” stated Moon.
This Amazon's Choice product comes in a pack of two and contains 2% minoxidil to help stimulate hair regrowth.
Frequently asked questions
The answer is yes. "Often, hair growth hats can be combined with other treatments like minoxidil or finasteride," explains Cavalcante. "Definitely consult with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs, though. Especially if dealing with severe hair loss," he adds.
Editor's note: On April 22, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about topical finasteride, noting that consumers may be at risk of adverse events related to the ingredient and products formulated with it.
Results may vary, but Cavalcante says users usually see noticeable improvements after three to six months of consistent use. "Individual results depend on factors like the extent of hair loss and how frequently they do the treatment and which other products they are using (like serums or vitamins)," he explains.
"LLLT is generally safe, but some users may experience mild scalp warmth to the top of the head," says Vaughn.
Cavalcante suggests that hair growth hats are typically designed to be worn for a few minutes daily or several times per week. However, it's important to read the instructions of your particular hat before use.
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How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best hair growth hats by enlisting the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist, two trichologists and a hairstylist. We also asked our editors to share a few of their favorite hair growth products.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on red light therapy and hair growth. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Kimberly Vaughn is a clinical trichologist, hair loss coach and the president of HPIHair Partners in Brentwood, Tennessee.
- Rogerio Cavalcante is a hairstylist, colorist and the founder of The Second Floor Salon in New York, New York.
- Sara Hallajian is an IAT trichologist and the owner of Âme hair salon in Santa Monica, California.
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag