A growing number of consumers are turning to at-home red light therapy devices to address hair loss and promote scalp health, with one such product, CurrentBody’s cord-free LED Hair Growth Helmet, gaining attention. The device, cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device, utilizes red light wavelengths clinically proven to energize hair follicles and improve scalp circulation.
The CurrentBody helmet is lined with 10 strips, each containing 12 red lights emitting wavelengths between 620 and 660 nanometers. This technology mirrors that of red-light therapy face masks, which are used to improve skin conditions and stimulate cell growth. According to the company, the 620-nm light improves scalp health by boosting circulation, while the 660-nm light penetrates deeper into the scalp to stimulate growth and repair at the follicle root.
Red light therapy works by triggering follicles to remain in the hair growth phase, providing oxygen and blood flow to the scalp. Research suggests these wavelengths can likewise reduce inflammation and lower levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss and thinning. The therapy supports the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy for cells.
The helmet is available in two sizes – medium (21.3 to 23.2-inch skull circumference) and large (23.3 to 25 inches). It requires approximately three hours to fully charge via a USB-C cord and provides about a week of utilize per charge. A flashing white light indicates charging, turning solid white when complete. The device is activated with a single button located under the charging port.
The device is eligible for use with a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) with a letter of medical necessity. While testing the device, one user reported noticing thicker hair during shampooing and an increase in “baby hairs” along the hairline after three months of use. However, results were not described as dramatically visual.
The rise in popularity of red-light therapy for hair growth follows a broader trend of celebrity adoption of pixie cuts. In 2013, a surge in celebrities, including Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, and Shailene Woodley, opting for shorter hairstyles drew significant media attention. Beyoncé, in a recent interview with Essence, revealed her 2013 decision to cut her hair was driven by an “emotional transformation and metamorphosis,” rather than an aesthetic choice. She described the cut as a rebellion against societal expectations, particularly following her experience as a latest mother.
Audrey Hepburn first popularized the pixie cut in the 1950s with her role in Roman Holiday, and the style has seen recurring periods of popularity throughout the decades, notably in the 1960s with stars like Mia Farrow and Twiggy, and again in the 1990s with Demi Moore.
