I’VE HAD COUNTLESS takes that haven’t aged well. I once declared that Josh Allen would be a bust, Sam Darnold would never sniff a Super Bowl, and Josh Rosen would be a Hall of Famer—and that’s just in regard to the 2018 NFL Draft. More recently, I was convinced LED and red light therapy devices were a fad that’d blow over in a few years once everybody realized they showed no results.
Then I tested my first LED face mask, and saw real results, real quick. My skin was smoother, less red, and the bags under my eyes evaporated. Now, I rarely go a week without using one. This is before mentioning LED and red light hair loss devices, which are some of the best hair loss treatments you can use at home.
Pros
- Combines red light and water filtration
- Includes everything you need for an easy installation
- Long-lasting battery (7 hours)
- Built-in timer for 5, 10, 15 minute sessions
- Improves hair softness and scalp health
Cons
- Light may be intense for those sensitive
So when I heard HigherDOSE was bringing red light therapy into the shower, I felt the universe was giving me a second chance to make a first impression with this technology. After over a month of regular use with the HigherDOSE Red Light Showerhead Filter, I can confirm it lives up to the hype.
SHOP HigherDOSE Red Light Showerhead Filter
Features and Design
If you’ve never installed a showerhead, HigherDOSE includes everything you need to get the job done. And I do mean everything. In addition to the showerhead, detachable Red Light ring, and shower filter, there’s plumber’s tape, a wrench, and even goggles for protection (not that you’ll probably need them).
You’ll also find a charger for the Red Light Ring and a stand, so you can use it as a more traditional LED face mask or spot treatment when you’re not in the shower. The ring is USB-C chargeable, so if you lose the charger included here, you can likely use your computer or phone charger—unless you’re like me and still rocking with an old iPhone 11. There is also a water-resistant remote for the ring, so you can easily adjust how long a session you want.
The main draw here is, of course, the Red Light ring, which connects to the showerhead for the option of five, ten, or 15-minute sessions. Specifically, it features 650nm red and 850nm near-infrared light, which is in line with some of the more powerful LED face masks on the market right now. Once you turn it on by clicking a small rubber button, the light sits directly above your water stream, delivering consistent exposure while you bathe.
These wavelengths work below the skin’s surface to help boost circulation, which can support brighter-looking skin and a healthier scalp environment. At the same time, the showerhead uses a 10-stage filtration system to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and microplastics that can dry out skin and dull hair. By combining light therapy with cleaner water, the showerhead may improve hydration, reduce scalp buildup, and support stronger skin and hair over time.
Effectiveness
Look, installing a showerhead is never fun. But it was as seamless as it could be with the HigherDOSE, especially since I didn’t have to spend any time digging around my apartment for the right tools. Removing my old showerhead and installing this one took barely ten minutes. There were no issues with leaking, and the water pressure wasn’t affected in any way. Once I turned it on—I prefer the button, but the remote also works well—it was clear this red light was no joke. You can feel the intensity of it immediately.
For those who are sensitive to light, you might want to avoid staring directly into it. This did take some getting used to, even for me. It also felt like I was bathing during the nightclub scene in Blade, but that’s not a bad thing—especially if you’re a fan of leather dusters. I found the red light to actually help establish a relaxing vibe in the shower, while making it feel more elevated than a daily wash.
The most immediate benefit of the showerhead had nothing to do with the filter or red light, but rather the timer. Taking extended showers is a longtime toxic trait of mine (with apologies to my dry skin), so it was nice to have something to tell me that it had been ten minutes and I should move on with my day when the light shut off.
Over the first few days, I started to feel results in my hair. It was noticeably softer, thanks to both the filter, which removed chlorine and hard minerals known to dry out hair, and the red light, which helps soothe the scalp. This has remained the most drastic and consistent benefit of the showerhead after a month of use.
I’ve also seen a reduction in dandruff and scalp dryness, leading me to cut back a day each week on my dandruff shampoo regimen. This is unsurprising, as we know red light can help reduce scalp inflammation, improve blood circulation, and promote healthier skin cell turnover on the scalp.
HigherDOSE claims that the red light battery lasts seven hours, and that proved accurate. I’ve been using it five times a week for over a month, and it’s yet to die. If you stick to ten-minute sessions, that’s 42 showers per charge. If you did five-minute sessions, you might only need to charge this thing four or five times a year. Taking the ring off the showerhead is also super easy. You simply twist it slightly and pull it down.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the HigherDOSE Red Light Showerhead Filter?
At $599, the HigherDOSE Red Light Showerhead Filter is far from cheap, but its price point is in line with other effective LED products. For example, it’s $50 cheaper than the TheraFace Mask, which I love, and only $50 more than iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth Cap,aka our best laser hair loss treatment. The HigherDOSE showerhead truly stands out by combining red light therapy with advanced filtration in one easy upgrade.
It delivers 650nm and 850nm wavelengths directly in your shower while removing chlorine and other impurities that can damage skin and hair. The setup is quick, the design is intuitive, and the added timer and detachable ring make it versatile beyond the shower. After consistent use, I noticed softer hair, a healthier scalp, and a more elevated daily routine overall—making it a worthwhile investment if you want real results with minimal effort.
SHOP HigherDOSE Red Light Showerhead Filter
More of Our Favorite Skincare
LED Face Masks |How Often to Reapply Sunscreen |Moisturizers for Oily Skin | Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin | Moisturizers With SPF | Moisturizers for Combination Skin | Moisturizers for Dry Skin | Body Lotions | Night Creams | Foot Creams | Eye Creams | Body Washes for Dry Skin | Bar Soaps | Natural Soaps | Biodegradable Soaps | Face Washes | Moisturizing Body Washes | Deodorants | Sunscreen for Working Out | Skincare Brands
Shop All the Men’s Health Training Guides
Men’s Health Muscle After 40 At Home
Men’s Health 28-Day Belly Fat Burner Workout
Men’s Health Weight Loss After 40
Men’s Health No Gym Required: Kettlebells
Men’s Health 6-Week Lean Muscle Level-up
Men’s Health 90-Day Transformation Challenge: Abs
Men’s Health Unstoppable After 40
Men’s Health The Lose Your Gut Guide
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
