Once confined to dermatologist clinics and sci-fi-adjacent treatments, red light therapy devices have emerged as the must-have beauty tech.
Touted for its collagen-boosting, inflammation-calming, and cell-regenerating prowess, LED therapy has gone from facial treatments to scalp care via a slew of high-end gadgets promising healthier hair, reduced shedding, and even regrowth. I no longer double-take at someone with a glowing mask on their face or a laser-laced helmet on their head mid-Zoom call. Red light (among other colours of the rainbow) has gone mainstream, and our scalps, it seems, are the new frontier.
In truth, I’m cautiously optimistic about at-home light therapy. I’m not expecting miracles. But like many, I’m seduced by the idea of a passive, non-invasive way that could improve my hair’s health in the long term.
As such, I’ve been keen to try StylPro’s Root Renew Hair Brush — a neat little piece of kit claiming to combine scalp massage with red LED light therapy, designed to gently stimulate follicles and promote better, fuller hair over time.
It looks more like a travel-friendly detangler than a high-tech solution, but that’s part of the attraction. Plus, the brand’s LED mask has rave reviews, with customers praising its ability to smooth fine lines and reduce redness. But how will this translate to hair follicles?
I’ve been testing it over the past few weeks for this review. My expectations were tempered: I’m not asking it to perform follicular CPR. This is for maintenance, not miracles. It’s the kind of device you turn to after a long day, when you’ve already dry-brushed your limbs and slathered on magnesium. But does it live up to the high-tech hype, or is this just another gimmicky tool to clutter the bathroom shelf?
Let’s break it down.
StylPro Red Light Therapy Brush key specs
- 655nm red low laser light therapy (LLLT) LED bristles to support hair wellness
- Sonic scalp massaging capability
- Cordless and USB-C rechargeable
- Maximum daily exposure of 20 minutes per area
- Ergonomic silicone bristles
Design
At first glance, the StylPro Root Renew doesn’t scream luxury. It’s extremely lightweight - a plus if you’re packing for a weekend away - but it does feel on the wrong side of toy-like.
The silicone bristles contribute to that slightly plasticine feel, though they do lend the brush a soft, scalp-friendly quality that makes it accessible for most hair types. Visually, it's simple, clean, and unassuming, and for the price point, you can’t really fault it.
Still, if you’re used to the weighty gloss of high-end tools, this may feel a little underwhelming at first touch.
User-friendliness
The beauty of this device is that it couldn’t be easier to use — press the on button, hold it to your scalp, and let the light do its thing. Uncomplicated bliss.
But the recommended usage time (three minutes per area of the scalp) means that a full session quickly becomes a commitment. It’s meditative, yes, and would suit a Sunday self-care moment, but it’s not a quick treatment for anyone looking to squeeze this in post-dinner and pre-bed. Plus, the brush isn’t designed for wet hair, which limits its practical use - personally, I’d be far more inclined to use it right after the shower.
Functionality
The massage element is a great addition. It’s gentle, rhythmic, and helps stimulate the hair follicles. While I haven’t noticed any Rapunzel-like hair growth (yet), I also wouldn’t expect to — these things are cumulative, and I’m approaching it more as preventative than curative care.
The good news? I have noticed a subtle improvement in the general health of my roots. They’re less aching at the crown after a day pulled back in tight buns or slicked-back plaits, which I’m putting down to better circulation and tension release.
That said, the bristles do snag a little, especially on frizz-prone or curly textures such as mine, which can make gliding the brush across the scalp a bit of a faff. There’s also a gentle warmth that builds as you use it — not unpleasant, and possibly psychosomatic, but it does add to the feeling that something is happening.
Verdict
Best scalp exfoliators: Top picks for healthier hair
Foreo Peach 2 Pro Max review: The future of effortless hair removal
Best red light therapy devices to shop for home use, tried and tested
Best pre-styling cream: Top picks to prep hair and combat frizz
Best laser hair growth devices to use at home reviewed
Best itchy skin treatment: Scalp to shins relief with expert tips
StylPro Root Renew Hair Brush
With its slightly warm bristles, powerful red light and sonic massage capacity, the Root Renew is a brilliant preventative piece of kit. The high-tech brush isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s not trying to be.
So what is it? A calming, fuss-free, semi-luxurious moment of self-care, ideal for those evenings when you want to pretend that you’re Gwyneth Paltrow in an infrared sauna, without leaving your sofa.
Is it a necessity? No. But in a market saturated with clunky helmets and exorbitantly priced LED wands, this feels refreshingly attainable. As a part-time indulgence and a scalp-soothing ritual, it earns its place. I’d love a wet-hair-compatible version for full routine integration. Until then, it’s staying in the rotation - if only for the massage function.
Buy now £39.99, Lookfantastic
