The Tamesis
About HighDose red light printhead filter
This shower head filter combines red light therapy with water filtration for a dual purpose. “In terms of red light, the device emits two wavelengths: 650nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light, with an irradiance of 200mW/cm2,” Alcalde said. “These are not arbitrary numbers – decades of research have shown that these specific wavelengths penetrate the skin and are absorbed by mitochondria, the parts of our cells responsible for producing energy.”
Alcalde explains that 650nm red light is closer to the surface, stimulating collagen production and supporting skin repair; over time, this translates into improvements in firmness, tone and radiance. “The 850nm near-infrared wavelength can penetrate deeper into tissues, supporting circulation and helping to deliver oxygen and nutrients more efficiently throughout the body,” she said. “This plays a meaningful role in healthy skin, scalp health and the overall sense of vitality you feel after your treatment.”
When it comes to filtration, water itself is part of the anti-aging equation, she says. “Chlorine, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and microplastics are all daily stressors for skin and hair,” Alcalde continued. “Chlorine alone strips the skin of its natural moisture barrier, leaving hair brittle and dry.” HigherDose’s filters remove up to 99% of chlorine, 75-89% of heavy metals, 65% of VOCs and 50-60% of microplastics, she adds. “This creates a cleaner water environment that protects skin and hair, rather than depleting it with every shower.”
My experience with high dose red light sprinkler filters
For the past week or so, I’ve been bathing with a new contraption. While it’s too early to tell if it will have any effect on my skin and hair, the experience is certainly positive on a sensory level. Turn off the lights in the bathroom and take a shower at night. Under the red light, it feels futuristic and spa-like. But aside from the heightened ambience, nothing feels too different from my daily shower, and the filter is simple to install and set up.
Simply remove your existing shower head, wrap the included plumber’s tape around the shower arm, and screw it on. Once it’s in place, charge the red halo, connect it to the shower head, and use the remote to select the session length – I usually set it to 10 minutes, but you can also choose 5 or 15 minutes.
Are High Dose Red Light Shower Filters Worth It?
While it’s natural to be skeptical of a $600 showerhead filter, some pros believe it’s more (legally) beneficial than people think. “RLT shower heads may look gimmicky at first, but there’s some solid science behind the benefits of red and near-infrared light exposure for the skin, scalp and body,” says Dr. Bowman. “The biggest advantage of the RLT shower head is effortless, full-body coverage during your daily activities.”
Dr. Bowman notes that unlike face-only masks, scalp-focused laser caps or helmets, or scalp-focused PEMF pads (which use electromagnetic fields instead of light and require you to lie down), shower heads deliver red and near-infrared light to your scalp, face, neck, torso, arms, legs, and even hard-to-reach areas while you’re standing and showering. He adds that standing under the shower head requires no extra steps, no need to schedule a separate session, and the built-in water filtration actively improves water quality for skin and hair. “This is something no other RLT device can offer,” he said. While he noted that the shower head is not a replacement for in-office treatments or high-density devices for specific problems, “its unique passive nature and consistency make daily use extremely easy.”
