Laser hair growth therapy uses lasers to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. There are several at-home laser products available to purchase online.
A quick look at 6 of the best laser products for hair growth
- Best for charging on the go: HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 272
- Best for an affordable laser cap: iRestore Essential
- Best for a laser comb: HairMax Ultima 12 LaserComb
- Best for style versatility: CapillusOne
- Best for a long warranty: Illumiflow 272 Pro Laser Cap
This article discusses laser therapy, how it works, and who may benefit from it. It also discusses some of the laser products available online and answers frequently asked questions.
Laser hair growth is a therapy that uses low-level lasers to stimulate the scalp and the hair follicles to help reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.
Research suggests that low-level laser treatment can:
- prolong the growth phase, anagen, of the hair cycle
- stimulate follicles in the resting phase, telogen, to transition to the growth phase
- slow down the transition to the regression phase, catagen
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently clears these devices for treating male and female pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia.
Laser hair growth therapy may be beneficial for those who have androgenic alopecia. This type of hair loss
Males with androgenic alopecia will likely experience hair loss at the top of their heads and around their hairline. Females may notice a wider center parting of the hair due to hair loss.
However, some people do not experience hair growth while using low-level laser therapy. Other treatments may provide better results, such as minoxidil and finasteride.
A
A more recent review investigated the effect of several laser products available to purchase online on males and females with hair loss. The authors found that these products improved hair growth and density with minimal side effects.
The side effects people may experience include:
However, the authors also note that many of the studies they reviewed had a conflict of interest with companies that make laser hair growth treatments. Due to this, the results may be biased, and more research is necessary.
Medical News Today chooses laser hair growth products based on the following criteria:
- FDA clearance: All products have received FDA clearance for treating male and female pattern hair loss.
- Reputable: All companies will have a Better Business Burea (BBB) page and a Trustpilot page wherever possible.
- Warranties: Wherever possible, all companies will offer warranties and return policies.
A person may wish to consider the following factors before purchasing laser products:
- FDA clearance: People should consider only purchasing from companies that have received FDA clearance for their products. This means that the company has shown that its products are equivalent to other products that have already received FDA clearance or approval.
- Testimonials: People may wish to view customer ratings and reviews on third-party websites such as the BBB or Trustpilot.
- Warranties: People should carefully read all warranties and return policies before purchasing a product to ensure that the company will provide a replacement or refund if the product is faulty.
- Cost: Laser hair growth products can be expensive. People may wish to consider their budget before purchasing.
There are several FDA-cleared products available to purchase online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for charging on the go: HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 272
This cap has 272 laser diodes and a water-resistant silicone insert that protects the diodes and makes the cap easier to clean.
Additionally, this product comes with a micro-USB rechargeable battery pack for charging on the go.
HairMax offers a two-year warranty and a one-year money-back guarantee. The company states that people will start to notice significant improvements after 6 months of using this product.
While HairMax does not have a BBB page, customers give the company an average of 3.1 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
Pros and cons
Those who left positive product reviews on the HairMax website state that they noticed less hair shedding when using this laser cap alongside other treatments, such as minoxidil.
However, those who left more negative reviews report that the battery does not last long and the cap does not fit the head well.
Price: The HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 272 costs $1899.
Best for an affordable laser cap: iRestore Essential
This cap has 120 medical-grade lasers and LEDs. The company states it targets the areas where most people experience hair loss, and people may notice the benefits within 3-6 months.
The BBB gives iRestore an A+ grade. However, the average customer rating on Trustpilot is 2.3 out of 5 stars.
This cap is one of the most affordable options available online. Additionally, the company offers a 12-month money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.
Pros and cons
Customers on the iRestore website state that they have noticed new hair growth after using this product in as little as several weeks. However, many of the reviewers do say that they also use other treatment methods, such as hair growth shampoo and vitamins.
Those who left more negative reviews state that the cap is not comfortable to wear and that they are still noticing an increase in hair loss.
Price: The iRestore Essential costs $695.
Best for a laser comb: HairMax Ultima 12 LaserComb
This cordless and lightweight comb contains 12 laser diodes and has a timer display. People can move the comb to target specific areas in the scalp or as a full-head treatment.
HairMax offers a two-year warranty on this device.
Pros and cons
Those who left positive reviews on the website stated that they noticed more hair growth around the sides of their head after several months. However, some reviewers also say that they were using a combination of laser and other therapies and were unsure of how much of the growth directly resulted from the laser.
More negative reviews report that they did not notice any difference in their hair after using the product. Some reviewers state that they noticed increased hair loss.
Price: The HairMax Ultima 12 LaserComb costs $399.
Best for style versitality: CapillusOne
This laser cap contains 112 medical-grade laser diodes. People can detach the laser dome and place it onto other hats or caps for additional style versatility.
The company states that individuals may see results with just six minutes of daily use. Additionally, the laser dome contains sensors that disable the lasers until the individuals place the cap on their heads to avoid injuring the eyes.
The BBB gives Curralux, the company that manufactures Capillus products, a B grade. However, the BBB also warns that the company makes unsubstantiated advertising claims. Reviewers on Trustpilot give the company an average of 4 out of 5 stars.
Capillus offers a one-year warranty and a 6-month satisfaction guarantee on this device.
Pros and cons
Those who left positive reviews on Capillus’ Trustpilot page state that they noticed an increase in hair thickness after using the company’s devices. Additionally, some customers report that they experienced less hair shedding when combing their hair.
However, those who left negative reviews stated that they did not notice any difference in their hair after using this product. Some people noticed increased hair loss.
Price: The CapillusOne costs $1099.
Best for a long warranty: Illumiflow 272 Pro Laser Cap
This cap has 272 laser diodes, a rechargeable battery pack, and a baseball cap that houses the diodes.
The company states that it has designed this product to sit higher on the scalp than other laser products to ensure it covers the most common areas of hair loss.
Illumiflow does not appear to have a BBB or Trustpilot page.
The company offers a 5-year warranty, which Illumiflow claims is the best in the industry.
Pros and cons
All five reviews on the company’s website are positive, with customers stating that their hair feels thicker and stronger after using this product.
However, the company does not appear to have a BBB or Trustpilot page and does not have any ratings below 5 stars on its own website.
Price: The Illumiflow 272 Pro Laser Cap costs $999.
The following table compares the laser hair growth products in this article.
HairMax PowerFlex | iRestore Essential | HairMax LaserComb | CapillusOne | Illumiflow 272 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | cap | cap | comb | cap | cap |
Medical grade laser diodes | 272 | 120 | 12 | 112 | 272 |
Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | 2 years | 1 year | 5 years |
Price | $1899 | $695 | $399 | $1099 | $999 |
People concerned with hair loss should contact a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist. Healthcare professionals can diagnose which type of hair loss a person is experiencing and whether the hair will grow back by itself or requires treatment.
While dermatologists can not treat every type of alopecia, they may be able to prevent further hair loss. Healthcare professionals may recommend several treatments, such as minoxidil, finasteride, corticosteroids, and platelet-rich plasma.
Here we answer some common questions about laser hair growth treatments.
How long does laser hair growth treatment last?
Currently, no studies research how long laser hair growth treatment lasts.
However, studies show that low-level laser therapy benefits hair growth after around 16 weeks of treatment.
Is laser hair growth permanent?
No, laser hair growth is not permanent.
If a person stops using a laser hair growth product, their hair will begin thinning over time.
Do laser combs work for hair growth?
Laser combs may improve hair thickness and density.
However, there is a lack of double-blind independent research investigating the effects of laser combs on hair growth.
Low-level laser therapy can help improve hair growth and thickness in people with male or female pattern hair loss. There are several products available to purchase online that have received FDA clearance.
However, laser hair growth treatment does not work for everyone. A person should contact a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment methods for their circumstances.