Updated in May 2020 to include iRestore new model: iRestore Professional. 

The blog reviews iRestore laser hair growth system, one of the many brands that belong to Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for hair loss treatment.  There are some clinical studies indicating LLLT can work to halt or even reverse hair loss in early stage. It is a much less popular treatment type than the mainstream treatment like Minoxidil and finasteride. The clinical studies were done in a much smaller scale than minoxidil and finasteride. The effectiveness of LLLT is generally believed to be not as good as minoxidil and finasteride.  Nonetheless, it warrants some examination. 

What is the iRestore Laser Hair Growth System?

It is an FDA-cleared laser hair therapy system  intended for both men and women who suffer from androgenic alopecia. Please be advised the the device is FDA-cleared, not FDA-approved, meaning the effectiveness and safety is not rigorously demonstrated (In contrast, Minoxidil and finasteride are FDA approved).  The device is said to use clinical-strength laser technology in treating both hair loss and thinning hair for men and women. More specifically, it is intended for men between the age range of 18-48 (Norwooed-Hamilton Scale between Class IIa to V )and women between 18-60 years who are suffering from hair loss (Ludwig Savin Scale between Class I to II ) (see image below). The skin type IRestore may work is Fitzpatrick Skin Types  I to VI as shown below.

How it works? 

The helmet, when worn appropriately on the head and switched on, emits a red light, which is then absorbed by your cells. They claim that the light energy absorbed stimulates a rapid change in the metabolism rate and ATP production of the cells. This causes the hair follicles that have long been dormant to start producing hair again. Aside from the promise of regrowth of your hair, it is said also to strengthens and builds up the hair follicle so that your existing hair looks a lot thicker.  Results is said to be visible in 3 to 6 months

Irestore components and looking 

Irestore Essential

Irestore Prefessional

All  parts except for the user manual and packaging box included in the Irestore product are shown above.  

How is Irestore compared to other laser helmets?

	Irestore Essential	Irestore Professional	Hair covet	theradome	capillus
# of laser diodes	21	82	272	82	82
Laser wavelength	650	650	650	678	650
# of LED	30	200	0	0	0
FDA cleared?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
FDA approved?	No	No	No	No	No
Where is made	China	China	China	USA	USA
Battery Powered	Optional (add $40)	Optional (add $70)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Include Wall Plug for ourside USA?	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Comfortability of wearing the device	Not Comfortable	Comfortable	Comfortable	Comfortable	Comfortable
Quality	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Price (usd)	595	1195	799	895	899
Recommendation

*: Capillus is a cap like laser helmet. The size of the cap can't be adjusted to fit heads of different size. However, it offers two sizes of the cap, one for average size of head and one for larger head.

**: Capillus and Igrow provide wall plugs that look similar to what is shown below. It includes changeable plug prongs so it can be used in most countries in the world. The AC adaptor of all four brands above can be used with voltage from 100 v to 240v. 

How to use iRestore

Using the iRestore is quite straight forward. All you have to do is put it on your head, press the power button on the controller and then the start button. The helmet is made of plastic. It has a built-in clap to fit into head of different size. I found the claps are little tight to make it a little uncomfortable.  The laser and LED lights turn on and off for 25 minutes, and you’re done. The controller gives a beep at the end of the session, and the LEDs automatically turn off. It is recommended to use 2-3 times a week. One needs to continue to use the device to keep the results. 

iRestore Safety, Side Effects

Irestore is generally believed to be free of any side effects except for some complaint of scalp itchiness.

It very important to make sure your head is free of minoxidil or any other hair care products when you use irestore hair laser treatment device. You can still use minoxidil products like Lipogaine and Rogaine as if you were not using the laser helmet. You just need to wash your head and dry it before you use Irestore.

It is imperative that you keep the device away from water, wet spots, or anything damp. Also, make sure your hair is dry before using it, and it should be kept away from the reach of children or pets.

iRestore before and After picture Results

Below are the before and after photos posted by an iRestore user. The user's hair loss was estimated to be Norwood Halmiton IV. After using Irestore laser hair growth system for half a year, the user reported that it slowed or even stopped his hair loss. No other product was used during that six months. The user was happy with the result. 

iRestore Price

Essential Mode: $595.00; $695.00 if a battery is included. 

Professional Model: $1195; $1265 if a battery is included.

Where to Buy iRestore

You can only order irestore online at this moment. You can either order it from Amazon or irestore official website. 

Conclusion on iRestore

If your hair loss is mild and your main goal is to stop further hair loss, you can try lower level laser therapy (LLLT). However, if your hair loss is in an advanced stage and you want to regrow some of your loss hair, it is better to use FDA approved (instead of FDA cleared) products like Minoxidil and/or finasteride.

If you do decide to try LLLT treatment, you should consider other very well-built US brands that cost much lower price per diode such as Theradome and Capillus. If you want to have the best bang for your buck, I strongly recommend Hair Covet hair growth laser cap that have a unblievable number of 272 laser diodes for only $799. 

Irestore Professional 

 How does it look?

More images of Irestore laser hair regrowth helmet