Low-Level Laser Therapy for Hair Loss Review, The Top 6 list

Hair loss can be a disheartening experience for anyone. Not everyone can pull off the look like Jason Statham, right? Luckily, With the advancement in the field of medicine and alternative technologies, many doors have opened for combating hair loss.

On the same note, we will be discussing Low-Level Laser Therapy(LLLT) and LLLT equipment today. These products offer a safe, natural and no-side-effect solution for hair-loss issues. Even better is that instead of spending your hard-earned money on multiple visits to doctors and clinics, you can perform these treatments in the comfort of your home, at your leisure. If it already sounds too good to be true, read on to our review of the top 6 LLLT helmets and hold onto your heart there!

Before we discuss each product individually, let’s have a quick view of specifications here:

What is LLLT and what does it do?

Low-Level Laser Therapy originated after a Hungarian professor, Endre Mester, noticed that in shaved rats, hair grew faster on patches of skin which were exposed to a specific spectrum of low-level laser light (that is laser light between wavelength 600 nm to 1070 nm, specifically the light between 630 nm and 670 nm). He published this in his research and with time the treatment became popular.

Hair follicle goes through four phases of evolution: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. The Anagen phase is their initial growth phase. By penetrating 3-5 nm deep into the skin, energizing the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell) and subsequently the cell, LLLT sets in the anagen stage (the growth stage). Hence, hair follicle grows healthier hair, at a faster pace.

Who can use LLLT to control and reduce hair loss:

From the perspective of age, It is most suitable for men of age between 18 to 48 years and women of age between 18 to 60 years. From the standpoint of skin types, skin type I & II show the best results as the darker the skin gets, the harder it is for laser light to penetrate deeper into it. Although small-scale studies have shown significant growth improvement in Skin type III and IV as well in certain cases. We are yet to undertake comprehensive studies for skin type V and VI.

Among reasons for hair loss, fewer options are present to treat Androgenic Alopecia (Genetic Baldness) as compared to hair loss due to other causes like chemotherapy.

Which works better: LEDs or Lasers?

Both LED red light and red Lasers operate by penetrating deep into the skin and energizing the mitochondria of cells. However, Lasers have been studied more and have rather consistent data backing their efficiency. You’d do better preferring Lasers over LEDs anyway.

How effective is LLLT?

Even though LLLT is more suitable for initial stages of hair loss, it might work well for later stages as well if used in combination with clinical grade medicines. We’d suggest that you consult with your doctor about how far your loss has gone, identify the cause, know your skin type and your chances with various treatments. LLLT can be used with any other medication as it is entirely natural and free of side effects.

Some General facts to know about LLLT helmets:

• The helmets ranked here are all FDA-cleared which means that they are safe to use.

• Apart from slight itchiness, no side effects have been observed after using these products.

• One must make sure that the scalp and hair are dry and free of hair care products when using the laser cap/helmet/comb.

• Most products offer a limited period warranty, not including accidental damage or damage arising from misuse.

• It may take anywhere between 5 months to one year for visible improvements, depending upon factors like age, gender, skin type, reasons for hair-loss etc.

• Generally, LLLT helmets come with a safety sensor, in case you overstep the suggested treatment time.

• The session time is not adjustable in most devices.

1. Hairmax:  Hairmax is the first one who officially marketed the first  low-level laser therapy device (not laser helmet). It started with lasercomb (Prima 7, Ultima 12) that are not so convenient to use. Users have to handheld the comb and move the comb manually every a few seconds. Later it launched the laserband (Laserband 41 and 82). The laserband can be rested on the head and does not require the labor like the laser comb.

Compared to the laser helmets, the biggest advantage the laserband has is that it has a high density of laser diode as all the laser diodes are spared over a narrow band. Not like laser helmet wherein the laser diodes are spread over the entire helmet. For the majority of pattern hair loss (or androgenetic alopecia) where hair loss typically occurs on the limited area like the top of the head, Hairmax should work the best. However, if you have general hair thinning issue, it will be kind of cumbersome to use the laserband.

Another big advantage hair max has is that laserband comes with teeth which can help part the hair so the scalp can be exposed and laser light can reach the scalp. Just imagine it, if you still have a good amount of hair and you wear a helmet, the laser will most likely be shone on your hair rather than on your scalp, which makes the treatment ineffective at all. That is a big issue all other brands of laser helmets faces. Yet they do not have any good solution to it, as hairmax has the patent on the teeth design.

Pros

• Hairmax uses a patented Hair parting teeth mechanism. Laser lights are put in teeth-like structures that keep hair from coming between the scalp and the laser.

• These products use only Laser Lights and not LEDs.

• The comb-like shape of Laserbands by Hairmax covers the sideburns as well and is easier to fit on your head.

• It is effective for hair-regrowth in initial stages of Patterned hair loss.

Cons:

• Even though fancy, the patented mechanism of HairMax has no real reports to back it up.

• It’s not very useful in spot balding and gradual hair-loss.

Verdict: Even though among popular LLLT companies, HairMAx has a small scale research data to back its claims. Considering the scenario, we’d recommend you choose Theradome if you are more focused towards results instead of budget.

2. Theradome

Cleared by FDA, the Theradome LH80 Pro with all laser diodes developed by former NASA scientist, [scientist name here]. Different from other laser helmets that typically use a wavelength between 650-655 nm. Theradome uses a wavelength of 678 nm.  The difference in wavelength itself does not offer any difference in effectiveness. Instead, it creates a barrier for other brands to copy the products. .

Pros:

• Excellent design: Most other brands try to save cost by reducing the mold of making the plastic parts and it results in a boring looking helmet. Theradome has at least has 7 pieces put together to form this great looking, high quality, lightweight and well-vented helmet.

• Low cost per laser diode: $11.2 per laser diode

• Greatest mobility: All other brands offer external battery, while the theradome battery is hidden inside the helmet, which offers you completely string free helmet.  

• You can use the helmet while cooking, watching television, taking a walk, reading a book!

• Has a built-in speaker to inform the user about. Also, the helmet verbally informs you at the end of the treatment, so no worries if you get too engrossed in your book while taking the therapy.

• Convenience: it requires only 2 to 3 times a week treatment, Each time is 20 minutes.

• Theradome has produced positive results for alopecia areata (spot baldness), chemotherapy-induced alopecia and traction alopecia (gradual hair loss). Though the results vary according to the stage of hair loss, the earlier you start the treatment the better.  

• Warranty: Theradome devices purchased from the official theradome website or authorized resellers come with a limited warranty of a year from the date of purchase of the device. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and defects in workmanship only. It doesn’t cover accidental damage or misuse. However, you can buy additional warranty of three years from the theradome website which covers all kinds of accidental damage and technical fault for three years from the date of purchase of the helmet.

Cons:

• Does not work for dark skin

• Does not work for advanced hair loss

• Not convenient to carry when traveling.

• May not fit some head. It includes foam padding to try to fit heads of different size. But it won’t be surprising that some people can’t wear it.

• Not FDA approved for hair loss treatment (only FDA cleared).

Summary: We highly recommend Theradome as it has a decent configuration and wide array of hair-loss types in which it is effective. The usage regimen is easy to follow and flexible. In its cost bracket, Theradome offers best results and the ROI seems good here.

Moreover, we have strong results backing the statement that this helmet shows best results (visibly stronger, healthier hair) with the most common hair-loss treatment medicines Lipogaine, Rogaine, Minoxidil (for severe hair loss) and Finasteride (mainly for men).

 3. Irestore Laser Hair Regrowth System:

Irestore is essentially an improved version of Igrow laser helmet, made by Freedom Laser Therapy. It has 21 laser diodes and 30 LED lights. It was created by Craig Nabat. Unlike founders of other brands, Craig Nabat is neither a scientist nor a medical doctor, he is a pure successful entrepreneur, social marketing expert. The product is made in China with excellent simplicity and quality. Due to the much-improved features and quality of Irestore in comparison to Iregrow, the release of Irestore literally put Igrow into history. It has LED lights that said to help compliment effectiveness of laser diodes, of which we can’t find any scientific proof.  

Pros:

• Solid design: the helmet is well built with excellent quality

• Convenience: it requires only 2 to 3 times a week treatment, Each time is 25 minutes.

• Warranty: six-months manufacturer warranty.

Cons:  

• High cost per laser diode: $28.3 per diode even without the battery.

• Battery not included in the base price.

• Low density of laser diodes.

• Does not come with AC plug that works in European countries.

• The clamp used to fit with different sizes of head is kind of tight, may make people uncomfortable.

• Does not work for dark skin

• Does not work for advanced hair loss

• Not convenient to carry when traveling as it is bulky.

• Not FDA approved for hair loss treatment (only FDA cleared).

Verdict: nicely built laser helmet. It is a much-improved version of the first generation of laser helmet-igrow. However, the number of laser diodes is low and unit laser diode price is high and the battery is not included in the standard device. It is a good option for an entry-level laser helmet.

4. Capillus

Different from other LLLT devices that are more like "helmet", Capillus is more like a hat. The main device consists of a detachable hat with Capillus logo and an inner dome. The laser diode boards are mounted inside the dome. The product is offered Capilllus LLC founded by Carlos Pina. Different from other brands of laser helmet, Capillus is the only brands that offer extremely high-density laser helmet that is only available through licensed doctors. Capillus is available in three variants: Value device (Capillus 82), a mid-ranging device (Capillus 202) and premium device (Capillus272 Pro)(available only through prescription). The difference is of number of LEDs chiefly. While the value device (for $899) offers 82 laser diodes, the mid-ranging device (for $1,999) offers 202 diodes; both are surpassed by the premium device (for $2,999) offering 272 diodes. All these devices are manufactured by hand.

Pros:

• Lightweight: significantly lighter than other helmet like brands.

• Low cost per laser diode: $11.2 per laser diode: ~$11 per laser diode

• Less like treatment device: the device looks like a regular baseball hat. You can probably walk around with Capillus cap in the public without be noticed that you are wearing a hair loss treatment device.

• Easy to use: It's recommended usage is 6 minutes every day which an easy regimen to follow.

• Capillus offers a 6-month satisfaction warranty on all its models. If a client is not satisfied within 6 months of using Capillus caps, they can apply for and get a refund.

• Long manufacturer warranty: These devices come with a manufacturer warranty of 1 year (value device), 2 years (Mid-ranging device) and 3 years (premium device).

• The inside of the cap is lined with diodes which are covered by a clear plastic sheet to avoid direct contact with hair when being used, making it very easy to clean.

Cons

• Capillus works only for Pattern Hair loss (Androgenic Alopecia).

• The price range is high and the product is not quite affordable.

• It doesn’t come with a portable rechargeable battery, that is, the user will have to sit by the plug for the whole duration of treatment.

Verdict: If budget is not a concern for you and your doctor agrees, you could give it a shot. However, Capillus . If using with Minoxidil or Finasteride, use this helmet only when the hair are completely dry and make sure you do not have any other hair-care products in your hair.

5. Igrow Hair Regrowth System: It is hard to believe that Igrow is actually the first one who launched the low-level laser therapy helmet. Now it almost gives the stages to other brands. Its concept is actually great, second to none. The helmet comes with headphones, intended to allow users to listen to music during the treatment. Not sure why Igrow recede to the backstage after the other brands were launched.

Igrow is theThis helmet uses a combination of 51 Class 3R cool laser diodes and red LED bulbs at the wavelength 655 nm. A general session of this device is 20-25 minutes long and is recommended to be repeated three to four times a week. One may see visible results in 4 to 5 months at the earliest.

Pros:

• The chord of the helmet is at the rear and hence doesn’t meddle with or create discomfort for you.

• The helmet is equipped with headphones as well which can be adjusted according to comfort and you can plug these in to listen to music.

• This helmet is cleared for use in treating androgenic alopecia. The control console has five different pattern options, to begin you have to start the one that applies to you and press the ‘start’ button.

• It comes with a six-month money-back guarantee and a year-long manufacturing warranty.

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a rechargeable portable battery.

• It only works for genetic hair-loss or pattern hair loss patients or very mild hair loss situations.

Verdict: With two unique features (console and headset), Igrow Hair Regrowth System sure looks impressive. However, the data available over its effectiveness in hair-loss cases beyond very-mild stage is vague. If your hair loss is very mild and you are looking for a cheaper option, this is it.

6. Pro-Nu Hair Growth Helmet System: This device uses a combination of LEDs and Laser lights.

It is an easy to use device as it is completelycordless and uses a USB cable to charge. A session is for 20 minutes, to be repeated 3 times a week.

Pros:

• Offers a 30-day money back guarantee and one-year manufacturing warranty.

• Completely cordless and uses a USB for charging gives you a lot of freedom regarding portability.

Cons:

• The helmet comprises mostly of red LEDs and lesser laser lights, its efficiency thus can be questioned.

• It can not be used to treat androgenic alopecia (genetic baldness). Also, there is limited data about its effectiveness on skin type 2 onwards.

Verdict: The Pro-Nu Hair Regrowth System provides mobility to the user and has a decent set of specifications. For USD 299.97, it does seem like a good buy for very mild hair loss and limited budget.

Does LLLT work for everyone?

LLLT results depend a lot on your own genetics, age, gender and stage of baldness.. It might work well for some, while not showing as good results on someone else. LLLT is however ideal for very mild to mild hair loss stages in general. For severe cases, we recommend that you take expert help.

Many reports have shown significant results for both the genders however it is recommended that you start the treatment as soon as you notice the hair loss. LLLT shows better results in earlier stages as compared to later stages of baldness.

If your hair-loss has crossed the line here, you could compliment the LLLT with FDA approved medicines like Minoxidil and Finasteride. Here you could find more information about these two medicines.

*FDA approved Vs FDA Cleared: FDA cleared is different from FDA approved. FDA cleared equipment is safe for use while no guarantee of efficiency exists whereas FDA approved solutions are safe for use, effective and need to be bought according to requirement and other factors like age, gender, genetics etc. Minoxidil and Finasteride areFDA approved products that can be used alone or in combination with the discussed equipment to promote hair regrowth.