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How to Find the Right LLLT Hair Growth Device

About the Author

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

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Dr. Kim received his BA in Human Biology at Stanford University, before receiving his M.D. degree (Primary Care Track) from UC Davis School of Medicine. He completed his Internship & Residency in Family Practice from Glendale Adventist Hospital and is Board-Certified in Family Medicine via the American Board of Family Medicine. He has held faculty appointments at Stanford & UCSF medical schools and has championed telemedicine for decades. He is also a decorated, retired Flight Surgeon from the US Air Force Reserves.

In this Article

In this Article

Alex Goldberg

(Low Level Light Therapy) LLLT has become the hair growth treatment of choice for thousands not just because it works, but also because it’s a much safer choice compared to chemical-based pills and topical ointments.

 

Regrowing hair with LEDs and lasers is also more efficient. When the light emissions hit the hair follicles, it re-energizes them and speeds up their metabolic rates, helping them grow faster.

 

While there are many LLLT brands on the market, only a few stand out, including: iRestore, Kiierr, Theradome, and Capillus. We’ve reviewed and compared these brands in-depth to help you choose the right one for your situation. Keep reading to discover which our team of medical experts likes most.

 

Laser Caps vs Laser Helmets

Currently LLLT devices designed for your head come in 2 types: helmets and caps. Both advertise similar benefits and results but when we took a closer look, there are actually a few key differences that only become apparent with experience.

 

Which is more durable?

Helmets are more durable than caps, which tend to be more flimsy, wearing out faster over time. Helmets also provide more scalp coverage so your hair grows evenly. Overall, they are the superior choice for long-term durability compared to caps.

 

 

 

What’s more comfortable?

You’ll want a device that fits comfortably on your head without any chafing, pressure, or red marks, even after extended use. Brands like iRestore keep comfort top of mind (pun intended) by including extra padding in their Pro helmet.

 

While caps may seem more stylish, they generally fit like a regular hat, which for many can cause minor discomfort when worn for longer periods of time. Since you’ll mostly be wearing your LLLT device in the privacy of your own home, however, we caution against optimizing for style over comfort. Helmets again are our clear winner.

 

 

Which has stronger lasers?

Studies show that not only are lasers effective in promoting follicle health, but also that the optimal LED light emission output for regrowth hovers ~1400. Some brands boast even more powerful lasers, but the extra output doesn’t necessarily yield greater results. Like sunscreen SPF where after a certain amount it’s overkill to add more, the same is true for light emissions.

 

 

Which is less expensive?

Neither laser caps nor helmets are cheap, ranging from $800 to almost $3,000! Here’s a comparison of the best LLLT devices to help you compare a few of the leading brands.

 

Best Laser Therapy Devices: iRestore vs Capillus vs Theradome vs Kiierr

    
ProductiRestore ProTheradome ProCapillus ProKiierr 272
Amazon Product Rating4.13.53.23.8
Price$1,195 $845 (with $350 discount)$895$1,099 - $2,999$999 - $1,299
Light technology282 Lasers + Dual LEDs80 lasers272 lasers272 lasers
Total light energy output1410mW400 mW1360 mW5 mW
Scalp coverageTop + Back + SideTop + BackTop onlyTop only
Battery pack with a visual timer
Ventilated design for Airflow
Durable, long-lasting plastic build
Website

LLLT Before and After Photos – Do they really work?

To justify such a high price, laser caps needs to work well. We gathered before and after photos from real LLLT customers to help you determine if it’s worth it. Check out these impressive regrowth results for yourself.

Do doctors recommend LLLT?

Many of the world’s leading dermatologists swear by laser therapy for regrowth, recommending it to patients experiencing hair loss with a wide range of underlying causes. Below we gathered video interviews with dermatologists to help you understand what expert practitioners in the field think about laser cap technology.

The Verdict: Which laser therapy device is best for you?

After many hours of research, these are our top picks when it comes to laser therapy devices. Each has its pros and cons, of course, but in our opinion, the iRestore Pro is the best on the market. It stands out — even among similar top-of-the-line models like Kiierr 272, Theradome Pro, and Capillus Pro — as the most powerful, durable design with the most complete scalp coverage for hair regrowth. 

 

Unsurprisingly, it’s also the most popular with the highest average review rating on Amazon and a clinically proven 43.2% increase in hair count. Recommended by top dermatologists around the nation, including Dr. Dray, Dr. Sam Ellis, and Dr. Dravin Lin, the iRestore Pro is FDA-cleared and the most non-invasive hair regrowth product available.

 

With the current discount of $845, you can save $350 from its normal price, making it even more desirable right now. And, with a 12-month money-back guarantee, you’re making a choice that you can is essentially risk free.

 

If you are searching for a laser cap that you can rely on to bring back a boost to your crown, the iRestore Pro is an excellent choice. It is FDA-approved, the most affordable among all comparable options, and it produces some of the most impressive results in hair regrowth over time.

 

 

Try iRestore Pro today →

 

To summarize, here are top reasons to try the iRestore Pro is our #1 pick for LLLT:

 

  • With 282 Diodes, it’s optimized for performance
  • 3-6 months results guaranteed
  • 365 day in-home trial
  • Design is durable and covers more areas of the head
  • Over 20k happy customers (and counting)

 

Overall, iRestore’s helmet offers the most value for your buck vs competitors like Kiierr, Theradome, and Capillus. Give it a try today, practically risk-free thanks to their generous full year money back guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a technology that uses concentrated light emissions tuned to a particular frequency and wavelength to target skin cells and hair follicles. It is an efficient method of regrowing hair with LEDs. When the light emissions hit the hair follicles, it re-energizes them and speeds up their metabolic rates, helping them grow faster. The wavelength of the red light is very effective at 650nM.

 

Controlled clinical trials have been conducted and have shown that LLLT is indeed effective in stimulating hair growth. This treatment is non-invasive and does not cause any burning sensation, unlike other laser treatments, because it uses ‘cold’ lasers. 

 

One of the reasons why a lot of people are comfortable with LLLT is because these lasers can be used in the convenience of your home. There is no need to book a session in clinics, you can simply perform a diagnosis online, find out your peculiar condition, purchase the right laser cap and use it while adhering to instructions at your own convenience.  

The working principle of laser caps is quite simple. All you need to do is put on the cap and attach the pack to your waist. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds, and the device will be turned on. When the session for the treatment is over, turn off the device. Some of the caps are designed to automatically go off after the session time is elapsed.  

 

The exact working mechanism of LLLT is not fully known. However, exposure to the laser likely causes a measurable increase in the flow of blood to the scalp. This increased blood delivers additional nutrients to the follicles of the hair and strengthens them, helping them grow rapidly. 

 

 

An evidence-based review has shown that LLLT is a safe and effective procedure. The reviews have shown that these lasers can cure both female and male hair loss, and it’s been discovered that it is easier to treat moderate-level hair loss than severe hair loss. This is why it is best to take note of your hair loss in time and start treating it as soon as you notice it – the earlier, the better. 

So far, there have been no negative reports from combining LLLT with other hair growth solutions including prescription medication that’s topical or taken as a pill. Remember that the program is non-invasive and focuses on the scalp. In some cases, the combination of LLLT with other effective chemical and topical treatment emissions speeds up the rate of treatment. 

LLLT is FDA-cleared – it is a safe and effective treatment, so you need not worry about side effects. 

 

However, some recommended safety guidelines should be implemented while using LLLT:

 

  1. If you are on any form of medication that makes your skin more sensitive to light, then you should avoid using LLLT. 
  2. When using the LLLT caps, avoid looking directly into the lasers. The light being emitted has substantial amounts of energy that is too sensitive for your eyes and can cause damage. 

 

 

Yes, laser treatment might be expensive, but because of its broad effectiveness, most patients consider it worth the cost. Laser caps have extended life spans, and compared to most topical or oral treatments that you must continue to take over years and years, they are well worth it in the long run. 

 

Take finasteride or minoxidil, for example – they both need to be used for as long as you want to keep your hair, which can add up over time. If you stop taking them at any time, the hair you’ve regrown in any area will fall out just as fast as it grew in. With laser treatment, while you do have to continue use to keep your hair, you can drop to a maintenance schedule of once or twice a week after you get to a point where you’re satisfied with your regrowth.

 

Basically, you’re comparing a one-time purchase to a lifetime of monthly solution purchases. The worth might depend on the level of your hair loss and your budget. Some alternatives are cheaper, but many of these alternatives are not half as effective as laser treatment, and you might find yourself in need of another treatment after a short period. 

Compare more hair loss solutions

About the Author

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

Learn more
Picture of Alex Goldberg

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

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