Premature balding is not only a real issue for millions of men across North America but millions of women as well. Balding, especially at a younger age, can cause embarrassment and make one feel self-conscious.
Fortunately, there are some natural ways that have been shown to not only slow down hair loss but also promote hair growth… without needing to depend on hair loss drugs.
Laser caps are one of these solutions. These hats are best for at-home use and are safe to use. In fact, one of the more popular laser caps, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is FDA-cleared, with most users noticing results in a matter of months.
In this HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 review, we’ll cover all you need to know about this device. And, most importantly, if this “clinically proven technology” actually works to reverse hair loss.
But first, let’s discuss everything you need to know before purchasing one of the many hair growth devices available.
If you're interested in red light therapy's beneficial effects on hair growth, you'll love the PowerFlex Laser Cap 202. Since 2000, HairMax has been known for its clinically-proven, FDA-cleared laser therapy that's helped 1.8M people regrow and maintain healthy hair.
The PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 includes:
- 202 medical-grade laser diodes to help restore your hair’s natural growth cycle
- Skin-comfort silicone inserts that maximize your comfort while protecting the laser diodes
- Discreet design and rechargeable battery pack so you can use this laser cap while you go about your day
What Is A Laser Cap For Hair Loss?
A laser cap is a laser-based device that uses low-level laser therapy technology to stimulate hair growth. These laser caps use medical-grade laser diodes to emit red and near infrared light that target the hair follicles in your scalp.
More specifically, when these red and near infrared light photons penetrate your scalp, they increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production within your follicle cells. This “new” ATP can then boost metabolism and promote hair growth.
Dermatologists have used long used low-level light therapy to treat hair loss, often with great success [1]. It is along this same premise that laser caps are meant to work. It isn’t a viable option to have one of these bulky machines in your home, and seeing a dermatologist can be expensive and time-consuming.
A laser device – in this case, a hat – has become a common therapy technique used to stimulate hair growth by invigorating hair follicles. While the laser cap uses a less powerful laser system than what you might see at the dermatologist, this at-home device encourages similar results.
Here are some pro and cons of using red light therapy for hair loss:
- 100% painless and noninvasive treatment for hair loss
- No side effects observed in multiple clinical trials
- Clinically proven to work for androgenetic alopecia and other types of hair loss
- Can be time-consuming
- Requires consistent treatment to see results
- May not work for those with severe hair loss or those who are already bald
What To Consider Before Buying A Laser Cap
While there is some evidence that laser caps effectively promote hair growth, there are a few factors that may affect their efficacy. Before making your purchase, you should consider the following:
Your Budget
Laser caps are not the cheapest option for hair growth. They can cost upwards of $1,000, but, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
Cheaper alternatives like laser combs use the same clinical technology, but there are tradeoffs in ease of use, scalp coverage, and more. However, if those are acceptable, you may want to consider something like the HairMax Ultima 12 LaserComb as one of the best budget options.
Dermatologists also recommend healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle to assist hair regrowth.
Foods rich in specific vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help promote hair growth. Some examples of these “hair-boosting” foods include eggs, spinach, and fatty fish [2].
Exercise can also help improve blood flow, leading to more nutrients and oxygen being delivered to your scalp.
So, regardless of your budget, there are ways for you to regrow your hair without breaking the bank… although, some methods will lead to faster results.
Your Willingness to Consistently Use it
For hair regrowth, it’s recommended to wear a laser cap at least three times a week. Otherwise, you may not see noticeable results, or the results may take much longer to show up.
Fortunately, some laser caps like the PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 include a silicone insert to maximize comfort. This skin-comfort design allows you to go about your day normally without needing to have time set aside for your laser therapy session.
However, if you expect you’d have difficulty staying consistent, it may be better to opt for an alternative solution.
The Cause of Your Hair Loss
While there is evidence that laser caps are effective for those with androgenetic alopecia, there’s only moderate (but promising!) evidence it works for other types of alopecia.
Therefore, it’s essential to determine what type of hair loss you have before spending any money because the results will vary depending on your condition.
The Severity of Your Hair Loss
Laser caps may work better for patients who experience mild to moderate hair loss. There have been success stories for more severe cases, but the success rate is not as promising.
The Company’s Track Record
While many laser hats are FDA safety approved, the FDA does not conduct trials to determine the efficacy of many of these laser caps. For some types of hair loss, the research is still preliminary (but promising!) on whether these low-level red light laser devices work.
That’s why it’s so important to look beyond the “FDA Cleared” label and look at the specific studies a company has done to test the effectiveness of its products.
What Is The HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202?
The HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is a red light therapy hat that helps regrow your hair with increased density, fullness, and vibrancy. Because it uses laser phototherapy, it works to prevent further hair loss and restore your hair’s natural growth cycle.
And, unlike other laser caps, the PowerFlex’s lasers are hidden away inside a sports cap that is lightweight, flexible, and comfortable to wear. In fact, it’s just like wearing a regular hat!
The PowerFlex Laser Cap is the latest product in HairMax’s extensive offering of hair growth solutions. The LaserComb model, created earlier by the same company, was the first of its kind to be clinically tested and cleared by the FDA as a hair growth method for those experiencing early stages of hair loss.
As a result, HairMax has had a proven track record of effective hair loss products. More about the company later…
How To Use It?
The PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is extremely easy to use. Here’s all you need to do:
- Adjust the hat to fit your head size and put the cap on your head
- Make sure the laser cap is plugged into the battery pack
- Using the controller and battery pack, turn the device on for a preset time of 15 or 30 minutes
- Go about your day as you usually would while wearing the hat
- Repeat this process three times each week
The lasers inside the cap will help stimulate hair growth, and noticeable results can be seen within 3-6 months.
What Makes The PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 Stand Out?
The PowerFlex 202 Laser Cap promises to boost your natural hair growth when used just three days a week. For many, they reported their hair growing back fuller, denser, and more vibrant.
Based on our research, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is one of the top-rated in the industry and is:
- Clinically proven to work for hair loss
- FDA Cleared for both men and women
- Recommended by doctors
But let’s see how HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 also performs across the following four areas:
- Comfortableness
- Ease of Use
- Quality
- Customizability
Is It Comfortable To Wear?
Yes, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is comfortable to wear.
Each laser cap has a skin-comfort silicone insert that hides the inner lasers. This silicone layer has a dual purpose of protecting the laser diodes and maximizing your comfort.
In fact, many users refer to the silicone insert when describing how comfortable the hat is to wear.
Is It Easy To Use?
Yes, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is easy to use.
Once turned on, all you need to do is wear the hat and go about your day. The controller will beep twice and turn off automatically at the end of your session. Repeat this process 3x a week, and watch your hair grow back. That’s it. Sounds simple enough, right?
Plus, the laser cap is easy to clean. Because it has a water-resistant silicone liner protecting the laser diodes, all you need to do is wipe down the cap with a soft damp cloth. We recommend doing this after each session to ensure maximum benefit.
It also comes with a rechargeable battery pack so you can use your laser cap on-the-go!
Is It Built Well?
Yes, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is built well.
Engineered with comfort and quality in mind, the PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 comes with 202 medical-grade lasers… no LED lights. Lasers are much more potent than LEDs, which is why you might’ve seen poor reviews of “hair growth caps” that use LED light.
More importantly, because the laser diodes are densely spaced and precisely aligned for constant laser stimulation, your scalp receives the optimal amount of laser energy.
Is It Customizable?
Yes, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is customizable… both in terms of design and treatment options.
While a minor point, we thought the multiple design options were worth mentioning – especially for those who aren’t fans of the one-design-fits-all approach some companies take. After all, I’d rather not be forced to stick with a less-than-desirable bulky helmet.
As a result, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 comes in multiple colors: Black, White, Pink, and Purple. However, one issue I have with HairMax on these color options is that the black cap comes with the HairMax logo. The other colors are logo-less.
Now, on to the customizable treatment options.
With the controller, you can choose whether you want a pulsing or continuous laser wave. The Continuous-On Mode lasts 15 minutes, while the Pulse Mode lasts 30 minutes. We recommend the Continous-On Mode because it’s a shorter treatment time and works just as well as the Pulse Mode. However, feel free to test both modes out, as you might find that one works better for your unique situation.
Who Is HairMax?
HairMax is a company that has built its reputation and products around helping people regrow their hair.
Hair loss is a reality for around 80% of men and nearly 50% of women, with most experiencing this painful process well before middle age [3]. Given these numbers, you can imagine there are quite a lot of people who have opted for this low-level laser therapy technology that HairMax offers. More on the many success stories later…
HairMax is known for their customer service and the care they put behind every one of their customers in honoring their products’ durability and production. Many customers have experienced positive results when dealing with HairMax customer service representatives.
Lastly, rather than expecting users to base their trust on the company’s say-so, they build their product with facts and back it up with clinical testing that most other companies don’t do. You can check out some of their clinical trials here.
The Science (And Promise) Behind HairMax
Several companies claim to have the answer to hair loss, but rarely is there one that can back it up with proof.
At its core, HairMax promises to:
- Invigorate hair follicles that have gone dormant
- Slow and even prevent continued thinning hair
- Regrow full, vibrant, and dense hair
- Improve scalp health and promote healthier hair from within
But what sets HairMax apart when other companies promise to do the same?
Low-Level Laser Therapy Technology
HairMax uses low-level laser therapy technology to help hair regrow. This procedure is clinically proven to work for people with androgenetic alopecia, and there are plenty of studies to back up its efficacy.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has the following benefits, with some insight into how and why it works for hair loss:
- LLLT helps produce more ATP, the primary energy that your cells use throughout your body. This leads to healthier cells at the bottom of your hair follicles, translating into improved hair growth.
- LLLT increases blood circulation, which in turn means more nutrients and oxygen reaching your hair follicles. This means healthier cells and healthier hair.
- LLLT reduces inflammation of your hair follicles. Inflammation can inhibit hair growth, and if your follicles are inflamed, your hair may fall out easier.
Clinical Trials
While some people may be skeptical about the benefits of using red light therapy to regrow hair, clinical studies show that it does work.
One double-blind, randomized controlled trial showed that LLLT led to a 35% increase in hair growth in men with male pattern baldness [4].
Another study looked at the effectiveness of the HairMax LaserComb and found that significant improvements in:
- Overall hair regrowth
- Slowing of hair loss
- Thicker-feeling hair
- Better scalp health
- Increased hair shine
What makes this clinical trial stand out is that researchers actually used a HairMax device rather than a prototype created in the lab for that specific study [5]. As a result, HairMax is one of the few (perhaps even only!) companies with clinical trials supporting their products.
One interesting study looked at LLLT’s potential as a monotherapy or concomitant therapy for androgenetic alopecia. In other words, researchers were curious to see how effective the HairMax LaserComb was for hair regrowth both by itself and with traditional hair loss drugs.
Out of the 32 patients, six were treated with LLLT alone. The other 26 patients were treated with LLLT and minoxidil and/or finasteride. On average, each patient had been dealing with hair loss for 7.1 years.
After around 8.7 months of treatment, 87.5% of participants saw improvements, with no significant difference between either treatment group. What’s more, this hair regrowth lasted for at least two years – this was when the study concluded, and researchers stopped observing patient outcomes.
While the time it took to see results varied, most people experienced results three months after starting LLLT [6]. However, based on the many reviews we’ve read, the average time to see results for most customers is four to six months.
What Others Say About The HairMax Laser Cap 202
It’s great to read about promises and assurances that a company provides for its product, but it isn’t always reassuring. After all, any company will say what they’re selling is good, whether or not it really is.
Although, with HairMax’s track record of successful clinical trials, this is less of a concern.
Regardless, it’s always good to hear from actual users to see what their experiences with the PowerFlex Laser Cap have been like.
Here are some of the reviews we’ve found:
In general, most users agree that the PowerFlex Laser Cap is comfortable to wear around the house when you’re doing chores, cooking, or watching television. In particular, customers have said that they feel comfortable with the soft rubber inner lining inside the laser cap.
However, a few people mention that the battery charge doesn’t last for more than a couple of uses and has to be recharged often. Fortunately, that’s only been a minor inconvenience because users report that the battery pack charges quickly.
What’s more, people consistently mention that customer service representatives were helpful and friendly. If there was an issue with their purchase or if they needed clarification, the customer service team was fantastic in getting it resolved.
From our research of these many reviews, we found that most people saw hair regrowth within a few months. They also reported increased hair volume and improved self-esteem. Surprisingly, even after discontinued use, many continued to see hair growth for some time.
HairMax Results From Real Users
If you’re anything like me, you prefer to see real before-and-after photos before purchasing any laser hair growth device. You can do so by clicking here.
HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 Vs. Laser Cap 272
For those looking for even faster results, you may want to consider the PowerFlex Laser Cap 272, HairMax’s most advanced laser cap.
Overall, there are minimal differences between the PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 and the PowerFlex Laser Cap 272. Both laser caps help promote hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles with gentle lasers, are suitable for both men and women, and are doctor recommended.
The main difference is that the PowerFlex Laser Cap 272 is much more powerful than the PowerFlex Laser Cap 202.
The PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 only contains 202 medical-grade laser diodes. In contrast, the PowerFlex Laser Cap 272 has 272 medical-grade laser didoes – as the names suggest.
As a result, the 272 laser diode cap outputs the most power at 1360 mW, compared to the PowerFlex Laser Cap 202’s power output of 1010 mW. This increased power often translates into faster results.
Both laser caps come with the following:
- HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap device
- Sports cap
- Travel/storage case
- Controller
- Controller cable
- Power supply
- Power cord
You can learn more in our Hairmax PowerFlex 272 Laser Cap review.
Other Laser Products for Hair Regrowth
In addition to laser caps, there are other types of laser devices that work for hair growth. These include laser bands and laser combs, both of which are generally more affordable.
What makes these products different than a laser cap is that they contain “teeth” to part your hair. As a result, the laser diodes can shine directly on your scalp to reach every follicle.
However, a tradeoff is that these devices only cover a portion of your scalp at a time. You’ll need to manually move the device throughout your hair, meaning you can’t just wear-and-go like you can with a laser cap.
You’ll also have longer treatment times because these devices, unlike laser caps, don’t cover your entire scalp at once.
Laser Bands
Laser bands are identified via their headband-like appearance. They generally come with teeth that part your hair to ensure every bit of your scalp is reached.
Based on our research, the LaserBand 82 is the best choice for people looking for a quick, convenient treatment that doesn’t break the bank. It comes with 82 medical-grade lasers and patented hair parting teeth technology.
It also only requires 90 seconds per treatment session. However, you’ll need to do multiple treatments in one session if you’re looking to use it for your entire scalp.
Fortunately, the HairMax laser band is lightweight and cordless, so it’s easily transportable.
Laser Combs
Laser combs were the first type of LLLT device cleared by the FDA for hair loss. They’re handheld laser devices that you’d use like an ordinary comb. As a result, laser combs are best for people looking for targeted treatment, i.e. you have specific areas of thinning hair that you’d like to hone in on.
The Ultima 12 LaserComb, often a popular choice among people on a budget, uses 12 medical-grade lasers.
However, due to its smaller size, it’s not as powerful as something like a laser cap. That’s why it takes longer per treatment – around eight minutes.
On the other hand, its smaller stature makes it extremely lightweight. Plus, it comes with rechargeable batteries for maximum flexibility and ease of use.
Where Can I Buy The HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202?
Through the links on our site, you can purchase HairMax products that have undergone a verification process for quality and affordability.
So if you’re looking for the best deal, click through to the official HairMax online store below for an unbeatable rate!
Final Thoughts On The HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202
If you are experiencing mild to moderate hair loss, the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 may be a great option to slow down your hair loss and regrow any lost hair.
While there have been some reported issues with the charger, many have said that they did experience lasting results. Plus, HairMax is one of the few companies with clinical trials backing up the effectiveness of their products so you can rest assured that this laser cap does work!
As a result, it’s worth a try, especially if you’re looking for a natural alternative to traditional hair loss drugs. After all, the PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 comes with a one-year money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty.
In other words, if you don’t see any results within one year, you’re able to return the laser cap for a refund.
So, give the HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 a try and see what it can do for you!
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3944668/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-for-hair-growth
- https://nyulangone.org/news/most-men-experience-hair-loss-it-isnt-inevitable
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24078483/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19366270/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25191036/
