iRestore Elite Review: Is This The World’s Best Device For Hair Growth?

I suffered from severe postpartum hair loss, which was affecting my already fragile self-esteem.

To combat this, I delved into the complicated world of hair regrowth treatments and stumbled upon laser therapy for hair thinning. The prices for these procedures were off-putting, but I was still excited to learn about at-home red light therapy options.

When I read the promises of hair growth in as little as 3 months, I was convinced to try the iRestore Elite. Here is my honest iRestore Elite review so you can know what to expect if you want to try this laser hair growth device.

Buyer Considerations

It’s no longer a secret that red light therapy offers a myriad of benefits to users: from helping with acne and psoriasis to reducing wrinkles and inflammation [1] . More recently, scientists have discovered the use of red light therapy to stimulate hair growth by regrowing the hair follicles [2].

Red light therapy for hair loss is specifically targeted at people who are experiencing hair thinning due to:

• Temporary hair loss because of emotional or physical stress
• Medications
• Male pattern baldness (i.e. androgenetic alopecia)
• Menopause

However, it’s generally recommended that people suffering from cancer or those who have a history of cancer avoid using red light therapy. While one meta-analysis of 27 studies concluded that red light therapy does not increase the risk for tumor recurrences, more research is needed (and it’s better to be safe than sorry!) [3]. Cancer survivors should rather use alternative hair loss treatments like minoxidil for the best hair restoration results.

What To Consider Before Purchasing The iRestore Elite

Those interested in using the iRestore Elite hair growth system should consider the following factors:

• The iRestore Elite is ideal for those with moderate to minor hair loss. This includes bald spots, a receding hairline, and thinning at the temple or crown. It’s not suitable for those suffering from severe hair loss, i.e. those that are already completely bald.
• Low-level laser therapy is expensive (the Elite was priced at $2,499 at the time of writing), so those interested in purchasing it should also consider other options on the market, which I’ll discuss later.
• No laser caps have FDA approval, although the Elite does have FDA clearance.
• Consider the wavelength range. Red light devices typically have a range between 630 and 750 nanometers (nm); however, some include near-infrared and infrared (over 900 nm) ranges. For hair regrowth, you’ll want something with a wider range. The iRestore Elite offers 3 wavelengths: 625 nm, 655 nm, and 680 nm.
• For the best results, you want to choose a device with a high light intensity (i.e. bright light).
• The number of lasers and LEDs also makes a difference. The more lasers and LEDs a device has, the better the scalp coverage (and the more effective it is). The Elite has 500 diodes (300 lasers and 200 LEDs).
• You want to consider the user-friendliness of the device, as some are unnecessarily complicated. Fortunately, the Elite comes with an easy-to-use handheld controller, a quick start guide, and a more detailed user manual.

What Is The iRestore Elite?

The iRestore Elite is the newest technology from iRestore that addresses your hair loss concerns, claiming to be one of the most advanced hair regrowth devices currently on the market.

The device uses a patented Extend Scalp Coverage design to target hard-to-reach places like the temples and hairline. It is completely pain-free and non-invasive, and you only need a 12-minute treatment each day to reap the benefits.

Comparison With Other iRestore Products

Other products from iRestore include their Professional and Essential caps. Both of these stimulate hair growth; however, they have fewer diodes, lower power outputs, and double the treatment time of the Elite. In addition, the Elite uses three different wavelengths (625 nm/655 nm/680 nm) while the Professional and Essential make use of a single 655 nm wavelength.

Who Should Use The iRestore Elite?

Thanks to the full scalp coverage of the Elite, it is the perfect hair growth system for those with moderate to minor hair loss.

The iRestore Elite is ideal for those who suffer from:

• Stress-related hair loss
• Male pattern hair loss (i.e. androgenic alopecia)
• Hormonal hair loss
• Genetic hair loss

However, this is not for those with severe hair loss or people who are already completely bald.

What Makes The iRestore Elite Stand Out?

Below I’ll discuss each of the features of the Elite in greater detail.

Extended Scalp Coverage For A Complete Treatment

The Elite uses iRestore’s patented Extended Scalp Coverage to maximize the treatment area. This means that the device covers your entire hairline, including your temples. The placement of the diodes all over the device focuses the light energy to all your problem areas, stimulating your hair follicles and prompting hair shaft growth.

Apart from this extended coverage, the Elite is also more targeted than other devices, allowing it to specifically focus on your scalp.

Lumitech Technology For Fast, Effective Results

With 500 laser and LED diodes, the iRestore Elite reportedly offers better low-level laser therapy than any other device on the market. While most other devices only use lasers or LEDs that focus light energy on small spots, iRestore reports that their technology spreads the focus across the entire scalp.

The device uses Narrow-Focus Photothermal (NFP) LEDs and Vertical-CavitySurface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) which are reported to penetrate deeply into the hair follicles, providing excellent light coverage.

What does this mean for you?

It means optimal treatment to combat hair loss across your entire scalp.

Medical-Grade VCSEL

The lasers used in the Elite emit wavelengths of 680 nm. Scientists using 680 nm low-level laser therapy to test a variety of clinical applications found that it had definite benefits for skin rejuvenation; however, the actual positive effects on the hair loss and androgenic alopecia remained unknown [4].

(Note: This is not to say the 680 nm wavelength isn’t effective. There just needs to be more research done to confirm its effects on laser hair growth).

A meta-analysis that analyzed 15 clinical studies discovered that diode laser treatment did improve hair growth in alopecia sufferers when compared to control groups [5].

Plus, online reviewers of the Elite report that they saw improvements in their hair density and thickness after using the device.

The Elite uses Class 3R lasers which make use of low-powered visible light.

Class 3R lasers will not harm your eyes if you momentarily make eye contact with them, and will also not harm your skin.

This is, of course, beneficial to Elite users as they don’t risk harming their scalp, skin, or any materials exposed to the lasers.

Medical-Grade LEDs

The NFP LEDs emit wavelengths of 625 nm and 655 nm. There is much more evidence to support the efficacy of LEDs in promoting hair regrowth than for lasers.

These studies reported no adverse side effects and confirmed improved hair counts in both females and males using LED therapy within these wavelengths [6, 7].

What this means for people using the iRestore Elite is that, based on scientific evidence, they’re likely to see positive results if they use the product as recommended.

Air-Ventilated, Comfort-First Design

Even without a full head of hair, placing a device on your head can be stifling and uncomfortable. However, the air-ventilated design and comfortable medical-grade cushioning mean you will barely feel the iRestore Elite on your head.

You won’t have to worry about a sweaty scalp or 12 minutes of discomfort during your daily treatment, plus iRestore’s devices are adjustable to fit all head sizes.

Non-Invasive & Pain-Free Solution

One common way many people treat their hair loss is to go for a hair transplant. Although this surgery is very effective in treating the symptoms of hair loss, it does not address the causes, nor is it very affordable.

The iRestore Elite is a non-invasive and pain-free device that many have reported as helping with hair thinning and loss. The medical-grade foam cushions also enhance the comfort of the treatment.

2,500 mW Power Output: A More Powerful Device For Faster Results

Patients using a less powerful “helmet”, at a wavelength of 655 nm, experienced an increase in hair density and thickness [8]. Therefore, it can be expected that the Elite, with a much greater power output, may deliver similar – if not greater – results.

There’s a thought that “more power = more efficacy”; however, this can only be confirmed in anecdotes from reviewers.

Shorter Treatment Time

Regrowing your hair may be a long process, but the iRestore Elite makes it easy to fit into your daily routine.

The other iRestore laser devices, the iRestore Professional and the iRestore Essential, require 25 minutes of daily treatment. What makes the Elite so convenient is that this treatment time is cut in half – you only have to wear the device for 12 minutes each day. This makes it easy to use before work, during your lunch break, or after dinner.

(I just throw on an episode of Friends! Not a bad way to spend a couple minutes de-stressing from work while regrowing my hair.)

iRestore Elite Alternatives

iRestore laser devices are not the only hair regrowth “caps” on the market. I’ll compare some of the more popular alternatives below.

Capillus PRO S1

The Capillus PRO S1 Laser Cap is in the same price class as the Elite; however, it has only 304 laser diodes. Where it is more convenient than the Elite is that it only requires a 6-minute session a day.

The design of the device mimics a regular cap, and the Bluetooth connectivity means you can easily track your progress in the Capillus app.

Here’s how it stacks up against the iRestore Elite:

• More expensive
• Laser-only treatment
• Only 304 lasers compared to 500 diodes in the Elite
• Shorter treatment sessions
• Discrete design you can wear in public

Hairmax PowerFlex 272

The Hairmax PowerFlex 272 Laser Cap is one of the more “affordable” premium options on the market. It makes use of 272 lasers to deliver full scalp coverage.

The cap design makes it easy to wear when doing chores, and it requires only 7-minute daily sessions.

Here’s how it compares to the iRestore Elite:

• Much more affordable
• Uses only lasers, no LEDs
• 1,360 mW power output, much less than the Elite
• Faster treatment time
• Uses a single wavelength

Overall Review

Even though beauty comes from the inside, it is always nice to look as good as you feel – and having a receding hairline or stress-induced hair loss can give your self-confidence a knock.

(After all, who doesn’t want thicker, more luscious locks?)

The iRestore Elite aims to solve this problem by using medical-grade lasers and LEDs to stimulate hair growth and tackle thinning hair.

Despite the high price point, the hundreds of positive reviews and my own experience hint at it being a successful hair loss treatment in as little as three months.

But don’t just take my word for it, why not try out the iRestore Elite for yourself?

The iRestore Elite also comes with a 12-month money-back guarantee (the longest I’ve seen!) – so you’ve got a full year to see if it works for you.

In my opinion, the iRestore Elite is for those who are looking for the best of the best. It’s definitely an investment, but I think it’s worth every penny.

FAQs About The iRestore Elite

Here are some frequently asked questions about the iRestore Elite:

Is The Low-Level Light Therapy Used In The Elite Safe?

The iRestore Elite has been cleared by the FDA for safety. The power emitted by the lasers and LEDs is very low and is not known to cause harm. All iRestore’s products have been tested for safety and quality by Intertek Labs.

Is The Elite Better Than The Professional?

The Elite is the latest offering by iRestore, who’ve taken all they’ve learned from their older devices and incorporated modern technology to bring you the best results. The Elite has more LEDs and lasers to enhance follicle stimulation and uses three wavelengths to help with hair regrowth, with users reporting visible results in just 12 weeks.

Where Can I Buy The iRestore Elite?

You can purchase the iRestore Elite directly through the manufacturer here. So, if you’re looking for the best deal, click through to the official iRestore online store below for an unbeatable rate!

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126803/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8577899/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31109692/
4. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/41/6/723/6104785
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271038470_Reviewing_Research_on_Laser_Output_Used_for_Treatment_of_Hair_Loss
6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/lsm.22277
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24078483/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7373546/