As I’ve aged, my hairline has started to thin and it seems to be falling out much more than usual. As soon as I noticed, I began to look around for a treatment to reverse these unfortunate effects.
That’s when I stumbled upon the iRestore Essential – an impressive-looking red light therapy (RLT) device to help restore hair and reduce (or, even better, eliminate) the need for other therapies. While it seemed to be the perfect solution on the surface, I decided to dig a little deeper into its effectiveness.
In this article, I want to share what I found so that you can determine if it’s right for your needs. That way, you can take the guesswork out of finding an RLT device and simply enjoy the benefits.
If you’re ready to transform your hair, let’s get going.
What Is The iRestore Essential?
The iRestore Essential is a powerful RLT device that has been designed to combat hair loss and boost hair regrowth in both men and women. Shaped like a bicycle helmet, the device is fitted with 69 red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and 51 laser diodes to encourage hair follicles to re-activate and produce new hair that is thick and strong.
Based on our testing, here's how the iRestore Essential stacked up:
Effectiveness: The device uses FDA-cleared 655 nm red light therapy, targeting hair loss at the hairline, top of scalp, and upper crown. While individual results may vary, many users reported noticeable improvements in hair thickness and regrowth over time.
Ease of Use: With a straightforward 25-minute treatment session required 3 times a week, it's relatively easy to incorporate into your routine. The hands-free design allows for multitasking during use.
Value for Money: While it requires some investment, the iRestore Essential's 120 medical-grade lasers and LEDs, coupled with a generous 12-month money-back guarantee, may offer good value for those committed to combating hair loss.
Our Recommendation
If you're looking for a non-invasive, at-home solution to address hair thinning and loss, the iRestore Essential could be a viable option. Its FDA clearance, comprehensive scalp coverage, and extended money-back guarantee make it an appealing choice for those willing to invest in their hair health. However, as with any hair loss treatment, consistency and patience are key to seeing potential results.
Since its launch in 2003, the original iRestore Essential device and its successors, the iRestore Pro and the iRestore Elite, have garnered more than 25,000 positive reviews. In turn, it has become a leader in the RLT space and has earned its place as one of the most popular products for treating androgenic alopecia.
The iRestore Essential can be used to treat mild to moderate hair loss. However, it’s important to note that the iRestore Professional and iRestore Elite currently stand as more powerful solutions to severe hair loss.
Nevertheless, this iRestore Essential review will help to highlight exactly what you’re getting with this powerful and budget-friendly device.
- FDA clearance for ensured safety
- Convenient, hands-free device
- Incorporates 120 medical-grade diodes (lasers + LEDs)
- Affordable
- Utilizes 655 nm red light for clinically-proven results
- Not suitable for severe hair loss
- Results may vary for individuals
- It may take up to six months for visible results
What To Consider Before Buying A Hair Growth Device
RLT devices have exploded onto the market – but they’re not all made equally. Rather, it’s important to look for a device that is designed to address your particular concerns. For instance, if you want to combat hair loss with a device that supports new hair growth, you’ll look for one that’s specifically designed for this purpose.
Of course, you’ll also want to take a few other factors into consideration before making your purchase. By taking the time to weigh up your options, you can find a device that suits you and your needs.
The most important factors to consider include:
- Hair Loss Severity: Most devices are only designed to treat mild cases of hair loss. This means that you may need to assess the extent of the problem before buying a device. If you’re unsure of whether a device will work for you, it may be best to consult a medical professional.
- Treatment Time: These devices need to be used consistently. While some devices only need to be used several times a week, others must be used every day to produce results. Look for one that you know you’ll consistently use.
- Budget: Try to find a device that falls within your budget. Alternatively, you can look for one that has a payment plan. For example, you can choose to pay for the iRestore Essential in a once-off payment or make monthly installments if you cannot afford to purchase it outright.
Of course, RLT devices for hair loss are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A particularly bad receding hairline or acute balding may need to be treated with medications, subcutaneous injections, or surgical interventions like hair transplants.
Why We Like The iRestore Essential
The iRestore Essential is an excellent budget-friendly choice when it comes to hair regrowth. But what sets it apart from similar products in the same price range?
Well, this handy little machine uses low-level laser therapy and low-level light therapy with lasers and LEDs to stimulate the hair follicles for improved hair regrowth. These therapies work together to restore your hair to its former glory, effectively combating hair thinning and stopping hair falling in its tracks.
Other products are less targeted and effective – unless you decide to pay premium prices for a better product, that is!
Luckily, the iRestore Essential combines affordability with advanced features and impressive benefits for a top-notch product. These benefits include:
Lumitech Technology
The iRestore hair growth system uses proprietary Lumitech RLT technology to promote hair growth by stimulating and reactivating hair follicles. This gives them the kick-start they need to stop and reverse hair loss.
This technology perfectly blends two powerful methods of red light therapy delivery: low-level laser therapy and low-level light therapy. By doing so, the iRestore laser hair growth system harnesses the full power of RLT for more effective results.
It’s also worth noting that Lumitech technology is pain-free and non-invasive. This makes it the perfect alternative to traditional treatments like hair transplants or medications that may have unpleasant side effects.
Safe
I’ve come across my fair share of RLT devices that claim to ‘stimulate hair growth’. However, with so many of them bursting onto the scene in recent years, it’s hard to find a brand that I really trust. For that reason, I always check whether devices are safe and deliver the results they promise.
The iRestore Essential and other iRestore products have been cleared by the FDA [1]. This regulatory approval means that it meets the necessary safety and efficacy standards, lending more credibility to the device.
Clinically Proven Results
RLT has become an increasingly common treatment option for hair loss – and it’s easy to see why. But does that mean that the iRestore Essential lives up to its promises as a solution for hair loss and receding hairlines? Let’s take a closer look…
Firstly, the iRestore Essential markets itself as being a potential solution for people suffering from androgenic alopecia. Thanks to its incorporation of red light energy to boost regrowth, it seems as though these claims may be accurate.
According to a 2021 study, androgenic alopecia (AGA) affects around 60 – 70% of the adult population (both men and women) worldwide [2]. This study tested how beneficial RLT could be for patients who suffered from this condition. The results showed that RLT, when used at a frequency of 650 nanometers (nm), helped to stimulate hair growth.
Secondly, the iRestore laser hair growth system claims to not only reverse hair loss but also increase the density of the hair. This feature may be particularly important for people who want to treat thin hair caused by hair fall. It also claims to give you visible results in three to six months.
Unsurprisingly, there is evidence of this as well. In a study done on the efficacy of RLT for androgenic alopecia, patients were given LLLT on one side of their head. The results of this study showed that the side of the head that was treated with LLLT helped to increase hair coverage and density by more than 14% in just six months [3].
Despite these results, it’s essential to remember that the effectiveness of the iRestore Essential can vary between individuals. If you have a more severe receding hairline or extensive hair loss, you may need to consult your doctor about other possible treatments.
Optimal Wavelengths
The iRestore Essential uses red light wavelengths of 655 nm. According to a 2021 study on LLLT, the optimal wavelength is between 600 and 950 nm, with most studies using 655 nm red light to treat hair loss [4]. This means that the device uses wavelengths that fall within the ideal range of RLT for therapeutic purposes.
Alternatives
Not sure if the iRestore Essential is for you? Shopping for the perfect laser hair restoration system can take time since you need to ensure that it’s suited to your preferences, needs, and the severity of your hair loss.
For this reason, knowing what other options are on the market can help you to make a more informed decision. Below are some comparable products that also have positive reviews and similar features:
CapillusOne
The CapillusOne is an RLT cap that is discreet and portable. This device uses 112 medical-grade laser diodes to stimulate hair growth and requires daily sessions of just six minutes. This means that you can incorporate the session into any routine. However, it’s important to remember that longer exposure to red light energy may be more effective.
Still, if you want a device with shorter treatment times, you may want to consider the CapillusOne.
How Does It Compare To The iRestore?
- Price: $899
- Design: The CapillusOne uses a cap-like design while the iRestore has a helmet design
- Session Length: Shorter session lengths (only six minutes) but requires daily use
HairMax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex
The HairMax LaserBand 41 is a good alternative to the iRestore. However, it’s important to remember that although it may be cheaper, it also has less impressive features. Rather than combining LEDs and laser diodes, the HairMax only uses 41 laser diodes. This may mean you have to wait longer to see results or it may be less effective. It also doesn’t provide full scalp coverage like the helmet or cap-based designs.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can purchase the HairMax LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex as a less expensive alternative to the iRestore Essential.
How Does It Compare To The iRestore?
- Price: $549
- Diodes: 41 laser diodes, no LEDs
- Session Length: Shorter session lengths (only three minutes)
Illumiflow 148 Laser Cap
Perhaps the closest alternative to the iRestore Essential is the Illumiflow 148 Laser Cap. Much like the Capillus, it uses a cap-like design for more discreet treatments. With more than 1,000 5-star reviews and FDA clearance, this impressive device holds its own against the iRestore. However, it only uses laser therapy and doesn’t incorporate any LEDs.
Still, if you want a product that is extremely similar to the iRestore with a sleeker and less obvious design, the Illumiflow 148 Laser Cap is a great choice.
How Does It Compare To The iRestore?
- Price: $799
- Power: The Illumiflow provides 740 mW of power, which is 140 mW more than the iRestore Essential
- Diodes: 148 laser diodes, no LEDs
- Session Length: Longer session lengths (30 minutes)
iRestore Essential Vs. iRestore Professional
The iRestore Essential is one of the most popular products in the iRestore product range. But how does it compare to its big brother, the iRestore Professional?
The iRestore Essential uses 120 LEDs and laser diodes to improve the appearance and thickness of your hair. However, it’s only recommended for mild cases of hair loss. This is because it only covers the top of the scalp, the hairline, and the crown.
The iRestore Pro is more effective for moderate cases of hair loss. Unlike the Essential, it has extended coverage to reach the scalp, hairline, crown, sides, and back of your head. It is also more powerful and uses 282 diodes for more potent treatments.
Learn more about the iRestore Professional here.
Head-to-Head Comparison
- Price: $699
- Coverage: Covers the top of the scalp, hairline, and crown
- Diodes: 120 diodes (51 lasers and 69 LEDs)
- Session Length: 25 minutes, 3x a week
- Power Output: 600mW
Our Verdict
Hair loss is an uncomfortable and embarrassing problem for many of us. Luckily, the iRestore Essential uses its impressive Lumitech technology to produce clinically proven results.
Still, if you want an upgraded version of this device with more advanced features, be sure to check out the iRestore Professional.
Similarly, for anyone looking for a device that can tackle more acute cases of hair loss, the iRestore Elite is the gold standard. If you want to know more, you can read more about the top-of-the-range device in my iRestore Elite review.
References
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf15/k151662.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8577899/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29957664/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906269