Are you suffering from excessive hair loss, thinning, or balding? Then you may be interested in a red light therapy (RLT) device that can stimulate your hair follicles and help get your luscious locks back.
The iRestore Professional was created as a solution to this unfortunate problem and is blazing the trail in the world of RLT. But is it right for you?
In this comprehensive iRestore review, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before buying this device. Then, you’ll be one step closer to thicker, healthier hair.
Based on our testing, here's how the iRestore Professional stacked up:
Effectiveness: The iRestore Professional employs an impressive array of 282 medical-grade lasers and LEDs, delivering a potent 1410mW total power output at the clinically proven 655nm red light wavelength. This upgraded model offers maximum scalp coverage, targeting the hairline, temples, and crown. Many users reported more significant and faster improvements in hair density and regrowth compared to its predecessor.
Ease of Use: Like the Essential model, it requires 25-minute treatments three times a week. The hands-free design and expanded coverage area make it convenient to use, allowing for easy integration into your routine.
Value for Money: While it comes at a more premium price point, the iRestore Professional's enhanced features and expanded coverage justify the investment for those serious about combating hair loss. The increased number of diodes and power output potentially offer more comprehensive and efficient treatment.
Our Recommendation
For those seeking a top-tier, at-home hair loss solution, the iRestore Professional presents a compelling option. Its advanced technology, expansive scalp coverage, and powerful output make it suitable for individuals experiencing more extensive hair thinning or those desiring faster results. However, as with any hair restoration method, consistent use and realistic expectations are crucial for achieving optimal outcomes.
What Is The iRestore Professional?
Established in 2003, iRestore is the company behind the iRestore Professional, a cutting-edge hair regrowth device that uses advanced red light therapy in the form of LED and laser technology.
This system, housed in a handy helmet-like device, is specifically designed to produce effective results for men and women who suffer from hair thinning. It does this by helping to strengthen weak hairs and encouraging the growth of new hair in cases of complete hair loss. It has even been proven to work as a supplementary treatment for androgenic alopecia (but more on this later).
With more than 25,000 positive reviews on platforms like Amazon and Google, the iRestore Professional has become one of the leading products in the RLT space.
The helmet itself is fitted with Lumitech technology, which includes 200 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and 82 laser diodes. As a result, it uses both low-level light therapy and low-level laser therapy to combat hair loss. This is an improvement on the device’s predecessor, the iRestore Essential, which only contains 120 diodes (51 lasers and 69 LEDs).
Cleared by the FDA, the iRestore Professional promises a safe and effective way to stimulate living hair follicles [1]. However, it’s important to remember that it is not as effective for serious hair loss. Instead, the iRestore Elite system caters to anyone who needs a more potent solution.
- FDA cleared and clinically-proven Lumitech technology
- 282 lasers and LEDs
- Good scalp coverage
- Non-invasive, non-surgical, and drug-free treatment
- 12-month satisfaction guarantee
- Slightly more expensive than other products on the market
- Effectiveness can vary from person to person
- Not ideal for severe hair loss cases
What To Consider Before Buying A Hair Growth Device
Hair growth devices help to address the common concerns of thinning hair and hair loss in both men and women. They’re an ideal solution for a non-invasive treatment for anyone who wants thicker, fuller hair. So, if you’re facing a receding hairline, thinning around your temples, or have bald spots, then this could be a fantastic solution.
Still, there are a few other things to consider before investing in any device for restoring your hair:
- Hair Loss Severity: Your device should always align with the level of treatment you need. More severe cases of hair loss may require more robust treatment options.
- Budget: Choose a device that suits your budget. In some cases, you may also be able to pay for the device over time with a payment plan.
- Alternate Treatments: Always consult your doctor before starting a new treatment. Some individuals may need alternate treatments or supplementary therapies for the best results. These can include corticosteroid injections or hair transplants.
Why We Like The iRestore Profesional
The iRestore Professional is a fantastic device that helps to promote hair growth using low-level light therapy and low-level laser therapy through lasers and LED diodes, respectively. Compared to other products on the market, this hair growth tool has several unique features and benefits.
These benefits work together to help regrow hair and strengthen the hair follicles. In turn, this makes for a more comprehensive RLT treatment. Below, we’ve listed the top features of this device to help you make a more informed decision about your purchase.
Easy To Use
With so many RLT devices on the market, competitors are constantly trying to come up with ways to make their devices stand out. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many of them are difficult to use. Still, there’s no need to buy overly complicated devices that require lengthy setup times or instruction manuals to use.
The iRestore Professional is comfortable to use with its hands-free experience. It also comes complete with a controller with a timer display and a quick-start guide. So, all you need to do to get started is charge the device, place it on your head, and click start. Then, you can sit back and relax while it works its hair-growing magic.
Lumitech Light Technology
One of the key features of the iRestore Professional is its use of Lumitech light technology. This technology combines 282 medical-grade lasers and LEDs. As a result, it delivers a potent blend of RLT to stimulate any dormant hair follicles.
When the device reactivates the hair follicles, it helps to initiate natural hair growth. Plus, Lumitech light technology is a non-invasive, non-surgical, and pain-free alternative to traditional treatments for hair loss.
Extended Scalp Coverage
iRestore Professional’s impressive design helps to ensure extended coverage. Unlike other laser caps, it reaches the sides and back of the scalp to effectively treat the hairline, temples, and the lower crown area.
You can comfortably target specific regions of the scalp without constantly moving or adjusting the device. This boosts the efficacy of the treatment for a fuller head of hair.
Similarly, this additional coverage helps the iRestore to stand out from its competitors. While other devices may reach one or two areas of the scalp, the iRestore Professional has got your head covered – literally. In turn, this allows you to treat a much bigger area for a comprehensive hair loss solution.
Convenient Treatments
Everyday life is busy enough as it is, so I am always on the lookout for quick and easy solutions to treat my health concerns. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to book multiple red light therapy sessions to fix my hairline. Luckily, the iRestore hair growth system is made for short, convenient sessions that you can do from the comfort of your home.
Incorporating the use of the iRestore Professional into your routine is simple. It only takes three sessions of 25 minutes per week. You can use these short yet frequent sessions to strike a balance between convenience and effectiveness.
However, it’s important to be consistent. Otherwise, you may not see the results that you want.
Optimal Wavelengths
The optimal range of wavelengths for red light therapy for hair loss is between 600 and 950 nm [2]. The iRestore Professional uses lasers and LEDs with wavelengths of 655 nanometers (nm), meaning that they fall within the ideal range for therapeutic purposes. Plus, 655 nm is one of the most studied wavelengths for hair loss – so it’s more likely to produce more effective results.
Clinically Proven Results
The iRestore Professional claims to give you visible results and improve the appearance of hair loss in as little as three to six months. But does it live up to its claims?
Studies have shown that red light therapy is generally effective for hair regrowth [3]. In fact, a meta-analysis of several studies of low-level laser treatment (LLLT) for hair growth suggests that an RLT hair growth system can help with conditions such as androgenic alopecia (AGA) [4]. This suggests that laser caps like the iRestore Professional would also produce favorable results.
Additionally, studies done on the iRestore device itself have produced impressive results.
In a 2013 study, participants using the device saw a 14.68% increase in their hair count compared to the control group. These results were backed up by a 2018 study, where participants who used the device saw a 14.2% increase in hair coverage [5]. This showed that the combination of LEDs and laser diodes the device uses helped to improve the appearance of thin hair over a 24-week period.
Still, it’s essential to note that individual responses to treatment may vary. Your results may also depend on how consistently you use the device and how severe your hair loss is.
iRestore Professional Alternatives
When you’re choosing the ideal RLT device for yourself, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs. Below, you’ll find some of the top alternatives to the iRestore Professional, as well as how their features compare.
Capillus ULTRA Series 82
The Capillus ULTRA is a portable laser therapy cap that is designed to be comfortable and discreet but has less coverage and power than the iRestore. Additionally, it uses 82 diodes and requires shorter treatment times – only 6 minutes. However, treatments are done daily rather than being spread apart.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to the iRestore Professional, then the Capillus ULTRA Series 82 is a great alternative.
How does it compare to the iRestore?
- Price: At $699.99, the Capillus ULTRA is competitively priced
- Coverage: The iRestore Professional has more extensive coverage
- Portable: Like the iRestore, the Capillus ULTRA is designed for mobility
- Treatment Time: 6 minutes, daily
- Guarantee: The Capillus ULTRA only comes with a 6-month satisfaction guarantee (vs. iRestore’s 12-month guarantee)
HairMax LaserBand 82 ComfortFlex
Offering results in as little as three months, the HairMax LaserBand is another great choice for fast, effective hair regrowth. This device, however, has a band-like shape that may affect how far the coverage extends. Still, it has a good price point as it only requires short, 90-second treatments three times a week.
So, if you don’t have 25 minutes to spare on your treatments, you may want to check out the HairMax LaserBand 82 ComfortFlex.
How does it compare to the iRestore?
- Price: Slightly less expensive than the iRestore ($799.00)
- Design: The band design of the HairMax LaserBand covers less area than the iRestore Professional but has a unique hair-parting design
- Treatment Time: 90 seconds, three times per week
- Guarantee: Shorter money-back guarantee, just 6 months
Theradome PRO LH80 Laser Helment
My final recommendation for a good alternative device is the Theradome PRO LH80. This device, which has a similar design to the iRestore, is designed to be easy to use. In fact, it even has a one-touch start option to eliminate lengthy setup times.
With its simplicity and hands-free capabilities, the Theradome PRO LH80 Laser Helmet is a fantastic choice if you’re always on the go.
How does it compare to the iRestore?
- Price: Similar price point to the iRestore ($995)
- FDA Clearance: Both the iRestore and the PRO LH80 have FDA clearance
- Portable: Similar to the iRestore Professional, the PRO LH80 is designed to be hands-free
- Treatment Time: 20 minutes, two times per week
iRestore Professional vs. iRestore Elite
The iRestore Professional has great coverage and 282 medical-grade lasers and LEDs for optimal results. Although it has a somewhat higher price range than its ‘little brother’ (the iRestore Essential), it produces excellent results.
This powerful iRestore hair growth system is the ideal choice for anyone who wants a more specific or targeted treatment. However, it’s worth noting that this device is the middle-ground between the Essential and the Elite iRestore devices. If you only have slight hair falling or thinning, then the iRestore Essential may be a better product for you.
The iRestore Elite is a more expensive option than the Professional but claims to provide you with even better results. With a whopping 500 diodes, it offers you a more comprehensive treatment. Still, it’s more widely used for severe hair loss cases.
If you struggle with excessive hair loss or hair thinning, then be sure to check out the iRestore Elite for more effective results.
Head-to-Head Comparison
- Price: $1,299
- Coverage: Good scalp coverage, including the hairline and crown
- Diodes: 282 diodes (82 lasers & 200 LEDs)
- Session Length: 25 minutes, 3x a week
- Power Output: 1410mW
Our Verdict
The iRestore Professional is a convenient and effective solution to hair loss. Its optimal coverage, clinically proven results, and ease of use make it a great overall choice. Still, if you want a more premium option, then don’t hesitate to check out the iRestore Elite. On the other hand, you can also explore the iRestore Essential for a more budget-friendly solution.
With the iRestore Pro, you can start your journey to healthier, thicker locks in no time.
References
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf15/k151662.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906269
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8577899/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-019-02723-6
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8675345/