iRestore Laser Helmet Review: Doctor Insight on Hair Regrowth Results

If you’re looking for a high-tech solution to an ancient problem (hair loss), you may have come across iRestore laser helmets, which use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to help stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth — all without leaving your house. But how does iRestore work, and are these products worth the investment?

In this doctor-led iRestore review, we’ll examine the brand’s laser helmets more closely, including how they work and what the research says about low-level laser therapy. We also tapped one of our medical reviewers, board-certified dermatologist Knox Beasley, MD, for his take on this hair loss solution.

iRestore is a brand that’s primarily known for its laser caps, which come in varying strengths. The caps use clinical strength lasers and diodes that emit red light to help fight hair loss. While the caps and LED face masks are the brand’s main offering, iRestore also sells other items, including skincare and haircare products.

iRestore helmets combine light and laser technology to target hair loss. Some research shows that red light therapy can activate dormant hair follicles, which may help fight hair loss resulting from male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).

Research shows low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may help with hair regrowth in some people, particularly those dealing with androgenic alopecia (female or male pattern baldness). 

LLLT seems to increase follicle size, which leads to thicker, denser hair. It also stretches out the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle, so hair has more time to grow before entering a resting phase. LLLT also boosts hair density in people with mild to moderate hair thinning. 

Clinical research on iRestore is limited, but promising. One study found that the iRestore ID-520 LLLT device increased hair coverage, thickness, and count — without any serious side effects. 

That said, results can vary depending on the severity of your hair loss. These light therapy devices aren’t a miracle fix. Some people see noticeable growth, while others see less. Patience and consistency are also important, since it can take several months to see results.

You can learn more about LLLT in our guide to low level light therapy for hair loss. 

Here’s how Dr. Knox Beasley reviewed iRestore laser helmets.

• Efficacy:  ★★★

• Side Effects: ★★★★★

• Ease Of Use: ★★★★

Pros:

• Some scientific evidence supports LLLT as an effective hair loss treatment

• Easy and painless to use at home

Cons:

• Doesn’t work for those who are fully bald

• Expensive

• Requires consistent use to work

“The more diodes on the helmet, the more even the scalp coverage and the less treatment time necessary,” Dr. Beasley explains.  The different levels of diodes refer to the light density, so basically, there are more lights per helmet in the more expensive ones (currently, the most expensive offering is the iRestore Elite, which is on sale for $1,999 and has 500 diodes).

There are over 3,000 iRestore reviews on the brand’s website, and reviews from iRestore users seem to be mixed — some people saw noticeable improvements in hair thickness and regrowth, while others reported little to no change.

Below, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about iRestore.

Who is iRestore for?

According to the iRestore brand, men and women who have the following may benefit from its LLLT products:

• Receding hairline

• Thinning at the temples

• Thinning crown

• Bald spots

The products are safe for adults 18 and over. The brand also notes that iRestore devices aren’t suitable for those who are completely bald or who have advanced hair loss. Because of this, it’s best to start using these types of devices at the first signs of hair loss.

Can I use iRestore with other hair loss medications?

You can use LLLT devices like iRestore with other hair loss treatments like FDA-approved minoxidil and finasteride. 

Does iRestore sell other hair loss solutions?

The brand sells drug-free hair care products, including a Growth Activator Serum, REVIVE Thickening Shampoo, REVIVE Thickening Conditioner, and REVIVE DHT Blocker Formula.

But, they don’t contain FDA-approved hair loss medications minoxidil and finasteride (which we offer access to through our platform).

Research shows that combining LLLT with minoxidil is more effective than minoxidil alone.

How do I use iRestore laser caps?

Here’s a brief step-by-step guide to using iRestore caps.

• Charge your laser cap before you use it.

• Make sure your hair is clean and dry before using (oil or product build-up can potentially block the lights from effectively reaching your scalp). 

• Secure the helmet. They’re one-size-fits-all, and should feel pretty snug.

• Press the power button.

• Let the helmet do its thing. It will automatically shut off after 25 minutes of use.

The brand recommends using the laser helmets for up to 25 minutes every other day. According to iRestore, longer treatment time has the potential to “overstimulate hair follicles.”

Are iRestore laser caps FDA-approved?

iRestore laser caps don’t have FDA approval as a treatment for hair loss, but they do have clearance from the FDA. FDA clearance is a process for medical devices that requires companies to prove a new device is as safe and effective as existing products on the market.  

How much do iRestore laser helmets cost?

iRestore laser helmets range in price from $500 to $2,500, so they’re a bit of an investment. But, the brand often runs promotional offers and bundle deals.

LLLT is well-tolerated by most people, and the lights don’t get hot so no need to worry about burns.

In rare cases (about 5 percent or fewer), some LLLT users may experience mild side effects like:

• Dry skin

• Itching

• Slight scalp tenderness

• Irritation

• A warm feeling on the scalp

If you're looking for proven treatments for hair loss to either complement or substitute for iRestore devices, you have a few options. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two medications — minoxidil and finasteride — for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). 

Minoxidil

Minoxidil, the generic version of Rogaine^®, comes in a topical solution or foam and is also available as an oral prescription pill. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends minoxidil as an effective and safe option for treating hair loss, and many back its ability to stimulate hair regrowth and slow shedding. 

We offer minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution on our platform.

Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription oral medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that plays a role in male pattern baldness. 

For many men, using minoxidil and finasteride together (like in our topical finasteride and minoxidil spray) provides better results than using either treatment alone.

Thickening Shampoos

Thickening shampoos can also be a great addition to your hair care routine. These shampoos can't stop hair loss or regrow hair, but they can add volume and make thinning hair appear fuller and healthier. 

Our thickening shampoo contains saw palmetto, which is known to block the effects of DHT partially.

Hair Transplant Surgery 

If you're looking for a permanent solution to hair loss, hair transplant surgery is an option. 

This type of procedure involves relocating healthy hair follicles from one part of your scalp (the donor area) to thinning or bald areas. Hair transplants can produce natural, permanent results. But results can vary depending on the surgeon you choose, and the procedure is pricey.

Here are some highlights from our review of iRestore laser helmets.

• iRestore helmets use laser and red light therapy to stimulate hair follicles, which may increase hair density and prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. 

• While clinical research on iRestore specifically is limited, existing studies support LLLT as a promising treatment for mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia (though it will not be effective if you’re fully bald).

• iRestore devices are FDA-cleared and designed for home use with minimal side effects.

• Our medical reviewer, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Knox Beasley, gave iRestore high marks for safety and ease of use. But he noted the device isn’t a miracle cure or a substitute for FDA-approved hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.

We offer access to finasteride and minoxidil through our platform. If you’re interested in learning more, start your free hair consultation with a healthcare provider, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.