iRestore is a company that sells laser caps that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared to help reduce the appearance of hair loss. These products provide a noninvasive treatment that may help stimulate hair growth.
This article looks at iRestore in more detail, including what it offers, its reputation, and the pros and cons of its products. It also answers some frequently asked questions about laser caps.
iRestore began in 2003 as a low level laser technology clinic that helped people stop smoking.
Today, the company sells FDA-cleared laser caps and a range of other hair care products, such as vitamins and shampoos.
The laser caps may help stimulate hair growth in people with hair loss. Research has shown that laser caps are effective in treating male pattern hair loss and female pattern hair loss, especially when other forms of therapy have proved unsuccessful.
It is normal for a person to shed 50–100 hairs a day. However, hair loss means that the hair stops growing on the scalp. When the hair stops growing, people may experience hair thinning or, in more severe cases, complete hair loss.
iRestore is suitable for those with low to moderate hair loss. The company states that the hair follicles must still be living for their products to work effectively.
iRestore laser caps use low level light therapy. Research suggests that low level light therapy, in comb- or helmet-type products, can increase hair density in those with androgenic alopecia.
The company states that people who experience the following may benefit from its products:
- receding hairline
- thinning at the temples
- thinning crown
- bald spots
However, the products are not suitable for those who have severe hair loss.
Before purchasing a laser cap from iRestore, people may wish to consider the pros and cons of this treatment.
Pros
- Both iRestore laser cap devices have FDA clearance.
- People can pause and restart the treatment at any time.
- This treatment is noninvasive and does not require prescription medication.
- The company advertises the laser caps as being suitable for males and females.
Cons
- The laser caps may be out of some people’s budget.
- People will have to use the products for several weeks before seeing the results.
- This treatment is not suitable for people with severe hair loss.
At the time of publishing, iRestore does not have a Better Business Bureau page.
There are only five reviews on the company’s Trustpilot page, but they give iRestore an average rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars.
The only positive review on this page states that the product worked for the reviewer and their wife. In the four negative reviews, customers state that they had to pay hidden shipping costs and that the product was expensive while not showing any results.
iRestore has two models of laser cap: the Essential and the Professional.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
iRestore offers free shipping within the United States and a 1-year money-back guarantee. If a person does not notice results within the first year of use, they can seek a refund from the company.
The following table provides an at-a-glance comparison between these two models.
| Product | Lasers and LEDs | Scalp coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 51 medical-grade lasers and LEDs | • top of the scalp • hairline • crown of the head | $695 |
| Professional | 282 medical-grade lasers and LEDs | • top of the scalp • hairline • crown of the head • back of the head • sides of the head | $1,195 |
- Lasers: This product has 51 medical-grade lasers and LEDs.
- Scalp coverage: The cap covers the top of the scalp, the hairline, and the crown of the head.
- Price: This product costs $695.
This model has a handheld controller with an LCD. The display tells the user the time remaining in each session, and people can pause and restart the treatment at any time.
It has a 1-year warranty.
- Lasers: This product has 282 medical-grade lasers and LEDs.
- Scalp coverage: The cap covers the same areas as the Essential model, plus the back and sides of the head.
- Price: This product costs $1,195.
This model also has a handheld controller with an LCD that people can use to check the time remaining in their session and to pause and restart treatment.
It comes with a 2-year warranty.
In addition to laser caps, iRestore stocks other hair care products. These include:
- gummy vitamins designed to promote hair health
- anti-hair loss shampoo and conditioner
- hair growth tablets
- anti-hair loss serum
- rechargeable battery packs
To use a laser cap, a person will need to plug the device into the electrical mains and then place the product on their head. A person should ensure that the cap is in a comfortable position and that the headband is secure.
People then begin the session using the LCD on the controller. The laser cap will automatically stop delivering light energy once the 25-minute session has finished. People can also pause and resume the treatment using the controller.
iRestore recommends that people use this product every other day. The company also notes that people can expect to see results within 3–6 months of continuous use, although the results can vary among individuals.
Below is a comparison between iRestore and some of its competitors.
| Brand | Price | Lasers and LEDs | Models | Treatment time | Frequency of use | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iRestore | starts at $695 | up to 282 | two laser caps | 25 minutes | every other day | up to 2 years |
| Capillus | starts at $750 | up to 272 | three laser caps | 6 minutes | every day | 3 years |
| Hairmax | starts at $899 | up to 272 | two laser caps | up to 30 minutes | three times a week | 3 years |
| Illumiflow | starts at $549 | up to 272 | three laser caps | 30 minutes | three times a week | 3 years |
iRestore laser caps are available for purchase on the iRestore website. Users also have the option to purchase add-ons, including:
- a 1-, 3-, or 6-month supply of a professional hair care kit
- rechargeable battery packs
- an additional 2-year warranty
Below, we answer some questions that people often ask about iRestore laser caps.
Do iRestore’s laser caps work?
Research suggests that low level laser therapy can help stimulate hair growth, especially in people with androgenic alopecia.
However, the results may vary depending on the individual and the extent of their hair loss. Some reviewers state that the laser caps did not work on their hair.
Which laser hair growth cap is the best?
Which laser cap a person uses depends on the extent of their hair loss.
For example, a person with mild hair loss may find that a laser cap with fewer laser and LEDs is suitable. People with moderate hair loss may have better results with a higher number of lasers and LEDs.
What laser caps are FDA-approved?
None of iRestore’s laser caps have FDA approval, but they do have FDA clearance.
iRestore devices use low level laser therapy to help stimulate hair growth. The company’s laser caps have FDA clearance.
The company states that its products are most suitable for people with mild to moderate hair loss.
A person with hair loss may wish to seek the advice of a doctor before purchasing one of these devices.