iRestore review: does this hair growth system really work?

While the average person loses up to 100 telogen hairs per day, that hair usually grows back. Yet, for many, the regrowth slows down due to various reasons, leading to long-term hair thinning and, in some cases, baldness. In fact, half of the world’s male population experiences balding by age 50. Women aren’t immune either, with about 25% having visible female pattern hair loss by the same age.

That’s precisely why today, the market is flooded with so many products, devices, and treatments that promise to slow down hair loss and even spark regrowth. Yet, none have caused as much buzz as iRestore, a company that claims its non-invasive, laser-based devices can stimulate hair follicles and cause you to grow thicker and healthier hair.

Being naturally skeptical, I decided to team up with the Cybernews expert crew to see what all the fuss is about. In this iRestore review, I’ll dive deeper into the company behind the viral hair growth system, explore its offerings, explain how it’s all supposed to work, and show you how to use an iRestore cap.

Quick overview of iRestore

Before I dive deeper into iRestore’s hair growth products, here’s a quick overview of the company behind these hair health-focused devices:

Company	iRestore
Overall rating	4.6/5
A brief description	iRestore is a health tech company that specializes in FDA-cleared, non-invasive, laser and LED-based devices claimed to preserve and restore hair
Pricing	$499 to $2499, depending on the device

Visit iRestore

Pros and cons of iRestore

If you’re thinking about pulling the trigger and getting an iRestore Professional or iRestore Elite, it’s worth weighing the brand’s strong points against areas where it falls short. Here’s a quick snapshot of what stood out to me during the research process:

Our methodology

To evaluate iRestore and its products, Cybernews researchers and I spent countless hours combing through expert-backed iRestore hair growth system reviews and other relevant data. As always, our tech and health-focused research process also combined this technical analysis with real-user feedback. Here’s what we focused on:

• Device effectiveness and performance (30%). We began our evaluation by comparing laser and LED counts, power outputs, and treatment durations of iRestore devices with those of other hair growth caps on the market. Additionally, we examined iRestore laser cap user reviews to evaluate the devices’ real-world effectiveness and performance.
• Ease of use and comfort (20%). While iRestore claims its caps offer unrivaled comfort, making 12- and 25-minute sessions a breeze, we paid much more attention to iRestore helmet reviews to rate the devices’ ease of use and comfort.
• Safety and FDA clearance (15%). Safety plays a pivotal role, and to evaluate it, we looked into iRestore’s safety and FDA clearance documentation and checked any comments and reviews that mention side effects.
• Customer reviews and satisfaction (15%). Real-world performance can vastly differ from the company’s claims, so we focused on iRestore laser hair growth reviews to see whether customers are genuinely satisfied with their devices.
• Pricing and long-term value (20%). The final part of our evaluation involved comparing the costs of iRestore devices to those of other hair growth systems. We also checked iRestore hair laser reviews to determine whether users think these costs are justified.

What is iRestore?

Founded by Kevin Chen in 2003, iRestore began its journey as part of Freedom Laser Therapy, a clinic that helped smokers overcome their addiction. Over time, the brand transitioned to devices that, according to claims, combat two prevalent cosmetic issues of the modern age: hair thinning and hair loss.

Today, iRestore is recognised for its FDA-cleared, non-invasive laser-based devices that the brand suggests can help reduce hair loss and even stimulate new hair growth. The company’s health-focused gadgets, such as iRestore Professional, utilize low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM).

LLLT/PBM is a non-invasive therapy that utilizes low-intensity near-infrared and red light that is suggested to stimulate cellular activity. In particular, it stimulates the mitochondria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source of the cell. This process is suggested to help stimulate hair follicles and support existing and new hair growth.

What products does iRestore offer?

After pivoting to low-level laser therapy devices, the brand initially developed the iRestore Professional, but its lineup has since expanded significantly. Here’s a quick comparison of the iRestore products of today so that you can compare iRestore Essential vs Professional vs Elite:

Product	Number of lasers	Number of LEDs	Total power output	Treatment frequency and time
iRestore Essential	51	69	600mW	3 times per week for 25 minutes
iRestore Professional	82	200	1410mW	3 times per week for 25 minutes
iRestore Elite	300	200	2500mW	Once a day for 12 minutes

With the basics out of the way, let’s see what iRestore’s modern-day lineup is all about:

• iRestore Essential. The entry-level model, iRestore Essential, features a total of 120 light sources, consisting of 51 lasers and 69 LEDs. Its power output sits at 600mW.
• iRestore Professional. The iRestore Professional more than doubles the light source count and takes the power output to 1410mW. However, out of the 282 light-emitting sources, 200 are LEDs, while only 82 are lasers.
• iRestore Elite. If you’re looking for iRestore’s top-of-the-line product, that title goes to the Elite, a cap that covers the entire scalp. While the number of LEDs is the same as in the Professional, the laser count is bumped to a whopping 300. Pair that with a power output of 2500mW, and the Elite becomes the most advanced hair-loss solution in their lineup.
• Illumina masks. In addition to the 3 main scalp-covering devices, iRestore’s lineup also includes LED masks for eyes, face, and neck and chest. These health-focused devices combine infrared, red, and blue light-emitting LEDs, which are claimed to reduce skin roughness, aid collagen production, and even improve complexion.
• Other products. Besides LLLT/PBM devices, iRestore also offers a wide range of skin and hair care products. These include biotin gummies, hair growth supplements, hair-thickening shampoo and conditioner, eyelash and eyebrow enhancing serums, anti-aging face serum and eye cream, and more.

How does iRestore laser therapy work?

iRestore’s devices certainly pack a punch in terms of power, especially the Elite. Yet, the question remains: how does iRestore work?

At their core, all 3 iRestore laser-based devices rely on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles for hair growth and regrowth. This type of non-invasive treatment is both painless and easy to use for regular sessions, which makes it ideal for at-home application.

LLLT uses lasers that emit red or near-infrared light at wavelengths between 630nm and 808nm. Within this range, the light is suggested to penetrate the scalp and target cells, which absorb the light. This process is theorized to increase ATP production, which is suggested to stimulate.

One of the proposed effects of this increase in cellular energy production is the rejuvenation of hair follicles. Multiple studies report LLLT as a potential way to stimulate hair growth in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Who is iRestore for?

While iRestore’s LLLT devices may help users in the early stages of AGA, one of the most common forms of pattern hair loss, they’re not for everyone. These treatments work only when hair follicles are still active and functional.

As such, iRestore is a solid pick for:

• Men and women with mild to moderate hair loss
• Users with receding hairlines or thinning at the temples or crown
• Individuals looking for non-invasive ways to address hair loss

However, iRestore won’t be able to do anything for individuals with advanced hair loss, as follicles are entirely dead at that stage. Users with hypersensitivity to light should also avoid iRestore devices, as should those with various scalp conditions or skin lesions.

Is iRestore safe?

The recommendation to avoid caps refers to a few iRestore reviews that have mentioned side effects related to malignant scalp lesions. Even if research indicates that LLLT/PBM devices may be safe for the majority of individuals, it’s best to consult your doctor.

Ocular exposure is another common concern among users, but all 3 iRestore caps include several eye safety sensors. These prevent the device’s lasers and LEDs from turning on until the cap is correctly placed on the head. However, independent testers have found these sensors easy to cover accidentally, so strapping on protective eyewear is recommended.

Apart from these potential side effects and recommendations, iRestore caps are generally considered safe. All 3 devices have also been cleared by the FDA. While that’s not the same as FDA approval, it’s a good starting point in terms of the device’s general safety.

iRestore: price and bundles

At the time of writing, iRestore offers 3 scalp-covering caps at vastly different price points. And while I’ve already covered their laser and LED counts and power outputs, the prices of these devices also matter, so here’s a quick breakdown:

Devices	Price	Warranty	Money-back guarantee period
iRestore Essential	$499	2 years (extendable to 4 for $39)	365 days
iRestore Professional	$999.00	2 years (extendable to 4 for $49)	365 days
iRestore Elite	$2 199.00	3 years (extendable to 5 for $99)	365 days

Besides warranties, you can also save on battery packs and carrying cases if you purchase these accessories with an iRestore device. The brand also offers a variety of device-focused or skin and hair care product-packed bundles with terrific value:

Bundles	Price	Savings
iRestore Essential + Illumina Face Mask	$998	$400
iRestore Pro + Illumina Face Mask	$1398	$600
iRestore Elite + Illumina Face Mask	$2498	$700
iRestore Professional Best Seller Bundle (iRestore Pro + Face Mask + Neck and Chest Mask)	$1797	$800
iRestore Elite Best Seller Bundle (iRestore Elite + Face Mask + Neck and Chest Mask)	$2897	$900
Illumina LED Duo (Face Mask + Neck and Chest Mask)	$898	$400
Illumina LED Trio (Eye Mask + Face Mask + Neck and Chest Mask)	$1147	$550
Revive Thickening Duo (Shampoo + Conditioner)	$56.25	$18.75
Revive Growth Accelerator Kit (Serum + Formula)	$71.25	$23.75
Revive+ Growth Accelerator Kit (Serum + Advanced Formula)	$101.25	$33.75
Revive Max Growth Kit (Shampoo + Conditioner + Serum + Formula)	$127.50	$42.50
Revive+ Max Growth Kit (Shampoo + Conditioner + Serum + Advanced Formula)	$165	$55

Visit iRestore

iRestore: customer reviews

While real-world performance often differs from company claims, iRestore customers appear generally satisfied. For example, iRestore has over 500 reviews on Trustpilot, and an average rating of 4/5.

Many users have reported seeing improvements in hair thickness and even regrowth after a few months of consistent use. Some go as far as stating they’ve regained their confidence due to the results.

However, like with any product in virtually any industry, not all users were happy. A recent Trustpilot commenter mentioned that their hair has gotten worse, and they were also upset about the 18% charge for returning the device.

While a few other users also claim they haven’t seen the benefits or found iRestore caps to be uncomfortable, many note they’ve been more than pleased with iRestore’s customer support. Thus, the general sentiment across multiple sites seems to be overall positive.

How to use your iRestore laser caps: a step-by-step guide

Whether you opt for iRestore Essential, Pro, or Elite, the key to getting the best results lies in using the device as it was meant to be used:

1. Start with dry and clean hair. Before placing an iRestore cap on your head, ensure that your hair and scalp are washed and thoroughly dried.
2. Position the cap and start your session. Adjust the device so it sits comfortably on your head. Then, turn it on and use it for 12 minutes (Elite) or 25 minutes (Essential and Pro).
3. Clean and store the device. Once you’re done, wipe the cap down with a lightly damped cloth before storing it.

Consistency also plays a vital role, so you’ll have to repeat the steps daily (Elite) or every other day (Essential and Pro) for at least 3 months. At least, that’s the time recommended to see visible results, according to the brand, but many users report that it takes even longer.

iRestore: growth guarantee and returns

The 18% charge for returning the device probably caught your attention, and it does exist as part of iRestore’s return policy.

While the brand offers a 365-day money-back guarantee for laser caps, it requires customers to use the device during that period (or at least hold on to it) before returning. For those who don’t wait, the 18% fee will kick in.

If you do wait, you’ll have a 30-day window to request a refund once the 365 days are up, and there’ll be no fees to worry about here. Moreover, unlike many competing brands, iRestore doesn’t require you to take before-and-after photos to be able to return the device.

Other products have a shorter guarantee period. For example, battery packs only come with 30-day money-back guarantees, which, frankly, isn’t enough time to test them. Meanwhile, LED masks come with a 100-day money-back guarantee, while consumables, such as shampoos, offer 180 days of coverage, but only for your first order.

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Other health tech devices you might be interested in:

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Final words: Is iRestore worth it?

After spending countless hours researching hair growth tech, one thing seems pretty clear: not all devices live up to their claims. Yet, iRestore can certainly hold its ground. Its laser-based caps are backed by satisfied users, it even has safety features, and the 365-day money-back guarantee, although imperfect, seals the deal.

That said, iRestore isn’t for everyone. While it may be effective for those with less advanced hair loss and users in the early to moderate stages of AGA, it won’t fix advanced hair loss or baldness. It’s also not for you if you can’t consistently use it for months or lack the patience to do so.

But, if you fit the profile and are ready to commit, iRestore seems like one of the more promising laser-based hair growth solutions available today.

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