Hair loss may significantly impact one’s emotional and mental health. It has been tied to a lower quality of life and might impact up to 50% of men and women throughout their lives. The psychological and social impact has led many to search for solutions to their hair loss.
One promising avenue is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a technology used for years by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals. Recently, it became possible to have such equipment at your home.
Capillus, a leading brand in hair loss solutions, has designed an easy-to-wear low-level laser cap to provide a convenient option for hair growth. While it is not the only cap on the market, this review will examine the quality, effectiveness according to the user reviews, and costs of the Capillus Pro.
In this review we will provide information to help you make an informed decision when it comes to the purchase of a low-level laser cap for hair growth.
Your well-being is our top priority. Our in-house Research team and expert fact-checkers diligently review every content piece, ensuring you receive accurate, safe, and up-to-date health information to support your health decisions. Get an inside look at our thorough testing framework.
What is Capillus?
Capillus is a trusted manufacturer of hair loss solutions. It offers four models equipped to provide low-level laser therapy in the comfort of your home.
Each laser cap provides high-quality laser therapy through the use of medical-grade laser diodes. With treatment sessions of six minutes, it's a convenient, easy-to-use solution that may help with hair loss and hair thinning.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has been evaluated primarily for treating hair loss in male and female patients. Clinical studies have indicated that LLLT is generally safe and potentially effective in increasing hair density and caliber and reducing thinning hair.
Promote hair health with professional-grade coverage for your scalp and achieve results with 6-minute sessions every day.
As a non-surgical treatment for hair loss, LLLT uses a red light wavelength of 650 nm to stimulate the dormant hair follicle and begin hair regrowth. Harnessing this technology, the makers of Capillus provide four models that differ primarily on the number of diodes.
Capillus laser caps and the number of laser diodes:
| Model | Diodes |
| Capillus Spectrum | Utilizes 312 laser diodes and dual frequencies to supposedly promote deep penetration of the laser therapy |
| Capillus Pro S1 | Utilizes 302 medical-grade laser diodes |
| Capillus Pro | Utilizes 272 medical-grade laser diodes |
| Capillus One | Utilizes 112 medical-grade laser diodes |
One additional benefit seen with the Capillus Spectrum and Capillus Pro S1 is the availability of Bluetooth connectivity. This allows pairing with the Capillus S1 app that allows progress visualization, treatment tracking, and treatment reminders.
Finally, each Capillus laser cap is FDA-cleared and meets the specifications for safety and effectiveness allowing you to sleep easy knowing you have a quality product.
Capillus: a quick review
The Capillus laser device provides high-quality, FDA-cleared technology to help reduce hair thinning by stimulating hair regrowth in only six minutes per day. Each cap is designed to provide broad scalp coverage to activate dormant hair follicles, helping with any individual's pattern hair loss.
How and why we chose to review Capillus
Capillus is an innovative company that offers a wide range of hair loss products, including four different laser caps. As Capillus's popularity has increased, we felt it was important to provide consumers with an unbiased evaluation to better equip them to evaluate and select the best hair loss cap for their situation.
With the vast number of different low-level laser caps, it is important to understand the basic components and functions to better assist with deciphering the proven benefits of simple advertisements.
Capillus models and how to use them
Each Capillus model follows the same step-by-step operating instructions, which are summarized below. Be sure to refer to packaging directions to ensure proper use.
- Plug the AC adapter into the wall and place the battery pack into the charger.
- Allow the battery to fully charge (6–12 hours) for optimal performance.
- Once fully charged, remove the battery from the charger and set it aside.
- Take the laser diode cap and place it within the baseball-style cap ensuring the cord exits the predetermined opening in the back of the cap.
- Connect the battery pack to the diode cord by matching up the arrows on each side.
- Secure connection with the twist lock connector.
- Wipe the device with an alcohol wipe and place it on your hair. Ensure all hair products are dry before using the cap.
- Place the cap on your head and press the power button on the battery pack to start your session.
- Upon completion of the six-minute session, you will hear three beeps in succession indicating completion.
- The laser diodes will automatically shut off once the session is complete.
- Disconnect the battery pack from the cap for optimal battery life when not using.
- Do not charge the battery until only one light of battery life remains.
- Do not operate while the battery is in the charger.
Unboxing experience
Each Capillus laser cap arrives in premium packaging to complement the high-quality nature of the device. The box will contain a laser cap, baseball-style Capillus hat, and carrying case to allow easy transport. All models come with a rechargeable battery and AC charging adapter.
New to the Capillus Spectrum is a compact, sleek docking station to charge the battery and provide six full treatments without needing to recharge.
Capillus effectiveness and safety
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has been evaluated by many different clinical studies and has shown promising results in improving hair growth in androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss). Additionally, LLT may stimulate healthy hair growth in other conditions such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and chemotherapy-induced hair loss. It activates hair follicles to undergo active hair growth through many different biological processes within the cells responsible for the production of hair.
LLLT reduces the transition of hair follicles from the anagen (active growth phase) to the catagen (phase of regression and reduced production of hair). This increases the number of actively growing hair strands which improves the density of hair. Moreover, keeping hair in the anagen stage may also increase the caliber of the hair shafts for improved scalp coverage.
Finally, LLLT for the scalp may help to reduce scalp inflammation and irritation resulting in a healthier-looking scalp and hair.
While some clinical studies show the benefits of LLLT, individual results may vary and the use of these devices does not guarantee the regrowth of hair or the prevention of future hair loss.
Overall, LLLT is generally regarded as safe for use in hair regrowth devices. The side effects attributed to LLLT tend to be mild. To reduce the risk of side effects, it is recommended that all manufacturer recommendations be followed and that treatment times not exceed the treatment recommendations of the manufacturer.
User experience and performance
| Trustpilot rating | Amazon rating | Official website |
| 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3.7 ⭐⭐⭐ | 4.75 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Average of all devices) |
The reviews from customers are generally impressed with the results provided by the Capillus laser caps. However, like all products, individual results vary, and some have not noticed a benefit from their use.
As expected, those who achieved visible hair growth, generally felt the device was worth the higher price tag. However, those customers without adequate results, felt the device was overpriced and not worth the money.
Some users do not feel the hat fits securely enough to perform daily activities, but with the short treatment time (six minutes) many do not feel it interferes dramatically with their lives.
What people liked
- Short, six-minute treatment sessions
- Noticeable hair regrowth (individual results may vary)
- Thicker hair with improved hair density
- Reduced hair loss
What people didn't like
- Higher diode count devices are too expensive
- The hat does not fit securely on the head
- Results are slow and may take up to seven months or more
Expert opinion
Dr. Anastasia Therianou, a consultant dermatologist in the UK, promotes the use of LLLT for hair loss on her website and writes about its potential benefits.
Dr. Marc Avram, a hair transplant specialist and cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, recommends using LLLT devices, in addition to other treatment methods, to stimulate hair regrowth in his patients.
Tips and tricks for best results
To achieve the best results, it is important to use the device consistently. Identifying a time in the day to incorporate the treatment session is the best way to ensure you make time daily for your treatment.
Devices with short treatment durations and portability allow the sessions to be incorporated into your daily routine with minimal disruption.
Before starting the therapy, it is advised to discuss the use of LLLT with a healthcare provider. They may provide specific recommendations as well as determine if medications or other treatments are needed to increase your hair growth potential.
Remain patient with your treatment as it can take three to six months to notice results. It is important not to increase treatment times or frequencies in attempts to obtain faster results as this may cause side effects.
How much does Capillus cost and where to buy it?
The official Capillus website offers all devices for purchase with free shipping within the continental U.S.
| Device | Cost |
| Capillus Spectrum | $2,599 |
| Capillus PRO S1 | $2,124.15 |
| Capillus PRO | $1,444.15 |
| Capillus ONE | $764.15 |
Promote hair health with professional-grade coverage for your scalp and achieve results with 6-minute sessions every day.
Common mistakes to avoid
For the best results, it is important to avoid these commonly made mistakes.
- Quitting therapy too soon. Results can take three to six months to become visible and thus patience is key to adequate results.
- Using for inappropriate conditions. Laser caps may effectively improve hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia, but in other conditions, the results are still inconclusive.
- Exceeding recommended treatment durations or frequencies. To minimize the risk of side effects, it is recommended users stick to the manufacturer’s treatment recommendations.
Comparison to other hair loss products
| Brand | Price | Number of diodes | Laser vs. LED | Treatment duration | Treatment frequency |
| Capillus | $2,599–764,15 | 112, 272, 304, 312 | Laser | 6 minutes | Daily |
| iRestore Elite | $1,999 | 500 (300 laser and 200 LEDs) | Laser and LED | 12 minutes | Daily |
| iRestore Professional | $999 | 282 (82 laser and 200 LEDs) | Laser and LED | 25 minutes | Every other day |
| Kierr | $749–1,699 | 148, 272, and 302 | Laser | 7 minutes | Daily |
| Illumiflow | $699 | 272 | Laser | 30 minutes | Three times a week |
| Hairmax | $1,499 | 272 | Laser | 7 minutes | Three times a week |
Final verdict: is Capillus worth it?
Capillus manufactures high-quality laser caps that allow individuals of all budgets to have innovative low-level light therapy equipment at the convenience of their homes.
While the higher-end models offer additional features, it is my opinion that the Capillus Pro offers the best value for the money.
This device provides an additional non-surgical and non-pharmacologic treatment that is best suited for patients with androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness).
If you are considering one of these devices, talk with your healthcare provider to ensure the device is appropriate for you to use and if any additional treatments should be combined with this therapy.
FAQ
Does the Capillus cap actually work?
Yes. Scientific studies have reported low-level light therapy to be effective in increasing the density and caliber of hair when used for androgenic alopecia. While results may vary between individuals, the Capillus devices have been suggested to provide visible hair regrowth with three to seven months of consistent use.
What are the side effects of Capillus?
Low-level light therapy is generally viewed as safe with minimal risk of side effects. The side effects that might be experienced are mild scalp irritation, scalp itchiness, slight redness, and an initial period of hair shedding. While generally regarded as safe, it is important to discuss with your healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Why is Capillus so expensive?
The price of the Capillus reflects the number of medical-grade laser diodes included in each cap and the overall power of the device. Additionally, the more expensive caps offer additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity to be able to connect to the Capillus app.
How long does it take for Capillus to work?
Capillus works by stimulating hair follicles within the scalp to produce new hair growth. This process can take time and will usually take three to six months to see results. While the rate of growth differs between individuals, the growth is typically slow and requires patience with the use of these devices.
3 resources
- Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of United States Food and Drug Administration-approved, home-use, low-level light/laser therapy devices for pattern hair loss: device design and technology.
- Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Low-level laser (Light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss.
- Annals of Dermatology. Hair growth promoting effects of 650 nm red light stimulation on human hair follicles and study of its mechanisms via RNA sequencing transcriptome analysis.
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