Losing hair and watching it thin out day by day isn't something most people can easily brush off. For many, it may seriously impact self-esteem and confidence. I can understand how frustrating it can be to sift through endless hair growth treatments in hopes of finding something that actually works.
Recently, innovative hair growth devices have become all the rage — these are some of those laser hair caps and helmets you might have come across in your search. Two popular options that keep coming up at the top of many rankings are the iRESTORE Professional and the Theradome PRO LH80. And while both are designed to combat thinning and promote hair growth, they each do bring something different to the table.
And that’s exactly what I’ll be zeroing in on in this Theradome vs. iRESTORE comparison. I’ll break down all the details so that, by the end, there won’t be any guesswork — you will have a clear idea of which device out of the two you would be better off with.
iRESTORE vs. Theradome: head-to-head comparison
| Product | Price | Scalp coverage | Clearance | Number of light-emitting sources | Power output | Wavelength | Weight | Warranty | Money-back guarantee |
| iRESTORE Professional | $1,299 | Full | FDA-cleared | 282 (82 lasers and 200 LEDs) | 1,410 mW | 655 nm | 1.25 lbs | 2-year warranty | 12-month |
| Theradome PRO LH80 | $995 | Top and crown coverage | FDA-cleared | 80 (lasers) | 560 mW | 680 nm | Just under 1 lb | 1-year limited warranty | 6-month |
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How and why we chose to compare these products
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of hair growth devices — that is why I narrowed down my focus to FDA-cleared laser helmets, which both the iRESTORE Professional and Theradome LH80 are. I also factored in their popularity, as both are among the most sought-after hair growth products today.
And even though these two devices operate on a similar principle, they have distinct differences, such as their scalp area coverage and the number of diodes and lasers they are equipped with, just to give you an idea. This naturally raises the obvious question of which one is better. In this iRESTORE vs. Theradome comparison, I’ll help you figure that out.
To add to that, both devices use low level light therapy (LLLT). This technology, commonly known as light therapy, is considered promising for its potential to stimulate hair regrowth. Research, including a notable 2014 study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, has shown that exposing the scalp to red light therapy led to significant increases in hair density compared to a control group with a sham device.
The scientific foundation behind these devices is there, which is another — and arguably the main — reason I’m taking a closer look at these two LLLT devices.
iRESTORE review
The iRESTORE Professional is an FDA-cleared wearable LED and laser helmet designed to help people combat hair loss in a non-invasive, and pain-free way.
Equipped with 282 medical-grade lasers and LEDs, the helmet uses red light therapy to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair regrowth.
As for the design, innovation drives the iRESTORE model. The helmet is constructed with the brand’s patented extended scalp coverage design, which expands the treatment area beyond the crown to include both the temples and hairline.
The device needs to be used just three times weekly, with a treatment time of 25 minutes per session. This, I think, makes it rather easy to prioritize your hair health and also leaves you time for other commitments.
iRESTORE: what’s in the box and how to use
When you first open up the box, you will find every iRESTORE essential you need to start your treatment and work toward fuller hair. You will get the device itself, a universal power adapter, a controller with a timer display, a detailed user manual, and a quick start guide. There’s also a carry case you can buy separately if you want an extra layer of convenience.
And as for using the laser helmet — it requires very little effort. Simply put on the device, press START, and for the next 25 minutes, which is the recommended treatment time, you can read, relax, or even work while it takes care of the rest. And if you want to speed up your hair regrowth even more, the people behind iRESTORE recommend incorporating their hair care line products into your routine.
iRESTORE effectiveness and safety
Given the iRESTORE device is classified as non-invasive — meaning it doesn’t require cutting through the skin or inserting anything into the body — it’s generally seen as a safe option, even for long-term use. While red light penetrates deeply into the skin tissue, it doesn't cause physical damage, so it carries lower risks compared to invasive treatments.
Also, I think it's important that I address a common misconception — many think FDA clearance, like what iRESTORE has, is the same as FDA approval, but it's not. FDA clearance means the device has been reviewed for safety and can legally be placed on the market and sold. FDA approval, on the other hand, is the gold standard for medical devices, but it’s usually reserved for other devices with more risk attached to them, like those that are implanted, for example.
Currently, the effectiveness of LLLT products and other high-tech gadgets claiming to stimulate hair regrowth and improve hair thickness is still somewhat uncertain. Although some studies show positive results on hair growth, LLLT devices need to be further evaluated in randomized controlled trials to better asses their true effectiveness. And as more and more brands using low level laser therapy jump into the market, we definitely need more research to establish a stronger understanding of how effective LLLT devices are in treating hair loss.
Even though there aren't many in-depth studies, some research is showing positive signs. Take this double-blind clinical trial involving 146 men and 188 women with pattern hair loss, for instance. Participants used either laser combs or sham devices on their scalps three times a week for 26 weeks. It was observed by the researchers that those using the laser combs experienced a significant increase in hair density compared to the control group.
In another separate study focusing on androgenic alopecia, LLLT showed positive results, too. After 24 weeks of treatment, the group using low level light therapy was observed to have an increase in hair density compared to the control group.
Experience clinic-grade technology in your home with the iRESTORE Professional hair growth laser device, featuring 282 lasers and LEDs.
How much does an iRESTORE cost and where to buy it?
Though the iRESTORE laser helmet is shown at $1,299 on the brand’s site, you can actually purchase it at a much lower cost thanks to the recurrent discounts that can reduce the price by up to $400.
And those looking for easier budgeting can also choose interest-free monthly installments, with options to spread the payments over three, six, or 12 months.
Experience clinic-grade technology in your home with the iRESTORE Elite hair growth laser device, featuring 500 lasers and LEDs.
What users are saying about iRESTORE
From what I’ve seen, feedback for iRESTORE is mostly positive. The official website shows an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,300 reviews. And yes, while this is a strong sign of user satisfaction, neither you nor I should take reviews from official sites as the absolute truth.
I wanted to make sure I got a full picture, so I decided to dig a little deeper and checked out reviews from neutral sites like Reddit, Amazon, and Trustpilot. And as an example, on Trustpilot, iRESTORE has a 3.9-star rating from more than 200 reviews. This still supports the overall positive view, but it also gives a clearer idea, showing that not every experience was perfect.
Here’s a summary of what I've noted down on the iRESTORE laser helmet from user reviews, with a look at what people liked the most and what didn’t quite meet their expectations:
What people liked
- Results. Consistent use of iRESTORE over several months appears to be benefiting many users. One positive experience I came across was from someone dealing with female pattern hair loss. They reported seeing new hair growth and described the results as difference-making.
- Technology at play. Another user shared that after six months of sticking to the iRESTORE routine, their center part began to fill in. Having seen little to no hair growth in that area for three years, they now feel confident that laser light therapy really works.
- Practicality. The helmet also gets high marks for its design, which is lauded for being both simple and comfortable. People also enjoy the hands-free feature.
What people didn't like
- Price tag. The higher price, even with the advanced technology, has been a sticking point. For some, it's a matter of budget, while others are unsure entirely if it’s worth the investment.
- Shedding phase. The early shedding phase is a common worry among users. Even though it's expected as part of the regrowth process, it can feel discouraging and make some question whether the device is really working.
- Variance in results. I also observed that results do vary. Despite the generally positive reviews, there are still cases where users report minimal or no progress, even after several months of consistent use.
Theradome review
Much like iRESTORE's helmet, the Theradome PRO LH80 is an FDA-cleared hair growth device that's designed to help address both thinning hair and hair loss. It is also advertised as a laser phototherapy device and a powerful one at that.
The Theradome PRO LH80 is an advanced version of the Theradome EVO LH40. The key difference between the two — as the name gives it away — lies in the number of lasers. Theradome PRO LH80 comes with 80 medical-grade lasers, double the 40 found in the base model.
Design-wise, Theradome laser helmet targets the top and crown of the head but doesn’t cover the entire scalp. The device is cordless and hands-free, which makes it really easy to operate with a simple one-touch button. It also has a voice-guided feature that reminds users of things like remaining treatment time, completed sessions, and battery life.
You only need to use it twice a week for 20 minutes per treatment session. This makes the PRO LH80 model a perfect fit for those looking for easy, low-commitment means to stimulate hair growth.
Theradome: what’s in the box and how to use
The Theradome helmet arrives with everything you need to start your laser hair therapy treatments right away. Inside the box, you'll find the helmet itself, a carrying bag for easy portability, a U.S. AC charger, a user instructional manual, and a quick start guide to help you set up.
The purchase also includes custom comfort foam pads to ensure the perfect fit. While Theradome’s engineers have designed the helmet to comfortably fit around 98% of the population, as their website states, these foam pads are included to provide an extra layer of customization for those who may find the device a little too large for their head size.
To begin using the Theradome laser hair helmet, simply press the master switch to start your red light therapy treatment, place the helmet on your head, and the built-in voice commands will guide you through the session. Each treatment lasts 20 minutes, and the helmet automatically powers off when the session is complete.
The hands-free design lets you engage in light activities — whether that’s reading or watching TV — while the device works to stimulate hair growth in the background.
Theradome effectiveness and safety
Theradome is FDA-cleared, so it might also be a safe hair growth device to use for those committed to dealing with hair loss.
Again, though the results are still preliminary, research suggests that low level light therapy integrated into laser caps — similar to LLLT devices to those from Theradome, iRESTORE, and other brands — continues to show potential benefits for improving hair density and thickness.
How much does Theradome cost and where to buy it?
The PRO model of Theradome is tagged at $995 on the official brand's site. Consider it the most secure and straightforward place to buy it.
And for those who find the one-time price a little steep for their liking, financing options are available starting at just $42 a month. You can choose from plans of six months, 12 months, or 24 months.
What users are saying about Theradome
What I found interesting about user feedback on Theradome is that the helmet is actually rated a bit lower on the official site, at 4.7 stars, compared to 4.8 stars on Trustpilot. And this is based on 300 reviews — enough to get a solid grasp on customer sentiment. Trustpilot, of course, offers a more impartial view, too. On Amazon, Theradome’s PRO model has received 4.2 stars from nearly 400 reviews, which just further adds to the overall positive outlook for this hair growth device.
Now, let's go over some of the positives and negatives I picked up from customer reviews on Theradome.
What people liked
- It delivers. Those who left positive reviews were generally happy with Theradome’s laser helmet. They mentioned seeing fuller, thicker hair and new hair growth as their main results.
- Straightforward to use. The design of Theradome was often highlighted in reviews, with many customers appreciating how straightforward it is to navigate.
- Customer service. I think that customer service deserves a special mention as a strong positive — there’s a clear, recurring pattern of positive feedback when it comes to it.
What people didn't like
- Battery. Several users have pointed out problems with the rechargeable battery on Theradome, including it running out of power quickly and frequent low-battery audio warnings.
- Doesn’t last long. Others, particularly those who had used the device for a while, were not happy with the quality of the laser helmet. A few even said their device broke down shortly after the warranty period ended.
- Not everyone was happy with the results. Despite this being somewhat expected, not everyone was happy with their experience using Theradome, and not all users achieved the results they were aiming for.
iRESTORE and Theradome vs. other similar products
| Product | Price | Technology | Light-emitting sources | Power output | Wavelength | Coverage of the scalp | Treatment time |
| iRESTORE Professional | $1,299 | LLLT | 282 (82 lasers and 200 LEDs) | 1,410 mW | 655 nm | Full | 25 minutes |
| Theradome PRO LH80 | $995 | LLLT | 80 (all lasers) | 560 mW | 680 nm | Top and crown | 20 minutes |
| iRESTORE Elite | $2,499 | LLLT | 500 (300 lasers and 200 LEDs) | 2,500 mW | Triple wavelengths of 625, 655, and 680 nm | Full | 12 minutes |
| Kiier Laser Cap | Starts at $749 | LLLT | From 148 to 302 (all lasers) | 740–1,510 mW | 650 nm | Full | 30 minutes |
| Capillus PRO | $1,699 | LLLT | 272 (all lasers) | 1,360 mW | 650 nm | Full | 30 minutes |
| Illumiflow Laser Cap | $999 | LLLT | 272 (all lasers) | 1,360 mW | 650 nm | Full | 30 minutes |
| Hairmax Laser Cap | $1,499 | LLLT | 272 (all lasers) | 1,360 mW | 655 nm | Full | 7–30 minutes |
Final verdict: iRESTORE and Theradome
Now that the comparison, contrasting, and research are complete, it’s clear that while the iRESTORE Professional and Theradome PRO LH80 are indeed comparable — both being FDA-cleared devices designed for hair growth promotion — they do have their differences, and even subtle differences are worth noting.
Right off the gate, when you look at the light sources, which are the key players in these types of devices, the iRESTORE model has over three times more diodes and lasers than Theradome. Its design also covers the scalp all over, unlike Theradome, which targets only the top and crown areas.
Theradome does have its perks, too, however, like shorter session times and the requirement to use it slightly less frequently — which some users can certainly find convenient and more suitable. But, if you ask me, I think the little details matter, too, and iRESTORE does offer a longer warranty and a money-back guarantee, which both add that extra layer of reassurance.
And so when you weigh it all together, iRESTORE's profile makes it hard not to lean toward it, especially since both devices are floating around the same price point. In the end, the choice between the two comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Though I believe you can't go wrong with either device, if you were to ask me, and if push came to shove and I had to pick — I'd have to go with iRESTORE.
FAQ
Which laser hair growth device is best?
It’s largely a matter of preference. With so many new laser hair growth devices and laser caps hitting the market, it’s hard to single out just one. However, based on the two devices I reviewed today, I would say iRESTORE’s laser helmet stands out as the more favorable choice.
Does Theradome actually work?
It seems that way. The Theradome laser helmet is an FDA-cleared device that uses red light to stimulate hair growth. The device has received many positive reviews, particularly from users who have been consistent with their treatments.
Does iRESTORE actually work?
Yes, it appears so. The iRESTORE is also an FDA-cleared device that uses red light to promote hair regrowth and address thinning and hair loss. It’s one of the more popular options out there, and for good reason — its customers are satisfied, and its design is hard to match compared to other similar products.
What are the side effects of the laser hair growth helmet?
Very minor. Generally, laser hair growth helmets, laser caps, laser combs, and similar devices that deliver light energy to the scalp are considered safe, with studies showing no major side effects. But that’s not to say that some minor issues can’t occur — some might still experience slight scalp irritation, sensitivity, or occasional headaches.
5 resources
- Lasers in surgery and medicine. The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources.
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- American journal of clinical dermatology. Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study.
- Dermatologic Surgery. Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device–Controlled Multicenter Trial.
- Indian Journal of Dermatology. Assessment of Effects of Low-Level Light Therapy on Scalp Condition and Hair Growth.
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