Hair loss affects people of all backgrounds. Research, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, indicates at least 50 percent of males over age 50 will be affected by hereditary male pattern baldness — also referred to as androgenic alopecia or androgenetic alopecia — in some form.
Meanwhile, the same article suggests women are most likely to lose their hair after menopause, but female pattern hair loss
Hair loss can take a toll on a person’s confidence and self-esteem, but treatments exist to promote hair regrowth in adults.
HairMax, for example, is an international technology company whose products utilize hair growth science and research to help individuals dealing with hair loss. The company develops portable devices that deliver lower laser light therapy (LLLT) to thinning hair follicles to promote stronger hair growth.
Read on to find out if HairMax is right for you.
Pros
- It’s for anyone and everyone. HairMax devices are made for use for all genders.
- The devices are portable. They’re small enough that you can take them anywhere.
- They’ve been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2018, the brand’s Laster 272 PowerFlex Cap and RegrowMD Laser Cap was granted FDA clearance for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Cons
- They’re pricey. These laser devices can be rather expensive and may not fit into everyone’s budget.
- May cause some discomfort. Some reviewers reported feeling itchy and irritated on and around the scalp.
- May take time for results to appear. Like other devices that claim to regrow hair, they all tend to take time and patience.
HairMax devices are designed using the science of hair growth to help individuals experiencing hair loss. Their devices deliver low-level laser therapy to the scalp through wearable laser caps, bands, and even combs.
All of these devices are meant to stimulate the scalp and increase the anagen (hair growth) phase and minimizing the catagen (hair loss) phase.
HairMax touts itself as a pioneer in at-home laser hair growth technology. In addition to their laser devices, HairMax also develops supplements to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails.
HairMax devices use laser energy to help increase blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles, which works to promote the growth of new healthy hair with low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
The company has also conducted seven of its own clinical studies, which found that their devices were safe and effective in helping reverse hair thinning and supporting new growth without causing concerning side effects.
HairMax laser devices are recommended for use in adults over age 18. The company notes that the best results are attained when individuals, no matter what their age, start treatment at the first sign of hair loss.
HairMax recommends that their laser devices be used 3 days a week, indefinitely, for best results. According to the company, research findings have indicated that the use of the devices for more than 3 days a week did not provide additional benefits for hair growth.
Each HairMax laser device is FDA-cleared and, according to the company, doctor-recommended to treat hair loss and revitalize hair follicles for healthy hair growth.
Pricing Guide:
- $ = Under $400
- $$ = $400–$1,200
- $$$ = $1,200–$2,000
- $$$$ = Over $2,000
Laser Caps
HairMax’s line of Laser Caps cover the entire scalp and feature consistent dispersion that provide a uniform delivery of laser lights to the follicles.
PowerFlex Laser Cap 272
- Price: $$$
This laser cap, engineered to be especially comfortable and flexible, features 272 medical-grade lasers for full scalp coverage. The device has two operating modes for a continuous or pulsing laser light wave to promote healthy hair regrowth, according to HairMax. The device’s accompanying user manual can help users decide which mode will best suit their needs.
The cap can be used for 15 or 30 minutes at a time, 3 days a week. With a rechargeable battery pack, the cap is convenient and portable and can be used away from home.
PowerFlex Laser Cap 202
- Price: $$$
The HairMax PowerFlex Laser Cap 202 is comparable to the PowerFlex Laser Cap 272 since it’s also designed to be comfortable and flexible with dual operating modes.
This device can be used for either 15- or 30-minute sessions 3 days a week. It contains a rechargeable battery so that the product can be used at or away from home.
The laser cap features 202 medical lasers, 70 less than the Laser Cap 272, but it carries a lower price tag to match.
Flip 80 Laser Cap
Price: $$
This laser cap is designed to treat half of the scalp at a time. It contains 80 medical-grade lasers that equal 160 lasers when flipped to treat the other side of a user’s head. The device can be used for 15 minutes on part of the scalp or 30 minutes for full scalp covering treatment.
Like the other HairMax laser caps, the Flip 80 Laser Cap delivers therapeutic light energy to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
LaserBands
The LaserBands use a flexible band design and hair parting teeth for optimal laser light delivery and follicle stimulation.
LaserBand 82 – ComfortFlex
- Price: $$
This LaserBand contains 82 medical-grade lasers to deliver therapeutic laser treatment to promote hair regrowth. The band can be used across the front, middle, and back of the scalp for the equivalent of 246 lasers and total scalp coverage.
The LaserBand 82 operates with the fastest treatment time — 3 days a week for as short as 90 seconds a turn. The device also features hair parting teeth along the inside to separate the hair, allowing the laser light to hit the scalp and stimulate follicles more effectively.
LaserBand 41 — ComfortFlex
- Price: $$
With 41 medical-grade lasers, this LaserBand provides partial hair coverage and full scalp coverage when moved across the scalp for the equivalent of 246 lasers. Like other HairMax devices, the LaserBand 41 was engineered for comfort and to help reverse hair thinning and restore hair growth.
This product also features hair parting teeth that allow for better, direct stimulation of hair follicles. At as few as 3 minutes a session for 3 days of the week, the LaserBand 41 is at the lower end of treatment times for HairMax laser devices.
LaserCombs
LaserCombs deliver strong laser light to certain parts of the scalp and hair follicles. Unlike the other models (Laser Caps and LaserBands), you have to hold the LaserCombs to the part of your head you’d like to target.
Ultima 12 LaserComb
- Price: $
By gently combing and pausing over a specific section, the Ultima 12 LaserComb allows users to directly target specific areas of hair loss. Featuring 12 medical-grade lasers, the device is handheld and can be combed throughout the hair or focused on a certain hair section to help reverse thinning and support hair growth. The laser comb can be used 3 days a week for 8 minutes at a time.
Ultima 9 Classic LaserComb
- Price: $
Like the Ultima 12, the Ultima 9 Classic LaserComb allows users to directly target specific areas of hair loss. This device features hair parting teeth and 9 medical-grade lasers for full scalp or targeted hair treatment. The laser comb can be used 3 days a week for 11 minutes at a time.
Density Haircare
- Density ACCELER8 Hair Booster + Nutrients ($): This product was formulated with several natural ingredients to help support healthy hair growth. It also contains DHT blockers to combat hair loss and includes peppermint oil to help stimulate hair follicles.
- Density STIMUL8 Shampoo ($): HairMax’s pH-balanced shampoo features natural ingredients to gently cleanse your hair without ridding it of its essential oils, allowing the hair cuticles to strengthen.
- Density EXHILAR8 Conditioner ($): This specially formulated conditioner helps strengthen hair and prevent breakage. The conditioner was formed with a lower pH formula to exfoliate the scalp and help strengthen its protective barrier.
Anyone who deals with androgenic hair thinning or loss can use HairMax laser devices. According to the company, best results are attained when treatments begin soon after you notice hair thinning or loss.
HairMax also states their laser devices can be used in combination with other hair treatments such as minoxidil, as doctors believe the treatments can be effective together. In a review, one user noted less hair shedding after adding a HairMax device to their minoxidil treatments.
The company develops its own shampoo, conditioner, and hair booster to nourish the scalp and promote hair growth, which can be used in conjunction with the laser products.
According to HairMax, their laser devices are gentle and safe, and can even be used with other growth products. However, you should consult your healthcare professional or physician before starting any type of treatment.
Customers have consistently given HairMax products high ratings. The site features a page dedicated to customer testimonials, describing the successful results from consistent use of HairMax laser devices, and doctor recommendations and reviews.
Positive reviews on the HairMax site highlight how easy the laser devices are to use. Buyers also note that the devices are great because they’re not gender-specific, like other hair loss treatments. Additionally, customers were pleased with the fact that the devices are FDA-cleared for safety and effectiveness.
Many reviews note that HairMax devices do appear to be effective in promoting new growth of thicker, fuller hair when used as directed. Other users noticed that their hair loss slowed or stopped completely while using the laser devices. Users also appreciate how lightweight and portable the devices are.
Most negative reviews and complaints concern the higher price of the products. For example, the Ultima 9 Classic LaserComb starts at $200, while the PowerFlex Laser Cap 272 goes for $1,900.
Some users describe dealing with additional hair loss after using a laser device, while others state they did not experience changes or satisfactory results even after using a device over a longer period of time. In some cases, caps arrived with failed battery packs, preventing the devices from charging properly.
Overall, since people seem to experience both positive and negative results while using HairMax laser devices, it is likely that your experience will vary with use.
| Types of Products | Laser cap price range | FDA Approved or Cleared? | Trust Pilot as of July 2022 | |
| HairMax | Laser caps, laser bands, laser combs, shampoos | $ – $$$ | FDA cleared | 3.0 / 5 stars |
| iRestore | Laser helmet, shampoos, vitamins | $ – $$ | FDA cleared | 3.4 / 5 stars |
| Capillus | Laser caps, shampoos, minoxidil | $$ – $$$$ | FDA cleared | 3.9 / 5 stars |
| Rogaine | Minoxidil solution and foam | $ | FDA approved | 3.5 / 5 stars |
| Theradome | Laser caps | $$ | FDA cleared | 3.9 / 5 stars |
Unwanted hair loss or thinning can be experienced by both sexes and isn’t limited to just those people assigned male at birth.
The good news is that hair loss is very common as people age and it rarely indicates an underlying condition like a thyroid disorder, blood disorders, or lichen plano-pilaris — a type of lichen planus.
But if your hair loss or hair thinning seems to have happened rapidly or suddenly, it’s worth talking with your doctor about what you’ve been experiencing.
It may also be worth considering a visit to a dermatologist or asking your doctor for a reference — especially if you’re experiencing itching, burning, or redness around the area.
How long does HairMax take to work?
The length of time it takes to see results from HairMax depends on the device being used. HairMax recommends devices be used 3 times a week for 90 seconds up to 30 minutes at a time, depending on the device model.
According to HairMax, users tend to begin seeing results from consistent use of their laser devices within 12 to 16 weeks of starting treatment. They recommend sticking to a product for at least 20 weeks before judging results.
How often should you use HairMax devices?
For the best results, HairMax recommends that its laser devices be used 3 days a week, indefinitely.
If after a certain amount of usage you feel satisfied with your hair growth results, the company suggests cutting down usage to twice a week. If you experience any hair shedding, HairMax recommends bumping usage back up to 3 times a week.
Is it safe to use HairMax with other hair growth products?
HairMax maintains its laser devices are safe enough to be used with other growth products. It is best practice to consult your healthcare professional before starting or combining any new treatments.
Hair loss can be frustrating, but products like the HairMax line could be worth trying. While there appear to be some preliminary positive results, more independent research and clinical trials are needed to better evaluate their effectiveness.
HairMax offers a number of products at different price points aimed to help individuals experiencing hair thinning or loss. While other LLLT devices exist, few others on the market have as many FDA clearances regarding safety and efficacy.
If you choose to use HairMax laser devices, be sure to follow the company’s recommendations and instructions for the best results. You should also talk with your doctor or another healthcare professional prior to beginning any hair loss treatments.
Tunika Onnekikami is a freelance writer and editor who is interested in thinking about culture, digital technology, and health. For more of her work, follow along on Twitter and her website.