This FDA-cleared laser cap can help with thinning hair while you watch TV — and it's 50% off

What is it?

Not feeling confident about your hair situation? There's something you can do about it. There's a device at Amazon that's getting some serious positive attention — and ratings— from reviewers who swear it's helped restore their hair loss. And dermatologists say it employs some of the same technology they use in their offices for hair restoration. It's called the iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System, and it's currently 50% off with the on-page coupon — you'll pay $495, down from the usual $995.

Amazon

iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System

$495$995

Save $500 with coupon

Kick-start your hair growth with this FDA-cleared laser device that uses red light therapy to stimulate hair follicles.

Save $500 with coupon

$495 at Amazon

Why is it a good deal?

Though $500 certainly isn't what we'd call cheap, it's quite reasonable when you take into account that professional hair growth treatments can cost thousands of dollars. Plus, this helmet will save you from having to travel to and from the clinic. You can use it while you binge-watch your favorite shows, and its FDA clearance means it's been thoroughly tested.

Why do I need this?

Hair loss can happen to anyone, and many who are affected feel there's no solution. But red light therapy has been used for healing chemotherapy patients' adverse effects from treatment, and it's used for cosmetic purposes to regenerate those same cells, helping to kick-start your collagen production. So why not your hair cells?

The hair growth cap has been cleared by the FDA to treat hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Research has shown that in a clinical trial, the iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System "increased hair growth, thickness and hair count ... without causing any serious side effects."

There is some science to support this kind of treatment, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ife J. Rodney, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, tells Yahoo Life. "There's a lot of data showing the benefit of using low-level laser light therapy for hair growth — specifically red light," she says. "As part of an overall hair growth regimen, red light therapy can be very useful."

Why red light lasers specifically? "Lasers help increase blood flow to the scalp, providing more 'nutrition' to hair follicles," Dr. Gary Goldenberg, founder of Goldenberg Dermatology, tells Yahoo Life. Lasers may also help decrease levels of dihydrotestosterone in hair follicles, which are androgens that can shrink your hair follicles and cause hair to thin and fall out, he says.

Goldenberg says he uses red light therapy "routinely" in his office, along with other hair-stimulating treatments like topical or oral minoxidil, stem cell injections and vitamin supplements.

Dr. Rodney says she also uses red light therapy that's FDA-cleared in her office, reporting that she "gets a good response" in stimulating hair growth. But she's uncertain if at-home laser helmets can get a high enough amount of energy as medical-grade devices that stimulate the scalp. "Do I think this is harmful? Definitely not," she says. "If someone with hair loss wants to try something like this at home, it can be a good option."

The way the iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System works is pretty simple: You put on the helmet, press a button to turn it on and sit with it on your head for 25 minutes. Users are encouraged to wear it every other day for best results. iRestore urges customers to have patience with the process, noting that it can take up to six months to see maximum results.

What reviewers say

Plenty of Amazon shoppers swear by this helmet. "My hair has had such a positive reaction to this device, I almost cannot believe what I am witnessing," one five-star fan said. "My hair is thicker and is growing in areas — my crown and my receding front hairline — for the first time in over a decade. I don't know what else to say to you. If you are thinking about buying this device but are hesitant, just buy it. You will not regret it."

"I have been using it for about six weeks now and starting to see the results in my problem areas," a fellow happy customer said. "It’s such a boost of confidence! I can’t wait for six weeks from now to see even more results."

One woman with thinning hair said that she had "undeniable new hair growth" four months after starting to use the treatment. "My hair is thicker and fuller. I have about one inch of new hair growth all over the top crown of my head," she said. "I’m also no longer losing lots of hair. The hair loss stopped within the first one to two months of using this product. I’m going to continue using and recommending my laser light helmet!"

"The helmet is great! It's warm, comfortable and easy to use," gushed a final fan. "I have a different hairstyle every day because it grows so fast! ... Certainly my hair is growing faster than it has ever grown at light speed. The only [thing] I don't like about the helmet is that I wish I could be lying down during the therapy because it is so relaxing. But you do need to sit up somewhat. I recommend the helmet to anyone who wants to see hair growth!"

Amazon

iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System

$495$995

Save $500 with coupon

Can you think of a cooler-looking way to improve hair growth?

Save $500 with coupon

$495 at Amazon

Psst: Amazon shoppers also love using this Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Set to help thicken hair that's thinning.

Amazon

Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner Set

$30$40Save $10

Formulated with zinc, collagen, peptides, spirulina extract and, of course, biotin, this duo binds to hair to create space in between the individual strands for a more voluminous appearance. 

$30 at Amazon

"I’m in the midst of some major postpartum hormonal hair loss, which resulted in [a] bald spot," shared one new parent. "I read reviews for this shampoo/conditioner and gave it a shot. So glad I did, as just two months later the bald spot had completely grown in! I’m ridiculously thankful for this shampoo and conditioner — just ordered another batch!"

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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