HairMax Review: Are HairMax’s laser hair regrowth devices legit?

Rating: 8.7/10

Clinical studies, customer testimonials, and our research all conclude that the technology inside HairMax devices is effective. It takes significant time to show results — upwards of six months for many users — but it eventually gets the job done. You may not end up with the same head of hair you had in high school, but you can stop hair loss and even regrow hair with minimal effort.

Rating: 7.8/10

So far, it seems that low-level laser treatment for hair loss is entirely safe. There are occasional reports of scalp irritation, but the lasers can’t burn you. The devices may pose a hazard to vision, especially if kids get their hands on them, but if you keep them safely stored away between uses, you should be fine. That said, there is little clinical evidence regarding long-term exposure to these laser wavelengths. Until more research comes in, we have to keep our rating where it is.

Rating: 7.2/10

There’s no sugar-coating the fact that these devices are expensive. The least costs $199, and the prices get into the thousands. If a cap or headband lasts you long enough, it could start to pay for itself compared to a monthly minoxidil or finasteride purchase, but that would take many years. Then again, consider that going the minoxidil or finasteride treatment route means you’ll be buying those treatments for as many years as you want to prevent hair loss. Ultimately, the value you can derive from an LLLT device is the ability to treat your hair loss without the use of pharmaceuticals.

Rating: 8.2/10

HairMax offers a useful and responsive live chat feature to answer most questions. They also have a reasonable money-back guarantee and return policy. The shipping and restocking fees are a bit high. Still, our confidence in the technology leads us to believe that these are reasonable costs to incur in the test to see if a device is suitable for you.

At Innerbody Research, we extensively test each health service we review, including HairMax. All told, our team has spent over 175 hours testing and researching the products and services of HairMax and their chief competitors to provide an accurate, unbiased analysis of how the products and services compare, free of marketing jargon and gimmicks.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions to live healthier lifestyles. We evaluate the service based on adherence to quality, the latest medical evidence and health standards, and a simple question: would we buy the product or service ourselves if it weren’t part of our job, and would we recommend it to family and friends?

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this review was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.

There are many potential causes for hair loss, but the most common is androgenetic alopecia. This disorder arises when the body converts excess testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the primary culprit in this kind of hair loss, as it interferes with a follicle’s ability to absorb nutrients and grow hair effectively.

Eventually, those follicles begin to shed their strands and go dormant. If a long enough period passes, those follicles will die. The good news is that you can revive dormant follicles to regrow hair, which is exactly what HairMax aims to do.

HairMax is a company focusing on helping people grow their hair by stimulating dormant follicles to begin growing hair anew. Hair loss is widespread for both men and women. It starts happening to about 20% of men by the time they reach age 20, while half of women will experience noticeable hair loss in their lives. 95% of hair loss among men is a form of male pattern baldness (also called androgenic alopecia).

HairMax’s most popular products are their laser devices, which utilize infrared laser diodes at a specific frequency to increase circulation to the scalp and stimulate growth.

While some people dismiss laser technology as a possible treatment for hair loss, the science is sound. So far, there have been nearly a dozen clinical studies done on HairMax and similar technologies. The company’s products have made it to the clinical testing stage, which puts them far above many other competitors.

This approach makes HairMax ideal for anyone who’s tried medications in the past to no avail. It also means it’s the best choice for people looking to avoid pharmaceutical intervention. HairMax’s laser technology performs at an efficacy rate nearly identical to minoxidil in numerous studies.

HairMax is also a good choice for addressing baldness caused by other conditions. While medications like finasteride can only address androgenetic alopecia, HairMax devices can potentially address hair loss from chemotherapy or telogen effluvium, also known as stress-related hair loss. It’s been well documented that Americans have experienced a very noticeable rise in cases of telogen effluvium during the pandemic. Note that these disorders aren’t HairMax’s primary target, and results may not rise to the level of those seen in cases of male or female pattern hair loss.

The biggest drawback to HairMax is price. People on tight budgets who haven’t yet tried things like minoxidil or finasteride to treat pattern hair loss might do better starting there. When it comes to male or female pattern hair loss, our opinion is that HarMax is best for those who want to avoid long-term use of medications and who anticipate wanting to keep their hair for years to come.

Many products promise to restore hair. There are also just as many disgruntled people claiming that none of these products work. What makes HairMax any different than the rest of these products?

HairMax is a pioneering brand of laser hair regrowth technology, which puts them at the very head of the game globally. Their products utilize laser diodes that emit light at 655 nm, which trials have narrowed down to be the most effective wavelength for follicle stimulation and hair restoration. This treatment is called low-level laser therapy, or LLLT.

HairMax uses low-level laser therapy to help regrow hair. This technique promotes regrowth in several ways:

• Helps the cells in your scalp produce more ATP
• Balances protein levels, allowing cells to absorb more nutrients
• Promotes blood circulation in the scalp
• Helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to follicles
• Reduces inflammation in follicles

Not only are many customers convinced that it has worked well for them, but clinical studies show promising evidence to back up these success stories. In one double-blind, randomized controlled trial, LLLT helped 35% more men with male pattern baldness regrow hair. In a 14-week study in 2007, 83% of subjects were pleased by the ability of LLLT to promote hair regrowth.

Most satisfied HairMax customers experience positive effects after 4-6 months of use. This puts HairMax on a similar timetable as other hair loss treatment methods.

LLLT has been used in medicine for decades and is safe for men and women. Specifically for hair loss treatment, LLLT has been determined safe in clinical trials. HairMax’s products are also FDA-cleared, which means that the administration has evaluated devices of distinctly similar make and intention and has deemed those safe for use.

However, if you have unexplained or potentially precancerous lesions on your scalp, you should not use any LLLT device before first consulting with a doctor to diagnose the lesions.

HairMax has several different products, each with its unique benefits and price. Some products sit atop your head as you go about your day, looking like baseball caps. In others, small teeth separate your hair so that the laser light can most effectively reach your scalp.

Here’s a quick breakdown of their costs and capabilities:

• PowerFlex Laser Cap 272 ($1,899). HairMax’s most powerful and effective product, the Laser 272 PowerFlex Cap sits comfortably on the head where it can deliver laser light directly to the follicles. It has been proven to be more pPowerFlex Laser Cap 27owerful and effective than other laser caps on the market and uses 272 medical-grade lasers.
• PowerFlex LaserCap 202 ($1,699). This cap is nearly identical to the 272, but it features fewer diodes and a longer treatment time.
• Flip 80 Laser Cap ($899). This model is well-priced for a hands-free option. However, it’s not as comfortable or attractive as the PowerFlex caps. It also has less than half the diodes you’ll find in the PowerFlex 202. That results in the most extended treatment times of any HairMax product, at 15-30 minutes per session.
• LaserBand 82 ComfortFlex ($799). This unit contains 82 medical-grade lasers and hair-parting teeth that ensure the light can reach your scalp. It delivers treatment quickly, within only 90 seconds. The portability of this device also makes it very popular.
• LaserBand 41 ComfortFlex ($549). This unit is similar to the LaserBand 82 but has only 41 medical-grade lasers. As a result, its treatments are not as quick as the LaserBand 82, taking about three minutes to complete.
• Ultima 12 LaserComb ($399). This laser device allows you to target specific areas of your scalp that are beginning to thin out. This version contains 12 lasers.
• Ultima 9 Classic ($199). This is the least expensive laser device that you’ll find from HairMax. It’s still effective, but it takes more than 10 minutes per application with only nine laser diodes. With a cap, that’s not too problematic, but your arm might get tired using the comb for that long.

These items are indeed expensive up-front. But consider for a moment that all effective hair loss treatments (aside from surgery, which is even more costly up-front) must continue for as long as you want to maintain your head of hair. Then add up the cost of the prescription medication you would potentially take instead since it seems more affordable at the outset. After a few years of taking that medication every month, your total expenses might start to look a lot closer to the initial, one-time cost of a laser device.

HairMax for Density Bio-Active Hair Therapy is a specific line of products designed to help fight thinning hair. These products use liposome technology to deliver ingredients directly to your scalp. Density Hair Care could be part of a broader hair loss treatment plan combined with the laser products, or you can use them entirely on their own.

All products are free of sulfates, parabens, silicone, and gluten. And HairMax does not test any of their products on animals.

PRICE: $25 each

This shampoo and conditioner combination uses a bioactive complex known as the NRG8pLEX, which allegedly helps deliver energy and nutrients to your scalp. Both products also contain various potent ingredients. They include:

• Reishi mushroom
• Caffeine
• Apple stem cell
• Pomegranate oil
• Indian gooseberry
• Saw palmetto
• Procapil
• Linoleic acid

One of the most important of these ingredients is saw palmetto. You’ll find this botanical in nearly every natural hair loss remedy on the market. It has endured multiple clinical studies and effectively reduces DHT in every one. While the other ingredients reduce inflammation and stimulate growth, the saw palmetto significantly curtails hair loss. Studies indicate it’s most effective when taken orally rather than topically, though the side effects profile is milder with topical delivery.

It’s also worth noting that both products contain niacinamide, a common ingredient found in effective anti-dandruff shampoo. Many hair loss patients deal with dry or flaky scalps, and niacinamide can help reduce that inflammation while removing unwanted fungus from your scalp. That makes for a positive environment in which your hair can grow.

PRICE: $35

This serum helps rejuvenate the scalp and hair. It contains similar ingredients as the shampoo and conditioner, including the NRG8pLEX and niacinamide. You can use it as a supplementary product or on its own to provide your scalp with gentle exfoliation. You massage it into your hair before bed and sleep with it in place. It has a light, pleasant aroma.

PRICE: $35

You can think of this product as a leave-in conditioner. It goes directly onto your scalp after you’ve finished your shower, and you don’t need to rinse it out. The combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories in the ACCELER8 Hair Booster, and energy boosters helps keep hair healthy to maximize growth.

You can also order HairMax products in packages. A close look at the prices of the company’s sets reveals that they don’t save you any money. If you bought everything separately, the cost would be the same. If anything, it’s merely a more convenient way to make the purchase itself if you’re interested in multiple products.

However, there are so-called super-size bottles that can save you money. Here’s a quick look at what you can save by buying in bulk:

HairMax also offers a dietary supplement and other products to help improve your hair health.

PRICE: $18

This supplement can help maximize hair growth. It includes a hefty dose of biotin, which supports healthy hair and provides assistance to nails and skin. Here’s a full list of its ingredients:

PRICE: $19

This ultra-absorbent towel is supposed to help dry your hair more quickly than a regular towel, allowing you to be gentler on your hair and scalp after showering. The company claims it should cut your drying time roughly in half. It measures 19 x 52” and is machine-washable.

PRICE: $19

This smartly designed brush features an ergonomic handle and a paddle with wide vents. That makes it particularly useful when blow-drying, as it lets air flow through the brush for a faster drying time. Its wide-set bristles can move through tangled hair without pulling too hard on it, so it won’t contribute to your hair loss while your follicles are still recovering.

PRICE: $12

These hair fibers are made with keratin proteins and designed to bind to the hair you’ve already got. This helps to hide thinning areas and make your hair seem healthier and fuller. The product does have its limits, however. Your hair and scalp need to be dry when you apply them, and you’ll likely want to use a light hair spray to help keep everything in place.

Application can be inexact without an available spray applicator, but HairMax sells this separately for $17.

A bottle of hair fibers costs $12, though it is sometimes on sale for a little under $5. You can purchase it in the following tones:

• Blonde
• Light brown
• Brown
• Dark brown
• Black

There isn’t an option for redheads, even though the company uses a redhead in some of their images.

Getting started with HairMax-is simple. You head over to their website, select some of their products, and check out. Of course, there’s more to explore while you’re there. The site offers a helpful live chat option and plentiful resources about their technology and individual products.

Hairmax accepts Amazon Pay, Apple Pay, and all major credit cards.

After receiving your device, you’ll want to follow instructions carefully and keep to the recommended schedule.

Insider Tip: LLLT can induce follicles to begin a new growth cycle. Any hairs currently growing from those follicles will fall out if that happens. This shedding is normal and may occur around three weeks into treatment. Don’t let it scare you; it’s a good sign.

After using your LLLT device for several months, you should begin to notice significant regrowth. But because the process is gradual, we recommend taking pictures along the way to have something for comparison.

Note that HairMax products are an effective treatment but not a cure for androgenetic alopecia. Once you stop treatment, symptoms will return, DHT will increase, and your hair will begin thinning again. If you want to keep your hair, you’ll have to keep up with your laser regimen.

HairMax has a handful of shipping options for customers inside and outside the US. Here’s how they look:

Laser devices:

• Ground shipping - Free
• Expedited shipping - $12, two business days
• Overnight shipping - $29, next day
• International - $65, 7-10 business days

Hair care and accessories:

• Domestic - $4.95, 5-7 business days
• International - $19, 7-10 business days

Because the company is confident in your satisfaction and dedicated to good service, they offer a 6-month return policy on their LaserBand and LaserComb products. For LaserCap products, there is a one-year return window – a generous offer since most successful customers experience their successes after 4-6 months of treatment with laser devices.

Note that there is a restocking fee for all of these products — you’ll have to pay this 20-25% fee. But this policy makes it much easier for people to take the first step of trying LLLT for their hair loss.

We recommend that you mark your calendars after ordering the product of your choice. Use the laser product as directed, understanding that you may not see improvement for several months.

If you don’t notice any improvement after four or five months of using the product as directed, you could assume that you are, unfortunately, one of the people for whom LLLT isn’t effective.

HairMax has a pretty standard privacy policy as these companies go. They’ll collect and secure basic information like your name, address, email address, etc. for shipping functions and communication. They don’t sell your data, but they do share it and utilize it themselves for advertising purposes.

The site’s privacy policy provides you with a link to opt-out of cookie tracking should you desire.

We’ve taken a close look at HairMax’s closest competitors, and we continue to believe they are the best choice on the market. From a pure cost perspective, you may find better deals through these other companies, but the quality of product and customer service may not be up to par. Also, most of their competitors focus exclusively on laser caps and helmets. HairMax lets you choose from among caps, headbands, and combs, depending on your specific needs and hair loss goals.

Capillus exclusively makes laser cap treatments remarkably similar to those that HairMax offers. We can only find significant differences in warranty length, money-back guarantee, and price. Capillus provides a longer warranty period, but a 272-diode cap from Capillus costs $3,000 compared to a similar product from HairMax that costs $1,899. And HairMax’s money-back guarantee is 12 months compared to Capillus’ six.

We put these two companies together here because they have something fundamental in common: they both look ridiculous. Of course, this is not the most crucial aspect of a laser device. Still, we think it’s an important consideration. Given that neither of these companies offered any product with more than 80 lasers until iRestore’s recently released Pro edition, we’re understandably wary of their quality and capability.

This company offers a product close to what HairMax offers in a handful of important ways. The price for a 272-diode helmet is a lot lower than HairMax, but we’ve encountered a lot of complaints about battery performance. It seems that the Illumiflow batteries tend to get weaker over time and eventually stop holding a charge altogether. In our opinion, HairMax wins this head-to-head for reliability.

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