FDA-cleared laser cap devices range from $199 to $799, and personal density tracking is the only way to confirm which brand delivers real results on your scalp. Manufacturer claims are based on their own studies with varying methodologies, so the most honest comparison comes from your own data.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The Laser Cap Market in 2026
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair loss uses red light at wavelengths between 650nm and 670nm to stimulate follicular activity. The three dominant consumer laser cap brands are Theradome, Capillus, and iRestore, each offering FDA-cleared devices with different specifications and price points.
All three brands claim clinical efficacy, but none has been tested head-to-head against the others in an independent study. Each company funds its own research, uses different study designs, and measures different endpoints. This makes marketing claims nearly impossible to compare at face value.
| Specification | Theradome PRO | Capillus Plus | iRestore Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | $699 to $799 | $799 to $999 | $695 to $1,195 |
| Light source | 80 laser diodes | 202 to 312 laser diodes | Lasers + LEDs (282 total) |
| Wavelength | 678nm | 650nm | 650nm |
| Session duration | 20 minutes | 6 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Sessions per week | 2 | Every other day | Every other day |
| FDA clearance | Yes (510(k)) | Yes (510(k)) | Yes (510(k)) |
| Battery powered | Yes | Yes | No (corded) |
| Form factor | Helmet | Flexible cap (fits under hat) | Helmet |
Understanding the Science Behind Each Brand
Theradome
Theradome positions itself as a medical-grade device with 80 laser diodes (no LEDs) operating at 678nm. This wavelength is slightly higher than the 650nm used by competitors. The company claims 678nm penetrates deeper into the scalp tissue to reach the follicular bulge region where stem cells reside.
Theradome's clinical study reported a 23% increase in hair count over 26 weeks in treated areas. The study used a small sample size and was company-funded. Session duration is 20 minutes, twice per week, totaling 40 minutes of weekly treatment time.
Capillus
Capillus offers the highest diode count of the three brands, with models ranging from 202 to 312 laser diodes at 650nm. The higher diode count theoretically provides more uniform scalp coverage. Capillus also offers the shortest session time at 6 minutes, which the company attributes to higher power density from the increased diode count.
The Capillus clinical trial reported a 51% increase in hair count over 17 weeks compared to a sham device. This study, while showing a larger percentage improvement than Theradome's data, also used company funding and a relatively small participant group.
The flexible cap design is a practical advantage. It fits under a hat, allowing users to wear it during daily activities rather than sitting stationary during treatment.
iRestore
iRestore uses a hybrid approach, combining laser diodes with LEDs. The professional model includes 282 light sources total. The company argues that the combination of coherent (laser) and non-coherent (LED) light provides broader spectrum coverage.
iRestore's published data shows hair count improvements consistent with the general LLLT literature. Session time is 25 minutes, every other day. The device requires a cord, making it less portable than battery-powered alternatives.
Why Personal Tracking Beats Marketing Claims
The problem with brand comparisons based on company data is that every variable differs. Theradome uses 678nm for 20 minutes twice weekly. Capillus uses 650nm for 6 minutes every other day. iRestore uses a laser-LED mix for 25 minutes every other day. Different wavelengths, different power densities, different session protocols, different study populations.
The only comparison that matters is how each device performs on your scalp with your hair loss pattern. That requires personal density tracking.
How to Track and Compare Laser Cap Brands
Single-Brand Tracking Protocol
If you own one laser cap and want to know whether it works:
- Take baseline photos with myhairline.ai before your first session
- Use the device consistently according to manufacturer instructions for 6 months
- Photograph every 2 weeks using identical lighting and angles
- Upload to myhairline.ai for AI density analysis at each interval
- Evaluate at 6 months against your baseline
Minimum viable data requires 6 months because LLLT works by stimulating the transition from telogen to anagen, which takes 3 to 6 months per cycle. Evaluating before 6 months risks concluding the device does not work when it simply has not had enough time.
Sequential Brand Comparison Protocol
If you want to compare two brands directly on the same scalp:
| Phase | Duration | Device | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 6 months | Brand A | Bi-weekly density readings |
| Washout | 2 months | None | Bi-weekly density readings (baseline resets) |
| Phase 2 | 6 months | Brand B | Bi-weekly density readings |
| Analysis | N/A | Compare Phase 1 vs Phase 2 density curves | N/A |
The 2-month washout period allows your scalp to return to its natural state before introducing the second device. Without this washout, any lingering effects from Brand A would contaminate your Brand B data.
This protocol takes 14 months total. It is the most rigorous personal comparison possible, though it requires patience and a financial commitment to two devices.
Quick-Switch Comparison (Less Rigorous)
If 14 months feels too long, you can skip the washout:
- Track Brand A for 6 months
- Switch directly to Brand B
- Track Brand B for 6 months
- Compare the density slopes (rate of improvement per month) between the two periods
This method is faster but less clean. Any Brand A effects that linger into the Brand B period will skew results.
What to Measure and How to Interpret Results
Your tracking data should focus on these metrics:
| Metric | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Density per cm2 (absolute) | Whether total follicle count is increasing |
| Density rate of change (slope) | How fast density is changing per month |
| Zone-specific response | Whether certain scalp areas respond better |
| Density stability | Whether gains are maintained or temporary |
Interpreting Results by Brand
After 6 months of tracking on any laser cap brand:
- Density increase of 10% or more: Strong responder; the device is working well for your scalp
- Density increase of 5% to 10%: Moderate responder; consider combining with other treatments for better results
- Density stable (within 5% of baseline): The device may be preventing further loss without producing visible regrowth
- Density decline despite consistent use: The laser cap alone is not sufficient for your degree of hair loss
Combining Laser Caps with Other Treatments
LLLT works through a different mechanism than finasteride and minoxidil. This means you can stack all three without therapeutic overlap:
| Treatment | Mechanism | Expected Efficacy |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1mg | Systemic DHT inhibition | 80-90% halt, 65% regrowth |
| Minoxidil 5% | Vasodilation, potassium channel opening | 40-60% regrowth |
| Laser cap (LLLT) | Photobiomodulation, ATP stimulation | Modest density improvement |
| Ketoconazole 2% shampoo | Local anti-androgen, antifungal | 5-15% anagen ratio increase |
The combination of finasteride + minoxidil + LLLT represents the most comprehensive non-surgical protocol available. Tracking each addition sequentially with myhairline.ai lets you see the incremental contribution of each component.
Cost Per Month Comparison
| Brand | Purchase Price | Lifespan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theradome PRO | $799 | 3 to 5 years | $13 to $22/month |
| Capillus Plus | $799 to $999 | 3 to 5 years | $17 to $28/month |
| iRestore Professional | $695 to $1,195 | 3 to 5 years | $12 to $33/month |
| Minoxidil (Kirkland) | N/A | Ongoing | $6 to $8/month |
| Finasteride (generic) | N/A | Ongoing | $10 to $30/month |
Laser caps have a higher upfront cost but no recurring monthly expense. Over a 3-year period, the monthly cost of a laser cap falls below the monthly cost of most pharmaceutical treatments.
For a deeper look at LLLT tracking methodology, visit our LLLT progress tracking guide. If you are interested in comparing laser caps to other red light devices, see our red light therapy tracking article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laser cap brand produces better density results: Theradome, Capillus, or iRestore?
No independent head-to-head clinical trial has compared all three brands on the same population. Each brand cites its own studies showing efficacy, but methodologies differ. Theradome uses 80 lasers at 678nm with 20-minute sessions. Capillus offers models with 202 to 312 laser diodes at 650nm. iRestore uses a mix of lasers and LEDs at 650nm with 25-minute sessions. The only reliable way to determine which works best for your scalp is personal density tracking over 6 months with myhairline.ai.
How do I switch laser cap brands without disrupting my tracking baseline?
Complete at least 6 months of tracking on your current device to establish a stable density trend. Then take a final density reading, stop using the old device, and begin the new device immediately. Continue tracking every 2 weeks for another 6 months on the new device. The density curve from the first device serves as your comparison baseline. Any density change after switching can be attributed to the new brand.
What density change confirms my laser cap is working?
A sustained density increase of 5% or more above your baseline over 6 months suggests your laser cap is producing a real effect. Increases below 5% may fall within natural measurement variation. If your density is stable (not declining) while you would otherwise expect progression based on your Norwood stage and family history, that stabilization also counts as a positive result even if the absolute number has not increased.
Want to know your starting point before testing a laser cap? Get a free AI hairline analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze to measure your current density and Norwood stage in under 60 seconds.