Theradome and iRestore are excellent hair growth helmets, but they’re suitable for different needs—here’s how to choose the right fit for you
Theradome is a powerful clinic-style device, while iRestore is considered to be a simpler, more affordable at-home solution. While both are effective options, choosing between them can be difficult, especially since they differ in some ways.
Theradome is a laser-only device, which makes it a good choice for deeper issues. iRestore uses a mix of laser and LED lights, making it a more convenient at-home option that covers larger areas at once. If you’re dealing with deeper hair issues, such as hair loss, and looking for the most professional way to enhance hair growth, Theradome is a good option. However, for a more budget-friendly yet still effective and convenient therapy at home, we found iRestore to be a better option.
Since Theradome and iRestore differ in terms of cost, convenience, and the results you can expect, we extensively tested both. Keep reading to discover our key findings.
Price and value
Theradome is a more advanced hair growth device, so we weren’t surprised to see its higher price. The starting price for the Theradome Evo is $695, and it includes a 1-year warranty.
If you’re looking for a more affordable hair growth helmet for home use, iRestore offers three models, starting at $499. We also found that iRestore is a lower-risk choice as it has a 2-year warranty.
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After comparing both RLT helmets, we agreed that iRestore is a better fit if you need a budget-friendly and simple option, while Theradome is best for more advanced use. However, no matter which device you choose, they both need to be used consistently for the best results.
Is Theradome worth the premium price?
Theradome is worth the premium price, but only if you need a professional RLT device to address deeper, more severe hair growth issues.
Theradome PRO LH80 is the best choice if you’re experiencing rapid hair loss and thinning. It uses more lasers and has a higher dosage per treatment, making it the most effective choice. Our team used it 2 times a week, and they saw the first signs of improvement after only a month.
Winner: iRestore
Design, comfort, and usability
Both iRestore and Theradome are hands-free, cordless helmets. When we tested these devices, we were able to work, do chores around our homes, or simply relax—these devices didn’t require any adjustment or control. However, we found they differed significantly in terms of usability.
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Theradome definitely felt like a professional device. Additionally, it has padding inside, making it very firm and stable. However, the helmet does weigh around 2 lbs, so we mostly used it while sitting down, as you can definitely feel the weight when using it daily.
iRestore proved to be much lighter. Since it wasn’t as heavy, we were able to move around quite a lot during our RLT sessions without any discomfort.
Comfort during long sessions
When testing the devices, we wore iRestore quite a bit, using it daily at work and at home, and it proved to be quite portable. With Theradome, we noticed that it was more convenient to use while sitting down since it weighs more than iRestore.
Overall, Theradome was noticeably heavier, but some of us noted that its integrated cooling system was a huge advantage. It significantly reduced the heat during sessions. iRestore is definitely a lighter device that you can use while lounging or moving around without much discomfort.
Winner: iRestore
Technology and effectiveness
The effectiveness of the hair growth helmet depends on the technology it uses. While both are effective, Theradome and iRestore differ in their technical specifications. We found Theradome to be a more advanced device compared to iRestore.
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Theradome uses 40 or 80 lasers, depending on the model that you choose. Since it’s a laser-only technology, it works best for more severe hair growth issues. iRestore uses a mix of lasers and LED lights, which are better suited to simpler at-home use.
While the more lasers the device has, the more coverage it provides, it doesn’t automatically make it better. Investigating RLT devices, we found that the efficiency depends on wavelength, power output, and, most importantly, consistency.
RTL devices can help with shedding, thinning, and maintaining volume, but they don’t guarantee regrowth. The device is meant to treat existing follicles, which will enhance the condition of your hair, but it will not recover already lost ones.
If you’re worried about trying RLT treatments, both devices are reliable. We carefully reviewed each product and found that Theradome and iRestore are FDA-cleared.
What results can you realistically expect?
RTL devices like iRestore and Theradome have proven to be effective, but it depends on the issue you’re trying to solve. If you’re experiencing light hair thinning or shedding, have damaged hair, or a receding hairline, laser hair growth helmets might help.
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When we tested these devices, some of our colleagues noticed a positive effect on their hair quality, including new baby hairs growing, but it took around 4 months for noticeable results.
However, if you have completely bald patches or advanced alopecia, hair laser treatment will most likely not work. The RTL helmets can improve your hair follicles, but they will not regrow your hair if the follicle is already gone.
Winner: Theradome
Treatment time and ease of use
To see the best results, we used iRestore for about 25 minutes, 3 times per week. With Theradome Pro, we noticed improvements after just 20 minutes of use, 2 times per week.
While you need to use Theradome less frequently, with iRestore, we were able to move around freely. So, even if you have to use it more often, you can still treat your hair while doing other things.
Overall, it wasn’t difficult to use either Theradome or iRestore, as both come with built-in time trackers. Once we started our sessions, we could relax and enjoy them without checking the time.
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If you’re looking for a simpler yet effective solution, iRestore is the best at-home option, but it does require a bit more frequent use. If you’re interested in less frequent sessions, we found Theradome to be the better fit.
Winner: iRestore
Results and user experience
Since Theradome Pro uses more lasers, it’s enough to use it only 2 times a week to notice results. If you choose iRestore, you will need to use it 3-5 times a week, but we believe it’s a more at-home solution.
Even if you use it regularly, your hair’s condition is also a key factor. If you’re in the early stages of hair thinning or loss, you can expect positive results within a few months. However, in more severe cases, hair regrowth is not guaranteed.
Overall, you can expect to see positive results with laser hair growth helmets after 2–6 months of use. However, the timeline depends mostly on your condition and how consistently you use your hair growth helmet. Our team found that the best results are achieved when you use it 2–5 times a week for several months.
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How long before you see results
If you have just started noticing signs of hair loss and use your hair growth helmet consistently, you can expect to see some positive results within a few months.
A few members of our team noted that their hair felt more voluminous and shed less after 2–3 months. Those who were more determined and used it for longer even saw new hair growth, but it took around 4–6 months, depending on hair structure and condition.
Winner: Draw
Safety and side effects
Both iRestore and Theradome are FDA-cleared. RLT helmets can promote hair growth without drugs or any invasive procedures.
While they’re safe to use, you should test them first, especially if you have sensitive skin. To do so, we used it for 10 minutes and waited around 5 hours, but none of us noticed any redness or itchiness.
During our tests, both men and women used Theradome and iRestore, so they are suitable for everyone. Additionally, they are meant to help with different problems, whether you’re experiencing hair loss, shedding, thinning, a receding hairline, or damaged hair.
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Winner: Draw
Verdict: Which is right for you?
After extensively testing Theradome vs. iRestore, we believe that both devices are worth it, but the best fit for you depends on your situation.
Choose Theradome if
If you’re not concerned about the price, we would definitely consider Theradome, as it’s a professional hair growth device. Due to its laser-only technology, it feels like a clinical-style device, allowing you to use advanced RLT treatment at home. Additionally, we found that it’s most suited for deeper issues, so if you’re experiencing hair loss, Theradome is the best fit for you.
Choose iRestore if
If you’re looking for a more affordable, simple to use, yet still effective hair growth helmet, iRestore proved to be the best choice. We found it very comfortable to use while moving around, making it a perfect fit for home use. While it does require frequent use, it delivers excellent results for a budget-friendly price.
