Reviews of HairMax and other Popular Laser Combs

Last Updated on January 16, 2019 by

The manufacturers of the HairMax LaserComb series contend that their technology provides users with the triple-threat against hair loss. They claim it can re-stimulate new hair growth, prevent further hair loss, and grow thicker, healthier hair. It is a bold claim. For once, this product has some data to back up the claim. Furthermore, this is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) device that is approved for combating genetic pattern baldness. In this HairMax LaserComb review page, we talk about the leading factors on why it is such a popular hair loss treatment and how it works.

If you do a search for laser combs, you’re going to stumble across dozens of manufacturers of these gadgets. So why do you want the HairMax Laser Comb? Why is it so much more expensive than other options? What makes the HairMax Laser Comb special? It is the only one approved by the FDA.

Top 10 Laser Hair Loss Treatment Systems

Here is our chart of the most popular laser combs for hair loss and other laser treatment devices. The table is sorted by price ascending. For mobile users, you will see a compact price ascending list instead of the full table for easier viewing. No worries, it still has all the info just in a mobile optimized format.

Image	Product	Type	Popularity	Cost
	Body Essentials Light and Massage Therapy Hairbrush	Comb
	HairMax Advanced 7 LaserComb	Comb
	NutraStim Hair Laser Comb	Comb
	HairMax Prima 9 LaserComb	Comb
	HairMax Professional 12 LaserComb	Comb
	HairMax Ultima 12 Lasercomb	Comb
	iRestore Laser Hair Growth System	Helmet
	iGrow Hands-Free Laser Therapy Hair Regrowth System	Helmet
	HairMax LaserBand 82	Band
	Theradome Hair Growth Helmet	Helmet

LaserComb Clinical Studies & Research

As with any hair loss treatment method, hard data on its efficacy is paramount.

Here is a list of the most prominent studies to date:

• Jimenez, et al. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, January 2014. “Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss.” Find at ncbi.gov.
• Lexington International, LLC. Company funded study, November 2009. “Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Females, 12 Beam Laser Therapy.” Find at clinicaltrials.gov.
• Leavitt, et al. Journal of Clinical Drug Investigation, 2009. “HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia.” Find at pubmed.gov.
• John Satino, Michael Markou. International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology, July 2004. “Hair Regrowth and Increased Hair Tensile Strength Using HairMax LaserComb for Low-Level Laser Therapy.” Find at online.liebertpub.com.

Why FDA Approval is a Big Deal

The Food and Drug Administration is a regulatory body whose main job is to protect consumers from marketing gimmicks and dangerous products. They supervise matters such as food safety laws and dietary supplements. They have a rigorous and thorough application and testing process that companies must submit to which in part, if successful, can validate their product claims.

As we mentioned, the HairMax Laser Comb is the only hair loss treatment device approved by the FDA. It is one of three hair loss treatment products granted FDA approval as clinically proven hair loss treatment methods. The other two treatments granted approval are a topical product by the name of Minoxidil (Rogaine) and an orally administered product called Propecia.

We will talk about a little history on how HairMax’s submission to the FDA was approved. Lexington International LLC conducted a study in the United States. This clinical study was executed in four different locations. Ultimately, this study concluded that 93% of participants using the HairMax Laser Comb had an increase in the number of terminal hairs. That means these participants who were aged 30 to 60 increased the number of thick hairs. This increase was an average of about 19 hairs/cm over a six month period. So for every square centimeter of scalp, there was an additional 19 hairs in participants who used the laser comb.

This FDA approval only applies to HairMax LaserCombs manufactured by Lexington International LLC. This includes the Advanced 7, Lux 9, and Professional 12 models.

How Does the HairMax LaserComb Work?

The HairMax Laser Combs are designed for men and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia. This is a fancy word for genetic hair loss. Treatment is self administered. The laser comb is combed through the hair 3 times a week for about 15 minutes. Side benefit: your biceps will grow larger after 45 minutes of weekly brushing. Pass the comb over the scalp area that is going through the miniaturization process. In most cases, this reverses the miniaturization process. Instead of hairs getting thinner and eventually falling out entirely, they will start getting thicker. This will provide you with more scalp coverage and a healthier looking head of hair.

Laser comb for hair loss you say? The word laser confuses a lot of people at first. Is this something that is going to beam a hole through my head or burn my scalp? No worries, friend. They aren’t going to zap your brain. These combs use low-level lasers. These lasers stimulate hair follicles into a growth cycle much akin to a product like Rogaine. This growth cycle is also referred to as the anagen phase you may have heard about. Hair Max calls this process “anagen induction.”

If you want to get into the technical terminology, this biological process is known as PhotoBioStimulation. This increases adenosine three phosphate (ATP) and keratin production. Enhancing cellular metabolism and activity, these two coenyzmes are responsible for intracellular energy transfer as well as being known for stimulating living cells such as the hair follicle cells.

The other mechanism that these low-level laser treatments are responsible for is increased blood flow. Hair follicles require a number of nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) get in the way of this delivery system. The laser comb helps make sure nutrients are delivered more efficiently to hair follicles and also removes said DHT from the scalp.

The HairMax website has a number of before and after pictures. They feature success stories and the like. In their expectations and results page they state:

When using the HairMAx LaserComb hair loss treatment as directed, 3 times per week, most users will see visible results in as little as 12 weeks. In addition to significant new hair growth, users experience, revitalization of dormant hair follicles, reversal of the thinning process and increased density and fullness of their hair.

The website also features this YouTube Video about how to use the comb successfully. The manufacturer studies indicate after as few as 12 weeks of continued use, users will see their thinning areas noticeably thicken.

HairMax LaserComb Review: Comb your way to a Full Head of Hair?

HairMax offers six options in their LaserComb Series: the Advanced 7, Lux 9, Professional 12, Prima 7, Ultima 12, and the Laserband 82. The Advanced 7 is a beginner model that is the least expensive, Lux 9 is mid-range, and the Professional 12 is the high-end, heavy duty comb. These three models are their old models and are on their way out. Prima 7, Ultima 12, and Laserband 82 are HairMax’s new models.

The key difference between all these models is the width of the laser that is projected out. The wider the comb, the shorter the treatment time because it covers more scalp area. This ultimately results in fewer passes over the scalp, reducing the treatment time.

This is a non-evasive, self-administered treatment. It does not require a prescription and can be performed at your home. Furthermore, once you pay the upfront cost, there are no ongoing costs such as keeping a supply of minoxidil or ketoconazole. The manufacturer states that the product life is 10 years.

What we like to call as the embarrassment factor, that is much higher risk when using a product such as a wig or hair concealer say, is quite low with the LaserComb. Buy from a place like Amazon, receive an Amazon branded box, and perform the treatment in your room or bathroom. No problems. If you are concerned about that and are looking to buy from a different company, it’s worth checking if they send it in an unmarked box.

Another thing we like about the HairMax LaserComb is that it can be easily integrated into a hair loss prevention regime. If you’re using other treatments such as a topical and shampoo the comb isn’t going to get in the way or make things more complicated. You can use the comb in conjunction with other products, or as a standalone treatment method.

What are the downsides of this product? Evidence suggests that the laser comb is most effective for hair loss patients who are in the early or middle stages of hair loss. As with other hair loss treatments, however, every one reacts differently. A growing number of dermatologists have reported significant results from their patients using the laser comb.

Pros

• FDA approved for effectiveness and safety
• For both men and women
• Relatively low application frequency (3x weekly)
• Increased blood flow to the scalp
• Stimulates the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles

Cons

• Expensive starts off at around $250
• Each treatment takes 10-15 minutes
• May cause minor itching and scalp irritation
• Potentially limited to hair loss users with early stage pattern baldness

What comes with the laser combs?

• Charging Cradle
• Worldwide power adapter (100-240 volt)
• Carrying pouch (microfiber)
• Power Cord
• User manual/Quick Start Guide

The HairMax LaserComb Series

Here are the five main models that HairMax offers consumers. The Prima and Ultima lasercombs were just released this year (2016). The new models feature improved, medical grade laser modules and a new design.

1. HairMax Advanced 7 LaserComb

The HairMax 7 Lasercomb is a good starter comb and less than half the cost of the HairMax Professional 12. As you can see in the image, there are fewer lasers which means you will have to take a few more passes to cover the hair loss areas of your scalp. You may be looking for a middle ground. Unfortunately HairMax discontinued the HairMax Lux 9 LaserComb and mainly pushes their new Ultima and Prima models featured at #3 and #4.

2. HairMax Professional 12 LaserComb

One of HairMax’s priciest laser combs, the HairMax Lasercomb Professional 12 is a bit of an investment. However, if you’re all in on preventing further hair loss and are going to use it religiously, it will cut down on light therapy session time significantly. This is because the HairMax Lasercomb 12 has more medical grade lasers which means it can cover a wider surface area. Essentially, you have to take fewer passes over your scalp. Spend more money to save more time? Such is life.

3. HairMax Prima 9 LaserComb

The HairMax Prima 9 is arguably the best laser comb for hair loss for the money. The Prima 9 is about half the cost of the Ultima 12 and you’re still getting 9 medical grade lasers (as opposed to 12). You don’t really need more, especially if you’re only experiencing the beginning stages of hair loss where there’s not a lot of surface area you need to treat.

4. HairMax Ultima 12 LaserComb

The new HairMax Ultima 12 hair laser comb for hair growth is another expensive option. It features 12 medical grade lasers that help stimulate dormant or dying hair follicles. HairMax recommends using the Ultima 12 LaserComb 8 minutes, 3 days a week, which is much more manageable then a daily or 2x daily routine.

5. HairMax LaserBand 82

Have you had it up to here with making pass after pass with those darn hair laser combs? Kick back and watch TV while this fancy device revitalizes thinning hair. Okay, you may not want to sport it all day or wear it out on a date, but the hands free operation is a welcome addition to HairMax’s latest and greatest.

Honorable Mention

Here’s another lasercomb solution worth a gander.

6. Body Essentials Light and Massage Therapy Hairbrush

For a low cost option, we suggest trying out Body Essentials’ product. It is a good way to try out laser therapy and see if your scalp and hair responds to the treatment without breaking the bank. Their comb features quality 660 nanometer LED lights. 20 of these LED lights run around the perimeter of the steel bristles. It has three modes: massage, LED, or both, offering plenty of versatility. The brush is cordless and powered by two double AA batteries. The comb is relatively low cost when compared to HairMax’s lasercombs, and you can pick it up for around $60.

Hold the Hairline’s Take

Does HairMax work? Do we recommend the Hair Max LaserComb? The short answer is yes (it is FDA approved), the longer answer is it depends. We suggest purchasing the laser comb if one (or more) of the following circumstances are true for you:

• Your dead-set on beating hair loss at all costs. You don’t mind having a large regime and don’t mind the daily/weekly repetition. It is okay by you to have multiple products in your arsenal to combat the condition. You’re willing to follow the treatment plan religiously.
• You’ve got a lot of cash to spend and want to incorporate something easy into your routine. Maybe you’re going to see if this will work as a standalone treatment before turning to a Propecia and Rogaine regime. Perhaps, your adding it to ongoing options.
• You’re in the early and middle stages of hair loss. Long dormant hair follicles are much less likely to respond to the laser therapy.

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