My Review: illumiflow Laser Cap (2023) – Does It Work?

It’s time to review illumiflow Laser Cap – which is a last-generation hair device.

According to its claims:

• improves hair growth speed
• effective against shedding
• uses a stronger technology (than other laser products)

So is illumiflow really worth it?

Its price starts at $550, so you should definitely think twice before buying it.

For this reason – I decided to dig deep into this product and see what’s the actual truth behind it.

Note: This review is based on my opinion + research on illumiflow.

 

So Let’s Get To The Review

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Full Name: Laser Cap by illumiflow

Versions: There are two:

• 148 diodes
• 272 diodes

The difference is that the second version covers the scalp slightly better.

That’s because the lasers (diodes) are closer and more numerous.

The 148 version also covers the whole scalp – but not as well as the 272 one.

Best Actual Price: Between $549 – $799

Cheapest Place To Buy: Amazon (though its official website has similar prices)

Designed For: Decreasing hair loss/thinning.

Just like most laser devices – it also claims to:

• boost growth and thickness
• stimulate follicles
• improves hair health and volume

My Rating: 6 out of 10

Worth Buying?: Not really – even though it’s a totally legit product:

• many negative reviews about its effect
• quite expensive for a regular budget (at least $550)
• needs to be used longer than other laser caps (30 minutes)

Instead – I recommend a $300 cheaper laser device that works just as well.

 

What I Liked About It

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• Excellent technology (148 or 272 laser diodes)
• Cleared by FDA
• Several clinical studies behind
• Clear instructions + user manual for each version
• Many authentic reviews available online

 

What I Didn’t Like About It

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• Higher number of lasers doesn’t seem to help (in terms of effect)
• Needs to be used 30 minutes, which is much longer than its competitors
• Many unsatisfied users
• Apparently it has a cheap built and breaks downs easily
• Expensive for the results it has

 

 

 

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#1 – Technology (9 out of 10)

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In terms of mechanism – illumiflow looks awesome.

And that’s because of its #1 advantage – the high number of lasers it uses:

• 148 for the regular version
• 272 for the superior one

That’s why I rated it so high at this chapter.

1. How It Works

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In a few words – illumiflow’s effect is based on its lasers:

1. It uses the lasers to release light energy.
2. That energy is released directly onto the scalp.
3. In this way, it reaches hair follicles immediately.
4. This stimulates the growth process.
5. It also decreases the amount of hair lost per day.

Basically – it’s the same mechanism as in every laser device.

The only difference is that illumiflow contains a higher number of lasers.

Also – it has some real evidence behind:

• FDA cleared several clinical studies behind [2]
• some clinical trials behind (about the mechanism itself)
• its technology has been carefully studied several clinical studies behind [3]

So in terms of technology alone, illumiflow is clearly a quality product.

2. illumiflow VS Laser Combs

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Now – illumiflow is a laser cap.

So how does it compare to laser combs?

Well – the mechanism is about the same:

• both use laser technology
• effect appears after several months in both
• illumiflow contains more diodes (but that doesn’t matter much in terms of effect)

The actual difference is that you need to move the comb through your hair manually.

On the other hand – illumiflow:

• only needs to be placed on your head
• it will do the work alone

However, laser caps (and illumiflow) are also about $300 more expensive.

That’s why I personally would stick to a comb instead.

But in terms of technology and effect – there’s pretty much no difference between illumiflow and combs.

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Conclusion

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To be honest – illumiflow has a great technology:

• high number of lasers used
• several studies behind
• cleared by FDA

But despite its quality mechanism, it’s not my top recommended laser device.

I personally think laser combs are a much better choice (in terms of price/effect).

Still – I fully admit illumiflow is a quality product, if you wanted my verdict.

 

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#2 – How To Use It (6 out of 10)

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First of all – illumiflow’s website gives out clear directions.

They are available for every potential customer – so you don’t have to buy the product first.

Obviously – the devices themselves come with a user manual.

1. The Instructions

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Here’s how you should use illumiflow (it’s the same for both versions):

1. First of all, you should use it 3 times a week.
2. Plug the device’s batter pack into the wall.
3. Plug the other side into your laser cap.
4. Place the laser on your head.
5. Make sure it covers your whole head and that it stays in place.
6. Press the power button.
7. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.

Now – using the actual device is quite easy and it shouldn’t be too hard even for a beginner.

Plus that the instructions are very straightforward.

However – there’s one thing I personally dislike about it:

• treatment duration is very long
• you have to keep the cap on your head for 30 minutes every other day

Now – 30 minutes might not seem a lot to you.

But compared to other laser devices, it is.

Most laser caps require under 10 minutes (still 3 times per week).

Even laser combs require way less (around 15 minutes, 3 times per week).

So from this point of view – illumiflow kind of disappoints me.

2. Extra Tips

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Here are some other things illumiflow’s website recommends:

• don’t use the laser cap every day (results aren’t any better)
• the device will shut down alone after 30 minutes
• for best results, use it on recently-washed hair

Now – these tips aren’t going to change your results significantly.

But they might help.

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Conclusion

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illumiflow is really easy to use, in terms of directions.

However – it needs to be used quite a long time (30 minutes every other day).

Compared to other laser devices, that’s 2-3 times more.

So that’s a reason why I’m not its biggest fan, in terms of usage.

 

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#3 – Results (6 out of 10)

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I don’t have a personal experience with illumiflow – so I can’t say much here.

However, I tried looking into other people’s opinions on this device.

Luckily – I found lots of real reviews of it on websites like Amazon.

Since Amazon is known for verifying buyers – those reviews are clearly legit.

Note: I only considered authentic reviews, not promotional ones.

1. What People Say

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Surprisingly – I found many negative reviews on this device.

It’s true that opinions are quite mixed up.

But overall – there were way more negative reviews than in similar products.

So let’s see what most people think about illumiflow:

1. Some claim it’s really effective for hair loss/thinning.
2. Others say it helped grow their hair faster.
3. A few praise it for its technology.
4. Many complain they couldn’t see any effect.
5. A lot of people say the device broke down after a while.
6. Others claim it has a poor built for the money.
7. Many complain it’s way too expensive for how it works.

As I said – I found both positive and negative reviews.

But considering its quality technology, I expected way more positive reviews.

That’s why I was sort of surprised to see so many critics. 

2. Biggest Complaints

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Basically – most negative reviews were related to:

1. Very high price
2. Poor effect
3. No changes after several months
4. Device stopped working suddenly
5. Damaged product
6. Requires too much time (30 minutes)

Now – even though I haven’t used illumiflow, I tend to agree with some of these complaints.

Its price is indeed very high and it does require a very long time of use.

But obviously, I can’t tell about its effect and built.

However – since I found more than 3 complaints on each problem, I’m pretty sure they are true.

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Conclusion

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illumiflow has enough satisfied customers.

But surprisingly (for its superior technology) – it also has a lot of complaints.

Compared to other laser devices, I would say it has far more complaints.

That’s why I can’t guarantee for its results.

Still – I personally recommend going for a cheaper laser device that does the same.

Since it’s at least $300 less, it’s a much better choice – if you ask me.

 

 

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#4 – Price (5 out of 10)

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illumiflow has both a good and a bad side at this chapter.

I will explain both below.

1. The Exact Price

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First of all – this device looks quite expensive in both versions:

1. 148 diodes version costs $549.
2. 272 diodes version costs $799.

To be honest – I would not pay so much on a laser cap.

This kind of products don’t work for everyone – so it’s pretty risky spending such a high amount.

Especially since there are many cheaper alternatives on the market.

That was the bad side of illumiflow’s price.

What about the good side? Well:

• price is quite low for the number of lasers it contains (148 or 272)
• most laser devices contain under 100 lasers at this price

But that’s not a completely positive fact.

That’s because illumiflow doesn’t seem to work for many people (according to reviews).

So the fact that it contains more lasers doesn’t really help.

Therefore – it’s the very high price that remains on top.

2. Competitors’ Price

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I will only compare illumiflow with my #1 recommended laser device.

I’m talking about a laser comb from HairMax.

1. i has 2 versions at $550 or $800.
2. HM also has 2 versions at $250 and $400.
3. i is a laser cap, while HM is a laser comb.
4. i works automatically, while HM needs to be combed through your hair.
5. However, i requires 30 minutes of use every other day.
6. On the other hand, HM only requires 12 or 15 minutes of use.
7. HM generally has better reviews than i.

Basically – illumiflow seems to have a stronger technology (at first sight).

But judging after the reviews and usage time, it seems like HairMax’s product is better.

However, the #1 advantage is its price.

Compared to illumiflow – it’s between $300-$550 cheaper.

So I would definitely recommend going for HairMax instead.

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Conclusion

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Overall, illumiflow is very expensive:

• its cheapest version costs $550
• the superior version costs $800

Considering its high number of negative reviews, I don’t think it’s worth it.

That especially when you can get the same results with a $250 device.

So I strongly recommend that alternative instead.

 

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#5 – Where To Find It (9 out of 10)

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First of all – laser devices aren’t as easily available as other hair products.

That’s the reason why I never rate them very high at this chapter.

However – illumiflow is quite easy to find:

• sold on its official website
• both versions are also available on Amazon
• you can also find it on some sellers on Ebay

In terms of price – it’s about the same.

I personally recommend Amazon, as it’s easier to get a refund/return the product.

illumiflow’s website also offers a money back guaranteee. 

But it might not be as simple as on Amazon, that’s why I would prefer it instead.

 

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#6 – Final Conclusions

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Here’s how I would sum up my opinion on illumiflow (in 3 ideas).

1. Last Generation Technology

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This product is one of the best laser devices for hair.

But that’s only on paper (in terms of mechanism):

• contains a higher number of lasers
• has several studies behind
• it’s FDA cleared

Also – it has a trustworthy brand behind, so it’s clearly legit.

For this reason, it has a great technology overall.

2. Many Complaints

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To my surprise, illumiflow doesn’t work that well in reality:

• more negative reviews than in similar products
• many complaints about its effect
• lots of customers claim it breaks down quite fast

So even though it looks good on paper – it seems quite different in reality.

That’s a main reason why I’m not its fan.

3. Not Really Worth It

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Besides its poor effect, illumiflow is also very expensive.

Now – laser caps are far from cheap and this device isn’t an exception.

But since there are cheaper alternative with the same results, I don’t think illumiflow is worth the money.

If you can get the same effect for less money, why pay more?

 

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My Verdict – Is illumiflow Worth It?

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Short answer: Not really.

Though it looks great on paper – it seems quite different in reality:

1. Many complaints about its poor effect.
2. Lots of users claiming it has a bad quality (breaks down easily).
3. Needs to be used a longer time than other devices (30 minutes).
4. Really expensive.
5. Despite having more lasers, its results aren’t better.

Now – illumiflow is clearly not a scam, nor a useless product.

It actually has enough customers that swear by it.

But compared to other laser devices – it has far more complaints.

Since it’s also very expensive, I just don’t think it’s a smart buy.

So what would I recommend instead? A laser comb from HairMax:

1. Best price on the market (for the quality).
2. Many positive reviews regarding its effect.
3. Only needs to be used 12-15 minutes.
4. Money back guarantee.

So if you really want to try a laser device, I recommend going for a cheaper one.

HairMax’s device seems to work just as well as $800 laser caps – so why pay more?

You can find it for $250, which is the very best price I have seen in a laser device.

That’s why it’s by far my #1 alternative to illumiflow.

References:

1 – https://link.springer.com/-article/10.1007

2 – https://cdn.shopify.com/-s/files/1/1106/6906/files

3 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/-pmc/articles/PMC3944668/