WIRED’s review finds that the Hairmax LaserBand 82 ComfortFlex can reduce hair shedding and encourage modest new growth, but it is not a dramatic cure for hair loss. Its main advantage is convenience: short, targeted treatments may make regular use more realistic, which matters because benefits must be maintained through ongoing treatment.

The FDA-cleared device costs $849 and uses 82 laser diodes rather than LEDs, with 30 seconds of treatment needed for each scalp section. After five months, the reviewer reported noticeable but limited results; the device cannot restore follicles that are scarred or no longer active, and it is more expensive than comparable products.