How to Use the iRESTORE Helmet Correctly: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve just purchased an iRESTORE Laser Hair Growth System, it’s normal to have a few immediate questions: How do I use it correctly? How often should I wear it? And how long will it take before I notice results? The iRESTORE helmet is designed to be used for 25 minutes every other day, on a consistent schedule, for at least 16 weeks. This routine allows its low-level light therapy (LLLT) to work with your natural hair growth cycle. Most users begin seeing early improvements like reduced shedding or subtle thickening within 3 to 6 months of steady use. This guide walks you through how to use the iRESTORE helmet step by step, what to expect over time, and the essential safety guidelines to keep in mind so you can get the most out of your treatment. What Is the iRESTORE Laser Hair Growth System? Before learning how to use an iRESTORE helmet step by step, it helps to understand what the device is and how it works. The iRESTORE Laser Hair Growth System is an FDA-cleared, at-home red light therapy helmet designed to help men and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). It’s engineered to deliver consistent, therapeutic light energy to your follicles helping support regrowth when you follow the recommended routine on how to use an iRESTORE helmet correctly and consistently. The system includes: A combination of medical-grade lasers and LEDs that deliver red light in the 640–665 nm range, a wavelength studied for hair-growth benefits. FDA 510(k) clearance for treating specific levels of pattern hair loss in: Men with Norwood–Hamilton IIa to V Women with Ludwig–Savin I to II Individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV Newer models (Elite, Professional, Essential) featuring LumiTech™ technology for broader scalp coverage and higher light density ensuring light reaches where hair thinning is most common. How to Use the iRESTORE Helmet Here is the full routine as outlined in the user manual: Step 1: Prepare Your Hair and Scalp Start with clean, dry hair. Avoid using the helmet on wet hair (important for safety and efficacy). Step 2: Set Up the Device Insert the power adapter pin into the controller. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet. Step 3: Position the Helmet Place it comfortably on your head, ensuring it sits securely and doesn’t cover your eyes. Step 4: Turn on the Device Press the POWER button. If you don’t press START within a minute, the device will shut off automatically. Step 5: Start the Session Press START to begin the 25-minute session. A short beep signals the start; a long beep signals the end. Step 6: Pause if Needed Press START again to pause. You can resume within 5 minutes. After 5 minutes of inactivity, the device shuts off. Step 7: End the Session Hold POWER for 3 seconds to turn off. Unplug the adapter from the outlet (don’t pull the cord). How Often Should You Use the iRESTORE Helmet? The recommended iRestore schedule is 25 minutes every other day. This is the only frequency that has been clinically tested, FDA-cleared, and shown to support hair growth safely and effectively. Low-level light therapy works by delivering controlled light energy to your follicles. Using the helmet more often than recommended won’t speed up results, your follicles need recovery time between sessions. For a deeper dive into treatment frequency, you can read our guide on how often to use red light therapy for hair growth Why Every Other Day? Allows follicles time to respond to the light stimulation Matches the protocol used in clinical studies Helps minimize irritation or sensitivity Supports steady, sustainable improvements in hair density over time What If You Miss a Session? Don’t double your time or run multiple sessions to “catch up.” Simply resume your regular every-other-day routine. Consistency over months, not perfection, is what matters. How Does the iRESTORE Helmet Support Hair Growth? The iRESTORE Laser Hair Growth System uses low-level light therapy (LLLT), a non-invasive, research-backed technology that delivers red light in a precise wavelength range shown to support healthier hair growth. When used on the recommended schedule this light energy interacts with your follicles at a cellular level. Here’s a simple breakdown of how does iRESTORE work: 1. It supports cellular energy inside hair follicles: LLLT helps energize the mitochondria. Higher cellular energy can support stronger, more active follicles especially in areas experiencing early thinning. 2. It improves better blood flow in the scalp: Improved microcirculation means more oxygen and nutrients reach each follicle, creating a healthier environment for hair to grow. 3. It helps calm inflammation around follicles: Chronic, low-level inflammation can weaken follicles over time. Red light therapy may help reduce these signals, creating conditions that support the growth phase. 4. It encourages follicles to stay in the growth phase longer: Pattern hair loss shortens the anagen (growth) stage. LLLT helps counter this by encouraging longer, healthier growth cycles. How Should the Helmet Fit on Your Head? Positioning matters for both comfort and effectiveness. When learning how to use iRESTORE helmet, make sure the device sits correctly: Place the helmet upright on your head so it fits like a cap. Ensure the front edge does not cover your eyes. Adjust the foam cushions/headband so the interior rests comfortably against your scalp. The built-in safety sensor automatically pauses the session if the device is lifted or positioned incorrectly so you always get proper coverage. Safety Guidelines to Follow Before Using Your iRESTORE Helmet Even though the iRESTORE Laser Hair Growth System is iRESTORE FDA approved and cleared for home use, it’s still a medical device and using it safely is just as important as learning how to use an iRESTORE helmet correctly. 1. General safety rules to follow To stay safe while following the routine on how to use iRESTORE helmet: Don’t stare directly into the lasers or use magnifying devices to view the light Don’t use the device near water (tub, pool, sink) Keep the helmet and cord away from hot surfaces Store it out of reach of children and pets Stop using it and contact a doctor if you notice persistent redness, itching, or discomfort lasting more than an hour after treatment Used as directed, with these simple safety rules in mind, the iRESTORE system is designed to be a safe, at-home tool to support your long-term hair growth plan. 2. Who should avoid using iRESTORE? Do not use the helmet if: You’re under 18 years old You have cancer on the scalp You take medications or have conditions that cause photosensitivity (skin becomes extra sensitive to light) You’ve had unusual reactions to red light in the past (severe redness, burning, or rash) 3. Can you use iRESTORE on wet hair?  The answer is no. You should always use the helmet on clean, dry hair. Using it on wet hair: Can interfere with proper light delivery Increases the risk of electrical issues Goes against the official safety instructions A Simple Hair Growth Routine Using iRESTORE If you’re following how to use an iRESTORE helmet correctly, building a simple routine around it can help support healthier, fuller-looking hair over time. Use the iRESTORE helmet for 25 minutes every other day – this is the only recommended schedule.  Follow a gentle wash routine 2–3 times per week – a mild, growth-supporting shampoo and conditioner help keep the scalp clean. Apply a daily hair serum – choose one that supports scalp and follicle health from the outside. Consider a nutritional supplement if advised by your doctor – this can be helpful if thinning is linked to stress, diet, or deficiencies. Stay consistent with this simple routine – clean, nourished scalp plus regular red light exposure work together to support fuller, healthier-looking hair over time. What Does a Realistic 16-Week iRESTORE Plan Look Like? Weeks 1–4: You will mainly be getting used to how to use the iRESTORE helmet (25 minutes every other day), with minimal visible change but an important foundation of consistency. Weeks 5–8: Some users notice mild shedding as weaker hairs reset, while others notice new hair growth over breakage. Weeks 9–12: Hair may begin to look a bit fuller or denser in thinning areas, especially if you’ve stayed consistent with the recommended iRESTORE helmet and how often to use the red light therapy schedule. Weeks 13–16: Many users report clearer improvements in volume, coverage, and shedding this is usually when the routine starts to feel like a long-term habit rather than a new treatment. Real People, Real Experiences Many iRESTORE users report noticing small but meaningful changes like reduced shedding, early baby hairs, or improved density around the hairline within their first 8–12 weeks of consistent use. Others share that sticking to the every-other-day routine helped them rebuild confidence after years of gradual thinning.  Conclusion Using the device as directed is the core of how to use an iRESTORE helmet for real, long-term results. You don’t need to use iRESTORE every day; you just need to be consistent with the schedule it was designed and tested for. If you’re ready to get started, commit to your first 16-week iRESTORE plan, follow the every-other-day schedule, and give your hair a fair chance to respond before you judge your results. FAQs 1. Can I combine iRESTORE with other hair-loss treatments? Yes. Many users pair iRESTORE with minoxidil, serums, supplements, or doctor-recommended treatments for enhanced results. 2. Do I need to keep using iRESTORE after I see results? Yes. Continuing the every-other-day schedule helps maintain progress, since stopping treatment may allow hereditary thinning to return. 3. Does iRESTORE work for all types of hair loss? iRESTORE is designed for androgenetic alopecia (genetic thinning); it may not be effective for scarring alopecia or sudden, patchy hair loss. 4. Can You Use iRESTORE Every Day? No. Daily use or running back-to-back sessions is not advised. More exposure does not equal faster results and may cause temporary scalp discomfort. Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hair and scalp conditions vary from person to person. If you have concerns about persistent shedding, irritation, or sudden changes in hair or scalp health, we recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional.