Theradome is ideal for people with early-stage hair loss.
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Regain your mane

The Theradome laser helmet provides a high-tech tool in the hair-loss fight

by ERIK J. MARTIN

Soldiers on the front line in the war to stop hair loss are wielding a new weapon: the Theradome, an innovative device that uses lasers to promote hair regrowth. This battle is being fought—and won—painlessly and privately from the comfort of home, thanks to the inspired vision and dogged efforts of a former NASA engineer.

Costco member Tamim Hamid designed laser systems used by the space shuttle program, but he couldn’t make headway in his struggle to stem his progressing hair loss. So, he began creating custom lasers and testing them on his scalp. After years of experimentation, Hamid launched his company in 2009.

His dream was to create an affordable hair-regrowth device that virtually anyone could use at home, with no prescription or medications required and no harmful side effects. He achieved that dream with the invention of the Theradome, a cordless, lightweight helmet apparatus that runs on a small rechargeable battery.

“Our first day to market in 2014 proved that there is a demand for at-home laser treatments. The product is available in 36 countries and is recommended by four out of five hair-loss experts,” says Hamid. “Our customers like the fact that the product is easy to operate, has [Health Canada] clearance, is totally safe and features the most advanced technology available.”

Tamim Hamid (centre) receiving the Innovation Award at the Hollywood Beauty Awards.
Courtesy of Hollywood Beauty Awards

The science behind the appliance

Theradome uses laser phototherapy (LPT) to curb hair loss and stimulate new hair growth, explains Costco member Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a board-certified dermatologist with Cleveland Clinic.

“It works by producing multiple impulses of cold laser light at a precise 680-nanometre wavelength—impulses that penetrate the scalp to target hair follicles and the papilla, where the structural protein keratin is produced,” Khetarpal says. “Once the laser light photons are absorbed, each follicle cell is individually stimulated, resulting in hair growth.”

Patience and consistent use are required. Hamid recommends wearing the helmet for 20 minutes four times a week at the time of your choice. You simply push a button to activate the lasers.

“Results are usually reported after two or three months of use. That’s when people find they have more manageable hair with increased volume and less shedding in the shower. After six months, hair density at the top of the head should improve. And following 12 months of use, users commonly experience fuller and thicker hair altogether,” notes Hamid, who adds that he has satisfied customers across all age groups—including seniors in their 80s and pediatric cancer patients he’s donated the device to.

Use it or lose it

The best candidates for Theradome are those with early-stage hair loss, before the onset of “shiny scalp” baldness. Alas, this gadget isn’t a cure for total scalp baldness, as the lasers cannot penetrate completely hairless scalps.

And while Theradome has no known side effects, “some users may experience mild itching, which is a positive sign of new follicle stimulation,” says Khetarpal. “Pregnant women and those with scalp cancer are the only people who should avoid the device, as it hasn’t been tested on them.”

Studies demonstrate that the technology works well when used properly.

“Theradome has a success rate of 98%. The science is backed by over 170 published, random, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that cite LPT for hair growth,” adds Khetarpal.

“The device is effective by itself or when used in combination with other therapies for hair loss.” The device needs to be employed regularly and indefinitely to make a difference. “It should be made part of your regular routine,” says Hamid, “like brushing your teeth.”

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