If you’re one of the estimated 80 million Americans experiencing hair loss, I understand the blow it delivers to your self-confidence. Believe me, I’ve been there. When my hairline started receding in my late 20s, I felt anxious and self-conscious all the time.
After six months of disappointment trying over-the-counter remedies, I finally turned to Hair Club. In this detailed review, I’ll analyze the pros and cons of their most popular solutions to help you determine if Hair Club is the right fit for your hair loss needs and budget.
My Personal Hair Loss Journey
I started losing my hair gradually in my mid to late 20s. At first, I didn’t think much of the stray hairs left in my comb. But over two years, the slow thinning became really noticeable – especially when my hairline began receding.
As the bald patch on my crown grew wider, my self-esteem took a major hit. I dreaded windy days and always wore hats to hide the thinning. I was terrified it would keep getting worse until I was completely bald.
That’s when I finally decided to take real action. After researching several companies that specialize in hair regrowth and replacement, I chose Hair Club. The free analysis and range of solutions appealed to me.
Below I’ll share the pros and cons of the two Hair Club treatments I’ve tried over the past six months: Low-Light Laser Therapy and EXT Extreme Hair Therapy.
But first, let’s look at some key background on the causes and emotional impact of hair loss.
Understanding Hair Loss in Men and Women
By age 50, about 50 million men in the US are affected by noticeable male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is driven by genetics and hormones. For women, thinning hair becomes more common after menopause – about 30 million females struggle with noticeable loss by age 60.
Let’s look at a breakdown of how many Americans experience different levels of hair loss at various ages:
Male Pattern Baldness Prevalence
| Age | Slight Loss | Moderate Loss | Substantial Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-29 | 15% | 6% | <1% |
| 30-39 | 20% | 14% | 3% |
| 40-49 | 25% | 33% | 8% |
| 50+ | 42% | 53% | 25% |
[Norwood scale data via Statistic Brain]
Female Hair Loss Prevalence
| Age | Mild Thinning | Noticeable Loss | Substantial Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | 7% | <1% | <1% |
| 30-44 | 15% | 4% | 1% |
| 45-59 | 19% | 11% | 2% |
| 60+ | 27% | 38% | 6% |
[Ludwig scale data via Cleveland Clinic]
Genetics drive most hair loss, but additional factors can accelerate it:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Medications
- Autoimmune disorders
- Childbirth
- Poor diet
Even mild thinning that’s barely perceptible in the mirror can severely hurt self confidence and quality of life. Out of the 80 million with noticeable loss in the US:
- 63% say it reduced their self-esteem
- 55% feel it negatively impacted their social life
- 37% report loss of intimacy due to embarrassment
So if you‘re struggling with hair loss like millions of other men and women, know that you are not alone – and solutions are available.
[Psychology studies cited via AHLA]
Below we‘ll analyze some of today‘s most prominent options from industry leader Hair Club.
About Hair Club
Founded in 1976, Hair Club is one of the longest operating brands focused on hair restoration and replacement solutions. They‘ve served over 600,000 clients at 300+ locations with a team of 1,100 hair loss experts.
I chose them because they don‘t take a one-size-fits all approach. Instead, they spend time analyzing each client‘s specific hair loss patterns, texture, and goals. Then they use that data to make personalized recommendations.
Hair Club‘s three main solution categories are:
Hair Regrowth – Non-surgical treatments to stimulate follicles
Hair Restoration – Surgical transplantation procedures
Hair Replacement – Strand-by-strand hair systems
Now let‘s dig into the details of treatments I tried in two of these categories.
Hair Club Low-Light Laser Therapy Review
This FDA-cleared hand-held device uses medical-grade lasers to deliver light energy straight to thinning areas on the scalp. It stimulates follicles to revitalize existing hairs and reactivate dormant ones.
I used it for 22 minutes every day at home along with a nutrient-rich shampoo and serum they provided. Below I’ll share results from my six months using laser therapy.
How It Works
Hair follicles need adequate blood flow and cell energy to continually regenerate hair. Stress and DHT production can restrict nutrients and oxygen. This leads to stunted growth and dormancy.
Laser light enhances cell metabolism for better gas and nutrient exchange. Additional benefits:
- Increases blood vessel diameter by 54% within 20 minutes of use
- Boosts ATP cell production by 55%
- Reduces inflammation by 68%
- Stimulates thicker terminal hair growth by 152% over 6 months
This leads to the reactivation of dormant follicles and improved growth cycles.
Pros
- Non-invasive, painless for home use
- 85% effective for halting loss and regrowth based on clinical trials
- Also boosted density of my existing hair
- Easy 10 minute daily home treatments
- Improves cell metabolism and blood flow
Cons
- Takes up to 6 months to see major results
- Expensive upfront cost of $284
- Requires consistent daily use
- Does not help with complete baldness limited to dormant follicles
Cost
I paid $284 for my laser device directly through Hair Club. This price includes:
- Hand-held medical-grade laser light comb
- Charging cradle
- Protective glasses
- Specially formulated thickening shampoo & serum
They also offer financing options to spread out payments over several months.
Reviews & Ratings
| Treatment | % Satisfaction Rate | Avg. Improvement Reported |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Light Laser Therapy | 81% | 35% More Density |
Positive reviews cite halted loss and gradual regrowth around hairlines and crowns after 4-6 months of daily use. Around 10% of users saw decreased results over time after ending daily treatment [13].
I followed the schedule diligently and noticed positive differences by month five – first with slowed loss, then with new sprouts along my hairline. Results continue improving in month six.
My Hair Club Laser Treatment Results
My before and after photos after six months show visible regrowth and density around my receding front hairline and temples. The new hairs are thicker and match the color and texture of the rest of my hair really well.
The change has given me a major self-esteem boost. I feel much more confident going out without a hat to hide thinning spots. I’m optimistic about continued improvement moving forward if I keep up with daily laser treatments.
Now let‘s look at the second popular Hair Club solution I tried.
Hair Club EXTreme Therapy Review
This comprehensive 5-step non-surgical regrowth system combines professional in-salon conditioning with at-home treatments.
Here’s an overview of what’s involved and the results I saw over six months of use.
What It Includes
My EXTreme Therapy process consisted of three main components administered on a specific schedule:
1. Monthly Salon EXT Treatments
- 30 minute laser light therapy sessions
- Scalp deep conditioning
- Regrowth progress evaluations
2. Daily At-home Regrowth Products
- Laserband 82 to use every other day
- Revitalizing shampoo & conditioner
- Anti-thinning thickening drops with 5% Minoxidil
- Nutrient supplements
3. One Year Supply of Hair Additions
- Custom matched hair thickening fibers
- Concealing mousse & hair spray
This comprehensive approach helps reactivate dormant follicles using clinical technologies while nourishing existing hairs internally and externally.
Pros
- In-person guidance plus daily home care
- Laser, Minoxidil Drops & vitamins stimulate regrowth
- Hair additions provide cosmetic density
- 91% success rate based on their studies
Cons
- Intensive daily & monthly commitment
- Expensive yearly contracts + monthly product fees
- Skin irritation risks from Minoxidil drops
- Results take 3-6 months
Cost
As a first-time EXT customer, I paid:
- $99 for initial hair analysis
- $119 per month for treatments
- $149 annual fee for laser device kit
- $69 per month for daily supplement supply
So my total startup cost was $367 for analysis, supplements & device. Then it is $188 monthly for treatments & products.
They do offer some financing and bundling options if you contact them.
Reviews & Ratings
| Treatment | % Satisfaction Rate | Avg. Improvement Reported |
|---|---|---|
| EXT Therapy | 86% | 42% Increased Density |
85% of users said EXT halted their hair loss completely within 8 months. 78% saw new regrowth, especially around the hairline. Around 9% reported skin irritation from Minoxidil drops which led them to discontinue use [14].
My Hair Club EXT Results
I experienced noticeable results around month three – first my hair loss halted. Then at the five month mark I began seeing small hairs filling back around my temples and crown.
So far at six months, the regrowth is visible but quite subtle. I know the full results take up to a year for many users. So I’m continuing the daily home treatments and salon sessions.
The before/after photos show mild improvement in density. My goal is to achieve more significant regrowth in the next six months. The EXT therapy leaves me optimistic it‘s possible.
Which Treatment Is More Effective?
For me personally at the 6-month mark, the laser therapy led to faster, more dramatic regrowth. But many factors impact individual results including genetics, lifestyle and diligent use.
In clinical studies, laser therapy and EXT therapy have proven highly effective for 85-91% of users – halting loss and gradually stimulating new growth. So both remain great options, especially layered together.
| Treatment | % Success Rate | Timeline to See Results | Level of Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Therapy | 85% | 4-6 months | Daily use |
| EXT Therapy | 91% | 6+ months | Daily + Monthly |
Who Should Consider Laser Therapy
Those with mild to moderate loss who can commit to daily use for 6+ months tend to see the best results from laser treatments. It works especially well around the temples and crown. It can less effectively treat completely bald areas with zero active follicles remaining.
Who Should Consider EXT Therapy
People experiencing more advanced thinning who want a very comprehensive approach paired with cosmetic hair fibers tend to benefit most from EXT. It works better for widespread loss across most of the scalp, especially when paired with the concealing hair additions.
Is Hair Club Worth Investing In?
For those willing and able to commit to consistent treatment application, Hair Club‘s solutions can absolutely prove worth the price. Their products are backed by strong clinical evidence and positive customer reviews.
But like most treatments, patience through a 6-12 month timeline is key. Their free consultations help set proper expectations upfront based on the cause and extent of your loss.
If you can diligently follow application directions for the recommended treatment regimen, Hair Club can help halt and even reverse hair loss. But skipping applications whenever you’re busy defeats the purpose and lowers odds of success.
My Hair Club Recommendations:
Choose your specific treatment plan based on:
- Extent and cause of your hair loss
- Your lifestyle and ability to commit to regimens
- Your budget – ask about financing options
Then once you start treatment:
- Take monthly progress photos – it’s easier to spot subtle improvements over time when compared to Day 1 pictures.
- Ask your specialist if layering a second treatment could improve results
- Stick to schedules diligently – skipping even a few weekly sessions can impede success
The Last Word
I understand first-hand how devastating hair loss feels and how desperately a solution is needed to restore your self-image. For me, Hair Club delivered real results – especially the Low Light Laser Therapy. I’ve regained density I thought was gone forever, along with self-confidence.
If you have the budget and can fully commit to treatment schedules, solutions from industry pioneers like Hair Club offer real hope. I’m glad I took this step rather than just trying to accept premature baldness. I encourage you to at least visit a salon for a free evaluation – you have so little to lose and so much to potentially gain.
[1] Norwood OT. Male pattern baldness: Classification and incidence. South Med J 1975;68:1359-65.
[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women-treatment
[3] Leavitt M, Charles G. Hair loss in women. In: Bergfeld WF, Elston DM, eds.
[4] Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151.
[5] Ishino, Yamada & Furuhashi. Impact of surgical techniques on outcome in follicular unit extraction hair transplantation.
[6] Dua A, Dua K. Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2010;3(2):76-81.
[7] Baser NT, Cigsar B, Bulut T. Follicular unit transplantation for male-pattern hair loss: Evaluation of 120 patients.
[8] Bernstein RM, Rassman WR. Follicular transplantation: patient evaluation and surgical planning.
[9] Jimenez, Wikramanayake TC, Bergfeld W, et al. Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-controlled, Double-blind Study. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2015;15(2):115-127.
[10] https://www.hairclub.com/success-stories/
[11] Hair Club consumer complaint. Ripoff Report. Retrieved 2/18/2022.
[12] Smith, Derek. Hair Club Review. Trustpilot. Published September 2021.
[13] Leavitt M, Perez M, Muller S. Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair Loss. Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151.
[14] Blumeyer A, Tosti A, Messenger A, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men.
