Which Capillus Should You Buy? Pro vs Spectrum vs TriSpectrum vs Duo
In This Guide
Every current Capillus cap uses the same basic technology and the same six-minute daily session. That makes choosing simpler than it looks: you are really deciding how much of your scalp you need to cover, what size your head is, and whether you want extra wavelengths. This guide takes you through those three decisions in order.
The current range
| Model | Laser diodes | Wavelengths | Fits up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | 272 | 650 nm | about 23 in | Widely available |
| Spectrum | 312 | 650 + 808 nm | about 24 in | Widely available |
| TriSpectrum | 312 | 650 + 780 + 808 nm | about 25 in | Widely available |
| MD Duo | 320 | 650 + 808 nm | about 25 in | Exclusive to select distributors |
| RX Duo | 330 | 650 + 808 nm | about 25 in | Exclusive to select distributors |
Every model treats for six minutes a day and switches off automatically.
Step 1: Work out where your thinning is
Look at the top of your head in a mirror with a second mirror or a phone camera behind you, in good light. Note where the scalp shows through most.
- Crown only, or a widening parting: almost any Capillus model covers this area well. The Pro is often enough.
- Crown and mid-scalp: more diodes help. The Spectrum or TriSpectrum is a better fit.
- More extensive thinning across the top of the head: the highest-diode models, the MD Duo and RX Duo, give the most coverage in the range.
- Mostly the front hairline and temples: be cautious. Laser caps of every brand tend to perform best on the crown and mid-scalp, and the very front edge can sit at the margin of coverage. A doctor's assessment is worth getting before you buy.
Step 2: Measure your head
Wrap a soft tape measure around your head, just above your eyebrows and the tops of your ears. Light only works if the dome sits close to the scalp, so fit is not cosmetic.
- Up to 23 inches: all models fit.
- 23 to 24 inches: Spectrum or above.
- 24 to 25 inches: TriSpectrum or RX Duo.
- Over 25 inches: contact us before ordering.
Step 3: Decide whether you want extra wavelengths
The Pro uses 650 nm red light, the most studied wavelength for hair. The Spectrum, MD Duo and RX Duo add 808 nm near-infrared, and the TriSpectrum adds 780 nm as well. Near-infrared penetrates further into tissue, which is a sensible rationale for reaching deeper parts of the follicle.
Be clear about the evidence, though. Capillus's published, sham-controlled trial was on the Pro. There is no published trial yet comparing the multi-wavelength models with the Pro. More wavelengths and more diodes are reasonable reasons to expect equal or better performance, but the extra benefit has not been measured.
Our recommendations
- Early thinning at the crown or parting, head under 23 inches, budget-conscious: Capillus Pro. It is the model with direct trial evidence and covers the most common problem area.
- Moderate thinning across crown and mid-scalp, or a 23 to 24 inch head: Capillus Spectrum. More coverage, a second wavelength and app tracking.
- Larger head, or you want every wavelength Capillus offers: Capillus TriSpectrum.
- More extensive thinning, or you want the highest diode count available: the exclusive MD Duo (320 diodes) or RX Duo (330 diodes). See MD Duo vs RX Duo.
Things that matter more than the model
The model you choose matters less than three other things:
- Daily consistency. Six minutes, every day, for at least six months. Missing sessions is the most common reason people are disappointed.
- The right diagnosis. Laser caps are cleared for androgenetic (pattern) hair loss. Thinning from thyroid disease, iron deficiency, stress shedding after illness, or alopecia areata needs a different approach. If you are not sure what is causing your hair loss, see a GP or dermatologist first.
- Realistic expectations. Laser therapy helps living follicles grow thicker, longer-lasting hair. It does not bring back follicles that have been inactive for many years.
Can you combine a cap with other treatments?
Many dermatologists recommend laser therapy alongside other treatments such as topical or oral medication. If you are already using a prescribed treatment, keep using it as directed and tell your prescriber you are adding a laser cap. Capillus also makes supplements and a derma roller, which some people add to their routine; they are optional extras rather than requirements.
Still deciding?
Our one-minute hair loss quiz recommends a model based on your gender, pattern and degree of thinning. You can also compare every model side by side on our Capillus page, or ask our team.
Shop the models in this guide
Capillus Pro
272 laser diodes, 650 nm. The model used in Capillus's published trial.
View price & buyThis article is for general information and is not medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Specifications are from the manufacturer and were correct at the time of writing.
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