Hims vs. Keeps: Which Hair Loss Subscription Is Right for You?

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Hims and Keeps are two of the most popular telehealth hair loss brands on the market. While there are some differences between the companies, both offer products that may help prevent, slow, or even reverse hair loss.

If you’re trying to decide which provider to turn to, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll break down the differences between Hims and Keeps so you can make the best decision for your body.

Here’s a quick rundown:

An overview: Keeps and Hims

Hims

Hims offers a variety of different telehealth services, including treatment for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, online therapy, primary care, and more.

Through the company website, you can order over-the-counter hair loss prevention items, like biotin gummies or hair thickening shampoo and conditioner. Hims also offers finasteride and minoxidil foams and solutions.

After the required consultation with a licensed medical professional, you can order your prescription treatments.

Keeps

Keeps is a subscription-based telehealth provider that focuses exclusively on treatments for hair loss in men. These treatments can help anyone experiencing hair loss, receding hairline, baldness, androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), and more.

The company currently offers two FDA-approved medications: finasteride (generic Propecia, a medication that treats hair loss in men) and minoxidil (generic Rogaine, a topical solution that can treat certain types of baldness).

By purchasing generic medication directly from a domestic lab, Keeps can offer lower prices than those found at local pharmacies.

Everything is done online, from the consultation with a board certified physician to the process of ordering and receiving your prescription directly to you.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $35
• $$ = $35–$80
• $$$ = over $80

Hims products

Finasteride

• Price: $–$$$
• Key ingredients: 1 milligram (mg) of finasteride per tablet

Finasteride, otherwise known as generic Propecia, is an FDA approved medication that treats hair loss in men by blocking DHT.

DHT is a hormone derived from testosterone, and experts believe that it’s one of the reasons many men experience hair loss and receding hairlines. You’ll need a prescription to purchase this product.

Unlike Keeps, you can choose between a monthly or a tri-monthly subscription. For a 1-month supply, it’s priced at $28.50 per month, or $85.50 every 3 months.

Topical finasteride and minoxidil spray

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: 0.1% finasteride and 6% minoxidil

If you’d rather opt for a topical spray, this product is just as effective.

It contains 0.1 percent topical finasteride to reduce DHT in the scalp and stops more hair from falling out. It also contains 6 percent minoxidil to promote hair growth by reactivating dormant follicles.

It’s worth noting that you’ll need a prescription to purchase the product.

Minoxidil solution

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter, topical product that’s FDA approved to treat hair loss and help regrow hair. Minoxidil can treat thinning hair and balding on the scalp, but not receding hairlines since it doesn’t target DHT.

You may prefer the solution if you have thick or curly hair.

You can make a one-time purchase for $15, or sign up for a monthly shipment, also for $15 per month.

Minoxidil foam

• Price: $–$$
• Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil

Minoxidil foam works to revive hair follicles and keep hair looking and feeling thicker over time. Unlike thickening shampoos, minoxidil goes deep into the scalp for long lasting results.

You may prefer foam if you have straight and wavy hair.

A 1-month supply is priced at $30, while a 3-month supply is $60.

Gummies Biotin Builder

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: biotin, niacin, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E

Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a natural supplement that helps support skin, hair, and nails. Hims biotin gummies are a multivitamin containing biotin, niacin, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E.

This gummy contains no artificial sweeteners, is gluten-free, and is made with natural flavors and colors. Biotin is an essential vitamin for hair growth, but it doesn’t treat hair loss. Instead, these supplements deliver the nutrients needed to support healthy hair.

You can purchase a one-time supply for $16 or sign up for monthly deliveries, also for $16 per month.

Thickening Shampoo

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: saw palmetto

This shampoo from Hims contains saw palmetto, an ingredient known to help target DHT. Shampoos with ingredients, like saw palmetto or ketoconazole, may support your hair loss treatment plan — but only when supported by minoxidil or finasteride.

Hims recommends adding this shampoo to your usual hair washing routine.

For $19, you can either make a one-time purchase or sign up for monthly deliveries. You can also purchase a Hair Power Pack with finasteride and minoxidil, Thickening Shampoo, and Gummies Biotin Builder.

Thickening Conditioner

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: niacinamide

This conditioner uses niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to support healthy hair growth. It also makes locks appear thicker and more voluminous.

Like the accompanying shampoo, this conditioner doesn’t reduce hair loss, but it’s great when paired with a treatment consisting of minoxidil or finasteride.

You can opt for a one-time supply or sign up for monthly deliveries, both of which cost $22.

Keeps products

Finasteride

• Price: $$
• Key ingredient: 1 mg finasteride per tablet

Finasteride (generic Propecia) prevents hair loss by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Finasteride has been found to be effective at stopping hair loss along the hairline, crown, and vertex. Reviewers say it takes around 4 months to see regrowth.

For $75, you’ll receive a 3-month supply of 1 mg tablets that you should take once per day. Finasteride requires a prescription, which can be attained through a Keeps medical consultation.

Minoxidil solution

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil

Those experiencing mild hair loss or thinning around the top of their heads may find minoxidil, generic Rogaine, to be the most effective. This topical formula should be applied to the scalp twice per day.

You can choose between a solution or a foam, both of which are equally effective. However, the solution needs to be applied using a dropper, which some customers may find difficult.

The solution is priced at $20 for a 3-month supply. You don’t need a prescription to purchase minoxidil and, according to Keeps, users see results within 3 to 4 months.

Minoxidil foam

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil foam

Minoxidil works by widening the blood vessels along the scalp and promoting increased blood flow. Users with sensitive skin or allergies may prefer the foam option. Many reviewers also find that the foam is easier to apply to the scalp.

The foam costs $33 for a 3-month supply. Keep in mind that minoxidil is most effective in people who are under 40 years old, and it isn’t meant for a receding hairline or baldness at the front of the scalp.

Ketoconazole 2% shampoo

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: 2% ketoconazole

This shampoo is an add-on for those dealing with dandruff or itchiness. This prescription shampoo doesn’t treat hair loss, but it can be helpful in combination with finasteride and minoxidil.

You can purchase a 3-month supply for $30.

Finasteride tablets and minoxidil foam bundle

• Price: $$$

This bundle is best for reducing overall loss and helping with regrowth. With your subscription, you’ll receive a 3-month supply of finasteride tablets and minoxidil foam for $125.

For any subscription bundles, a licensed doctor will check in with you before approving the purchase to make sure the products are fit for your hair goals.

Finasteride tablets and minoxidil solution bundle

• Price: $$$

This bundle includes a 3-month supply of finasteride tablets and minoxidil solution. It’s priced at $105.

Company reputation and reviews

Hims

Hims, Inc. has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, BBB customer reviews amount to 1.13 stars out of 5 as of August 2022.

Most negative reviews are about products related to sexual health, rather than hair loss.

A lot of reviewers complain they were still charged for their subscriptions after notifying Hims that they wanted to cancel.

According to reviewers, Hims customer service is pretty good about replying to complaints. Hims promises a full money-back guarantee within 90 days.

It should be noted that some reviewers found the policy to be unclear, though — to request a refund, you need to take the prescription for 90 days.

Keeps

Keeps has an A+ rating from the BBB, and customer ratings average about 2.22 out of 5 stars as of August 2022.

Most negative reviews note that customers were charged after trying to cancel a subscription. Other reviewers experienced difficulties with returns.

To cancel your Keeps subscription, you have to call customer service during business hours or fill out an online cancellation form.

How do Hims and Keeps compare to competitors?

Hims and Keeps aren’t the only companies that offer hair loss products online.

Other online options for hair loss products include:

• Musely
• Lemonaid
• Genius Rx
• Roman
• Blink Health

You can also buy these products in person at stores or pharmacies, although you may need a prescription from your doctor.

Safety and side effects

Finasteride and minoxidil are generally well tolerated, but they may cause side effects.

Finasteride

You should stop taking finasteride and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• rash or itching
• swelling in the face, lips, or tongue
• extreme dizziness
• difficulty breathing
• testicular pain
• trouble urinating
• swelling or tenderness in the chest or fluid leaking from the nipple
• depression

A small percentage of people taking finasteride have also experienced decreased libido, difficulty getting an erection, or a reduced amount of semen released during intercourse.

You should not take finasteride if you have liver disease or liver conditions, kidney problems, prostate cancer, or if you’re hoping to become pregnant or are pregnant.

Minoxidil

Stop taking minoxidil and contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• chest pain or palpitations
• dizziness
• fainting
• rash, blisters, or itchy skin
• swelling in the hands and feet

Others have reported side effects including headache, redness, irritation at the application area, and unusual hair growth on the face, arm, and neck. Some people may also notice color or texture changes to their hair.

Take care to keep minoxidil away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands after applying, and don’t use minoxidil if your scalp has any cuts, scrapes, or sunburn.

When to see a doctor about hair loss

Hair loss can be frustrating, but the earlier you seek action, the more likely you will prevent it and minimize further loss.

Signs to see a doctor include:

• noticeably thinning hair
• a receding hairline
• excessive hair shedding (in the shower or on your hairbrush)

Frequently asked questions about Hims and Keeps

How effective are they?

Customer testimonies provide a better idea of the effectiveness of Hims and Keeps products.

Hims products are designed to prevent, slow, or even reverse hair loss. The products differ from those offered by Keeps, since you can purchase accompanying shampoo, conditioner, and gummies to supplement your hair treatment.

With consistent use, the company says you may see a difference in 3 to 4 months. According to the website, the site has a 4.5-star rating for the effectiveness of the products, discreet delivery, and professional medical guidance.

Keeps products are most effective for male pattern baldness, according to reviews. It takes around 4 months of consistent use to notice a difference.

Keeps has a 4.8-star rating from users who are happy with their results.

Do they take insurance?

Finasteride and minoxidil are considered to be cosmetic and not covered by most insurance plans. Both companies do not accept insurance for medical consultations or products.

However, prices on both sites are typically less than half the cost of what you’d pay at your local pharmacy.

Do you need a prescription?

You need to have a valid prescription from your doctor to use finasteride, but not minoxidil.

Are there any side effects?

While finasteride and minoxidil are generally considered safe, all drugs carry a risk of side effects.

According to Keeps, some possible side effects of taking finasteride 1 mg include:

• depression or anxiety
• dizziness or weakness
• headaches
• inability to urinate
• pain in the testicles
• runny nose
• rash
• signs of an allergic reaction, like:
  • skin rash
  • itching
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• sexual side effects, like:
  • loss of libido
  • erectile dysfunction
• swelling in your hands or feet
• swelling, pain, or tenderness in the breasts, or fluids leaking from the nipple

Experts point out that finasteride shouldn’t be used by anyone with a family history of prostate cancer.

While it depends on the formulation, the most common side effect of minoxidil is skin irritation at or near the application site. Some minoxidil users may develop a skin rash or experience a mild burning feeling after using the spray or foam.

According to Hims, less common side effects of minoxidil can include:

• acne
• facial hair growth
• inflammation around the hair roots
• facial swelling
• increased hair loss

Choosing between Hims and Keeps

Although you can’t prevent baldness, medications, such as finasteride and minoxidil, can help slow down hair loss. Both Hims and Keeps are comparable since they offer the same prescriptions. Ultimately, the service you opt for depends on your hair goals and budget.

Hims is slightly more cost effective and offers more versatility by providing one-time purchases, monthly supplies, and tri-monthly supplies. Hims also offers more products that support hair loss treatments.

Meanwhile, Keeps is better for those who want consistent deliveries straight to them.

Iman Balagam is a writer based in Houston, Texas. When she’s not laughing at her own jokes, or buying overpriced chia pudding, she can be found reading fiction novels, catching a spin class, doomscrolling through TikTok, or waiting for her delayed Spirit flight to board. You can see more of her work on her website.