The combination of oral finasteride and topical minoxidil is the most evidence-backed hair loss protocol available — and it's not even close. The only reason it isn't more widely used is friction: finding a dermatologist, getting a prescription, refilling, remembering to reorder. Telehealth services like Hims, Keeps, and Roman compress all of that into a single subscription with same-day prescription turnaround. This guide compares the three real options for men ready to use the strongest stack medical science has to offer.
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Hims
Hims Complete Hair Kit (Min + Fin + Shampoo)
Hims bundles the two FDA-approved hair-loss treatments — oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil — with a saw palmetto shampoo into a single monthly subscription with physician oversight. For men ready to use the strongest evidence-backed stack, it's the most convenient entry point.
Pros
- Combines both FDA-approved treatments in one subscription
- Telehealth consultation included — no in-person doctor visit
- Auto-refill removes the 'forgot to reorder' failure point
- Cheaper than buying components separately at retail
Cons
- Requires online medical consultation
- Finasteride carries a small but real sexual side effect risk
- Subscription must be paused or canceled if you stop
Who it's best for
Men with active androgenetic alopecia who want the most evidence-backed protocol with the least friction.
Ingredients, usage & evidence▾
Key ingredients
- Finasteride 1mg (oral): 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that blocks DHT systemically
- Minoxidil 5% (topical): Vasodilator that extends the anagen growth phase
- Saw Palmetto Shampoo: Topical anti-androgen support
How to use
Finasteride 1mg orally once daily. Minoxidil applied twice daily to the scalp. Shampoo used 3–4x weekly.
Scientific evidence
The combination of oral finasteride + topical minoxidil is supported by multiple head-to-head trials showing additive effects on hair count and density. Combination therapy outperforms either monotherapy.
Keeps
Keeps Complete Hair Loss Treatment
Keeps was built specifically around hair loss, where Hims is a broader men's health platform. The onboarding is laser-focused, the dermatologist consultations are quick, and the pricing on the fin + min combination is competitive.
Pros
- Specialized in hair loss — entire UX is built around it
- Competitive pricing on the fin + min combination
- Free physician consultation
Cons
- Smaller product catalog than Hims
- Requires US shipping address
Who it's best for
Men who want a hair-focused telehealth platform without the broader men's-wellness upsells.
Ingredients, usage & evidence▾
Key ingredients
- Finasteride 1mg: Systemic DHT blocker
- Minoxidil 5% solution: Topical vasodilator
How to use
Finasteride orally once daily. Minoxidil applied twice daily.
Scientific evidence
Same evidence base as the underlying generics — both medications are FDA-approved with decades of RCT support.
Ro (Roman)
Roman Finasteride + Minoxidil Plan
Roman's hair-loss plan focuses on the core fin + min combination with a particularly clean app and patient-portal experience. Pricing is comparable to Hims and Keeps, and the physician-review turnaround is typically same-day.
Pros
- Same-day prescription turnaround
- Clean app experience
- Established medical platform
Cons
- Pricing similar to competitors with less hair-loss specialization than Keeps
Who it's best for
Men who already use Roman for other men's health concerns and want a single platform.
Ingredients, usage & evidence▾
Key ingredients
- Finasteride 1mg: Oral DHT blocker
- Minoxidil 5%: Topical regrowth treatment
How to use
Finasteride once daily; minoxidil applied twice daily.
Scientific evidence
Standard combination therapy with decades of RCT evidence.
Quick Comparison Table
At-a-glance: who each product is built for.
| Product | Best For | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hims Complete Hair Kit (Min + Fin + Shampoo)
Hims Highest Commission
|
Men with active androgenetic alopecia who want the most evidence-backed protocol with the least friction. | $44/mo |
4.6
|
Buy |
|
Keeps Complete Hair Loss Treatment
Keeps Best Subscription
|
Men who want a hair-focused telehealth platform without the broader men's-wellness upsells. | $50/mo |
4.5
|
Buy |
|
Roman Finasteride + Minoxidil Plan
Ro (Roman) Editor's Choice
|
Men who already use Roman for other men's health concerns and want a single platform. | $45/mo |
4.5
|
Buy |
What to look for
Finasteride + minoxidil is the gold-standard combination
Multiple head-to-head trials show that combining oral finasteride (1mg) with topical minoxidil (5%) produces significantly more hair count and density improvement than either drug alone. Telehealth services exist specifically to make this combination easy to obtain and maintain. If you're committed to slowing or reversing AGA, this is the protocol with the most evidence.
Understand the finasteride side effect profile before starting
Finasteride is well-tolerated by the large majority of users, but a small percentage (~1–4% in trials) report sexual side effects including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory volume changes. Most of these resolve after discontinuation. A smaller subset of users report persistent symptoms (Post-Finasteride Syndrome) — this is rare but real and worth understanding before starting. Topical finasteride is an emerging alternative with similar efficacy and lower systemic exposure.
What you're actually paying for
All three services prescribe the same generics from licensed US pharmacies. The differences are pricing structure, app experience, customer support, and add-on services. None of these companies make the drugs themselves — you're paying for convenient access, physician oversight, and reliable refills.
Subscription management matters
All three services auto-ship on a recurring schedule. This is the single biggest predictor of long-term success — the most common reason hair loss treatment fails is inconsistent application. The downside is that subscriptions accumulate if you don't actively manage them. Set a calendar reminder to review your refill schedule every 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we get asked the most — answered straight.
Written by
Daniel Reyes
Editor-in-Chief, Happy Hair Journey
Daniel has spent five years researching men's hair loss treatments and personally testing protocols across minoxidil, microneedling, and LLLT. He reviews every published study referenced on this site.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Maya Chen, MD
Board-certified dermatologist · NYU Langone
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