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Here’s the truth: If you’re assigned male at birth, 80% of you will experience hair loss at some point in your life. It can start anytime after puberty—and about 20% of people with XY chromosomes will notice the first symptoms of hair thinning or balding by age 20; that number jumps to 50% by age 50. And here’s an even harder truth: No one is totally sure why it happens, though a combination of genetics, stress, and illness can all play a part.
Okay, enough hard truths. Here’s the good news: There are treatments that can help you regrow hair, make it look fuller, or at least prevent or slow down hair loss if you’re worried about it. As of this writing, there are two FDA-approved medications clinically shown to treat the kind of pattern baldness that people assigned male at birth experience. One of those drugs is minoxidil (also known as Rogaine) and it can be applied as an over-the-counter topical medication right to your scalp or taken as a pill (though if you take it that way, you’ll need a doctor’s prescription). The other drug is called finasteride (aka Propecia) and it too requires a prescription. There are also a number of supplements and other products that have some clinical studies supporting their use in making your hair at least appear fuller.
Whether you decide to see a doctor for a prescription or want to start with an over-the-counter option, you can access these treatments online. To help you get started, we evaluated over 20 online telehealth providers and products with the help of a former nurse. Here are the ones we recommend.
8 Hair Loss Treatments Services for Men
- Best Range of Products: Hims
- Best for Prescriptions: Ro
- Best for Pattern Baldness: Bosley
- Best Telehealth Service: Sesame
- Best for Supplements: Nutrafol
- Best on a Budget: Blink Health
- Best Shampoo + Conditioner: Keeps Thickening Duo
- Best In-Store Availability: Rogaine
Best Range of Products : Hims
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hims
- Cost: $15 to $65 per product, plus processing fees
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes, for prescription treatments
- Accepts FSA/HSA: No
Free, discreet shipping
One-on-one support from certified medical experts
FDA-approved medications
Over-the-counter and prescription treatments
Prescriptions may not use child-resistant packaging
Some products require consultation and prescription to order
If you’re looking for a place to see a doctor for a prescription to combat your hair loss, or you’re looking for affordable over-the-counter options, Hims has you covered. It offers a range of products and telehealth services aimed at people assigned male at birth in one convenient place.
You can schedule a free online medical consultation with one of Hims’ medical providers to discuss your hair loss issues and see if you’re a candidate for a prescription-strength treatment, such as as oral minoxidil, finasteride, or a combination of the two (which Hims can ship to you as part of a monthly subscription in a kit that also includes a thickening shampoo).
If you’re not a candidate for a prescription—or you’d rather skip the doctor appointment—you’re not out of luck, because Hims offers over-the-counter topical options containing minoxidil, as well as a range of thickening shampoos, conditioners, vitamins, and other non-prescription products.
All products can be purchased individually, or you can choose from one of the kits specially designed by the Hims team to provide the best, most comprehensive hair loss regimen. Free, discreet shipping is also available on all products.
Products at Hims range in price from $15 to $32 each, as well as a non-prescription kit for $37 per month and a Hair Power Pack for $80 per month. Hims’ kits are priced per month and automatically processed accordingly. Shipping is always free, though a $5 processing fee applies to all orders. You can't use flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) funds to pay.
Best for Prescriptions : Ro
- Cost: $16 to $35 per month
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes
- Accepts FSA/HSA: No
Affordable prescriptions
Free 2-day shipping
Four prescription plans available
Oral and topical options available
Side effects may occur
Prescriptions require online visit with healthcare provider
If you’re pretty sure you’re interested in getting a prescription as part of your hair loss treatment, Ro makes that easier and more affordable. You can schedule and see a medical provider right from your phone at this company, then (if you’re approved for a prescription), have your treatment delivered to your home in a discreet package in as little as two days.
All consultations are performed by licensed medical professionals and are completely free, which means you don't need health insurance coverage and there are no large out-of-pocket expenses. Book an online visit and answer questions about your symptoms and medical history. Once your information is reviewed and one of Ro’s doctors or nurse practitioners determines that a prescription is right for you, a follow-up will be conducted via secure messaging in your Ro portal. You will receive your prescription within two-days. That means that the only cost to you is your time and the prescription price, which is, at its highest, only $35 for a monthly supply. Once you receive and begin using your prescription, Ro also offers free follow-ups for ongoing care and medication management.
Ro offers four hair-loss prescriptions and/or OTC treatments, for $16, $20, $30, or $35 per month. Some orders may be set up on a recurring basis and billed automatically. You can cancel anytime.
Best for Pattern Baldness : Bosley
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bosley
- Cost: $18 to $55 per month
- Medical Consultation Required: No
- Accepts FSA/HSA: No
Mix-and-match products for individualized treatment
Non-surgical and surgical services provided
Dozens of in-person offices located nationwide
In-person locations not available in all 50 states
Per-month pricing can add up when used long enough to see results
Pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in those assigned male at birth, which is why Bosley stands out to us: It provides a full spectrum of treatment options. Its prescription-only medication product line, Bosley Rx, is doctor-formulated using a combination of the two FDA-approved ingredients, and clinical trials suggest it can slow down a receding hairline or stop shedding. Get started by filling out an online medical assessment with your medical history and current medications. After review, a Bosley medical professional will conduct a video, audio or digital consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate for a prescription—and if you are, that medication will be shipped out to you the same or next day for free.
In addition to Bosley Rx, Bosley offers laser therapy, scalp rolling, scalp micropigmentation, and all other surgical hair regrowth treatments at its in-person offices, which are located across 34 states. Check the website to see if a location is available in your state.
The Bosley Rx treatment line has four different treatment plan options ranging from $18 to to $55 per month.
Best Telehealth Service : Sesame
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Sesame
- Cost: $39 for a one-time visit; $19 per visit with premium subscription; $5 medications available
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes
- Accepts FSA/HSA: No
Local pickup and delivery for prescriptions
Fully remote access to healthcare professionals
Available in all 50 states
Must 18 years or older
Some negative side effects reported with finasteride
Let’s address the elephant in the room: In addition to other potential symptoms, hair loss can cause a lowered self-image. "Hair thinning and perceived hair loss also has a very important negative impact on the psyche of the individual. The common emotional aspects associated are self-consciousness, embarrassment, frustration, and jealousy,” one study reported. Telehealth appointments are a great alternative to in-person visits for anyone who is looking for a more discreet approach to hair loss treatment.
That’s why Sesame stands out to us. It allows you to schedule a live same-day doctor consultation (unlike many of its competitors), so a licensed medical professional can assess your symptoms and prescribe the best hair loss treatment for you. Plus, since it’s a video telehealth service, you can ask all your questions in real time (many other companies have you submit answers to a questionnaire instead of having an actual discussion with a healthcare provider).
These appointments cost less than $40, and if you’re a good candidate for a prescription, that medication’s price starts at just $5 for a month’s supply (and it ships right to your home). You can also pick what doctor you meet with—their bios, prices, and photos are displayed on the website.
One-time telehealth doctor visits start at $39 and range in price depending on the chosen physician. The prescription price for generic Propecia, including delivery, is just $5 following an official diagnosis. Sesame now offers an optional membership plan for $11 per month or $99 per year which offers long-term discounts on over 120 medical services including doctor appointments. But membership is not required in order to book an appointment or receive prescriptions.
Best for Supplements : Nutrafol
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nutrafol
- Cost: $88 per month for one-time purchase; $79 per month for recurring subscription
- Medical Consultation Required: No
- Accepts FSA/HSA: Yes
No medical consultation or prescription required
100% drug-free, natural ingredients
Won’t affect sex drive like some meds can
Higher price tag than others on our list for one-month supply
Not FDA approved
If you’re not sure you’re ready for medication, you do have other options—and one of those options is Nutrafol, a company that makes hair loss supplements to help combat hair thinning. Made with plant-based ingredients, such as saw palmetto, marine collagen peptides, ashwagandha, and curcumin. the Nutrafol for Men supplement is specifically formulated for people assigned male at birth to address multiple causes for hair thinning such as hormones, stress, nutrition, age, and more, while letting you avoid the nasty side effects caused by other treatments.
All of Nutrafol’s products undergo rigorous clinical testing to ensure the best all-natural hair regrowth treatment without a trip to the doctor’s office or pharmacy. A recent study found ”improved visible hair growth with less notable shedding based on subjects’ and investigators' overall perception of treatment benefit for men and women of various ethnic backgrounds” with Nutrafol.
The core supplements are available for either a one-time purchase ($88) or by subscription for one month ($79), three months ($224), or six months ($422). Each recurring subscription purchase is charged to your form of payment on file prior to replenishing shipments. Subscription options are also available for supplements accompanied by a booster supplement or serum for a higher price but with the same applicable discount of 10%, 15%, or 20% depending on how many months' supply you order at one time. Subscriptions can be paused or canceled at any time.
Best on a Budget : Blink Health
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Blink Health
- Cost: $9 per month
- Medical Consultation Required: Yes
- Accepts FSA/HSA: Yes
Accepts Insurance
Local pharmacy pickup available
Accepts outside prescriptions
No appointment required
Must be over 18
Low user satisfaction with Blink’s customer service
Blink Health stands out from the competition because of its affordable prescription prices. All medications offered by this online pharmacy are generic, but they’re delivered quickly to your home (shipping is free) or available for pickup at one of more than 3,000 participating pharmacies.
Blink Health offers discounts on over 15,000 medications, including finasteride. Using the Blink Rx digital pharmacy, you can have your doctor send a prescription for finasteride straight to your account, pay online, and you’re ready to get started fighting hair loss.
Or if you’d rather avoid talking about your hair loss with your regular doctor, you can book a telehealth visit through the Blink Health platform for as little as $10. The licensed physician or clinician will review your information and follow up for a medical evaluation within 24 hours and, if deemed appropriate, your prescription will be uploaded to your Blink Rx for checkout. Services are available nationwide and Blink accepts many major insurance plans, plus HSA payments.
Online doctor visits start at $10 each if required. Delivery pricing for generic Propecia hair loss treatment is $5 for 15 tablets, $9 for 30 tablets, $13 for 45 tablets, and $25 for 90 tablets. There are no delivery or membership fees.
Best Shampoo + Conditioner : Keeps Thickening Duo
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Keeps
- Cost: About $8 per month
- Medical Consultation Required: No
- Accepts FSA/HSA: No
All-natural formula and ingredients
Paraben-free
Complements and enhances results of other hair loss treatments
Some customers reported difficulty canceling auto shipments
Results may vary
Keeps Thickening Duo could be a great addition to your hair regrowth regimen. While medications can slow the rate at which your hair falls out or improve hair regrowth, the hair may never fully grow back or may not grow back as strong. Keeps Thickening shampoo and conditioner are formulated to support hair loss treatment and make hair look fuller, shinier, and healthier. Both products contain biotin and saw palmetto, ingredients believed to nourish and replenish hair.
While the website makes it clear that the shampoo and conditioner do not promote hair growth or slow hair loss, the lush, expert-designed formula gives you a break from harsh treatments with soothing ingredients that condition the scalp, make hair look fuller, and smell good. Each product is less than $10 for a one-month supply and purchasing together will give you the best deal. In addition to shampoo and conditioner, Keeps has a range of topical hair products formulated to help stimulate hair growth and decrease shedding.
Keeps Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner can be purchased for $22 each for a three-month supply. Every third month, Keeps will charge your credit card on file and replenish your stash with a fresh order for only $5 shipping.
Best In-Store Availability : Rogaine
- Cost: $29 per month
- Medical Consultation Required: No
- Accepts FSA/HSA: No
Simple, topical application
Satisfaction guarantee provides a full refund if not happy with results
Over-the-counter availability
Dry scalp and irritation possible at site of application
Does not accept FSA or HSA reimbursements
Rogaine began in 1988 as a prescription-only solution to hereditary hair loss for those assigned male at birth. It became the first topical hair regrowth brand approved by the FDA and then, quickly, a household name when it was offered as an over-the-counter hair loss treatment less than 10 years later. Today, Rogaine can be found at most major pharmacies, grocery stores, and online platforms and has formulas for those assigned male or female at birth. For those assigned male at birth, there are two topical formulas with a 5% minoxidil active ingredient; one is a serum and the other is an unscented foam. If you prefer the discretion of at-home delivery, you can find Rogaine online at retailers like Amazon, Target, and more. Rogaine also sells products on its own website.
Buying the product directly from the supplier is less than $30, but since it's sold by so many retailers, definitely shop around to find the best price near you. That said, Rogaine also offers a subscription program online which offers a 20% savings on all products.
How to Choose a Provider For Your Hair Loss Treatment
There are umpteen hair loss treatments for men and choosing can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best one for you.
- Cost: Treatment costs vary greatly, as seen in our list, and you might be in for a long-term commitment. Results may take up to six months to notice, and if you stop using some products, your hair loss could begin again, so make certain you factor this into your decision. Certain prescription medications may be available for little to no cost when insurance is used, but come with side effects. Some may be reimbursable using an FSA or HSA. Other treatment plans may require using multiple products, which will increase the price overall.
- Medical consultation required: Only two hair loss drugs have been approved by the FDA, and only one (minoxidil, or Rogaine) is available over the counter. Without an official diagnosis from a medical professional, you will not have access to the full range of regrowth treatments. Hair loss has many causes and only a medical consultation can give you an official diagnosis.
- Insurance: Some treatments are available without a prescription. But many insurance plans may cover the cost of treatment with prescription medication. Of course, there are also many people who may not have or want to use insurance. In this case, there are options you can consider that make medication more affordable out-of-pocket (such as subscription plans or other discounts).
- Ingredients: Consider which of the active ingredients will be best for you and do further research on all side effects before making a commitment to one treatment. While not always common, some side effects can include sexual dysfunction, dry and itchy scalp, and rash, depending on the active ingredient. Other providers advertise all-natural solutions for hair loss, but these may not be as effective.
Key Considerations
Who Should Consider Hair Loss Treatment?
“Before considering hair loss treatment, it's important to talk to your doctor about possible causes and the best course of action,” says Lindsay Modglin, nurse and clinical research specialist. “Hair loss treatment takes several months to show visible results, and it's important to understand that treatment affects each person differently. Those with conditions specific to hair loss, such as male or female pattern hair loss, may benefit from treatment more than those with age-related hair loss.”
Is Hair Loss Hereditary?
A person's genetic makeup absolutely plays a role in hair loss, including genetic variants linked to a predisposition for baldness. “While hereditary hair loss can be more difficult to treat than other forms, it can be addressed," says Modglin. "Treatment may include medications such as minoxidil and finasteride, which can help slow or stop hair loss. Laser therapy can also be used to stimulate follicle growth in areas of baldness.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Do Hair Loss Treatments Work?
One of the most well-known OTC treatments for hair loss is minoxidil (Rogaine). This medication is thought to work by stimulating new hair growth through improved blood flow and cellular metabolism. Other treatments target scalp health in general, as poor scalp health can lead to hair damage and loss. In some cases, treating underlying conditions (such as hypothyroidism) can help reverse hair loss.
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What Happens If You Stop Hair Loss Treatment?
In cases where an underlying condition, medication, or nutrient deficiency is causing hair loss, treating that underlying factor may help stimulate hair growth and reverse baldness. But most hair loss treatment requires long-term use, so patience is vital. It takes months or longer to see results, and those results will often begin to fade if you stop using the product.
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Can You Permanently Treat Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a complex issue, and it's important to understand the cause before investing in treatment. A dermatologist can often help diagnose and suggest a course of action. Eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding harmful styling practices can all help improve scalp health and slow hair loss.
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How Long Does It Take for Hair to Grow Back?
Most patients using hair regrowth products will begin to see results within four to six months. One study looking at vitamin supplements to treat hair loss found that “all subjects reported significant improvements in baseline hair appearance/quality, volume/fullness, scalp coverage, thickness, and shedding at weeks four, eight, twelve, and twenty-four.”
Methodology
We evaluated over two dozen hair loss prevention and regrowth companies for this review. During the evaluation process, we considered multiple variables, such as cost, quality, efficacy, ease of use, and safety. We gave preference to the companies that offered a wide array of safe, effective products. For those that sell prescription strength products, we prioritized the ones that offered free doctor consultations.
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