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Hims is a telehealth company that provides prescription and nonprescription treatments for hair loss. These include minoxidil, finasteride, and thickening shampoo and conditioner.
Hims aims to combat the stigma that some people may feel about certain health conditions, such as hair loss, and make healthcare more accessible. Board-certified doctors will prescribe hair loss treatment if appropriate. Alternatively, people can purchase nonprescription medication directly from the company.
This article discusses how Hims works, the medications and products it sells, and some potential hair loss medication side effects.
Hims is a telehealth service that provides prescription and nonprescription medication.
There are board-certified doctors in all 50 states and in DC who can prescribe medications.
Hims also offers a money-back guarantee for customers who do not see new hair growth within 90 days.
Prescription medication
People must complete an online assessment about their health goals and concerns, such as hair loss or erectile dysfunction (ED). The company then connects a person with a board certified doctor.
The doctor will evaluate treatment options and prescribe medication if they believe it is necessary. Local pharmacies fill the prescription and ship it to the customer in discreet packaging.
People can ask the doctor further follow-up questions at any time. All additional virtual appointments have no extra cost.
Nonprescription treatments
People will need to log in to their account on Hims. Then, they can shop for nonprescription hair loss treatments, such as thickening shampoo and conditioner.
The company states it ships all products in discreet packaging.
Before using this service, people may wish to consider the pros and cons of Hims.
Pros
- This service offers a convenient way to purchase prescription medications.
- This service uses board certified doctors.
- Hims offers free shipping and discreet packaging.
- People can have additional consultations at no extra cost for all prescriptions.
Cons
- There is mixed evidence that some of Hims’ nonprescription treatments, such as the Biotin Gummy Vitamins, work for hair loss.
- Although most products are available as one-time purchases, some are only available via subscription.
Hims has accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and the website gives the company an A+ grade. However, the average customer rating on the BBB is 3.89 out of 5 stars. Hims has closed 517 complaints in the last 12 months.
On Trustpilot, the company has an average of 3.2 out of 5 stars from customers.
Positive reviews across these websites state that the company has excellent customer service and is convenient to use. Some people report that the products are high quality and work well for their health conditions.
However, those who left negative reviews stated that it is difficult to cancel subscriptions, with some saying they received charges for products they had canceled. Others report that the company continued to send them emails after they unsubscribed.
The following table describes the price of Hims’ hair loss products.
| Product | Prescription necessary | Best for | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride | yes | slowing hair loss | $22 |
| Minoxidil | yes | regrowing hair | $15 |
| Minoxidil Foam | yes | regrowing hair | $30 |
| Thick Fix Thickening Shampoo | no | making hair appear thicker | $19 |
| Thick Fix Thickening Conditioner | no | making hair appear thicker | $22 |
Hims offers some FDA-approved prescription medications for hair loss. In addition, people can purchase nonprescription treatments such as shampoos and conditioners. Below, we look at these products in more detail.
Several other companies, such as Roman and Keeps, offer hair loss treatment online.
| Hims | Roman | Keeps | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Products | • finasteride • minoxidil • thickening shampoo • thickening conditioner • biotin vitamins | • finasteride • minoxidil • topical spray • revive shampoo • revive conditioner • hair support supplement | • finasteride • minoxidil • thickening shampoo • thickening conditioner • thickening pomade • ketoconazole shampoo |
| Price | ranging from $15 to $39 per month | ranging from $16 to $50 per month | ranging from $11 to $80 per month |
| Online consultations | free initial consultation | free initial consultation | free initial consultation |
| Shipping | free in discreet packaging | free in discreet packaging | $5 per shipment |
Learn more about these brands here:
People who use hair loss products may experience some side effects.
Side effects of finasteride
- low sex drive (libido)
- erectile dysfunction
- a decrease in ejaculatory volume
- the enlarging of male breasts (gynecomastia)
Additionally, side effects of minoxidil
- increase in hair shedding
- skin discoloration and irritation
- scaly scalp
- allergic contact dermatitis
- increase in body hair
Minoxidil also interacts with other drugs. For example, taking cyclosporine and minoxidil together may increase the amount of body hair a person has, and taking aspirin at the same time can reduce the effectiveness of this medication.
Anyone concerned about hair loss should contact a doctor to discuss treatment options. Healthcare professionals will recommend treatments considering the severity of the hair loss and any other medications a person takes.
People should also contact a doctor if they experience any side effects from taking hair loss medication. Doctors may recommend stopping the medication and trying another treatment.
Here, we answer some common questions about Hims’ hair loss treatment.
Finasteride and topical minoxidil are FDA-approved for androgenic alopecia, or male-pattern hair loss. Both of these medications effectively treat this type of hair loss.
People will notice the initial effects of minoxidil 8 weeks after starting treatment, with maximum effects occurring after around 4 months.
People will notice a difference in their hair 4 months after using finasteride.
Hims states that its treatment can make the hair appear thicker and help prevent further hair loss.
There is evidence that the medications and the ingredients in Hims’ nonprescription treatments may help improve the appearance of a person’s hair. However, results may vary.
Certain Hims treatments, such as minoxidil, can regrow hair. It can take 3–6 months to see results, and hair loss can return if a person stops treatment.
Yes, Hims sells legitimate hair loss products. Several are FDA approved and require a prescription. Others contain ingredients that some research supports for hair loss. However, results may vary, and people should speak with a doctor about their hair loss before trying a treatment.
Hims is a telehealth company that offers prescription and nonprescription hair loss treatments. People can buy products as a one-time purchase or subscribe for monthly supplies.
However, medications such as finasteride and minoxidil can cause side effects, such as loss of libido and excess body hair. A person should always contact a doctor to discuss the best treatment options and share concerns about potential side effects.