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Keeps is an online, subscription-based telehealth service for people with male pattern hair loss. This review aims to help decide if Keeps is a good choice for you.

Androgenetic alopecia, known as male pattern hair loss when it occurs in males, affects up to 50% of people. Approximately 50% of white males will experience hair loss by the age of 50. Research suggests it may affect Asian and African American people less often.

This article describes Keeps’ products and reputation, plus some alternative treatments for male pattern hair loss.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

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Keeps is an online business based in the United States. While the company does not claim to provide a cure for male pattern hair loss, it states that its products can help combat symptoms.

Keeps’ products contain minoxidil and finasteride. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both of these ingredients for preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth in males.

The company says that a wealth of scientific research also supports the use of the ingredients contained in its products.

Reviews on the Keeps website are generally positive, with an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 5,400 reviews. The company offers a free initial consultation with a doctor. Reviewers highlight the convenience of this service, as consultations take place online.

Positive reviews also say that the service is affordable and that customers are confident in the company.

Negative reviews note that the products are only effective for male pattern hair loss, not for other types of hair loss. Others emphasize that the consultations are not live video calls and are not available in every state.

Some reviewers also express disappointment that insurance companies do not cover Keeps products.

Third-party website reviews

Keeps has an average rating of 1.92 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. However, the number of reviews is much more limited on BBB than on the company’s own website.

Most reviewers state that the company takes a long time to ship products and that it was difficult to get a consultation to renew their prescription. However, some comments praise the quality of Keeps’ products and suggest they can effectively address hair thinning.

Keeps has a low customer rating on Trustpilot at 1.9 out of 5 stars. There is also a much lower number of reviews on Trustpilot than on the company’s website.

Some customers wrote that they could not opt for a refund or leave a review on Keeps’ website. Others found the company kept billing them even after they canceled their subscriptions.

The Trustpilot page has a few positive reviews that mention the convenience of telehealth services.

Keeps is for people who are looking for products to manage male pattern hair loss.

Because the platform offers telehealth services, it may suit those who wish to consult a doctor without attending an in-person appointment. This could be an option for people who cannot easily access a doctor’s office due to location, health, or other reasons.

The first online visit is free. After starting treatment, individuals can contact Keeps’ medical team anytime.

Keeps offers an initial consultation with a licensed doctor, who reviews a person’s online responses to questions to determine the best treatment plan involving Keeps products.

According to the company, the Keeps smartphone app gives customers regular access to the doctor, who can answer any questions, monitor progress, and offer tips.

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

The Keeps medical team prescribes hair loss products based on individual symptoms. These treatments start at $10 per month.

People can find all the treatments on the Keeps website.

Best for a receding hairline: Finasteride pill

  • List price: $25 per month
  • Ingredients: 1 milligram (mg) of finasteride

Finasteride is an FDA-approved pill that blocks the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a sex hormone that contributes to hair loss.

Doctors may recommend taking finasteride daily with or without food if a person has a receding hairline.

The drug is only FDA-approved for men. According to MedlinePlus, pregnant people should not handle finasteride pills as they may harm the fetus.

Finasteride is sometimes available under the brand name Propecia.

Pros

  • works on receding hairlines
  • boosts hair regrowth

Cons

  • unsafe for females
  • can sometimes cause sexual side effects
  • may cause side effects such as depression or testicular pain
  • may interfere with prostate cancer laboratory tests
  • hair loss may return if a person stops treatment
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Best for hair thinning at the crown: Minoxidil solution

  • List price: $16.67 per month
  • Ingredients: 5% of minoxidil

This is a topical product that people apply directly to their scalp twice per day. It is a solution that comes with a dropper and helps slow down the process of hair loss.

It may benefit people who wish to treat hair loss at their crown and those looking to have thicker hair.

Keeps states that it may take 3–4 months to start noticing results. After starting treatment, the product may also cause shedding to remove and replace old strands.

Minoxidil is also available under the brand name Rogaine.

Pros

  • no need to shampoo hair before applying minoxidil
  • works on dry hair
  • has a dropper to help users apply the liquid
  • affordable monthly cost

Cons

  • may take up to 4 months to produce noticeable results
  • may cause palpitations, dizziness, and a skin rash in rare cases
  • may cause a change in hair color and texture
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Best for regrowing hair: Minoxidil foam

  • List price: $12.75–16.67 per month, depending on the subscription plan
  • Ingredients: 5% of minoxidil

Minoxidil foam can slow hair loss and allows new hair to grow. Keeps recommends applying it to the crown twice per day. It claims the foam can increase hair growth by up to 35%.

This product is for individuals who wish to thicken their hair and make it appear longer.

The company suggests that people may start noticing results within 4–6 months with regular use.

Customers can choose from a 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription plan, with longer plans giving greater discounts.

Pros

  • works on dry scalps
  • people do not need to shampoo their hair before the treatment
  • affordable monthly cost
  • the foam may be easier to apply

Cons

  • the product is unsafe for children
  • may cause side effects such as weight gain, itching, and rash
  • can take up to 6 months to show results
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Best for dandruff: Ketoconazole shampoo

  • List price: $10 per month
  • Ingredients: 2% of ketoconazole

Keeps offers 2% ketoconazole shampoo for people who have dandruff. It is available with a prescription and can treat flaking and itching.

People can use the shampoo two or three times per week. It may be best to let the product sit for 5 minutes on the scalp before rinsing.

The company claims that noticeable results may appear within 3 weeks. One bottle offers a 90-day supply.

The brand name of ketoconazole shampoo is Nizoral.

Pros

  • can treat dandruff
  • safe to use up to three times per week
  • safe for children under the supervision of a doctor

Cons

  • may cause tingling, dryness, or irritation
  • may take up to 3 weeks for results to appear
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Best shampoo: Thickening shampoo

  • List price: $22
  • Ingredients: biotin, saw palmetto, caffeine, and green tea

Keeps offers a thickening shampoo that may help maintain scalp and hair health and make the hair appear thicker. It may also keep the hair follicles clean.

Keeps states that the saw palmetto is a natural DHT blocker.

Individuals may combine this shampoo treatment with Keeps Thickening Conditioner.

Pros

  • consists of natural ingredients
  • paraben-free
  • may improve hair loss within 2 weeks
  • easy to use

Cons

  • may not work for everyone
  • does not increase actual hair growth
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Best conditioner: Keeps Thickening Conditioner

  • List price: $22
  • Ingredients: biotin, caffeine, and saw palmetto

Keeps suggests this product helps smooth hair and strengthens the cuticle layer.

It does not increase hair growth. Instead, the company states that it helps keep the scalp and hair healthy, which may encourage new growth. It also aims to make the hair appear thicker while keeping it smooth and manageable for styling.

Keeps writes that it does not contain harmful ingredients and is paraben-free.

A person can buy this conditioner with the Keeps Thickening Shampoo as a bundle.

Pros

  • may strengthen the cuticle layer of the scalp
  • smooths hair
  • contains natural ingredients
  • saw palmetto may help with hair loss

Cons

  • does not increase hair growth
  • only aims to make the hair appear thicker
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Best for styling: Thickening Pomade

  • List price: $8.33 per month
  • Ingredients: caffeine, saw palmetto, and biotin

Keeps Thickening Pomade is a styling product that makes the hair appear fuller.

It offers a matte finish if people apply it to dry hair. Applying it to wet hair should offer a shiny look.

Keeps writes that the product is free of ethanol and propylene glycol. Therefore, individuals can use it every day.

In addition, the company suggests that its Thickening Pomade product can enhance the benefits of other hair loss treatments.

This pomade will ship every 3 months.

Pros

  • ethanol and propylene glycol-free
  • safe for everyday use
  • can produce a matte or shiny finish
  • may help people style their hair to increase the appearance of fullness

Cons

  • may make the hair appear greasy
  • maybe sticky
  • does not treat or stop hair loss
  • unsuitable for styles that require a strong hold product
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The cost of Keeps will depend on the products and treatments a person chooses. The company sometimes runs promotions that lower the monthly cost of its products. Buying some products, such as shampoo and conditioner, in a bundle can also save a person money.

A person will sign up for a monthly subscription if they choose a Keeps treatment.

Below is an overview of the cost of each Keeps product:

  • Finasteride pill: $25 per month
  • Minoxidil topical solution, 5%: $11 per month
  • Minoxidil foam, 5%: $12.75–16.67 per month
  • Ketoconazole shampoo, 2%: $10 per month
  • Thickening shampoo, 8-ounce (oz): $22
  • Thickening conditioner, 8-oz: $22
  • Thickening pomade: $8.33 per month

Shipping and returns

Keeps charges a shipping fee for each delivery it sends out to subscribers.

The company’s pharmacy does not allow for returns, which means a person cannot receive a refund, even if they have not used the treatment.

However, Keeps does offer to replace any damaged or defective items free of charge.

Below are some general pros and cons of Keeps.

Pros

  • low cost treatments
  • discreet home delivery
  • FDA-approved medication
  • flexible treatment plans
  • wide range of treatments
  • includes styling products

Cons

  • does not accept insurance as payment
  • treatments have potential side effects
  • only treats male pattern baldness
  • consultations are not available in all states
  • hair loss is likely to return if treatment stops
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Hair loss is a normal occurrence, and people typically lose 50–100 strands each day.

Usually, once a hair strand falls out, a new one grows from the same follicle. Over time, some follicles stop producing new hair.

This tends to happen when people get older. Male pattern hair loss is progressive hair loss on the scalp after puberty in males. Research suggests it may affect up to 80% of males by the time they turn 80 and is typically genetic.

While hair loss can be a natural part of aging, a person may find it distressing, and it can affect self-esteem and confidence.

Learn more about the types and stages of balding here.

Hair loss medication

Finasteride and minoxidil may be able to treat male pattern hair loss.

Finasteride works by inhibiting certain enzymes that change androgens, a type of hormone, into DHT. High levels of this hormone can result in male pattern hair loss.

The FDA has also approved topical minoxidil for treating male pattern hair loss. This drug may promote hair growth and make the hair follicles thicker. People may start noticing a difference within 8 weeks of using minoxidil, which is often most effective after 4 months.

Side effects of hair loss medications

Like all drugs, these medications can cause side effects.

Possible side effects of finasteride include:

People do not always experience side effects of minoxidil, but possible ones include:

Learn about some of the best hair loss treatments here.

Male pattern hair loss is usually genetic, and continuous treatment is the primary prevention method.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests the following tips for managing hair loss alongside traditional medication:

  • Only allow trained professionals to color, perm, or chemically straighten hair.
  • Avoid overusing curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs, which can damage hair.
  • Be gentle when brushing or combing.
  • Quit smoking, if applicable, as smoking can worsen hair loss.
  • Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of iron and protein.

Many other remedies are available to combat hair loss. These include:

  • Caffeine lotions and shampoos: Some research suggests that using caffeine lotions and shampoos alongside minoxidil is more effective at hair retention than minoxidil alone. However, scientists need to carry out more studies to confirm this.
  • Capsaicin: This compound in red chili peppers promoted hair growth in 64.5% of one study’s participants.
  • Garlic gel: In another study, 95% of participants reported a mild to moderate increase in hair growth after using this gel.

Learn about other ways to prevent hair loss naturally here.

When looking into treatments for hair loss, it is important to consider several factors.

  • Cost: It is crucial to note all the costs involved. Keeps is a subscription service involving repeated payments. A person might consider the cost of using each medication involved without a subscription.
  • Alternatives: Other telehealth subscription services, such as Hims, offer similar services.
  • Insurance coverage: Most insurance companies consider minoxidil and finasteride cosmetic products and typically do not cover the cost.
  • Drug interactions and side effects: It is important to consult a medical professional before taking any new medications.
  • Treatment type: Some topical hair loss treatments can cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions. A person may wish to prioritize oral medications in this case. It is always best to consult a doctor before starting treatment and stop treatment in the case of a reaction or side effects.
  • Cause of hair loss: Because many health conditions cause hair loss, it is important to identify any underlying cause before trying a treatment.

Keeps states that telehealth services should not replace in-person visits. This means that people still need to let a doctor know if they are taking any medications, including those they receive from Keeps’ medical team.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends that individuals consult a doctor if they have sudden hair loss or scalp itching.

A doctor can determine the cause and suggest the best treatment.

Below we provide answers to commonly asked questions about Keeps.

Is Keeps legit?

Yes, Keeps is a legitimate website offering FDA-approved medication for hair loss. However, its reputation online is mixed, and none of its medications can stop hair loss from returning if a person stops using the products.

Is Keeps safe?

Before using telehealth services, people should read Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot reviews. Keeps has a lot of negative reviews that mostly concern shipping and customer service problems.

However, its medications have FDA approval, and the company offers personal consultations with fully licensed, independent doctors.

Are there side effects from Keeps medication?

Side effects from the medications that Keeps sells are uncommon.

However, finasteride can lead to symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and breast tenderness. Taking the medication can also increase the risk of prostate cancer and lead to allergic reactions.

In addition, topical minoxidil can cause an allergic reaction and lead to scalp itchiness, dryness, and flaking, among other side effects.

Does the Keeps treatment work?

Many people wishing to treat hair loss find success with minoxidil and finasteride. However, these products may not be the right treatment for everyone, and it may take a few months for people to notice visible results.

Additionally, hair loss may return if a person stops using these treatments.

Does Keeps protect my privacy?

Keeps claims it only shares private information with medical professionals and parties directly related to personal subscriptions. This data includes contact details, medical information, and images a person submits to the service. The Keeps privacy policy is available here.

Does Keeps accept insurance?

No, Keeps does not accept insurance. Finasteride and minoxidil are both considered cosmetic medications, so many insurance companies do not cover the costs. A person must pay for a monthly subscription to their chosen product.

Is Keeps the same as Rogaine?

Minoxidil, one of the products Keeps offers, is also available from other retailers under the brand name Rogaine. The company claims that its prices are lower than pharmacy pricing.

Hair loss often occurs with age, and many people experience male pattern hair loss. There are several ways to counteract this condition, and Keeps sells products for this purpose on a subscription basis.

A range of treatment options exists for male pattern baldness. It is important to consult a medical professional and do additional research, considering factors such as cost, before making a selection.