Hims Hair Loss Review: We Tested the Non Prescription Treatment, and Here's What Happened
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Having reached my mid-30s, I no longer have my thick, youthful locks of hair. Going to the dermatologist can feel too intimidating or cost too much when you're just starting to look for hair regrowth options. So, if you're anything like me, you've probably spent a lot of time researching hair loss treatments, supplements and even serums.
Hims was one of the first telehealth brands that I looked into, not just because it provides hair loss treatments, but also because it specifically caters to men's health issues. Hims' Hair Loss Treatment purportedly helps hair become more “fuller-looking” without a prescription. The question is, how effective are its hair treatments, really?
To put its claims to the test, I tried the The Hims Hair Loss Kit, which Hims claims stimulates hair regrowth and promotes thicker-looking hair. I was amazed at how fast it worked, quickly helping me regrow hair in a short period of time.
To help me answer additional questions about the treatment, I interviewed Samuel Hetz, MD and Raj Dasgupta, MD. This Hims review will help you learn more about what the products do, how much they cost and if they could work for you, too.
This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.
Hims Non Prescription Hair Loss Kit at a Glance
- Designed to regrow hair and rejuvenate dead hair follicles
- Uses FDA-approved ingredients proven for hair loss, like minoxidil and finasteride
- Treatments are delivered to your door
- Online consultation without the need to leave the house
- Convenient auto-ship option
How Does Hims Work?
Getting started with Hims is pretty straightforward. You’ll answer a few simple questions about medical history on the website. Then, a licensed provider will review your information and recommend a treatment plan through a fast and easy questionnaire process. Many of Hims' products involve prescriptions or sessions with a professional, but they also offer OTC products like hair loss treatment—the one I was most interested in.
The company had a couple different options for getting started. Since hair loss treatments don’t work overnight (it will take a few months to see substantial results), the available plans vary. I had the option to sign up for a three- or five-month supply that would renew once either term ended. For those who are interested in trying out a product before committing to a subscription, there is also a one-time purchase option. Note that you can cancel at any time—just make sure to cancel your order at least 48 hours before the package ships so you don't get charged.
I chose to test the Hims Non Prescription Hair Loss Kit, which contains three products for daily use: the Hims Hair Regrowth Treatment topical solution, the Hims Thick Fix shampoo and the Hims Biotin Builder gummies dietary supplement.
Once you place your order, you can expect the product to arrive in a few days, depending on your location. Customer support is easy to communicate with through the help button on the website if the need arises.
The box is condensed and easy to manage. It has an immediately inviting allure thanks to the peachy-sandy color of the labels. All the information needed is neatly included to get started without much fuss, and it fits nicely onto any shelf or cabinet. It’s also lightweight and easy to travel with, which, as a frequent traveler, works out well for me.
Hims Pros
- Many products are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Hair loss treatment products are backed by clinical research
- Consultations can be set up within 24 hours
- All doctors are fully licensed to practice in their state
- Subscription is simple to cancel
- Shipping is free when signed up for a subscription
- Easily incorporated into your daily routine
Hims Cons
- When beginning the use of the minoxidil, it may cause initial hair shedding (should only last up to the first three weeks, and not everyone will experience it)
- Could become less budget-friendly over time since perpetual use is needed
- Products are not personalized, so they may not work for every person the same way
- Insurance not accepted at this time
Hims Non Prescription Hair Loss Kit Product Overview
Minoxidil Topical Treatment
The topical treatment in the men’s hair loss kit features minoxidil 5% as its main ingredient. “For men experiencing androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness caused by genetics and aging, minoxidil is an effective topical treatment to enhance hair growth,” explains Hetz. It’s considered a safe, over-the-counter (OTC) medication often utilized for treating hair loss, and it’s FDA-approved.
Minoxidil has been used to treat hair loss for decades, and for good reason. Studies show this ingredient may allow more oxygen and blood to flow to the hair follicle, which may help regrow hair. According to the National Library of Medicine, Minoxidil has been globally accepted for over 30 years as a hair loss medicine. As a note, hair growth lasts only as long as the product is used, so you must continue to use it if you want to sustain your hair growth.
In my experience, the minoxidil was quick and easy to apply to my scalp. I applied it to my scalp twice daily by holding the dropper over my head. It has a refreshing, cooling sensation when I apply it, and it tingles for a second, which feels kind of nice.
After several days of using the product, I saw a bit more hair loss than usual, mostly after washing my hair. However, I wasn’t too worried because it didn’t change the overall look of my hair too much. According to Hims, the hair that falls out is supposed to be dead or damaged hair that is already prone to falling out.
The extensive research on minoxidil alone made me curious about what it could do for me. In just four short weeks, I noticed the hair on my scalp had less patches and it felt fuller. As for negative side effects, I experienced none that would discourage me from using it in the future, and I am looking forward to continuing to use it.
Thick Fix Shampoo
The Hims Thick Fix Shampoo is a dermatologist-formulated product designed to give hair a fuller appearance. Its main ingredient, saw palmetto, is utilized for its potential to block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles in high levels. Though, more research is needed to fully understand how topical saw palmetto versus oral supplements work in isolation, explains Hetz.
The first thing I noticed about the shampoo was its pleasant smell. It lathers nicely and adds a luxurious touch to every nightly shower. I used this about three times a week as part of my hair-wash routine (Hims recommends two to three times a week), and although it’s hard to tell if it alone helped make a difference, adding it to my routine made me happy with how my hair looked.
Biotin Dietary Supplement
A 30-day supply of Biotin Builder Gummies comes in a condensed, clear container with a secure lid. The gummies list biotin, or vitamin B7, as their main ingredient supporting hair health. Naturally, vitamin B7 supports the enzymes in the body, including those responsible for hair and skin health, explains Hetz. “But there is certainly not enough evidence to support the claim that biotin can do anything to promote hair growth; simply, it is a nutrient that may support existing hair health.”
In addition to biotin, the gummies contain folic acid and vitamin D, which play key roles in a number of bodily functions, but there is insufficient evidence to show how they may help prevent hair loss. If you normally take a daily men's multivitamin, you may want to be aware of how many micronutrients you are taking in supplements each day and speak to your primary care doctor before adding a new vitamin. There is no warning not to take these with other supplements.
The supplement comes in cherry-flavored gummies that need to be taken orally once a day. As it turns out, I like the flavor because they don't taste synthetic like many gummy vitamins.
Like I mentioned, I was pleasantly surprised to see the hair fullness I achieved in such a short time, but it was hard to attribute it to any one product. I was taking these vitamins as part of the treatment, so I do believe that they contributed to my hair success—plus, gummies are always fun to consume.
Related Post: Are Gummy Vitamins Effective?
Other Hims products
For a comprehensive wellness routine, you can try some of Hims other products:
- ED/PE support
- Climax Delay Wipes
- Sleep Tight Gummies
- Hims Everyday Moisturizer
- Hard Mints (for ED)
- Anxiety and depression treatments
Currently, Hims does not offer vitamins to replace your current multivitamin, so you should consider that if it's something you're looking for.
Related Post: Best Multivitamins for Men Over 50
Hims Non Prescription Hair Loss Kit Cost
For $37, The Hims Non Prescription Hair Loss Kit is a reasonable solution to hair loss. If you want a comprehensive method of improving your thinning hair and bolstering what you already use in the way of wellness products, or you are looking to add something new to improve an aspect of your wellness, Hims is a comparatively affordable option.
If using a subscription method, people would spend about $37 each month, plus a $5 processing fee. Since an individual bottle of the dietary supplement Biotin Builder Gummies retails for $16, the shampoo for $19 and the topical minoxidil solution for $15, the savings is roughly $13.
Who Should Use Hims Hair Loss Treatments
Telehealth companies like Hims are usually a safe option for men who want easy, private access to healthcare, especially for things like ED or hair loss.
“[Telehealth companies] are helpful if you're busy or far from medical centers, too,” says Dasgupta. If you don't have any pre-existing health conditions and you're comfortable getting care from home, then Hims might be a good option for you.
Related Post: The 15 Best Supplements for Men
Who Should Not Use Hims Hair Loss Treatments
"Hims Hair Loss Kit might not work for everyone, especially if you have serious health issues or are taking certain medications," explains Dasgupta. "Always check the ingredients to ensure you don't have any known allergies or sensitivities to the contents."
Hetz adds, “If considering the prescription route for finasteride, it should be known that this product is not safe for women and children."
Main Causes of Hair Loss In Men
“The genetic condition androgenetic alopecia, also referred to as male pattern baldness, is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men,” says Hetz. He explains that as hair follicles become more sensitive to the hormone DHT, they begin to shrink, causing the hair to grow finer, thinner and shorter. “Unfortunately, due to its genetic nature, it is not preventable or curable with traditional treatment, and the only way to completely restore the hairline in these cases is through a hair transplant.”
Other causes of hair loss may include triggers from different external factors such as stress, medication, physical trauma and dietary changes. “The cause of this form of hair loss is telogen effluvium, where many follicles enter the ‘resting phase’ of hair growth, causing a noticeable amount of shedding," explains Hetz. “This kind of hair loss is temporary, so hair will usually start to grow back closer to average amounts.”
About Hims
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Hims & Hers Health, Inc. is a telemedicine company offering prescription and OTC drugs, personal hygiene products and sexual enhancement products. It was founded by Andrew Dudum, Jack Abraham, Joe Spector and Hilary Coles in 2017. Hims is a company that offers a broad spectrum of health and wellness products intended for use by men.
The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Its overall goal is to help people enhance their quality of life with personal care products and the right prescriptions—found easily and discreetly.
Hims products have been tested by an independent, FDA approved and ISO-accredited analytical laboratory to verify quality control.
Hims vs. Ro
Ro is a similar healthcare and telemedicine platform that offers affordable treatments, appointments and prescriptions for men and women. Both offer treatments for hair growth, skincare, sexual wellness and weight management. The main difference is that Ro offers treatments for a broader range of needs for both men and women, whereas Hims targets men's health and wellness issues. Hims also offers mental health prescriptions, while Ro does not.
Overall, the two brands offer similar hair regrowth and sexual wellness products, so the choice comes down to pricing, which you can determine after taking a quiz on each brand's websites. It's also worth noting that Hims has a higher average from customer reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Check out our Ro (formerly Roman) review for more insights on this wellness brand and its products.
Hims vs. Keeps
Hims has the advantage when it comes to its selection of treatments. Keeps focuses primarily on hair loss, whereas Hims offers a broader spectrum of healthcare products and services. Keeps also charges a fee for follow-up visits, while Hims offers unlimited follow-ups and more product bundles.
Check out our Hims vs. Keeps comparison for more insights on these two wellness brands and their products.
Hims Hair Loss FAQs
Do Hims hair products really work?
Hims hair loss treatments are made of ingredients like minoxidil and finasteride that are supported by research. Remember that to see results from Hims hair loss products, you need to use them consistently for a few months and follow your treatment plan. From personal experience, Hims works; I stuck to the routine and saw tangible results in regards to regrowing hair.
Do Hims hair loss products have side effects?
As with any medication, side effects can occur. Side effects of Hims hair loss treatments like minoxidil may cause allergic reactions and temporary hair loss. "Side effects of topical hair loss treatments are usually minor," explains Dasgupta. "You might experience scalp irritation, but stopping the treatment right away should reverse the effects."
Are Hims products FDA-approved?
Hims products include medications, including finasteride and minoxidil, that are FDA-approved.
What happens if you stop using Hims?
If your goal is to regrow lost hair, the Hims minoxidil regrowth topical solution will work while in continuous routine use. If you stop using the product, regrown hair will likely fall out over time.
How often should you use Hims products?
Most Hims products are intended for daily use.
Takeaway: Is Hims Worth It?
Hims has a successful track record in both telehealth and dealing with men's hair loss, both of which I find worth the cost. Hims products helped me regain a more appealing, full-haired look, and they also improved my quality of life and self confidence—and it took only a little extra investment of routine time and added budgeting. While everyone will have a different experience, I personally recommend Hims hair regrowth products due to its fair pricing and evidence-backed products.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
