Most people waste months and money on the wrong thing because they never figured out how far their hair loss had actually progressed. That single gap costs real time, since the evidence-backed treatments take three to six months minimum to show anything, and starting late at the wrong stage just makes the delay worse.
Here is what I found after going through every major option.
1. HairLine AI (Free AI Staging Tool)
Before you spend a dollar, you need to know your Norwood stage. HairLine AI does that for free, right in your browser, with no account required. You hold up your webcam or drop in a photo, and the tool maps your facial geometry, classifies your stage, and spits out a graft estimate and rough cost range on a results dashboard. It runs on Gemini 3 Pro under the hood, so the classification is not some quiz with three questions and a sales pitch at the end. It is a genuinely neutral read.
It does not prescribe anything. It does not sell pills. What it does is give you an objective starting point so you walk into any clinic or telehealth conversation already knowing your stage rather than guessing.
2. Hims
Hims is the one major telehealth player offering topical finasteride, which matters because topical delivery may reduce systemic absorption compared to oral. They also carry oral finasteride, oral and topical minoxidil, and combination plans. The range is genuinely the widest in the telehealth space right now. Pricing varies by plan, but the combo subscriptions add up fast.
3. Keeps
Keeps focuses specifically on hair loss, which keeps their product list tight: finasteride and minoxidil, the two treatments with the strongest evidence behind them. Three-month plans bring the per-unit cost down, and shipping runs about $5. If you already know what you need and want a no-frills subscription, Keeps is worth a look.
4. Happy Head
Happy Head writes custom topical compound prescriptions, mixing finasteride, minoxidil, and other actives into a single formula. Custom compounding is not automatically better, but for people who react poorly to oral finasteride or want to consolidate steps, a personalized topical is a real option here rather than a marketing claim.
5. Roman (Ro)
Roman offers generic oral finasteride and topical minoxidil solution. No foam, no topical finasteride. The platform is general men’s health, not hair-specific, so the experience feels broader. If you are already using Roman for something else, adding hair loss treatment is convenient. As a standalone hair loss destination, the range is narrower than Hims or Keeps.
6. BosleyRx / Bosley
Bosley’s background is surgical: they have been doing hair transplants for decades. BosleyRx extends that into Rx medications. The transplant heritage means their consultants understand advanced-stage loss better than most telehealth-only services. Worth considering if you are already thinking about whether surgery makes sense alongside medication.
7. OTC Staples: Generic Minoxidil, Ketoconazole Shampoo, Derma-Rolling
These are not glamorous. Generic minoxidil (the same active as Rogaine) costs a fraction of branded versions. Ketoconazole shampoo has some supporting research for scalp health. Derma-rolling at 0.5mm to 1mm has early evidence suggesting it may improve minoxidil absorption. None of these replace finasteride for androgenic alopecia, but they are low-cost additions with reasonable rationale.
8. Keranique
Keranique is OTC, formulated for women, and built around 2% minoxidil. The FDA has approved 2% minoxidil for women with androgenic alopecia. The brand includes shampoos and conditioners in the line, though the minoxidil itself is the active piece. Women considering higher-strength options should talk to a dermatologist first.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Type | Rx Required | Finasteride | Cost Range |
| HairLine AI | AI staging tool | No | N/A | Free |
| Hims | Telehealth | Yes (Rx items) | Oral + topical | Varies by plan |
| Keeps | Telehealth | Yes (Rx items) | Oral | ~$5 shipping, subscription |
| Happy Head | Telehealth | Yes | Topical compound | Prescription plan |
| Roman | Telehealth | Yes (Rx items) | Oral only | Subscription |
| BosleyRx | Telehealth + clinic | Yes | Oral | Varies |
| OTC Staples | Retail / OTC | No | No | Low |
| Keranique | OTC (women) | No | No | Low to mid |
FAQ
How long do hair regrowth treatments actually take?
Most people see meaningful change at the four-to-six month mark, and peak results often take a year or more. Anyone promising faster results is overstating what the science shows.
What happens if I stop taking finasteride or minoxidil?
The hair loss returns. Both treatments require ongoing use to maintain any gains. That is not a flaw in the products; it is just how androgenic alopecia works.
Does finasteride have side effects?
A minority of users report sexual side effects including reduced libido or erectile changes. The percentage is low in clinical trials, but it is real and worth discussing with a doctor before starting.
Can I use an AI staging tool instead of seeing a dermatologist?
No. An AI Norwood estimate is a useful starting point for understanding your situation, not a clinical diagnosis. A dermatologist can rule out other causes of hair loss and guide you toward the right treatment for your specific case.
Are women’s options different from men’s?
Yes. Finasteride is not approved for women with androgenic alopecia in the same way, and it is contraindicated during pregnancy. Minoxidil 2% is the standard OTC option for women. A dermatologist can discuss prescription alternatives if OTC options are not sufficient.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: clinical recommendations for diagnosing and managing androgenetic alopecia
- National Institutes of Health / MedlinePlus: finasteride and minoxidil monographs
- FDA drug database: minoxidil and finasteride approvals and labeling
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: published trials on minoxidil, finasteride, and derma-rolling for hair loss
