Does Hims work for hair loss?
It’s 3 AM, and you’re standing in front of the bathroom mirror again. Your fingers trace the familiar pattern of thinning hair that seems to expand a little more each month. You’ve scrolled through countless before-and-after photos online, wondering if those telehealth hair loss companies actually deliver on their promises.
If you’ve been considering Hims for your hair loss concerns, you’re not alone. Thousands of men are turning to direct-to-consumer hair loss solutions, hoping to avoid awkward doctor visits while still getting professional-grade treatment.
But here’s the million-dollar question: does Hims actually work for hair loss?
Let’s dive deep into the science, real user experiences, and everything you need to know before making this important decision for your hair—and your wallet.
What Is Hims and How Does It Promise to Tackle Hair Loss?
Hims is a telehealth company that launched in 2017, revolutionizing how men access hair loss treatments. Instead of scheduling uncomfortable in-person consultations, you can get prescription medications delivered directly to your door after completing an online assessment.
Think of it as the Netflix of hair loss treatment—convenient, discreet, and designed for the modern guy who values his time and privacy.
The Science Behind Hims Hair Loss Products
Hims hair loss results center around two FDA-approved powerhouse ingredients:
- Finasteride (Propecia): A once-daily pill that blocks DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Available as foam, liquid, or spray that stimulates blood flow to hair follicles
Hims topical spray for hair loss combines both ingredients into a convenient once-daily application, targeting the four main zones of hair loss: the crown, top of head, and both sides of a receding hairline.
Hims states that 90% of people in a 2019 clinical trial experienced hair regrowth after using finasteride.
Users of HIMS hair loss treatments have reported improvements in hair density, particularly at the crown of the head. Before and after photos show how new hair has regrown after consistent use of Minoxidil and Finasteride over 6-12 months.
How Long Does Hims Take to Work? Setting Realistic Expectations
How long does Hims take to work is probably your most pressing question.
Here’s the honest timeline:
Month 1-2:
- Some initial shedding is normal (and actually a good sign!)
- That’s actually a sign it’s working! But while minoxidil starts working right away, it can take two to four months before you see major results.
Month 3-6:
- Clinically proven to regrow hair in 3-6 months, no pills required
- This is when most users start noticing visible improvements
- Hair density begins improving at the crown
Month 6-12:
- Significant results become apparent
- A newer study from 2015 published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy found that 80 percent of the 450 men with pattern hair loss who used finasteride displayed improvements over the course of 12 months.
The patience factor: Hair growth is like watching grass grow—it happens, but you need consistency and realistic expectations.
Hims Hair Regrowth Success Rate: What the Numbers Actually Show
Let’s talk numbers because Hims hair regrowth success rate varies depending on which treatment you’re using:
Finasteride Success Rates:
- Overall effectiveness: 90% of people experienced hair regrowth in clinical trials
- 12-month results: 80 percent of 450 men showed improvements over 12 months
Minoxidil Success Rates:
- Crown improvements: Most visible results occur at the crown of the head
- Timeline: 100 percent improvement. This means all participants showed some improvement in hair in one study tracking vertex progress
Reality check: Success doesn’t always mean a full head of hair. For many users, “success” means slowing hair loss and achieving moderate regrowth, especially at the crown.
Hims Oral Finasteride Effectiveness vs. Topical Options
Hims oral finasteride effectiveness has decades of research behind it, but the company also offers topical alternatives.
Oral Finasteride:
- Pros: Systemic effect, convenient once-daily pill
- Cons: Higher risk of sexual side effects
- Best for: Men comfortable with oral medication who want maximum effectiveness
Topical Finasteride + Minoxidil Spray:
- Pros: Most common side effects typically occur at the site of medication application (scalp) which can include itching, irritation or a dry flaky scalp
- Cons: Daily application required, potential scalp irritation
- Best for: Men who want to minimize systemic side effects
The topical option is newer and appeals to guys who want the benefits of finasteride without the oral medication’s potential impact on sexual function.
Hims vs Keeps for Hair Loss: The Head-to-Head Comparison
Hims vs Keeps for hair loss is a common debate among men researching telehealth options.
Hims Advantages:
- More product variety (including topical finasteride)
- Comprehensive men’s health platform
- Competitive pricing with subscription flexibility
Keeps Advantages:
- Longer track record in hair loss specifically
- Slightly more personalized treatment plans
- Strong customer service reputation
The winner? It often comes down to personal preference and which platform’s approach resonates with you. Both companies use the same FDA-approved ingredients, so effectiveness is similar.
Hims Hair Loss Side Effects: The Uncomfortable Truth
Hims hair loss side effects are a crucial consideration that many marketing materials gloss over.
Common Side Effects:
Finasteride (Oral):
- Clinical trials found that 1.8 percent of men who took finasteride experienced decreased libido compared to 1.3 percent of those who took a placebo.
- Some people experienced side effects in the form of impotence, decreased libido, and ejaculatory dysfunction during 73 different clinical trials, it only affected 2.1% to 3.8% of people taking finasteride.
Topical Treatments:
- Most common side effects typically occur at the site of medication application (scalp) which can include itching, irritation or a dry flaky scalp.
Recent FDA Concerns:
According to the agency, users of compounded topical finasteride reported side effects similar to those associated with the oral form of the drug, including depression, fatigue, insomnia, and decreased libido.
Important note: The FDA warning is about a topical spray version of finasteride, a drug often sold online by telehealth companies like Hims, Keeps and Ro regarding unapproved formulations.
Most men don’t experience significant side effects, but it’s crucial to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.
Is Hims Worth It for Thinning Hair? The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Is Hims worth it for thinning hair? Let’s break down the investment:
Monthly Costs:
- Finasteride only: ~$30-50/month
- Topical spray combo: ~$80-120/month
- Complete regimen: ~$100-150/month
Value Proposition:
- Convenience: No doctor visits, discreet delivery
- Professional oversight: Licensed providers review your case
- Flexibility: Easy to pause, modify, or cancel
The reality: Hair loss treatment is a long-term commitment. You’re looking at $1,000+ annually, and stopping treatment means losing any gains you’ve made.
Also read: – Does radiation cause hair loss
Hims Hair Loss Products Pros and Cons: The Balanced View
Hims hair loss products pros and cons breakdown:
Pros:
- Convenience: Online consultations and home delivery
- FDA-approved ingredients: Using proven medications
- Multiple options: Oral, topical, and combination treatments
- Professional oversight: Licensed healthcare providers involved
- Discreet: No awkward pharmacy pickups
Cons:
- Cost: More expensive than generic alternatives
- Subscription model: Easy to forget about recurring charges
- Limited physical exams: No in-person assessment
- Side effect management: Harder to get immediate help if issues arise
- Not a cure: Requires lifelong use to maintain results
Expert Hair Restoration: The Alloroots Advantage
While telehealth solutions like Hims offer convenience for early-stage hair loss, sometimes you need more than pills and sprays.
Alloroots represents a different approach to hair restoration—one rooted in surgical expertise and personalized care.
Led by Dr. Alok Kumar Sahoo, an MD in Dermatology from AIIMS New Delhi with over 2,000 successful hair transplant surgeries, Alloroots specializes in permanent hair restoration solutions.
Why Consider Professional Hair Transplantation?
When medications aren’t enough: If you’ve tried treatments like Hims for 12+ months without satisfactory results, or if your hair loss is too advanced for medical therapy alone, hair transplantation might be your best option.
The Alloroots difference:
- No daily medications required after the procedure
- Permanent results using your own hair follicles
- Natural appearance with proper angle, direction, and depth control
- 90% graft viability rate compared to industry average of 50%
- Minimal scarring with advanced techniques
Expert team: Alloroots features a panel of MD Dermatologists and Hair Transplant Surgeons from AIIMS, New Delhi, bringing decades of combined experience to your hair restoration journey.
Multiple locations: With clinics in Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, and Uttarakhand, USA, Alloroots makes expert hair restoration accessible across India.
While Hims focuses on stopping hair loss, Alloroots creates lasting transformations that don’t require lifelong medication dependence.
The Bottom Line: Does Hims Actually Work?
Does Hims work for hair loss? The answer is nuanced.
Yes, Hims works for many men who:
- Have mild to moderate hair loss
- Start treatment early in their hair loss journey
- Commit to consistent, long-term use
- Have realistic expectations about results
Hims might not be ideal if you:
- Have advanced hair loss
- Want immediate, dramatic results
- Are concerned about ongoing costs
- Prefer in-person medical consultations
- Have a history of medication side effects
The success formula: Consistency + patience + realistic expectations = better outcomes.
Remember, hair loss treatment is highly individual. What works for your buddy might not work for you, and vice versa.
The key is taking action early rather than waiting until your options become more limited.
Whether you choose telehealth solutions like Hims for convenience or expert surgical restoration through clinics like Alloroots for permanent results, the most important step is the first one.
Ready to explore your hair restoration options? Consider consulting with both medical and surgical experts to understand the full spectrum of solutions available. Your future self—and your confidence—will thank you for taking action today, and does Hims work for hair loss might just be the beginning of your hair restoration journey.
Ready to take control of your hair loss? Whether you’re considering telehealth solutions like Hims or exploring surgical options with expert clinics like Alloroots, the key is starting your journey today. Connect with qualified professionals who can guide you toward the most effective treatment for your specific needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How quickly can I expect to see results from Hims hair loss treatments?
Most users start noticing improvements between 3-6 months of consistent use. Initial shedding in the first 1-2 months is normal and often indicates the treatment is working. Maximum results typically appear after 12 months of continuous treatment.
Q: Are Hims hair loss treatments safe for long-term use?
FDA-approved ingredients like finasteride and minoxidil have extensive safety data for long-term use. However, some users may experience side effects. It’s important to work with healthcare providers and report any concerns promptly during your treatment journey.
Q: What happens if I stop using Hims hair loss products?
Stopping treatment will gradually reverse any gains made. Hair loss typically returns to its pre-treatment pattern within 6-12 months. This is why hair loss treatment requires ongoing commitment to maintain results achieved.
Q: Can I use Hims products with other hair loss treatments?
Combining treatments should only be done under professional guidance. Some combinations may increase side effect risks or reduce effectiveness. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding new treatments to your regimen.
Q: Is Hims more effective than over-the-counter alternatives like Rogaine?
Hims uses the same active ingredients as over-the-counter options but offers convenience, professional oversight, and combination formulations. The effectiveness is similar, but the comprehensive approach and convenience factor make Hims appealing to many users.
Dr. Alok is a renowned Pan India Hair Restoration Surgeon with an MD in Dermatology & Venereology from AIIMS, New Delhi. With over 3000 successful hair transplants to his name, he has transformed the lives of thousands across the country, providing expert hair care with a focus on integrity, precision, and personalized solutions. His vast experience and commitment to excellence make him a trusted leader in the field of hair restoration.
