Keeps Review 2024: Do These Hair Loss Treatments Work?
Updated on
- Written by Lindsey Desoto, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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8.0
Quality
7.0
Brand’s Transparency
9.0
Value
Features
- Carries the only two FDA-approved medical treatments for hair loss
- Free initial consultation with a doctor
- Affordable prices
- Convenient
- Shampoo, conditioner, and styling products are available
Brand Information
- Established in 2018
- Expert-backed hair loss treatment
Medical Benefits
- Uses FDA-approved medications
- Helps male-pattern baldness
Male-patterned baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss among men, affecting an estimated 50 million men[1] in the United States.
The condition often causes low self-esteem, reduced confidence, and distress. The good news is that if you follow a healthy diet and act promptly, you may be able to protect yourself from further hair loss or even regrow your lost hair.
While many over-the-counter treatment options, such as Rogaine, are available, more men are turning to online subscription services to connect with healthcare professionals who can recommend a hair loss medication tailored to their unique needs.
This article reviews Keeps and the company’s top-selling products. It also explores other treatment options for male-pattern baldness.
About The Brand
In 2018, Keeps was founded by two friends — Steve Gutentag and Demetri Karagas — who found it extremely difficult to locate a true solution for their hair loss. Instead of accepting that no good treatment options exist, they created Keeps, one of the most affordable ways for guys everywhere to get an expert-backed hair loss treatment.
Since its creation, the company has helped hundreds of thousands of guys get their hair and confidence back. Upon joining, members have immediate access to top experts and treatments from the comfort of their own homes.
Every three months, you will receive daily products shipped to your door at a more affordable price than drug-store pricing. You’ll also have access to qualified healthcare providers to support you and answer any questions.
Top Bestseller Products Of Keeps In (April. 2024)
- Finasteride 1 mg – Editor’s Choice
- Minoxidil Solution 5% – Best Budget
- Minoxidil Foam 5% – Easy Application
- 2% Ketoconazole Shampoo – Best Shampoo
- Keeps Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner – Best Combo
- Thickening Pomade – Best Styling Cream
Does Keeps Really Work?
Yes, products sold by Keeps work for treating male-patterned baldness as long as you take them consistently and as your doctor recommends.
Reviews on Keeps’ website are very positive. The company has earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from verified customers, which is another good sign that its products work.
That said, many customers note that the products only work for male-pattern baldness and not other types of hair loss.
For best results, it is important to use products in conjunction with a healthy diet and/or proper vitamin and mineral supplementation if needed to ensure your nutrient needs are met. Inadequate consumption of overall calories, protein, and micronutrients may limit hair growth.
Pros
- Convenient online consultations with board-certified physicians (available in most states).
- Free initial consult.
- The subscription model helps you stay consistent with your hair care routine.
- Affordable, even without insurance.
Cons
- Treatments are only designed to work for male pattern baldness.
- Online medical consultations are not available in all states.
- Does not accept insurance.
- Individuals who are assigned female at birth are not eligible for treatment.
The Line Up At A Glance
Editor’s Choice
Finasteride 1 mg
- Scientifically proven to slow hair loss
- One tablet per day
- Affordable
Best Budget
Minoxidil Solution 5%
- More effective than 2% minoxidil
- Promotes hair regrowth
- Clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss
Easy Application
Minoxidil Foam 5%
- Mess-free application
- Promotes hair regrowth
- Clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss
Easy Shampoo
2% Ketoconazole Shampoo
- Prescription-grade shampoo
- FDA-approved to treat dandruff and itching
- May also help increase hair density
Easy Combo
Keeps Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
- No prescription required
- Contains ingredients that may support healthy hair growth
- Affordable
Best Styling Cream
Thickening Pomade
- Free of common scalp irritants
- Includes ingredients that may support healthy hair growth
- May help hair appear fuller
6 Best Keeps Product Reviews For Your Hair In 2024
Finasteride 1 mg
Keeps finasteride is a generic form of Propecia, a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to slow hair growth and reduce the spread of receding hairlines. It is taken daily as a 1-milligram tablet.
- Clinically proven to slow hair loss
- One tablet per day
- Affordable
- If you stop it, you may lose any hair that grew back
- May cause erectile dysfunction, loss of sexual desire, and other side effects
Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male-pattern baldness. It prevents the spread of receding hairlines and boosts hair growth. The medication is also commonly used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia or prostate gland enlargement.
Finasteride[2] works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT for short. It generally slows down hair loss but has the potential to completely stop hair loss in some individuals.
One study[3] noted that over 99% of men with male pattern baldness did not experience further hair loss during treatment with 1 milligram of finasteride. Moreover, 91.5% of participants receiving treatment experienced improved hair growth. The daily recommended dose to treat male-pattern baldness is 1 milligram daily.
It may take up to three months[4] before you notice any improvement in hair loss, and regrowth may slowly happen over time. If you do not see noticeable improvements within 12 months, the medication is unlikely to help your condition.
If you stop taking the medication, you will likely lose any hair that grew back when you were taking it.
Common side effects[2] of finasteride may include:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Difficulty having or maintaining an erection
- Swollen breast tissue
- Ejaculation problems
Minoxidil Solution 5%
Minoxidil solution 5% is a topical hair loss treatment approved by the FDA to promote hair regrowth in men experiencing hair loss.
- Easy to apply.
- No prescription is required.
- Clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss.
- 5% concentration, which is more effective at promoting hair regrowth and treating hair. loss
- May take several months before you notice results.
- Must be used topically twice daily.
- Some people may experience itching, redness, or scalp irritation after use.
Minoxidil, the generic form of Rogaine, was first launched in the 1980s to treat hair loss. It does not require a prescription and is approved by the FDA to treat male and female pattern hair loss.[5]
Research[6] shows that minoxidil and finasteride are up to 60% effective at preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth in individuals with male pattern hair loss.
Minoxidil solution is designed to be applied directly to the scalp every day. Minoxidil[7] is believed to work by stimulating the hair follicles and shortening the telogen (resting) phase, causing the hair to enter the anagen or growth phase prematurely. It may also increase the diameter and length of the hair in some individuals.
Clinical evidence[7] suggests that 5% minoxidil is more effective than 2% minoxidil at treating hair loss. It works best when applied to the crown of the head. Men should apply the 5% solution directly to the scalp twice daily.
According to Keeps, women should not use extra-strength minoxidil products. That said, most women can safely use 5% minoxidil but generally are instructed to apply it once daily[8] to avoid potential side effects such as headaches and dermatitis.
Minoxidil Foam 5%
Minoxidil foam is an excellent option if you are looking for an easy-to-use, FDA-approved topical hair loss treatment to promote hair regrowth.
- Dries quicker and is easier to apply than minoxidil solution.
- Less likely to cause scalp irritation.
- No prescription is required.
- Clinically proven to promote hair regrowth and treat hair loss.
- May take several months before results are noticeable.
- Must be used twice daily.
Like the minoxidil solution, minoxidil foam is designed to be applied directly to the areas of your scalp affected by hair loss. Though both forms are considered effective, there are a few key differences between the two.
For example, one recent 2019 review of studies[9] found that minoxidil foam allows for easy penetration of the medication and increased delivery of the active ingredient to the target site with less irritation when compared to minoxidil solution.
This topical treatment does not require a prescription and should be applied twice daily to the scalp where it dries quickly.
Topical minoxidil’s most commonly reported side effects[10] are scalp itching, dryness, scaling, flaking, burning, or irritation.
2% Ketoconazole Shampoo
Ketoconazole is an FDA-approved prescription shampoo used to treat flaking, itchiness, and dandruff.
- Helps treat dandruff, flaking of the scalp, and itchiness.
- Affordable.
- May help increase hair density and the size of hair follicles
- Not currently approved by the FDA to treat hair loss.
Ketoconazole is a prescription shampoo from Keeps and a generic version of Nizoral. Ketoconazole[11] manages and treats fungal infections like ringworms and athlete’s foot. It decreases scalp flaking, itching, and dandruff by controlling the fungus[12] often associated with dandruff.
One older[13] study found that 2% ketoconazole shampoo effectively increased hair density and the size of hair follicles. Researchers found it to be nearly as effective as minoxidil.
Another recent study[14] concluded that ketoconazole significantly stimulates hair growth, though it is less effective than minoxidil. It is believed to have anti-androgenic properties and can reduce scalp inflammation, supporting hair health. Still, more research is needed.
Keeps Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
Keeps Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner is an over-the-counter bundle created by hair-loss experts to make thinning hair appear thicker and support healthy hair growth.
- Contains ingredients that support healthy hair growth.
- No prescription is needed.
- May improve hair appearance.
- Not FDA-approved to treat hair loss.
Keeps Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner was developed by leading hair-loss experts and is formulated with natural ingredients to complement your ongoing Keeps treatment.
Keeps Thickening Shampoo is designed to keep your hair follicles clean and healthy, which may help your hair appear thicker and fuller.
Keeps Thickening Conditioner is designed to strengthen the cuticle layer of the scalp, supporting healthy growth and helping keep your existing hair smooth. Both products contain biotin, caffeine, saw palmetto, and green tea.
Studies[15] show that caffeine can easily penetrate the skin barrier and effectively protects against hair loss in men and women with androgenic alopecia when applied topically.
Additionally, saw palmetto[16] may help lower DHT levels, unclog hair follicles, and aid in hair regrowth.
Biotin[17] stimulates keratin production, which can contribute to healthy hair growth. However, further research is needed on its effectiveness when applied topically.
Thickening Pomade
Keeps Thickening Pomade is a styling product created by the expert advisors at Keeps to create thicker, fuller-looking hair.
- Free of chemicals that may cause scalp irritation.
- Helps complement your ongoing Keeps treatment.
- Contains ingredients that may support healthy-looking hair.
- Not approved by the FDA to treat hair loss.
Keeps Thickening Pomade contains ingredients like saw palmetto, biotin, caffeine, and green tea, which are intended to complement your ongoing Keeps treatment regimen.
While the FDA does not approve this product to treat or prevent hair loss, the ingredients present may help promote healthy, fuller-looking hair.
For example, there is some evidence to suggest that green tea may help support hair regrowth. One small, older study[18] found that applying topical green tea-derived epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG extract to the scalp may significantly increase hair growth activity.
It is believed that EGCG present in green tea may help stimulate hair follicles and prevent damage to the skin cells and hair.
This pomade provides a medium hold with a matte finish and is free of gluten, ethanol, and propylene glycol.
While chemicals like propylene glycol[19] do not pose a significant health risk, they may cause scalp irritation and itching in some individuals.
How Keeps Works & Treatment Options
When first visiting the website, you will be presented with several treatment options based on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. The treatment options are as follows:
- Finasteride & Minoxidil: This is the most popular treatment option and works best for reducing overall loss and helping with hair regrowth. This combination includes a daily prescription tablet and minoxidil foam or solution.
- Finasteride: Keeps recommends this option for a receding hairline. It can help reduce hair loss along the hairline, crown, and vertex.
- Minoxidil: This treatment option is best for someone who is experiencing hair thinning at the crown. It is a good option if you are trying to grow thicker, longer hair on the crown and vertex. Choose between minoxidil foam or solution.
If you are unsure which option is best for you, you can answer a few quick questions, and Keeps will recommend a plan tailored to your needs.
A doctor will review your information within 24-48 hours and get back to you with a personalized treatment plan and prescription. It must be noted that some states require you to have a phone call with a doctor to obtain a prescription, and you must submit a government-issued photo identification card.
Individuals under 18 years old or who are assigned female at birth are not eligible for treatment.
If you have any questions or side effects during treatment, you can message a doctor through Keeps. You can also schedule a time to speak with a Keeps doctor over the phone.
Once you sign up for Keeps, your subscription will automatically renew every three months so that you will never run out of treatment. Current customers can adjust their subscription or refill date by calling or texting Keeps.
How Much Does Keeps Cost?
The initial consultation with a doctor is free of charge. After that, a Keeps annual doctor consultation costs just $5. Normally, patients only need one visit with their doctor each year.
Since Keeps operates on a subscription model, you will pay for three months of products at a time. Below are Keeps prices as of April 2024.
- Finasteride and Minoxidil solution bundle: $72 for the first three months, then $108 for the following three months
- Finasteride and Minoxidil foam bundle: $83.33 for the first three months, then $125 for the following three months
- Finasteride only (90 tablets): $50 for the first three months, then $75 for the following three months
- 5% Minoxidil solution only: $22 for the first three months, then $33 for the following three months
- 5% Minoxidil foam only: $33.33 for the first three months, then $50 for the following three months
- 2% Ketoconazole shampoo: $19.50 for the first three months, then $30 every three months
- KeepsThickening Shampoo and Conditioner bundle: $28.60 for the first three months, then $44 every three months
- Keeps Thickening Pomade: $16.25 for the first three months, then $25 every three months
Shipping costs $5 per shipment. Keeps pharmacy does not accept returns, so a person cannot receive a refund, even if the product is unused.
What Do We Like About Keeps?
Keeps offers an affordable alternative to name-brand hair loss products. The company offers free virtual consultations, ongoing support, and guidance from a licensed medical provider to assist you on your hair loss journey, all from the comfort of your home.
Most importantly, Keeps uses clinically proven treatments with FDA-approved products with numerous scientific studies backing their effectiveness in treating male-pattern baldness.
All products are shipped and delivered directly to your door for added convenience.
Alternatives To Keeps
Hims
- FDA-approved hair loss options are available.
- Free online consultation.
- 90-day money-back guarantee.
- Poor customer rating on the Better Business Bureau.
Roman
- Free shipping.
- Free, unlimited virtual follow-ups with a licensed healthcare provider.
- Offers FDA-approved hair loss options.
- Some products are slightly more expensive than Keeps.
Lemonaid Health
- Offers treatment for several men’s health conditions.
- Free shipping.
- Finasteride is available.
- Limited product selection.
- Consultations cost $25.
Keeps Hair Loss Reviews: What Do Customers Say?
Keeps’ website has over 5,400 customer reviews, with a 4.7 out of 5-star rating. Here is a look at what verified buyers are saying.
I started taking the pills about six months ago, and my hair stopped shedding. Moreover, friends have said that my hair looks thicker. I’m not sure if it really grows new hair, but it does thicken up my current hair and stop the shedding.
Dillon
Since taking the product, my hair is growing back. Wish it would work faster, but definitely have results.
Robert
Additionally, Keeps has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Of note, on the Better Business Bureau website, Keeps has a consumer rating of 2.15 out of five stars, which is concerning.
Most of the negative Keeps hair growth reviews mention errors with billing and the company’s customer service team. The company has responded appropriately to all Keeps’ hair loss reviews and has offered refunds to customers when appropriate.
Final Thought
Hair loss is a common issue that many men of all ages and backgrounds face. If you suffer from male-pattern hair loss, there are FDA-approved treatment options to promote hair growth and improve your hair quality.
Keeps offers various clinically-proven hair loss solutions through their subscription service. The company also offers a free initial consultation and ongoing support from a licensed healthcare professional from the comfort of your own home.
If you are unsure if Keeps is for you, consult a healthcare provider and continue researching before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Keeps is a legitimate company that offers clinically proven treatment plans to ensure your hair is as healthy as possible. All products are backed by research and are similar to what your healthcare provider may prescribe after an in-office visit.
No. Insurance does not cover your hair loss treatments or consultations for treatment as they are considered cosmetic, and hair loss generally does not affect your daily activities.
Medications sold by Keeps are approved by the FDA and considered safe. Some people taking finasteride may experience side effects,[20] including decreased sexual desire, difficulty having or maintaining an erection, and swollen breast tissue. The medication may also increase a person’s risk for prostate cancer.
According to Keeps, it may take four to six months before you start to notice results. It’s important to stay consistent with your treatment plan for the best results. If you stop treatment, you may gradually lose any hair you’ve regrown.
Keeps products are effective for male pattern baldness. According to the company’s website, most customers are satisfied with their results. However, there have been some complaints of poor customer service from existing customers.
+ 20 sources
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- Yanagisawa, M., Hiroshi Fujimaki, Takeda, A. and Sato, A. (2019). Long-term (10-year) efficacy of finasteride in 523 Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia. [online] ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337105943_Long-term_10-year_efficacy_of_finasteride_in_523_Japanese_men_with_androgenetic_alopecia.
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Written by:
Lindsey Desoto, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
