Keeps is an online, subscription-based telehealth service for people with male pattern hair loss. This review aims to help you decide if it is a good choice for you.
Androgenetic alopecia, known as male and female pattern hair loss, affects
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.
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
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 6,000 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 1.11 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. However, this is based on only 71 reviews, which is much lower than 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 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 at any time.
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 a doctor, who can answer any questions, monitor progress, and offer tips.
The Keeps medical team prescribes hair loss products based on individual symptoms. Treatments start at $10 per month.
People can find all the treatments on the Keeps website.
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.
Shipping and returns
Keeps charges a shipping fee for each delivery it sends 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
Hair loss is common. In fact, people typically lose 50 to 100 strands each day.
Usually, new hair grows from the same follicle once a hair strand falls out. 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
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.
Hair loss medication
Finasteride and minoxidil may be able to treat male pattern hair loss.
Finasteride works by
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
Side effects of hair loss medications
Like all drugs, these medications can cause side effects.
Possible
- decrease in libido
- erectile dysfunction
- decrease in semen volume
- increased development of breast tissue
People
- an initial increase in hair shedding
- allergic contact dermatitis
- excessive hair growth
Learn about some of the best hair loss treatments.
Male pattern hair loss is
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
- 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.
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.
People should consult a doctor if they have sudden hair loss or scalp itching.
A doctor can determine the cause and suggest the best treatment.
Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about Keeps.
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.
Before using telehealth services, people should read independent reviews, like those on the BBB website.
Keeps has many negative reviews that mostly concern shipping and customer service difficulties.
However, its medications have FDA approval, and the company offers personal consultations with fully licensed, independent doctors.
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.
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.
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 on the company’s website.
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.
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.
Various 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.
