Quick Answer
Yes, Hims can work for hair loss—but not because of Hims itself. The treatments Hims offers (finasteride and minoxidil) are FDA-approved medications with decades of clinical research supporting their effectiveness. Hims is simply a convenient telehealth platform to access these proven treatments. Results depend on your type of hair loss, how early you start treatment, and consistency.
If you're researching hair loss treatments, you've likely seen ads for Hims—the telehealth company that promises convenient access to hair loss medications delivered to your door. But does Hims actually work, or is it just clever marketing?
The short answer: the medications Hims offers are clinically proven to work for male pattern baldness. However, understanding what Hims actually provides, who it works best for, and what results to realistically expect will help you decide if it's the right choice for your hair loss situation.
Not Sure What's Causing Your Hair Loss?
Take our free assessment to identify your hair loss type and whether treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are right for you.
Take Free Hair Loss AssessmentWhat Hims Actually Offers
Hims isn't a hair loss treatment itself—it's a telehealth platform that connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe hair loss medications. Understanding this distinction is important: you're not paying for a proprietary "Hims treatment," you're paying for convenient access to the same medications any dermatologist could prescribe.
Hims Hair Loss Products
Hims offers several products for treating hair loss:
| Product | Active Ingredients | FDA Approved? | Prescription? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Finasteride | 1mg finasteride | Yes | Yes |
| Minoxidil Solution | 5% minoxidil | Yes | No (OTC) |
| Minoxidil Foam | 5% minoxidil | Yes | No (OTC) |
| Topical Spray | 0.3% finasteride + 6% minoxidil | No (compounded) | Yes |
| Supplement Chews | Biotin, vitamins B5, B6, C | N/A (supplements) | No |
Important Distinction
Hims' compounded products (like the topical spray combining finasteride and minoxidil) are not FDA-approved. While both ingredients individually are FDA-approved, the specific combination formulations haven't undergone FDA review. The oral finasteride and minoxidil products are the proven, FDA-approved options.
The Science: Do These Treatments Actually Work?
To understand if Hims works, we need to look at the medications it provides. Both finasteride and minoxidil have extensive clinical research supporting their effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
Finasteride Effectiveness
Finasteride is an oral medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone)—the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in men with genetic hair loss. Clinical studies show:
- 83% of men maintained or increased hair count after 2 years
- 66% of men showed visible hair regrowth
- Works best on the crown and mid-scalp; less effective for frontal hairline
- Takes 3-6 months to see initial results; full effects at 12-24 months
- Must continue taking it to maintain results—stopping leads to resumed hair loss within 12 months
Finasteride Success Rate
of men maintained or increased hair count after 2 years of finasteride use in clinical trials
Minoxidil Effectiveness
Minoxidil is a topical treatment (available as liquid or foam) that promotes blood flow to hair follicles and extends the growth phase of the hair cycle. Clinical research shows:
- 40% of men experience moderate to dense hair regrowth
- Prevents further loss in most users even without visible regrowth
- Works best on the crown/vertex; limited effectiveness on frontal areas
- Takes 4-6 months for visible results
- Initial "shedding phase" is common in first 2-4 weeks (temporary)
- Available over-the-counter (you don't need Hims to buy it)
Combination Therapy: The Most Effective Approach
Research consistently shows that combining finasteride and minoxidil produces better results than either treatment alone:
- Finasteride addresses the root cause (DHT) while minoxidil stimulates growth
- Studies show 94% of men maintain or improve hair with combination therapy
- Hims' topical spray combines both, though oral finasteride + topical minoxidil is the more researched combination
Who Hims Works Best For
Hims treatments will be most effective for certain types of hair loss. Understanding your hair loss type is crucial before starting any treatment.
Hims Works Well For:
- Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
- Early-stage hair loss (the earlier, the better)
- Crown/vertex thinning (best response area)
- Men who want prevention as much as regrowth
- Those who prefer telehealth convenience
Hims Won't Help:
- Alopecia areata (autoimmune hair loss)
- Telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding)
- Scarring alopecia (permanent follicle damage)
- Nutritional deficiencies (need to address root cause)
- Advanced baldness (minimal follicles remaining)
The Earlier You Start, The Better
Hair loss treatments work by maintaining existing hair and potentially regrowing recently lost hair. Once a follicle has been dormant for years, it's much harder to revive. Starting treatment at the first signs of thinning produces significantly better long-term results than waiting until hair loss is advanced.
Realistic Timeline: What to Expect
One of the biggest reasons people think "Hims doesn't work" is unrealistic expectations about how quickly results appear. Hair growth is a slow process.
Hims Treatment Timeline
Initial Phase
Possible increased shedding (especially with minoxidil). This is normal—weak hairs are pushed out to make room for new growth. Don't panic and stop treatment.
Building Phase
Little to no visible change yet. Medications are working at the follicular level. Shedding should stabilize. This is where many people give up prematurely.
Early Results
First signs of improvement may appear. Hair may look denser, shedding reduced. Some see baby hairs emerging. Progress varies significantly between individuals.
Visible Progress
Most responders see noticeable improvement by now. Hair appears thicker and fuller. Before/after photos show clear difference. Non-responders typically identified.
Peak Results
Maximum benefit typically reached. Continued use maintains results. This is your new baseline—stopping treatment will lead to resumed hair loss.
Hims vs. Other Options
Since Hims provides the same medications available elsewhere, comparing your options is worthwhile:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hims | Convenient telehealth, delivered to door, subscription model, provider messaging | Higher cost than generic, no phone support, limited customization |
| Dermatologist | In-person exam, accurate diagnosis, can identify other issues, treatment customization | Requires appointments, potentially longer wait times, higher office visit costs |
| Generic Rx | Lowest cost, same active ingredients, available at any pharmacy | Need prescription from doctor, no bundled services |
| OTC Only | No prescription needed (minoxidil), widely available | Limited to minoxidil, no finasteride access, less effective alone |
Potential Side Effects
Before starting any hair loss treatment, understanding potential side effects is important. Hims should discuss these with you during your consultation.
Finasteride Side Effects
Most men tolerate finasteride well, but potential side effects include:
- Sexual side effects (1-2% of users): decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculate volume—usually resolve after stopping
- Mood changes: Some reports link finasteride to depression or anxiety, particularly in younger men
- Breast tenderness: Rare, usually temporary
Recent Safety Information
A 2025 review found that finasteride may be linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger men. While finasteride remains effective and widely used, discuss your mental health history with your provider before starting treatment. Report any mood changes immediately.
Minoxidil Side Effects
Minoxidil side effects are generally mild and localized:
- Scalp irritation: Itching, dryness, flaking (more common with liquid than foam)
- Unwanted facial hair: If it drips onto face or is transferred via hands
- Initial shedding: Temporary increased hair fall in first 2-4 weeks
- Dizziness/rapid heartbeat: Rare, usually from excessive application
Cost Considerations
Hims pricing varies based on subscription options. Here's a general comparison:
| Product | Hims Price (approx) | Generic Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride (1mg) | $20-30/month | $5-15/month (Costco, GoodRx) |
| Minoxidil (5%) | $15-25/month | $10-20/month (Kirkland, generic) |
| Combo Spray | $50-85/month | N/A (compounded formula) |
Bottom line: You're paying a premium for convenience. If cost is a concern, getting a prescription from your doctor and using generic finasteride + store-brand minoxidil will be significantly cheaper with identical active ingredients.
Explore All Your Treatment Options
Understanding the full landscape of hair loss treatments helps you make the best decision for your situation and budget.
View Treatment ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions
Does Hims actually work for hair loss?
Yes, because Hims provides FDA-approved medications (finasteride and minoxidil) that have decades of clinical research proving their effectiveness for male pattern baldness. Studies show 83% of men maintain or increase hair count with finasteride. However, Hims won't work for other types of hair loss like alopecia areata or telogen effluvium.
How long does it take to see results from Hims?
Most men need 3-6 months to see initial results and 12-24 months for maximum benefit. Hair growth is slow—you're essentially waiting for hairs to complete a new growth cycle. The most common reason people think Hims "doesn't work" is stopping before giving it enough time.
Is Hims better than Keeps or Ro?
Hims, Keeps, and Ro all offer the same basic medications (finasteride and minoxidil) through telehealth platforms. The differences are mainly in pricing, subscription options, and user experience. Compare current prices and choose based on cost and convenience—the treatments themselves are identical.
Can I just buy minoxidil without Hims?
Yes, minoxidil (Rogaine and generics) is available over-the-counter at any pharmacy or store. You don't need Hims for minoxidil. Hims' main value is convenient access to prescription finasteride, which requires a doctor's order.
Will my hair fall out if I stop using Hims?
Yes. Both finasteride and minoxidil require continuous use to maintain results. If you stop, the protective effect ends and hair loss will resume. Within 6-12 months of stopping, you'll likely return to where you would have been without treatment.
Is Hims safe? Are there serious side effects?
The medications Hims provides are generally safe when used as directed. Finasteride causes sexual side effects in 1-2% of users, which typically resolve after stopping. Minoxidil mainly causes local scalp irritation. However, finasteride has been linked to mood changes in some users. Discuss your full medical history with the Hims provider.
Do Hims supplements work for hair loss?
Hims biotin supplements have minimal evidence for treating hair loss in people who aren't deficient in biotin. They may support overall hair health but won't stop male pattern baldness. The proven treatments are finasteride and minoxidil—supplements are largely marketing additions.
The Bottom Line
Does Hims work for hair loss? Yes—but with important caveats:
- Hims works because it provides proven medications (finasteride and minoxidil), not because of anything proprietary
- Results require patience (6-12+ months) and consistency
- It only works for male pattern baldness—not other hair loss types
- Earlier treatment = better results
- You're paying for convenience—the same medications are available cheaper through a dermatologist or generic prescription
If you have male pattern baldness and want a convenient way to access FDA-approved treatments without office visits, Hims is a legitimate option. If cost is a concern or you want a thorough in-person evaluation, seeing a dermatologist and using generic medications may be a better choice.
Most importantly, get started early. The biggest mistake people make with hair loss treatment is waiting too long. Whether you choose Hims or another route, the medications work best when follicles are still active—not after years of progressive thinning.
Learn more about comparing finasteride and minoxidil, explore all hair loss treatment options, or take our free assessment to understand your specific hair loss type.