Hims vs Keeps vs Roman vs Happy Head: Ultimate 2025 Comparison
The telehealth hair loss market has exploded. What started with Hims disrupting traditional dermatology has evolved into a complex ecosystem where differentiation is no longer just about "getting the pill"—it's about how you get it, what form it comes in, and how much you pay.
This guide breaks down the four major platforms based on real pricing, product formulations, user experience, and who each platform serves best. No fluff. Just data.
Quick Winner Summary
Best Overall: Hims (variety + convenience)
Best Budget: Keeps (lowest prices)
Best for Customization: Happy Head (8% minoxidil formulas)
Best for Oral Minoxidil: Roman/Ro (competitive pricing)
The Comprehensive Comparison Table
| Feature | Hims | Keeps | Roman (Ro) | Happy Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Finasteride | ~$22/mo | ~$27/mo CHEAPEST | ~$20/mo | ~$24/mo |
| Topical Minoxidil | ~$15/mo | ~$11/mo BEST VALUE | ~$16/mo | N/A (custom only) |
| Custom Topical (Fin+Min) | 0.3% Fin / 6% Min ~$35-50/mo |
Yes (Gel) ~$35/mo |
Yes (w/ Tretinoin) ~$40/mo |
0.25% Fin / 8% Min ~$79-99/mo STRONGEST |
| Oral Minoxidil | Yes (Chewable 3mg) ~$40/mo |
Yes ~$35/mo |
Yes FOCUS ~$30/mo |
Yes ~$35/mo |
| Ketoconazole Shampoo | No (Biotin spray) | Yes (2%) ~$15/mo |
No | Yes (add-on) |
| Unique Innovation | Chewable (no pills) | Simplicity | Medical ecosystem | Liposomal delivery |
| Consultation Fee | Free | Free (first visit) | Free | Free |
| Shipping | Free | $5 | Free | Free |
| Best For | Variety seekers | Budget-conscious | Oral med users | Advanced optimizers |
Platform Breakdown: Who They Serve
Hims: The Lifestyle Architect
Hims isn't just a pharmacy—it's a lifestyle brand. They've successfully de-medicalized hair loss, positioning it alongside skincare and sexual health as a component of modern male wellness.
Standout Product: The Rx Hair Loss Chew. Many men have "pill fatigue" or difficulty swallowing. Hims addresses this with a citrus-flavored chewable that combines oral minoxidil (3mg) and finasteride (1.1mg) with vitamins B5, B6, and biotin. This is a high-conversion product for convenience-focused men.
The Topical Spray: 0.3% finasteride + 6% minoxidil in a fast-drying spray. Higher concentration than standard 5% minoxidil.
- Men who want multiple formulation options (pills, spray, chewables)
- Those who value brand recognition and slick UX
- Users willing to pay a slight premium for convenience
Keeps: The Budget Champion
Keeps is the price leader. Their strategy is simple: offer the core products (finasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole) at the lowest possible subscription price with zero frills.
The Value Proposition: Generic finasteride at ~$27/mo and minoxidil at ~$11/mo. For someone on a tight budget who just wants the basics, Keeps is unbeatable.
Product Quality: Don't confuse "cheap" with "low quality." Keeps' finasteride is the same molecule as Propecia. Their minoxidil is bioequivalent to Rogaine. You're just paying less because there's no celebrity marketing or fancy packaging.
- Budget-conscious users (students, younger men starting early)
- Those who want proven basics without experimentation
- Men comfortable with a simple product lineup
Roman (Ro): The Oral Minoxidil Specialist
Roman (now rebranded as "Ro") is a massive healthcare ecosystem. Hair loss is just one vertical alongside ED, weight loss (GLP-1s), and fertility. Their primary innovation in 2025 is the democratization of oral minoxidil.
Why Oral Matters: Topical minoxidil fails primarily due to non-compliance. The greasy foam applied twice daily is incompatible with most lifestyles. Roman's oral minoxidil at ~$30/mo eliminates this friction entirely.
The "Hair Solution Rx": Custom topicals combining minoxidil + tretinoin + melatonin. The inclusion of melatonin (which has antioxidant properties for the scalp) is unique.
- Men who failed topical minoxidil due to messiness/inconvenience
- Those seeking competitive pricing on oral formulations
- Users already in the Ro ecosystem for other health needs
Happy Head: The Custom Compounder
Happy Head was founded by dermatologists to fill the gap for men who aren't seeing results with standard 5% minoxidil. They are the "nuclear option" for aggressive responders.
Flagship Formula: 0.25% finasteride + 8% minoxidil + 0.01% retinoic acid + 1% hydrocortisone.
- 8% Minoxidil: Higher concentration than standard 5%
- Retinoic Acid: Increases skin absorption of minoxidil
- Hydrocortisone: Counteracts irritation from high-dose minoxidil
- Liposomal Delivery: Fatty-acid base improves follicle penetration and reduces systemic absorption
The Trade-Off: Significantly more expensive (~$79-99/mo) but offers customization unavailable elsewhere. You can adjust concentrations based on your response.
- Non-responders to standard 5% minoxidil after 6+ months
- Men with aggressive hair loss requiring maximum intervention
- Those willing to pay premium for custom compounding
The Verdict: Which Platform Should You Choose?
If you want the lowest price and don't care about extras: Keeps wins. Generic finasteride + minoxidil for under $40/mo total.
If you want variety and innovative formulations: Hims offers chewables, sprays, and bundles that make adherence easier.
If you're switching to oral minoxidil for convenience: Roman/Ro has competitive pricing and a streamlined telehealth experience.
If you're a "biohacker" who wants maximum customization: Happy Head's 8% formulas with retinoic acid are unmatched, but you'll pay for it.
Find Your Perfect Platform
Take our 5-question quiz to get a personalized recommendation based on your budget, stage, and treatment goals.
Take the QuizFrequently Asked Questions
Can I switch platforms mid-treatment?
Yes. Finasteride is finasteride regardless of who prescribes it. If you start with Hims and want to switch to Keeps for cost savings, the medication is bioequivalent. Just ensure you don't have gaps in your supply during the transition.
Do I need a prescription for all of these?
Yes. All four platforms require a telehealth consultation (which is typically free). A licensed physician reviews your case and writes a prescription if appropriate. This is a legitimate medical process, not a loophole.
Which platform has the best customer service?
Hims and Roman both invest heavily in customer experience—chat support, extensive FAQs, and responsive teams. Keeps is more barebones but functional. Happy Head offers physician follow-ups for formula adjustments.
Can I use insurance?
Rarely. Most telehealth platforms don't accept insurance for hair loss treatments (it's typically not covered). However, you may be able to use an HSA/FSA account for payment.
The Bottom Line
There's no single "best" platform—only the best platform for you. Keeps offers unbeatable value. Hims provides variety and convenience. Roman streamlines oral minoxidil access. Happy Head delivers customization for advanced users.
The most important decision isn't which platform you choose—it's that you start treatment. Hair loss is progressive. Waiting 6 months to "research more" costs you follicles that won't come back.
Pick a platform, commit to 12 months, track your progress objectively, and adjust from there. Your future self will thank you.