Men of a certain age are forced to face the possibility of hair loss and how to confront it. Introducing a regimen to treat hair loss is a big decision and the industry has grown over the years to include several products vying to be the savior for men hoping to keep their hairline intact.
Two of those companies, Hims (ForHims.com) and Roman (GetRoman.com) are gaining traction as trusted hair loss web companies that boast superior effects at a fraction of the cost.
As it becomes easier to obtain the drugs used to treat hair loss (known as Propecia and Rogaine) on the internet, customers can now connect directly online with doctors and effectively eliminate inconvenient office appointments, pharmacy commutes, and days and days of waiting.
Now, men can easily order online, receive a consultation, and have their hair-loss treatments delivered in the mail at a fraction of the time. Although these companies are relatively new, the ingredients they promote have been vetted for years.
For those that may be wondering what are the differences between Hims and Roman, the short answer is that there are not so many differences between the two – at least not at first glance. But once broken down and dissected, they both offer slightly different takes on hair loss prevention.
A Brief History on Hair Loss and Hair Loss Treatments
According to research conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), men lose between 50 to 100 hairs every day – new hairs then grow out from these same hair follicles. As men age, however, these follicles become finer, lose color, or may stop producing altogether.
Nearly two-thirds of American males – or approximately 50 million men – begin to experience hair loss by the age of 35, with 85% reporting noticeable thinning by the age of 50, causing insecurity and stress for many.
Alopecia, or commonly referred to as hair loss, may cause a majority of men some anxiety, but the majority of men suffering from hair loss are not experiencing any health problems. There are several factors which can contribute to hair loss, including stress and genetics. In fact, most men with hair loss are normal and healthy.
Whatever the reason may be, the fact remains that you will have to invest in some type of hair loss solution in order to keep your mane. Opting for a surgical hair transplant is still too costly for most budgets and therefore not as feasible.
The key to maintaining a head full of hair is to treat the problem as early as possible in order to preserve the hairline, something that both Hims and Roman are great at doing.
As a result of these findings, these leading providers are two companies that have entered the marketplace with their hair loss treatments that vow to regrow and retain locks. As competitors in the men’s sexual health market, both Hims and Roman directly address hair loss, but their pricing systems are different and thus require a thorough breakdown for men contemplating which one to use.
Hims vs Roman: An Introduction
Hims
One of the premier companies revolutionizing the realm of telemedicine, Hims is a relatively new business that offers a smorgasbord of products affecting men’s health, but the flagship product is their subscription service to treat hair loss.
Hims has effectively removed dreaded doctor’s visits for millions of men, creating a new path for patients to receive information on a plethora of issues affecting men’s health, in particular hair loss, sexual health, skincare, and more.
By signing up online and receiving products directly at home, more men than ever before are receiving hair treatment options on their own terms at discounted fees that don’t depend on health insurance.
Read our full Hims review here.
Roman
Following closely on the heels of Hims, Roman launched with the intent of taking telemedicine and men’s health issues direct to door. With remote diagnosis and treatment through its network of doctors, the company has effectively become a force in the burgeoning industry with patients that are open to the prospects of hair loss treatment from the privacy of their own home.
Read our full Roman review here.
How the Hims and Roman Platforms Work
After consultation online via phone or video with a licensed physician, Hims and Roman recommend a personalized hair loss treatment plan that includes a daily dose of Finasteride at 1mg or Minoxidil (the generic version of Rogaine) as a topical treatment.
To supplement the treatment, Hims recommends that its subscribers have a daily intake of the vitamin biotin to protect against diet deficiencies. Currently, Hims is available in half of the states in America as well as services in the United Kingdom, while Roman provides pills throughout all the 50 states.
Pricing and Subscription Options
Hims
Hims is one of the leaders in the hair loss industry, with several pricing and subscription options available for men to begin using. The cheapest Hims option starts at $20 monthly, with subscribers provided access to generic versions of Finasteride and Minoxidil that is delivered directly to their door.
The brand offers a holistic approach to treating male pattern baldness with a kit that addresses every component of the process. Subscribers receive the pills, DHT-blocker shampoo, topical treatment, and multivitamins for $44 monthly.
Roman
Roman offers three treatment plans that subscribers can enlist in to combat hair loss, each based on dosing and shipping frequency. Shipments are made quarterly as treatment requires a minimum of three months to notice results and allows for a lower final cost. The quarterly plans are as follows:
- Minoxidil (3-month supply at $16 a month)
- Finasteride (3-month supply at $20 a month)
- Finasteride and Minoxidil (3-month supply at $35 a month)
Hims – A Breakdown
Hims has made a name for itself by delivering directly to men’s doors everything they need in terms of grooming and self-care from skincare, health supplements, erectile dysfunction solutions, oral care needs, and more.
Arguably the best benefit to signing up with Hims is how easy it is to sign up since almost everything can be done from the comfort of your home. Their hair loss treatment options include DHT-fighting shampoo, generic Finasteride (at $28.50 per month), vitamin supplements in gummy form, and Minoxidil (at $15 per month).
Upon enrollment, subscribers complete a personal profile that is reviewed by a doctor, and then a prescription is granted. Then, check-ins track progress over time, as well as possible side effects before prescriptions are renewed.
Pros
- Professional and good service
- fast, easy consultation
- exceptional e-shop
- Products come as advertised and they work at an average pace
Cons
- Lower performance and dosage
- Expensive
- The evaluation process is a tad cumbersome
- Customer service response time
Roman – A Breakdown
Roman’s hair loss prescription model provides consultations that allow subscribers three months of Finasteride for $40, and Minoxidil for $32.
Pros
- Doctors are certified and offer excellent reviews of the product
- Free shipping on all products
Cons
- Delayed shipping
- Getting aroused is a challenge
Where to Buy Hims, Roman
Online Healthcare Evaluation Process
In order to get hair loss treatment pills, an online health evaluation is necessary and both companies provide an online assessment through USA-approved physicians that provide care throughout the process.
Roman’s online health evaluation takes approximately 15 minutes and can range from free (if through the website) up to $15 for an in-person visit depending on appointment time. A health assessment through Hims costs $5, with both companies requiring between 24 to 48 hours to approve prescription requests.
Shipping Information
Hims subscribers can expect to receive their orders between 5 to 7 business days with USPS and UPS options, with no signature required. Roman subscribers can expect to receive shipments within two days with free delivery.
Customer Service
Hims makes it easy to continue or cancel their service by simply hitting the Snooze button on their site to cancel orders or contacting them through email, phone calls, texts, social media messages, or their live chat feature.
Customer service help is available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm EST and they provide the most contact methods for patients that need immediate assistance. Subscribers to Roman are available Monday through Friday 9am to 6:30pm EST and have the options to call or text the local California number or through email.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in the Hims kit include Finasteride in pill form, Minoxodil as a topical treatment, shampoo to block DHT, and a multivitamin to provide a holistic approach for male pattern baldness.
Finasteride
Finasteride (also known as Propecia) is the pill used to fight DHT, the hormone byproducts that cause hair loss. Minoxidil (which is available at 2% and 5%) is the potion known to increase blood flow and nutrients directly to the hair to fortify it and prevent fallout. Both Finasteride and Minoxidil have been proven to restore existing follicles and also prevent or slow down potential hair loss in the future. When used in tandem, the duo are even more potent, with Minoxidil 5% available without a prescription from most companies.
How does Finasteride work to prevent hair loss?
By blocking dihydrotestosterone – commonly known as DHT – Finasteride is a hormone that derives from testosterone that shrinks hair follicles that lead to male pattern baldness. When taken at regular intervals, research has proven Finasteride to be an effective treatment for maintaining current follicles, as well as partial regrowth in a smaller percentage of men. Finasteride must be taken regularly – once usage stops hair loss immediately begins.
How effective is Finasteride for hair loss?
In several clinical studies, men that take 1mg daily of Finasteride slow the progression of hair loss and increase hair growth in the crown area significantly over the course of a year. Results were measured by scalp hair counts, expert panel review, and personal patient assessments.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical treatment solution used to promote hair growth in men that can be purchased without a prescription. The solution must be used for at least four months before results can be seen and used continuously to maintain growth.
How does Minoxidil work to prevent hair loss?
Minoxidil functions by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, thereby increasing follicular size as well as hair shaft diameter in the areas where applied.
How effective is Minoxidil for hair loss?
In clinical studies, 40% of men that that use Minoxidil for four months demonstrated moderate to dense growth of hair at the vertex of the scalp. In other correlating studies, more than 60% of men reported decreased hair loss across four months. Avaailble in both 2% and 5% solutions, those using the higher concentrations achieved better results across the board.
DHT Blocking Shampoo
DHT-blocking shampoo has been found to treat hair loss and thinning associated with male pattern baldness. When the hormone is blocked, it doesn’t negatively impact testosterone levels or daily life. Once the shampoo becomes a daily part of the regimen, users will notice their hair is softer, less greasy, yet well moisturized. Hims uses the freshest ingredients in their shampoo, including saw palmetto and cooling mint for a woodsy scent for a light aroma.
Men’s Multivitamin
In order for the body to create new hair strands as well as maintain the status of healthy hair follicles, nutrients represent an essential component that should not be overlooked. Research has shown that micronutrients play a vital role in the growth cycle of hair follicles, with malnutrition and vitamin deficiency are known contributors of hair loss. A healthy balanced diet promotes hair and Hims subscribers receive in the mail a multivitamin as part of their treatment that includes the important that aid in hair health. By taking two gummies a day, users intake A, B12, C, D, E, and Biotin.
Side Effects
As with most pharmaceuticals, there are some side effects associated with use, with Finasteride and Minoxidil the two ingredients in Hims and Roman that come the potential negatives that men should be aware of.
Finasteride
In the past, there were reports that Finasteride caused irreversible erectile dysfunction and effectively killed libido, but these rumors – including a possible link to prostate cancer – have been summarily debunked through extensive research. Although the FDA issued warnings on Finasteride in 2012, it must be noted that only a very small percentage of men report any side effects associated with taking the drug. Even with this small chance, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.
Erectile Dysfunction and Loss of Libido
Extensive research on Finasteride has shown that men usage can potentially include adverse effects such as erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and reduction in sperm count. Although these are significant issues, studies show that occurrence is low – less than 3% of men on average report these effects. The most common side effects sexually, in order are: erectile dysfunction, then ejaculatory dysfunction, then the loss of libido. As a result of potential low ejaculatory volume, men that are attempting to conceive may wish to cease using Finasteride to return to higher levels.
Breast Cancer
An extremely low percentage – between 0.1% to 1% – of men report breast tenderness or enlargement. By adhering to the standard dose of between 2% and 5% of Finasteride daily, there is less concern for breast cancer as taking more does not increase effectiveness against hair loss.
Other Side Effects
There continue to be debates over Finasteride’s long term effects, yet long-term use has only resulted in sexual dysfunction in a low percentage of men. There is a relatively high incidence of sexual dysfunction in the general population overall, and it has yet to be determined whether Finasteride has any true causal relationship. Men that decide on Hims treatment are advised not to donate blood while on medication for at least a month afterward. There is currently little data regarding the psychological and medical work-up of patients that can exclude other possible causative elements. The following are a list of side effects that may occur, and if so, medical attention should be sought. Check with a physician if any of the following occur:
More Common
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- dizziness, lightheadedness
Less Common
- swelling or bloating of face, hands, arms, lower legs, feet
- hives
- itchy, scaly skin
- skin rash or redness
- rapid weight gain or loss
- tingling of extremities
An even lower percentage of men taking Finasteride report the side effects of testicular pain, depression, and mental fogginess. There is also a small risk with taking Finasteride in combination with Motrin, Advil, and Aleve that has been linked to sexual side effects. Also, for men that have chronic liver disease, Finasteride use is not advised.
Minoxidil
Thoroughly tested and widely used, the potential side effects reported by men using Minoxidil to treat hair loss are low and relatively minor. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of any side effects that have been reported by researchers and doctors.
Skin Irritation
As a topical solution, the most common side effect of Minoxidil treatment is skin irritation at and around the application site. In a small percentage of users, a skin rash or burning sensation has been detected after using the foam or spray. This reaction can be attributed to the other substances in a formula as some contain propylene glycol and alcohol which can lead to skin irritation when applied on the scalp.
Other Side Effects
Considered one of the safest hair loss treatments available on the market today, Minoxidil has a list of potential side effects that occur in a very small percentage of those taking the solution. Upon initial treatment, manufacturers warn that temporary hair loss can occur, commonly referred to as shedding.
The following are a list of side effects that are rarer; if they occur, medical attention should be sought. Check with a physician for any of the following symptoms:
More Common
- unwanted facial hair growth
- rapid heartbeat
- rapid weight gain
- swelling in feet or hands
- headache
- dizziness, lightheaded feeling
- tingling sensation
Less Common
- color or texture of hair changes
- hirsutism
Researchers note that discontinuation reverses the effects of hirsutism. For users that own cats, Minoxidil is highly toxic to felines, causing death with only minimal amounts of exposure to the solution.
The Verdict
With slight differences between the two hair loss products, which of the two justify the monthly price tag associated with them? The fact remains that neither of the products is selling anything new as Finasteride and Minoxidil have both been on the market for years now.
Both of these products have been proven over the years to prevent male pattern baldness and the men’s market continues to grow in support. Considering these variables, each subscriber ultimately has to decide which system works best for his needs.
Before deciding which treatment is suitable for you, consider that the final decision may be in the small details when it comes to these two treatment options.
Hims might be more suitable for men if:
- You prefer a pill form
- Price is not a deterrent
Romans might be a more suitable option for men if:
- You prefer more accountability in the product
- Excellent tracking with subscription orders
At the end of the day, securing a treatment option for your hair loss is far more convenient than ever before. No matter which avenue you employ, these are two safe options currently available on the market that have proven results. Whichever you decide to select, utilizing a healthcare professional can ensure that you receive the appropriate method to treat your hair loss.