Hims is a telehealth company that offers a range of men’s health solutions, including treatments for hair loss, skincare products, and other wellness items. The company makes it easy to get prescription treatments from the comfort of your own home.
This is a Hims review, with a focus on their hair loss treatments and related products, but we’ll also touch on some of their other offerings.
From topical and oral medications to shampoos and supplements, Hims aims to provide accessible healthcare solutions for men who want to take charge of their health. Whether you’re dealing with a receding hairline, acne, or erectile dysfunction, Hims offers a convenient way to address your concerns without having to visit a doctor’s office in person.
Hims for Hair Loss: An Overview
Hair loss is a common concern for men, and factors like genetics, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the natural aging process often play a role. Hims has positioned itself as a convenient provider of solutions, offering access to treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, right from your computer.
Understanding Hair Loss and Treatment Options
Hims aims to simplify the process of addressing hair loss by offering convenient access to solutions. The company primarily focuses on two key ingredients:
Key Ingredients and Their Mechanisms
- Minoxidil: This vasodilator works by improving blood flow to hair follicles, potentially lengthening the lifespan of each hair.
- Finasteride: This medication inhibits the production of DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. It’s often considered more effective than minoxidil, but it comes with potential side effects that you should discuss with your doctor.
These are the main ingredients in Hims’ hair loss treatments. Let’s dive into how Hims works.
Topical Minoxidil: A Closer Look
Topical minoxidil is a common treatment offered by Hims. It’s a liquid or foam that you apply directly to your scalp to stimulate hair growth. Here’s what you should know:
- How it works: Topical minoxidil increases blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help to strengthen existing hair and encourage new growth.
- Benefits: It’s generally well-tolerated. Because you apply it directly to your scalp, it has fewer systemic side effects compared to taking minoxidil orally.
- Considerations: You have to use it consistently to see results. Also, some people may experience scalp irritation. If this happens, talk to your doctor about ways to manage it, like using a lower concentration or applying it less frequently.
Oral Minoxidil: Benefits and Risks
Hims also offers oral minoxidil, a pill you take to encourage hair growth from the inside out.
Benefits of Oral Minoxidil
Many experts see oral minoxidil as “the new gold standard” in hair loss treatment. Because the medication works systemically, the results may be more noticeable than with topical minoxidil.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
It’s important to understand that oral minoxidil carries a higher risk of side effects compared to the topical version. If you’re considering oral minoxidil, you’ll need careful monitoring by a healthcare professional. A doctor can assess your overall health, discuss the risks and benefits, and monitor you for potential side effects. Because of these factors, it’s a good idea to discuss all your hair loss treatment options with a doctor or dermatologist.
Finasteride: Oral and Topical Options
Hims offers finasteride, a prescription medication, in both oral and topical forms.
Oral Finasteride
Oral finasteride works by inhibiting the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body. DHT is a hormone that’s a major player in hair loss. Think of it as the hair follicle’s worst enemy, but can a DHT blocker tablet really stop hair loss?
Many experts consider oral finasteride the most effective hair loss medication out there.
However, there’s a downside. Some men experience sexual side effects while taking oral finasteride. These can include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculatory dysfunction. It’s essential to discuss these risks with your doctor before starting treatment, especially regarding whether finasteride affects blood pressure, along with other potential risks and side effects.
Topical Finasteride
Topical finasteride is often combined with minoxidil in a compounded solution.
The potential benefit of topical finasteride is that it may minimize the risk of systemic side effects compared to the oral version. Since it’s applied directly to the scalp, less of the medication gets absorbed into the bloodstream.
However, it’s still crucial to be aware of potential side effects. Even with topical application, finasteride can still affect your hormone levels. So, it’s a good idea to think about how finasteride might impact your sex drive before you start using any compounded options.
Beyond Minoxidil and Finasteride: Other Hims Hair Loss Products
Hims offers several other products to help address hair loss concerns.
- Ketoconazole Shampoo: You might be surprised to learn that dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole can potentially help strengthen hair at the root.
- Biotin Supplements: Hims sells biotin supplements, which are often marketed for hair growth.
- Hims Rx Hair Loss Spray: This spray contains both ketoconazole and biotin. It’s a convenient way to incorporate these ingredients into your hair care routine, though the efficacy of topical biotin is debated.
It’s important to remember that while these products may offer some benefits, the most well-researched and effective treatments for hair loss remain minoxidil and finasteride.
Hims Hair Care and Hair Dyes
Hims offers a range of hair care products in addition to its more well-known hair loss treatments. They sell shampoos and conditioners designed to work alongside their hair loss products, theoretically maximizing their effectiveness.
Hims also offers hair dyes and tinted conditioners. These products allow you to color your hair while, according to Hims, simultaneously improving hair health. These could be a good option if you’re looking to cover up gray hairs or simply change your look while also using other Hims hair products.
What other men’s health solutions does Hims offer?
While Hims started with hair loss, they’ve expanded into a wider range of men’s health solutions. If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction or struggling with weight loss, Hims offers solutions for those, too. They’ve essentially built a telehealth platform specifically for men, making it easier than ever to access prescription treatments without having to schedule in-person doctor’s appointments.
The convenience factor is a big draw. You can get a consultation, receive a diagnosis (if applicable), and have medication shipped right to your door. It’s definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for discreet and convenient healthcare options for common men’s health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bottle of Hims last?
How long your Hims supply lasts really depends on the product. For most daily medications, you’ll typically receive a 30-day supply. So, a “bottle” in that case would last about a month. For things like shampoo or topical treatments, the duration will vary based on how frequently you use them.
Is the Hims pill safe?
Hims offers medications that are FDA-approved, but like any medication, there are potential risks and side effects. You’ll have a consultation with a licensed healthcare professional through the Hims platform who will assess your medical history and determine if a particular medication is safe and appropriate for you. Always discuss any concerns you have with the prescribing doctor.
Can I just get a prescription from Hims?
Yes, that’s essentially how Hims works. You’ll complete an online consultation, and if the healthcare provider determines that a prescription is appropriate, they’ll issue one that can be filled through Hims’ pharmacy.
What gets you harder than Viagra?
This is a tricky question! Viagra (sildenafil) is a well-known and effective medication for erectile dysfunction, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Other similar medications, like tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra), might be more effective for some individuals. Additionally, lifestyle factors, underlying health conditions, and psychological factors can all play a role. It’s best to speak with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
What is the success rate for Hims?
Hims doesn’t publish specific success rates for their services overall. The effectiveness of the medications they offer depends heavily on the individual, the specific condition being treated, and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. It’s best to manage your expectations and work closely with the Hims healthcare provider to see if your individual treatment is working.
Conclusion
Hims offers a wide range of services focused on men’s health. From hair loss to erectile dysfunction, it provides solutions that are convenient and easy to access from the comfort of home.
As with any healthcare service, there are pros and cons to consider. The convenience of online access is a definite plus. However, it’s important to remember that all treatments, including those offered by Hims, can come with potential side effects. Individual experiences can also vary significantly.
Before starting any new treatment plan, it’s essential to have a conversation with a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess your individual needs, review your medical history, and help you make informed decisions about your health. While Hims can be a convenient option, it’s not a substitute for personalized medical advice.