Hers Hair Review: All about Hers shampoos, conditioners, hair loss treatments, and more

While a lot of talk about hair loss and its treatments is geared toward a male audience, it’s estimated that about 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss in their lifetime.1 So, if you’re a woman experiencing a widening of your part, patches of thinning hair, or shedding more than 125 hairs per day, know that you’re not alone.

Thankfully, several companies offer a wide range of effective treatment options — running the gamut from topical options and supplements to laser therapy and surgical procedures.1 In this review, we’ll examine the offerings from one such brand, Hers.

Hers is a women-focused telehealth company that offers primary care, mental health services, skincare essentials, and much more — including both prescription and over-the-counter products for hair loss and overall hair health. We tested these items for ourselves to help you decide whether or not Hers is an ideal solution for your hair goals.

As a whole, from hair health and skincare to primary care and more, Hers offers a wide selection of telehealth-based treatments and supplementary products for women. For those who want to address hair loss, Hers offers convenient and discreet treatments that are research-based and should work for most women. You can also choose from a wide variety of hair care products that cover a diverse range of needs. Overall, our testers enjoyed using the hair products and service. However, it can be difficult to locate costs on the Hers website, and some products can be found cheaper from competitors.

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make more informed decisions involving staying healthy and living healthier lifestyles.

When we review health services and products, our information and feedback are always rooted in the latest medical evidence and current health standards. For this review of Hers hair care products, we purchased the items, tried them ourselves, and examined over 40 scientific studies on the various ingredients the company uses. When it comes to hair loss products in general, our team has spent well over 300 collective hours researching treatments and gaining hands-on experience with them.

Additionally, like all health-related content on this website, this review was thoroughly vetted by one or more members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy.

When evaluating a product or service, we examine it based on various criteria. In the case of the hair loss treatments and hair care products from Hers, we looked at them based on safety, effectiveness, cost, and convenience. If you’re consuming a product or using it on your body, safety is probably the most important factor in mind, but effectiveness is a close second. Cost and convenience can mean a lot, too, but generally aren’t as paramount as safety and efficacy.

Safety

Minoxidil (also commonly known as Rogaine) is the main ingredient found in all of the Hers over-the-counter and prescription hair loss treatments. Minoxidil is generally safe for most people, but the topical form may cause side effects like itching and burning at the application site, inflammation, or a rash.2 If this happens, then low-dose oral minoxidil might be an ideal alternative.

Low-dose oral minoxidil is a newer treatment option for men and women suffering from androgenetic alopecia (male- and female-pattern hair loss). While more research is needed, some current studies claim it has a low side-effect profile, which improves treatment adherence and outcomes. One noteworthy side effect, however, is hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth on potentially undesirable parts of the body).3

The other prescription ingredient, finasteride, has only recently been considered as a potential topical medication for women experiencing hair loss. It’s available in very small quantities in the Hers postmenopausal hair loss spray. As with oral minoxidil, current data is limited. But, finasteride should be avoided if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects.4

Otherwise, the botanical ingredients and vitamins included in Hers products are generally safe (if not always effective for hair loss), and we’ll cover them in further detail later on. Hers shampoos and conditioners are also free of parabens, sulfates, silicone, and phthalate.

In terms of the competition, Ro’s star ingredient for hair loss is also minoxidil (oral and topical), while Nutrafol uses only drug-free ingredients in its products. And Nutrafol’s shampoo is also free of sulfates and parabens.

Efficacy

Studies have shown that minoxidil, oral and topical, is quite effective at treating hair loss in women. Some research studies suggest that both forms are just as effective, improving outcomes in at least 60% (and up to about 86%) of patients.2 5 And in another study, when 3% topical minoxidil was combined with 0.25% finasteride, 93% of participants were assessed as having “clinical improvements.”6 (Hers postmenopausal hair loss spray contains 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride.)

This efficacy data also applies to any other products using minoxidil, like the prescriptions from Ro. However, Ro also adds other ingredients to its minoxidil spray that may improve its efficacy, while the vitamins added in some of Hers oral minoxidil options have less-promising research behind them.

Nutrafol’s vitamins also have some studies suggesting efficacy, but those trials were funded by the company.

When considering Hers shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products, the effectiveness of some ingredients appears to be better than others. Inclusions like saw palmetto, amino acids, coconut oil, and keratin, do have some positive research behind them.

Cost

Hers hair care products and prescriptions are competitively priced. The only case where Hers is fully beaten by the competition is with its Latisse pricing (the winner for that is Ro). And some of Nutrafol’s products (like its shampoo and conditioner) are quite a bit more expensive than Hers’. But, everything else is pretty evenly matched. If Hers seems pricey compared to typical drugstore products, keep in mind the efficacy of the included ingredients and it may start to make more sense.

Currently, Hers products and prescriptions are not covered by insurance or eligible for HSA/FSA (the company also does not provide itemized receipts). This is par for the course with competitors, though — neither Ro’s nor Nutrafol’s hair loss treatments or hair care products are covered by insurance or HSA/FSA. Ro, however, does offer itemized receipts for you to at least attempt to see if your items may be reimbursed.

Convenience

The convenience of Hers really comes from the ability to get everything you may need for hair loss treatment in one place. If you’re a customer who wants to get a prescription and supplemental hair care products from Hers, then the convenience of the company is really nice. A similar experience can be found by those just looking for a prescription hair loss product delivered to their door.

However, if you’re just looking to buy the company’s hair care products (shampoos, conditioners, and so on), the process can be a bit frustrating at times. Certain products are available on different subscription schedules than others, while others (like some cost-saving bundles) are nearly impossible to find without using a search engine. And prices aren’t always front and center — sometimes you will need to reach out to customer support and ask. We found out Hers’ Latisse pricing this way.

We do hope that someday the Hers website will become more akin to Ro’s and be as forthcoming with easy-to-find product listings and information.

While it’s difficult to find online competitors that possess as sprawling a lineup as Hers when it comes to hair care and hair loss support for women, a couple of brands do have some comparable products and services. The basic details of the offerings from two competitors we chose to examine, Ro and Nutrafol, are briefly detailed alongside those from Hers in the chart below.

As a side note, Ro’s (or Roman’s) shampoo, conditioner, and hair supplement are all under its “For Men” category. While we can understand a supplement being targeted toward a specific sex, it seems a bit odd that the shampoo and conditioner aren’t marketed in a more gender-inclusive way — especially since many of the ingredients in them are also found in Hers products.

Launched in 2018, one year after its male-centered counterpart Hims, Hers describes itself as a “one-stop shop for women’s health and personal care.” This isn’t far from the truth, as the telehealth service offers a wide range of products and services intended to better the health and well-being of women and feminine-presenting people.

While not aspiring to be a replacement for all of your healthcare needs, Hims & Hers Health aims to act as an affordable supplemental service. This mission is further illustrated by Hims & Hers Health’s role as co-founder of the Telehealth Equity Coalition (TEC), a group of organizations seeking to “improve access to quality and affordable healthcare by increasing adoption of telehealth, especially among those communities who have been left out or left behind.”

What services does Hers offer?

As mentioned above, Hers offers a fairly comprehensive range of services and both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products. These include:

• Primary care: Consultations and treatments for cold and flu symptoms, allergies, infections, skin conditions, fungal infections, tension headaches, acid reflux, and digestive concerns
• Skincare: Supplements, prescriptions, and OTC products for acne, anti-aging, and general skin health
• Sexual health: Birth control, lubricant, condoms, and treatments for cold sores, genital herpes, and yeast infections
• Mental health: Online therapy sessions, supportive supplements, and various prescriptions for anxiety and depression
• Supplements: Powders, gummies, capsules, and drops for sleep, relaxation, gut health, skin, hair, and sexual wellness
• Hair care: Shampoos, conditioners, supplements, prescriptions, and other OTC products for hair loss and general hair health

Hers online reviews

Hims & Hers Inc. has a shared page on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website with an A+ rating. The company is accredited by the BBB and has a 3.99 out of 5 star rating from 1,227 customer reviews. Most of the recent complaints are about billing issues or customer service issues. The business replies to almost every complaint, and a majority are followed up by the customer stating the resolution was satisfactory.

On Trustpilot, Hers has its own page with 264 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5 stars. According to the “company activity” section on the page, Hers has replied to 100% of negative reviews within two weeks of the comments being posted. However, there’s also a warning that Hers may be using “unsupported invitation methods” for reviews, which Trustpilot notes can lead to biased and unreliable feedback.

Complaints on both BBB and Trustpilot seem to mostly be customers expressing frustration about the company’s return policy or receiving surprise charges from subscriptions they claim to have canceled.

Whether you’re just looking for a nice shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair clean and feeling soft or something that can help battle hair loss, the short answer is yes — the hair products from Hers do work. Anecdotally, our testers found Hers products to leave their hair soft, shiny, and healthier-looking (an overall favorite was the hair scrub and mask combo).

On the science side of things, a decent amount of the research on the ingredients used in various Hers hair care products and prescriptions suggests that they’re at least partially effective (especially medications, like minoxidil). The chart below breaks down these key ingredients and some of the research behind them.

If you’re interested in a Hers prescription product for fighting hair loss, then the free hair quiz is a good place to start. The Hers hair quiz used to include its over-the-counter (OTC) products, as well, but has recently become focused solely on hair loss prescriptions — the quiz assumes you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning and will ask you specific questions about it. (Nutrafol offers a similar quiz, but Ro currently does not.)

After answering questions about your hair, the type of thinning you’re experiencing, and your overall hair goals, you’ll be asked some general health questions. These topics include, but aren’t limited to:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding status
• If you’ve had a hysterectomy
• If you’re pre- or post-menopausal
• What medical conditions you have
• Whether or not you want vitamins with your potential treatment
• If you currently take any medications

You’ll have to make a Hers account to see your results (which you can stick with or swap for another treatment option), but you won’t have to input payment information or purchase anything until you select a treatment and a provider approves it for you.

If you’re not looking for a prescription product, then you can search through the products in the “strengthening hair care” or “hair care kits” sections in the drop-down “hair” menu at the top of the Hers website. Most of these OTC products (shampoos, conditioners, topical minoxidil, and more) can be bought as one-time purchases or through a subscription.

If you subscribe to a prescription or an OTC product, you can cancel at any time from your customer dashboard. However, in some states, this option isn’t available, and you’ll need to contact customer support to cancel, instead.

Topical minoxidil is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment for men and women that stimulates hair follicles to stop additional hair loss and potentially regrow hair in thinning areas.29 30 Hers topical minoxidil options are available over the counter (similar to Rogaine) and come in either a liquid solution or a foam. Nutrafol products are all over-the-counter, while both of Ro’s hair loss offerings for women are prescription only.

The prices and concentrations of Hers minoxidil are as follows:

It’s worth mentioning that both the foam and liquid minoxidil from Hers contain propylene glycol (a common ingredient in topical minoxidil), which can irritate the skin and may lead to allergic contact dermatitis in some.31 32

The main difference between the solution and foam is the application routine. Both products contain the same active ingredient and take the same amount of time to start seeing results, but the liquid solution must be applied twice daily with a dropper, while the foam is only applied once per day, like hair mousse.

Either way, both 5% and 2% minoxidil have been shown to be an effective and safe treatment for women with female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). For a majority of women in studies, minoxidil stopped or significantly slowed hair loss, with up to 60% of women experiencing hair regrowth.5 8

In terms of the competition, Ro markets its OTC minoxidil (5% liquid solution) solely toward men; the product isn’t listed anywhere under the “all hair loss treatments” section for women. Both of the Ro women’s hair loss treatments are prescription only — the minoxidil pill and the Hair Solution Rx spray. And while Nutrafol’s products are intended to help with hair loss, they’re purely supplemental (drug-free).

While Hers topical minoxidil products are available over the counter, its other hair loss treatments require a prescription from one of the company’s doctors. Currently, there are four prescription options available, and they all ship for free:

• Oral minoxidil: A low-dose minoxidil pill starting at $29 per month
• Oral minoxidil plus biotin: Low-dose minoxidil and biotin citrus-flavored chewable starting at $39 per month
• Oral minoxidil plus hair vitamins: A pill containing a blend of low-dose minoxidil, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6 starting at $39 per month
• Postmenopausal hair loss spray: A topical spray containing 6% minoxidil and 0.3% finasteride for $39 each month

All of the oral minoxidil options above are available in 1.25mg and 2.5mg strengths. Besides the postmenopausal hair loss spray, prescription dosages will be determined by your Hers doctor based on your needs and goals. (This is also why the three oral prescriptions have a starting price instead of a set one.)

If you experience irritation from topical minoxidil, then low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) may be a good option. Studies have found a majority of patients (79.7%) experienced an improvement in their female-pattern hair loss with few side effects (though some suffered from hypertrichosis).3 9 Of course, LDOM is a relatively new treatment option for hair loss, and further research is required before its safety can be fully confirmed — especially since experts still don’t completely understand how minoxidil (oral or topical) leads to hair growth.34

Finasteride (found in the postmenopausal hair loss spray) is more commonly seen in treatments for male-pattern hair loss due to its use resulting in higher testosterone levels. While some research suggests it may be safe for women to use in low-dose topical applications, the data on this is fairly limited.6 14 If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should avoid finasteride in all forms since it may lead to birth defects.4

Regarding the vitamins in the two oral minoxidil “plus” options, there’s currently no evidence that supplementing with biotin, vitamin C, vitamin B5, or vitamin B6 can improve hair growth or health.35 If you’re deficient in biotin, supplementation to bring your levels back to normal can benefit your hair, but adding more has no current scientific backing.23 24 With this in mind, it may be best to opt for plain oral minoxidil to potentially save some money each month.

In comparison, Ro’s topical Hair Solution Rx ($40/month) contains minoxidil, tretinoin, and melatonin — all three of which appear to provide some benefit to treating hair loss. We already covered minoxidil, but tretinoin may improve the absorption of minoxidil,36 while melatonin may also promote scalp hair growth.37 38 We hope Hers, like Ro, will pivot toward including more scientifically-backed add-ons to its future prescription treatments.

It’s also important to note that all hair loss treatments, prescription or not, are lifelong. Hair loss can only be treated, not cured. To keep seeing improvement, you’ll have to stay on the treatment; otherwise, your hair loss will resume.

Latisse for eyelashes

Whether you suffer from eyelash hypotrichosis (inadequate or not enough eyelashes) or you simply want fuller, longer, darker lashes, then you may be interested in Latisse. Also known by its generic name, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, Latisse is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for promoting eyelash growth. As with minoxidil, researchers still aren’t sure exactly how it promotes eyelash growth, but studies have shown Latisse to be effective.39 Full results from Latisse treatment take 16 weeks to appear, but you may start seeing improvement in about eight weeks.

While Hers does offer a Latisse prescription, we actually found competitor Ro to have a better overall Latisse experience — from pricing to physician availability and more. If you already have prescriptions or other subscriptions set up with Hers, it may be a more convenient option for you to add on Latisse. But, if you’re only interested in Latisse, then we recommend Ro.

Here’s how Hers and Ro compare for Latisse:

Similar to the other prescription hair loss treatments from Hers, you will need to answer some questions to make sure you’re eligible for Latisse. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have glaucoma, macular edema, or eye inflammation, then Latisse is generally not recommended.40

Hers sometimes markets this line as The Shampoo and The Conditioner (not to be confused with the widely-known The Conditioner from Paul Mitchell), but the true title of these products is Triple Threat shampoo and conditioner.

The name Triple Threat comes from the three main ingredients Hers included in this system in order to help control hair shedding: biotin, saw palmetto, and argan oil. As we discussed earlier, biotin has very little evidence of it benefiting hair health, but saw palmetto and argan oil are a bit of a different story.

The Triple Threat shampoo ingredients can be seen in the picture below:

And the following image is the conditioner’s ingredients:

In studies, saw palmetto has shown antiandrogenic properties, making it a potential treatment for male- and female-pattern hair loss — up to 83% of patients experienced an increase in hair density after using products with saw palmetto as an ingredient.15 And argan oil may be able to help protect hair against oxidative damage.17

Hers claims that the shampoo formula cleanses the scalp by removing excess sebum, a natural oil that may be involved in the development of androgenetic alopecia.41 42

After using Hers Triple Threat shampoo, our testers had mixed feelings. One of our testers with thinner hair had no issues and felt that their hair looked and felt healthier overall. On the other hand, a different tester with very thick hair reported that their hair felt weighed down and greasy afterward. Both testers, however, loved the fresh Napa Rose scent and the lather of Triple Threat shampoo.

Hers Triple Threat conditioner is intended to hydrate, thicken, and soften hair (with the same Napa Rose scent as the shampoo). These potential results could be due in part to the included amino acids, which may improve the look and texture of your hair by strengthening the hair fiber.16

All of our testers found the Triple Threat conditioner to be much thicker than any conditioner they used before. The texture is actually similar to a hand cream or lotion. Don’t let its heft scare you, though, because this conditioner really did live up to Hers’ promise. Our testers really enjoyed the revitalizing effects it had on their hair.

Pricing

You can purchase Hers Triple Threat shampoo and conditioner either in separate 2-packs of each product or as a bundle with one bottle of each. And while the single product 2-packs can be purchased one time or through a subscription, the combo of shampoo and conditioner can only be purchased on a subscription at this time. Pricing details can be found in the chart below. (Also, keep in mind that there is also a processing fee of $5.00 added to your order total for any product or bundle you purchase from Hers.)

The shampoo and conditioner bundle has a different subscription timing setup (1-, 3-, and 6-month subscriptions) compared to the product 2-packs:

• $30.00 total every month for one bottle of shampoo and one bottle of conditioner
• $84.00 total every three months for three bottles of each
• $150.00 total every six months for six bottles of each

Hers’ monthly price for this bundle represents a drop in cost compared to previous years. Nutrafol’s shampoo and conditioner bundle, in comparison, costs $88.00 and there are no subscription options or savings available.

The component Hers puts in the spotlight for its Full Volume system is BIOVOLUME 128, an active ingredient made of water, glycerin, and silver linden bud extract. The creator of BIOVOLUME 128, Normactive, claims that it can boost hair volume by around 30% for up to 12 hours.25 However, the only research on this ingredient was done by Normactive, and there are no links to the study the company mentions.

It’s also interesting that Hers claims its Full Volume shampoo will “increase volume 4x in just 5 washes” when the Normactive page dedicated to BIOVOLUME 128 states that the effects happen “instantly after first use.” All of this points to BIOVOLUME 128 needing much more thorough research before declaring that it’s proven to do anything. It might help your hair volume, but it also might not.

The Full Volume shampoo ingredients can be seen below:

The other highlighted ingredients in the Full Volume conditioner, biotin and argan oil, have more research indicating whether they’re effective or not. Biotin has very little evidence that it benefits hair health,23 while argan oil may protect your hair from damage.17

The following image shows the full list of Full Volume conditioner ingredients:

When compared to Triple Threat, our testers preferred Full Volume. The shampoo lathered well and didn’t leave anyone’s hair feeling heavy or greasy — in fact, it was much softer afterward.

And our testers found the conditioner to be very light. While the scent of Triple Threat was enjoyable, testers found the Coastal Cedar Citron scent of Full Volume to stand out in a good way. The cedar is most prominent, but there is a hint of citrus that follows closely behind.

Pricing

Full Volume’s pricing and subscriptions are a bit different than those of Triple Threat — there are no 2-packs of shampoo or conditioner, and the bundle pack can be a single purchase. More details can be found in the chart below:

As with Triple Threat or any other items bought from Hers, there is an additional $5.00 processing fee added on to whatever your total is.

Currently, neither Ro nor Nutrafol offers shampoo or conditioner intended for volumizing hair. Nutrafol does have a volumizing hair serum, though, and it’s available for $69.00 as a single purchase only.

Hers offers more than just shampoos, conditioners, and hair loss treatments to help you meet your hair care needs. The company also sells a scalp scrub, hair mask, and supplements, all of which we’ll cover in the following sections.

Scalp scrub and hair mask

Hers claims that the scrub helps you to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your scalp, while the mask can repair dry or damaged hair. Our testers found these claims to be true in their experience, and The Detox Scalp Scrub and Rapid Repair Hair mask duo ended up as an overall favorite.

The salicylic acid in the scrub (often found in dandruff shampoos) can help to reduce scalp buildup by breaking down dead skin cells.43 And the keratin and coconut in the mask may improve your hair’s smoothness and prevent future hair protein loss.20 27

Texture-wise, the scrub is fairly thick and a bit on the sticky side. It might feel strange to put in your hair at first, almost like it’s something that shouldn’t be going in your hair. But, with enough massaging, it gradually thins out and rinses from your hair with ease.

The mask is also thick but in a fluffy mousse sort of way. It’s smooth and similar to a lotion.

The Detox Scalp Scrub smells strongly floral, which might be a deterrent at first, but the scent mellows out as you use it. The Rapid Repair Hair Mask smells almost the same as the Triple Threat shampoo and conditioner, but it’s listed as California Coast scent instead of Napa Rose.

The pricing (both single purchase and subscription) is the same for both products:

• Single purchase (a 2-pack): $44.00
• Two jars every two months: $22.00 per jar; $44.00 total
• Four jars every four months: $19.75 per jar; $79.00 total
• Six jars every six months: $18.67 per jar; $112.00 total

Nutrafol offers a similar “build-up blocker” scalp mask for $49.00, but no subscriptions are available at this time.

Supplements

While Hers offers a variety of supplements for a wide range of purposes, it currently only has two geared toward hair health: biotin gummies and collagen powder. It’s worth mentioning that neither of these supplements are vegan or vegetarian-friendly — they both contain bovine ingredients.

While Hers calls the gummies “biotin gummies,” there’s actually quite a bit more included:

However, only a few of these inclusions have any evidence suggesting they might help hair health:35

• As discussed in previous sections, biotin has no literature currently supporting its supplementation except in deficiencies23 24
• Vitamins D and C may contribute to androgenetic alopecia if your levels are low
• Folate, vitamin D, and B12 deficiencies may play a role in premature graying
• Too much vitamin A might actually contribute to hair loss, so supplements should be considered cautiously

As always, it’s best to consult your doctor before adding any supplements to your daily routine, just to be safe.

If you do decide to try Hers biotin gummies, you may find (like our testers did) that they melt incredibly quickly even in seemingly cool conditions. This can make them a bit sticky and hard to get out of the bottle, but you’ll find they taste similar to cherries when you manage to fish one out. And if you’ve ever eaten a gummy vitamin or fruit snack before, then the texture is nearly identical.

A one-time purchase of the gummies is $32.00 for two bottles, and subscription prices are:

• Two bottles every two months: $16.00 per bottle; $32.00 total
• Four bottles every four months: $14.25 per bottle; $57.00 total
• Six bottles every six months: $13.50 per bottle; $81.00 total

In addition to gummies, you can also purchase Hers unflavored collagen powder. Research on collagen mainly focuses on skin and joints, but certain types of collagen (particularly from fish) have shown promise for improved mice hair regrowth in some studies.22

Hers collagen comes from bovine sources, though, not fish. Nutrafol’s supplements (except its vegan formulation) do contain fish collagen. But, nonetheless, until more studies are done on collagen and human hair health, the potential benefits are uncertain.

Our testers found the collagen to be tasteless, as described, and it dissolved fairly quickly in both cold and hot beverages. (Do note that it will turn water yellow if that’s your drink of choice for collagen.) Hers collagen powder is only available as a one-time purchase for $27.00 (30 servings), and it comes with a scoop.

Bundles

If you’re interested in multiple products and want to save some money, Hers bundles several items together into a couple of kits. These are rather difficult to find on the Hers website, but they include:

• The Weekender Kit ($40): Detox Scalp Scrub and Rapid Repair Hair Mask
• The Complete Hair Kit ($55): Triple Threat shampoo and conditioner, biotin gummies, and minoxidil solution

Nutrafol offers some similar bundles, and they’re much easier to find on its website than those from Hers. The Travel Set ($47.00) offers miniature versions of Nutrafol’s root purifier, build-up blocker, and stress reliever, while the Fullest Hair Kit ($283; delivered every 3 months) has hair serum and a 3-month supply of Nutrafol Women’s supplements.

We’ve mentioned a few Hers competitors throughout this review, namely Ro and Nutrafol, so how do these companies compare?

Ro (Roman)

Ro only offers two different products for treating female-pattern hair loss: oral minoxidil and Hair Solution Rx (a topical). All of the other hair loss treatments, shampoos, supplements, and more, are only found under the company’s male-focused division, Roman. We find this interesting because many of the ingredients used in Roman’s Revive Shampoo and Restore Conditioner are similar or the same as those found in Hers shampoos and conditioners — nothing points to them needing to be for men only.

Pivoting back to the treatments offered for women, the oral minoxidil is the same as that from Hers, while Hair Solution Rx is a mixture of minoxidil, tretinoin, and melatonin. Tretinoin has been shown to potentially improve the absorption of minoxidil,36 and melatonin may also promote hair growth.37 38 This formula has better scientific backing (currently) than Hers’ inclusion of biotin and other vitamins.

Like Hers, your consultation with Ro is free, and your prescription ships for free, as well. The prices of Ro’s treatments are as follows:

• Low-dose oral minoxidil: $30.00 per month
• Hair Solution Rx: $40.00 per month

These prices are comparable to those from Hers, particularly its oral minoxidil (starting at $29 per month) and postmenopausal hair loss spray ($39 per month). However, Ro’s oral minoxidil doses (2.5mg and 5mg) are higher than Hers’ (1.25mg and 2.5mg), so you could technically save money or get a higher dose for a similar price by using Ro for your oral minoxidil.

Nutrafol

Nutrafol is a nutraceutical company. This means that its products are all drug-free and derived from natural ingredients. The main draw of Nutrafol is its supplement line intended to target thinning hair in women who are at different stages of their lives. Currently, these include:

• Nutrafol Women: for women ages 18-44 experiencing signs of hair thinning
• Nutrafol Women’s Vegan: a vegan formula of Nutrafol Women
• Nutrafol Women’s Balance: for women 45+ experiencing hair thinning
• Nutrafol Postpartum: for women experiencing hair thinning and shedding during the first year post-birth

Nutrafol Women’s capsules underwent a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 2018 and were found to “safely and effectively” promote hair growth in women who perceived their hair as thinning.44 And a similar study in 2021 found that Nutrafol Women’s Balance improved hair growth and quality in pre- and post-menopausal women.45 However, it’s important to note that these studies were funded by Nutrafol, so bias is a potential factor.

Nutrafol, like Hers, also sells supplements aimed at providing “extra support.” For Nutrafol, these include ones for stress, nutrition, aging, hormone support, lifestyle, and metabolism.

Additionally, Nutrafol offers a shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, scalp mask, and scalp essence, but its prices are a bit higher than Hers’. One bottle of Nutrafol shampoo, for instance, is $44.00 versus a 2-pack of Triple Threat from Hers for $38.00 — which seems like a major difference.

When purchasing a hair loss supplement from Nutrafol, you can purchase it once (plus shipping), or you can subscribe (for free shipping). You can go month-to-month, every three months, or every six months. The prices for each variety are the same:

• Single purchase: $88.00
• Monthly delivery: $79.00
• 3-month delivery: $224.00
• 6-month delivery: $422.00

These prices are quite a bit more expensive than the treatments from either Hers or Ro, or even purchasing Rogaine at your local brick-and-mortar pharmacy. If you’re against the use of medications or have experienced unpleasant side effects, then Nutrafol may be a good option, but the research is limited compared to other products.