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Did you know that male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, affects about 50 million men in the US? That’s almost 40% of men over 35. Hair loss can be a difficult and emotional experience for many people, affecting self-esteem or confidence.
Available both orally and topically, Finasteride is changing the lives of men experiencing hair loss. But what about side effects? Is it worth trying?
Research has demonstrated that topical finasteride, applied directly to the scalp area experiencing hair loss, carries a lower risk of negative side effects than oral finasteride.
Today we review Keeps Topical Finasteride to see how it differs from oral finasteride. We assess it’s pros, cons, efficacy, and my personal experience using it over the last 6 months.
Keeps Topical Finasteride
Pros + Cons
Pros
Lower risk – Topical finasteride is not systematically absorbed in the bloodstream like oral finasteride, which helps you steer clear of side effects like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Affordable – Keeps Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Gel is $39-60/mo, which is cheaper than competitors for similar concentrations.
Easier to apply – The gel formula dries slower than a solution or spray and can be left on longer for maximum efficacy.
2-in-1 = more regrowth – Combines finasteride (stops hair loss) and minoxidil (stimulates hair growth) for a convenient, powerful, & effective formula.
Cons
Only available in gel form – While gel has its pros, a spray or solution could be better for your hair length or lifestyle.
Lower concentration – Keeps formula contains .25% finasteride and 5% minoxidil, compared to brands with up to 2.5% finasteride and 7.5% minoxidil (this does make it more affordable, though).
Not FDA-approved – ALL topical fin is sold off-label, while 1mg oral finasteride is approved.
Keeps Topical Finasteride Alternatives
Unlike oral finasteride, which is typically available in a standard 1 mg dose, topical finasteride products come in a variety of formulations that may differ in concentration, additional active ingredients, application method, and price.
Finding the best topical finasteride for you can involve trial and error, but we wanted to make it easier with this comparison of a few leading brands.
Keeps Topical Finasteride vs Hims vs Happy Head vs XYON vs Ro | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $120 for first 3 months ($40/month) then $180 quarterly thereafter ($60/month) | $150 quarterly ($50/month) $270 bi-annually ($45/month) | $79/month | $297 quarterly ($99/month) | $50/month (billed $150 quarterly) |
| Application Method | Gel | Spray | Dropper | Cream | Spray |
| Quantity in 3mo supply | 1oz/30 ml | 2oz/60ml | 2oz/60 ml | 3oz/90ml | 3oz/90ml |
| Includes Minoxidil? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Free Online Doctor's Visit? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Active Ingredients | .25% Finasteride 5% Minoxidil | .3% Finasteride 6% Minoxidil | .25% Finasteride 8% Minoxidil 0.1% Retinoic Acid 1% Hydrocortisone | Up to 2.5% Finasteride SiloxysSystem™ Gel | .3% Finasteride 6% Minoxidil 0.025% Tretinoin |
| Slow release of Finasteride on Scalp? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ SiloxysSystem™ helps slowly deliver finasteride to the scalp to maximize its overall absorbtion and efficacy. | ❌ |
| Recommended Use | Once Daily | Twice Daily | Twice Daily | Once Daily | Once Daily |
| Where is it Available | All 50 US States | All 50 US States + UK | All 50 US States | All 50 US States + Canda (minus Quebec) | All 50 US States |
| Website |
Keeps 2-In-1 Topical Finasteride review
Considering all of the above, what sets Keeps’ Topical Finasteride apart from other brands?
Composition and dosage
The gel-like composition of the Keeps topical finasteride ensures easy application and a more lasting effect than a quick-drying spray or solution. The dosage is once daily, so depending on your lifestyle, you can apply it before bed to leave on overnight or in the morning (as a work-from-home kinda person, I prefer my treatments during the day to wash off at night :).
Compounded with other ingredients
Combining finasteride with minoxidil, which is proven to help stimulate hair regrowth, can treat male pattern baldness more effectively and efficiently. Minoxidil dilates blood vessels, which can help other ingredients applied simultaneously get into the scalp. Simply put, minoxidil can increase the effectiveness of finasteride by allowing it to penetrate deeper.
Keeps Topical vs Oral Finasteride
Excuse us while we get a little science-y here. If you already know how finasteride works, skip to our verdict on Keeps finasteride.
Finasteride treats male pattern hair loss by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
In the scalp, DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair. Testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, hence the need for finasteride to inhibit the action of 5-alpha reductase and reduce the production of DHT.
By reducing the levels of DHT in the body, finasteride slows or even reverses male pattern hair loss. Finasteride is available in both oral and topical formulations, and when combined with minoxidil (topically), like in Keeps’ prescription gel, it’s an extremely powerful and effective hair loss solution. Here’s why many men prefer topical fin over orally-ingested pills:
1. Lower risk of side effects
For the longest time, finasteride was only taken as oral tablets. While usually well tolerated, the most common side effects were sexual dysfunction and decreased libido.
Topical finasteride, applied directly to the scalp, has shown a lower risk of side effects as less of the medication enters the bloodstream. However, topical finasteride is less studied, and some men may experience skin irritation or itching from the topical solution.
2. More effective
Because of this topical application, the finasteride undergoes fewer changes to the composition before working its’ magic.
Oral finasteride, on the other hand, is affected by your body’s biochemical processes (how something is broken down) as it’s absorbed through your digestive system before entering the bloodstream. This can change oral finasteride’s chemical integrity and ability to be absorbed, which may reduce the benefits.
3. Targeted treatment
This direct application of topical finasteride means it’s more likely to remain localized in the specific treatment area than oral fin, which can be especially helpful for people with distinct areas of hair loss or thinning.
Related reading: Topical Finasteride vs. Dutasteride
My personal experience
While I’ve personally used Keeps’ topical finasteride for the last few months and seen positive regrowth results, my experience is just one anecdote. Looking online at reviews of other users, their feedback has been largely positive as well, although some complain about customer service. BE SURE to read the fine print – you don’t want to get stuck in a recurring subscription if you’re only planning on starting a trial!
Results-wise, many guys have seen impressive results with Keeps’ 2-in-1 finoxidil. For me, I most appreciated how easy the gel is to apply, the significant regrowth on the most exposed parts of my scalp, and the peace of mind knowing that I’m at a lower risk for scary side effects. For anyone looking for a safer, more targeted hair loss treatment
The Verdict: Is Keeps Topical Finasteride worth it?
What sets Keeps’ Topical Finasteride apart as one of the best options for treating hair loss is its easy and long-lasting gel application and its compounded formula with both finasteride and minoxidil, which leads to a more effective treatment and better hair growth results.
Keeps Topical Finasteride is ideal for guys who want… |
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…decreased risk of side effects.One of the main benefits of using topical finasteride is the decreased risk of side effects associated with oral finasteride (especially appealing if you’re concerned about the potential sexual side effects). Topical fin can also be used at higher concentrations at the site of application, increasing efficacy at the same time.
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…the most affordable 2-in-1 topical.At just $40 per month to start, Keeps’ gel formula is the most affordable way to get the popular one-two punch of finoxidil (finasteride + minoxidil) in a topical format. Hims charges $50 per month for a spray version, and custom compounded alternatives from Happy Head or XYON are more than double Keeps’ price. Thus if you’re trying to maximize ROI (Regrowth on Investment), it’s hard to beat Keeps topical finasteride gel.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Keeps Topical Finasteride require a prescription?
In the United States, finasteride is a prescription medication, meaning, yes, you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare provider in order to obtain Keeps Topical Finasteride.
This can be obtained through a (free!!) online medical consultation with Keeps.
Are there any side effects of topical finasteride?
Like all medications, topical finasteride can cause side effects. However, the risk of side effects is lower with topical finasteride compared to oral finasteride.
Some common side effects of topical finasteride may include:
- Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation at the site of application, such as redness, itching, or rash.
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, people may experience an allergic reaction to finasteride, which can cause symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
- Changes in scalp or hair texture: Some people may notice changes in the texture of their scalp or hair after using topical finasteride. These changes may include dryness, flakiness, or oiliness.
How long does it take to see results from Keeps Topical Finasteride?
Patience is key when it comes to topical finasteride results! The length of time it takes for Keeps Topical Finasteride to start showing hair regrowth can vary from person to person. In general, it’s recommended to use finasteride consistently for at least 3-6 months before expecting to see results. However, some people may see improvement in as little as 3 months, while others may not see improvement for 6-12 months or longer.
It’s important to note that finasteride is a treatment, not a cure, for male pattern hair loss. This means it’s most effective at slowing or stopping hair loss, rather than promoting new hair growth. If you do see improvement after using Keeps Topical Finasteride, it’s important to continue using the medication as directed in order to maintain the benefits.
Is Keeps topical fin solution more effective than pills?
Finasteride topical application has been shown to be just as effective, if not more, than oral finasteride administration.
According to a study, men who applied 1 ml of topical finasteride solution to their scalps once a week had comparable results to men who took 1 mg of oral finasteride. Another study found that the effect of topical finasteride is similar to that of oral finasteride but with markedly lower systemic exposure and less impact on serum DHT concentrations.
Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of every telehealth service we review. This also includes examining and comparing each provider to comparable telemedicine alternatives. We also evaluate usability, treatments, prescription delivery time, and more to determine the best value for those seeking fast and reliable telehealth services.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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