Oct 22, 2024
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Fact Checked
Hers is a telehealth platform offering online consults and treatment for women’s hair loss. Here’s what we learned after testing Hers hair growth for three months and how it compares to others we’ve reviewed.
Our Reviews Team works to provide recommendations of products and services that we believe can add value to our readers’ lives. To give the most accurate overview of hair loss treatments, we spent hundreds of hours researching treatments and brands. Here’s how we made our selections:
We mystery-shopped eight online platforms offering hair loss treatments, testing four ourselves.
We interviewed dermatologists and
trichologistsⓘ
Health care professionals who study and treat hair and scalp conditions.
about the causes and treatments of hair loss, especially for older adults.
We interviewed seven people who got hair loss treatments online to learn about their personal experiences with hair loss and treatment.
We compared online platforms and products, looking at costs, features, and the benefits or drawbacks.
We identified key factors to consider when comparing hair loss treatments, through independent research and expert advice.
We read real customer reviews from trusted sources like Trustpilot to understand real user experiences with products and platforms.
We read the latest resources from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and research articles to make sure our recommendations follow the best practices.
Learn more about how we test hair loss products.
Key Takeaways
Hers (also known as For Hers) is a telehealth company that provides healthcare services to women in all 50 states.
For Hers hair loss treatments start at around $15 per month for generic minoxidil foam and up to $39 for customized prescription treatments.
The prescription medications offered by Hers may be effective for treating female hair loss, but they’re more expensive than non-prescription options and are not FDA-approved.
Our Reviews Team recommends Hers hair growth treatment for women experiencing mild to moderate hair thinning. Hers sells FDA-approved hair loss solutions that target women’s hair loss and provides unlimited support from licensed healthcare providers.
Prescribed hair loss medications from Hers are filled and shipped by various mail-order pharmacies across the United States.
Hair thinning can be a common issue women face as they age, often beginning in the perimenopausal years. For some women, hair loss can affect their self-esteem, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. Thankfully, there are several hair loss treatments for women that can help, and starting them early is the key to seeing the best results.
Hers (also known as For Hers) is a telehealth platform that supports women who are experiencing hair loss by connecting them with licensed healthcare providers who can diagnose hair loss and recommend hair loss medications and treatments—all without leaving the house.
In this Hers hair growth review, we’ll detail the type of hair loss treatments the company offers, costs, and our testing experience with Hers over-the-counter (OTC) minoxidil foam and hair care products.
Our Hers hair growth experience
Our expert take
After testing multiple telehealth companies that specialize in women’s hair loss treatment, we think Hers hair growth products are a convenient, affordable choice. We like that Hers offers a variety of hair loss treatments, most of which contain minoxidil, an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss.
The ordering process was relatively simple, and we appreciated being able to skip the “hair quiz” and go straight to the product selection. We liked that each product has its own page that includes dosage information, side effects, and instructions on how to use it. But we had some trouble telling the difference between prescription and non-prescription treatment options.
“I started out looking at prescription medications but found it difficult to navigate back to the OTC products once I realized that wasn’t what I wanted,” one tester commented.
We tested the 5% minoxidil foam, which arrived in discreet packaging within a week of ordering. The mess-free formula came with clear instructions and was easy to incorporate into our tester’s bedtime routine.
One of our Hers testers demonstrates the minoxidil foam.
After three months of daily use, our tester noted new growth, especially around the hairline area, and significant improvement in her hair’s fullness.
Caption for pictures 1 & 2: Our tester’s hairline before starting Hers minoxidil foam (left), and three months after using it daily (right).
“After using the 5% minoxidil foam for three months, there is a very noticeable improvement in the fullness of my hairline area.”
– From our tester
Our hair loss expert’s take on Hers
Who may love Hers hair regrowth treatment
Women experiencing gradual thinning or hair loss on the top of their scalp
Those willing to commit to a daily hair loss regimen
People looking for a discreet way to receive prescription hair loss medications without leaving their home
Who may want to avoid Hers hair regrowth treatment
Women with sudden, severe hair loss or unknown reason for their hair loss
People with a history of heart conditions or high blood pressure
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Customer service
Hers customer service is available 24/7 via e-mail, though you’ll need to fill out an online contact form on the company website to initiate a conversation.
The company can also be reached at 800-368-0038, but that number is for cancellations only. When our Reviews Team called, the automated system redirected us to the website.
Payment options
Hers accepts credit card payments from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB.
Regrow hair with Hers
Founded in 2018, Hers—the counterpart to the brand Hims—is a telehealth service that focuses on women’s health, including anxiety and depression, hair loss, weight loss, and sexual health.
The Hers platform offers virtual consultations with licensed healthcare providers and subscriptions for both prescription and non-prescription topical hair loss treatments and oral supplements.
When you sign up for Hers, you’ll be asked to answer questions about your hair type, lifestyle, and symptoms you’re concerned about. From there, a dermatologist or healthcare provider will review your answers and recommend the best treatment option for you.
All consultations are done through messaging, except in certain states where video calls are required. For identity verification, you’ll need to upload a government-issued ID before your consultation can be scheduled.
Once you’ve been prescribed a treatment, Hers will ship the medication directly to your door free of charge. You can purchase Hers regrowth treatments as part of a discounted subscription or try it out as a one-time purchase. With a subscription you’ll have access to unlimited messaging with healthcare providers for follow-ups, medication adjustments, and answers to any questions you may have.
Here’s a look at some of the different hair loss products offered by Hers.
Topical minoxidil
Minoxidil, the main active ingredient in Rogaine, is a popular OTC hair loss treatment approved by the FDA to treat
androgenetic alopecia (AGA)ⓘ
Known as female or male pattern hair loss, AGA is a genetic disorder characterized by the gradual loss of hair in the crown and frontal areas of the scalp.
, which affects up to 50% of women.
Topical minoxidil has been found to prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth and is often the first line of treatment for women’s hair loss. Minoxidil is thought to work through multiple mechanisms. One potential mechanism is through the improvement of blood flow to the scalp, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Another is keeping hairs in the growth phase and reducing scalp inflammation.
Hers offers a 2% minoxidil solution and a 5% topical foam, both available without a prescription. According to the Journal of the Academy of Dermatology, both options are clinically proven to support hair growth in women, so the best one for you ultimately boils down to personal preference.
Hers topical 2% minoxidil liquid solution hair regrowth treatment.
Hers topical 5% minoxidil foam hair regrowth treatment.
According to our tester’s experience, the benefits of topical minoxidil were visible by eight weeks.
Here’s what it costs to get topical minoxidil from Hers:
Minoxidil 2% liquid solution: $30 for a two-month supply, $54 for a four-month supply, and $76 for a six-month supply; a one-time purchase costs $45 for a three-month supply
Minoxidil 5% foam: $30 for a two-month supply, $54 for a four-month supply, and $76 for a six-month supply; a one-time purchase costs $54 for a four-month supply
Oral minoxidil
Oral minoxidil was approved by the FDA in the 1970s for the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels throughout the body so blood passes through them more easily. After clinical trials revealed that it often caused hair growth as a side effect, the topical formulation of minoxidil was developed.
Low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25–1.25 milligrams per day) is commonly prescribed to treat hair loss in women who prefer oral medication or experience scalp irritation from topical minoxidil.
Current evidence shows that 1 milligram of oral minoxidil may be as effective and safe as topical minoxidil, though larger studies are still needed.
Hers oral 2.5 mg minoxidil tablet hair regrowth treatment.
Hers offers oral minoxidil in doses ranging from 1.25 milligrams to 2.5 milligrams daily. It’s only available for purchase after one of the healthcare providers at Hers prescribes it. A 30-day supply starts at $29.
Custom Hair Blends
Hair Blends is a new line of dermatologist-formulated hair loss treatments for women who are seeking more of a custom approach. Available by prescription only, Hair Blends combines dietary supplements and prescription ingredients in customized dosages tailored to your needs.
Five different hair blend combinations are currently available, all starting at $39 per month.
Oral minoxidil plus biotin chewable: Low-dose minoxidil combined with biotin in a chewable tablet with a sweet lemon flavor.
Oral minoxidil plus hair vitamins: Low-dose minoxidil combined with a blend of biotin, vitamin C, zinc, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6.
Hair Blends serum: Combines 7% topical minoxidil with biotin, ketoconazole, and pantothenic acid.
Hair Blends postmenopausal serum: This serum combines topical minoxidil and finasteride with a blend that includes rosemary, juniper, tea tree, and other essential oils to support hair growth after menopause.
Hair Blends postmenopausal spray: A fast-drying, mess-free spritz made with 0.3% finasteride and 6% minoxidil.
So far, research has not found most of these combinations to be significantly more effective than traditional FDA-approved hair loss treatments. The postmenopausal serum seems to have the strongest research supporting its potential effectiveness.
For example, one small study in postmenopausal women found that combining topical minoxidil and finasteride was more effective than using just minoxidil to improve hair loss.
As for the vitamins in these formulas, no high-quality research supports using biotin, vitamin C, or zinc for hair growth, especially without a confirmed deficiency.
While 7% topical minoxidil may seem promising, additional studies are needed to determine if higher concentrations above 5% offer more benefits.
Lastly, compounded medications are not approved by the FDA, even if they require a prescription. This means they do not undergo rigorous testing to establish safety and effectiveness like traditional medications do.
As a result, the American Hair Loss Association recommends approaching these products with caution and only choosing brands that adhere to strict protocols.
Hair care and supplements
Hers offers two lines of shampoo and conditioner—Triple Threat and Full Volume—as well as biotin gummies. Hair care kits that include shampoo and conditioner start at $30 per month for a subscription, though you can also purchase them individually.
Hers Triple Threat Shampoo hair regrowth treatment.
Hers cherry flavor biotin builder gummies for hair regrowth.
Triple Threat Shampoo and Conditioner Kit: This kit includes shampoo that’s formulated with saw palmetto to cleanse your scalp, and a conditioner containing a blend of oils and amino acids to restore moisture.
Full Volume Shampoo and Conditioner Kit: Both the shampoo and conditioner feature Biovolume 128, which Hers claims can increase volume by four times in just five washes. They also contain brown rice and biotin for hydration.
Biotin Building Gummies: Starting at $16 per bottle, these gummies are designed as a multivitamin and biotin supplement to help bridge nutrient gaps in your diet.
Our tester found the Triple Threat shampoo and conditioner underwhelming. She noted that she had to use a lot of shampoo to achieve a good lather, and the conditioner weighed down her already thin hair.
While it’s always best to get your nutrients through a balanced diet, we like that the Biotin Building Gummies contain more than just biotin, including more than 50% of the Daily Value (DV) for:
Biotin
Folate
Vitamins C, D, and E
Vitamins B6 and B12
Pantothenic acid
Specifically, each serving supplies 63% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin D, a nutrient that older adults need more of to prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone health.
Unfortunately, many diets fall short of meeting the recommended vitamin D intake, as it isn’t naturally found in many foods. Studies have linked low vitamin D levels to hair loss, joint pain, and memory issues, among other health concerns.
Side effects of Hers hair growth treatment
Minoxidil, the main ingredient in Hers hair growth products, is generally considered safe when used as recommended. When applied topically, the most common side effects of minoxidil are scalp itching and irritation.
The alcohol in Hers minoxidil foam and topical solution can also burn the eyes or irritate sensitive skin areas it comes in contact with. If this happens, wash the area well with cool water.
Also, topical and oral minoxidil may cause unwanted facial hair growth if it regularly comes into contact with the face or temples. These effects are more likely to be seen with oral minoxidil, with one study finding unwanted hair growth in up to 17% of study participants.
Other potential side effects of oral minoxidil include breast tenderness, headaches, and nausea or vomiting. Seek medical care for the following rare but serious side effects:
Rash
Swollen feet or ankles
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Unexplained weight gain
Topical finasteride, used in the Hers Hair Blends postmenopausal serum, is not FDA-approved for treatment in women, though it’s commonly used off-label with some success. It’s important to note, though, that finasteride should be avoided by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it’s known to cause birth defects.
Other vitamins, essential oils, and botanical ingredients in Hers for hair growth are typically safe with minimal side effects. But it’s still a good idea to talk with your primary healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you have any medical conditions.
How we research hair loss medications and test platforms that offer them
Our Reviews Team bases our recommendations on the best clinical guidelines and research on hair loss treatments. We talked with dermatologists and trichologists to get their expert recommendations for both prescription and over-the-counter products. We also surveyed hair loss treatment users and interviewed focus groups of users to better understand the experience of hair loss and hair loss treatment.
Our testers signed up for some of the most popular online hair loss treatment platforms, paying special attention to:
Treatments available, including prescription and over-the-counter options
Ways to contact a prescriber, for example, through messaging or video sessions
The medical assessment and intake process, if prescribed a medication
Shipping times
Costs of subscriptions, products, and consultations
How easy it is to use the app or website
Treatment experience
Customer service
All of our reviews are medically reviewed by a licensed and practicing medical expert to ensure the information is accurate and up to date.
What female hair loss conditions can be treated with Hers?
Hers offers treatment for most hair loss conditions, including:
Overall thinning hair
Stress-related hair thinning
Female-pattern hair loss
Hormonal hair loss
Menopausal hair loss
Compare Hers hair growth products against competitors, as of September 2024
Bottom line
Hers connects women with licensed healthcare providers who can diagnose, treat, and, if needed, prescribe medications for hair loss.
We liked the option to choose our products and skip the consultation for non-prescription medications. Our tester was also very pleased with her hair growth results after using minoxidil foam for three months.
If you choose Hers hair growth, we recommend starting with the minoxidil foam or topical serum since the Hair Blends and oral minoxidil are not FDA-approved to treat hair loss in women.
Hers should not be used as a replacement for medical care from your primary care physician or dermatologist. Most consultations are done through messaging, so you won’t receive a thorough physical evaluation, lab testing, or other services you’d normally receive in person.
Additionally, Hers does not accept health insurance. If you’re insured and looking to try a prescription-grade hair loss treatment, it may be less expensive to go through your established healthcare provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to reverse hair loss with Hers?
Hers offers FDA-approved hair loss medications that may help reverse or slow hair loss, but results vary from person to person.
Does Hers hair growth require a prescription?
Oral minoxidil and customized Hair Blends from Hers require a prescription, while the generic Hers hair growth serum and minoxidil foam do not.
What is the main ingredient in Hers hair growth treatments?
Minoxidil is the primary ingredient in hair loss treatments offered by Hers.
Is Hers better than Rogaine for women?
Hers is just as effective as Rogaine because they both contain minoxidil as the main ingredient.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
Dhami L. Psychology of Hair Loss Patients and Importance of Counseling. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery: Official Publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0041-1741037
Ho, CH, et al. Androgenetic Alopecia. StatPearls. Jan. 7, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
Gupta AK, et al. Minoxidil: A Comprehensive Review. The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. July 20, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2021.1945527
Lucky AW, et al. A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss. Journal of the Academy of Dermatology. April 2004. Found on the internet at https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(03)04317-2/abstract
Patel P, et al. Minoxidil. StatPearls. January 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
Ramírez-Marín HA, Tosti A. Role of Oral Minoxidil in Patterned Hair Loss. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Nov–Dec 2022. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/idoj/fulltext/2022/13060/role_of_oral_minoxidil_in_patterned_hair_loss.6.aspx
Asilian A, et al. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Versus Topical Solution in the Improvement of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Nov. 29, 2023. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.16086
Suchonwanit P, et al. Efficacy of Topical Combination of 0.25% Finasteride and 3% Minoxidil Versus 3% Minoxidil Solution in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. Sept. 11, 2018. Found on the internet at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-018-0387-0
Almohanna HM, et al. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and Therapy. Dec. 13, 2018. Found on the internet at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
Singh S, et al. Does Topical Minoxidil at Concentrations Higher Than 5% Provide Additional Clinical Benefit? Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Nov. 1, 2022. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/ced/article/47/11/1951/6966079
The American Hair Loss Association. Hair Loss Treatments Online: What to Know About Compounded Medicines From Telemedicine Providers. Found on the internet at https://www.americanhairloss.org/hair-loss-treatments-online-what-to-know-about-compounded-medications-from-telemedicine-providers/
Sizar O, et al. Vitamin D Deficiency. StatPearls. July 17, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266/
Saini K and Mysore V. Role of Vitamin D in Hair Loss: A Short Review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. Sept. 22, 2021. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.14421
National Institutes of Health. Hers Hair Regrowth Treatment. Found on the internet at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=77b917ec-65ea-4c7c-941e-fc37f598294b&type=display
Rodrigues-Barata R, et al. Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil for Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Unicenter Descriptive Study of 148 Women. Skin Appendage Disorders. June 2020. Found on the internet at https://karger.com/sad/article/6/3/175/304677/Low-Dose-Oral-Minoxidil-for-Female-Pattern-Hair
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Mother To Baby: Fact Sheets. Finasteride. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). October 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582707/
Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.
