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Rogaine vs Keeps: Which Minoxidil is Best for Men?

About the Author

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

Learn more
Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Kim Langdon, MD

About Dr. Kim Langdon, MD

Physician Advisor

Dr. Langdon is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine with Honors before completing her OB/GYN residency program (also at Ohio State) where she focused on helping pregnant women suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

In this Article

In this Article

Alex Goldberg

Rogaine® and Keeps are both brands that offer a 5% topical minoxidil solution for hair loss. Minoxidil is a Health Canada and US FDA-approved treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. 

 

Topical minoxidil is typically used to slow down and prevent hair loss, as well as boost hair growth. It can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription and is generally considered well tolerated. 

 

In this article, we review Keeps vs Rogaine in-depth, including the differences between the brands and the product costs. In addition, we explore how each is applied, potential side effects, and our experience using both Keeps and Rogaine topical minoxidil, so you can decide which product may work best for your needs.

Rogaine and Keeps hairloss prevention products

Keeps vs. Rogaine: Overview

Keeps vs Rogaine

Minoxidil productsMinoxidil solution 5%
Minoxidil foam 5%
For Men:

Minoxidil solution 5%
Minoxidil foam 5%

For Women:

Minoxidil solution 2%
Minoxidil foam 5%
Propylene glycol free option?
Combination treatments✅ Topical Minoxidil + Finasteride ❌ Not available
For both men and women?🟡 Men only
Free doctor's consultation?
Ongoing doctor's support
Other hair loss treatmentsOral finasteride
Ketoconazole shampoo
Thickening shampoo & conditioner
Thickening pomade
Where to buy?Keeps site
Amazon
Rogaine site
Amazon
In stores
Free delivery?
Website

Keeps was founded in 2018, while Rogaine has been around since 1988. Both Keeps and Rogaine offer various products for individuals experiencing hair loss. 

Keeps focuses on treating male pattern hair loss and offers a selection of OTC and prescription products that use FDA-approved medications, including minoxidil and finasteride. Their products include oral and topical medication, as well as shampoos and conditioners. 

 

Rogaine offers treatments for both male and female pattern hair loss. Their products are all topical, non-Rx hair loss treatment options that include various strengths of minoxidil.

 

Neither Rogaine nor Keeps offers a cure for hair loss. The products must be used every day in order to see results, and once stopped, symptoms of hair loss may return. 

Does Keeps Work Better Than Rogaine?

Both Rogaine and Keeps use the same active ingredient, minoxidil, in the same concentration (5%), making them equally effective at treating hair loss.

Research notes that topical minoxidil is generally well tolerated and may be effective for:

  • Increasing hair growth
  • Reducing hair loss 
  • Increasing the anagen, or growth, phase of the hair growth cycle
  • Increasing hair density

That said, Keeps offers more than just OTC topical minoxidil to combat hair loss, namely prescription oral finasteride, as well as a topical prescription gel that combines minoxidil and finasteride. So, if topical minoxidil (Rogaine or Keeps) doesn’t work for you, additional Keeps’ treatments may be a more effective option.

 

Keeps vs. Rogaine: What’s the Difference?

The main differences between Keeps and Rogaine are the treatments and support offered.

 

Keeps offers two different treatment options, minoxidil and finasteride, which can be used individually or together. Keep in mind that some of their products also require a prescription.

 

With Keeps, a licensed doctor will review your symptoms, recommend a treatment plan, as well as adjust your plan based on your needs. The online doctor’s consultation is free and is only required with the purchase of prescription products. Keeps’ products can be purchased through their site.

 

Rogaine only offers OTC minoxidil products, a foam and a solution. These come at 2% or 5% strengths. These products can be purchased online or in drug stores.

keeps minoxidil

Can you use Keeps and Rogaine at the same time?

Both Keeps and Rogaine offer a 5% topical minoxidil solution that you can use interchangeably, but not at the same time. Be sure to always follow the product instructions. 

Related reading: Rogaine vs. Minoxidil

Keeps vs. Rogaine:  Minoxidil Application Methods

Both Keeps and Rogaine offer several minoxidil-based products that are applied topically, directly to the scalp. 

 

Rogaine and Keeps offer minoxidil foams, which you disperse into your hand before applying, as well as solutions, which you apply with a dropper.

Rogaine Minoxidil Foam

Where to buy

  • Rogaine.com or Amazon ($50 for a 3-month supply)

How often to use:

  • 2x daily

Average time to results:

  • 3 – 6 months

How to use

  • First, your hair needs to be dry
  • Move your hair to the side to expose the skin on your scalp
  • Turn the can upside down and squirt half a cap of the foam into your hand
  • Rub it into your scalp where the hair loss is happening
  • Now, you can style your hair, including putting in hair gel or styling paste

Keeps 5% Minoxidil
Foam

Where to buy

  • Get 50% off your first 3 months with an exclusive Fin vs Fin discount

Save 50% on Keeps

How often to use:

  • 2x daily

Average time to results:

  • 2 – 6 months

How to use

  • First, your hair needs to be dry
  • Move your hair to the side to expose the skin on your scalp
  • Turn the can upside down and squirt half a cap of the foam into your hand 
  • Rub it into your scalp where the hair loss is happening
  • Now, you can style your hair, including putting in hair gel or styling paste

Keeps 5% Minoxidil Solution

How to use

  • First, your hair needs to be dry
  • Squeeze the included dropper to bring in 1 milliliter (1mL) of the minoxidil solution
  • Move your hair to the side to expose the skin on your scalp where you are losing your hair
  • Massage the liquid into your scalp where the thinning is occurring
  • Let it dry before styling your hair

Where to buy

  • Get 50% off your first 3 months with an exclusive Fin vs Fin

Save 50% on Keeps

How often to use:

  • 2x daily

Average time to results:

  • 2 – 6 months

Rogaine vs. Keeps: Side Effects

Side effects associated with Rogaine and Keeps’ topical minoxidil may include:

 

  • Skin irritation 
  • Headaches
  • Scalp itching and scaling

Skin itching and scaling may be alleviated with the use of an anti-dandruff shampoo, such as Selsun Blue. Keeps also offers a prescription shampoo option that may help reduce scalp irritation in some individuals.

Seek emergency medical care if you experience:

  • Swelling
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Difficulty breathing

 

Cost of Keeps vs. Rogaine

We’ve compared the cost of Keeps to Rogaine, so you can make the best decision for your needs. Keeps uses generic minoxidil which is how they are able to keep their costs down. Both Keeps and Rogaine have multiple subscription plans with automatic free shipping. Remember, best results from minoxidil are seen after at least 3 to 6 months of consistent usage.  

 

Keeps vs Rogaine

Minoxidil solution
(3-months plan)
$33 or ($11/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle$47.99 or ($15.99/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle
Minoxidil solution
(6-months plan)
$55.98 or ($9.33/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle$82.39 or ($13.73/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle
Minoxidil foam
(3-months plan)
$50.01 or ($16.67/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle$47.99 or ($15.99/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle
Minoxidil foam
(6-months plan)
$84 or ($14/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle$82.39 or ($13.73/month) for 2.11 oz/bottle
Website

My Personal Experience Using Rogaine and Keeps

I started losing my hair in my twenties, and began using the liquid 5% Rogaine solution to help boost my hair growth. I’ve also tried the Keeps minoxidil foam and liked that it was just as easy to apply as the liquid in the dropper.

Within a few months of using topical minoxidil, I noticed that I wasn’t really losing my hair anymore and my hair seemed thicker.

The only side effect I experienced was dry scalp, which was occasionally itchy. I treated this with an OTC hair loss shampoo, which significantly reduced these symptoms.

Because the side effects I experienced were easily managed, I have continued to use topical minoxidil to treat my hair loss.

The Verdict: Which Is Best, Keeps or Rogaine?

Keeps is best for comprehensive treatment.

Keeps offers both over-the-counter and Rx  treatments, which may work better for some individuals. Hair loss symptoms and treatment goals are also reviewed by a licensed doctor for free, all from the comfort of your home. 

 

Keep’s pricing is very competitive, even beating Amazon for comparable minoxidil subscriptions, making it a great option for those who prefer to have their products shipped directly to their door.

 

 

 

Try Keeps→

Rogaine is best for convenience.

rogaine logo

 

 

 

 

 

Try Rogaine →

Rogaine offers topical minoxidil solutions and foam at 2% and 5% strengths. These products can typically be found at drug stores and some grocery stores, making them incredibly easy to access and purchase. They can also be purchased online via several retailers, like Amazon.

 

In addition, Rogaine offers products suitable for both male and female pattern hair loss treatment, which may make it a better choice for some individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Minoxidil may work by increasing the amount of nourishment that flows to the hair follicles. It may also help keep the hair in the growth phase of the hair cycle.   

 

Finasteride blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that may lead to hair loss. This action may help slow or prevent hair loss. 

According to research, oral finasteride may work better for some individuals when compared to topical minoxidil (Rogaine). However, combining both treatments tended to lead to the best outcomes.

For some individuals, Keeps may be an effective hair loss treatment method, as the products use FDA-approved medications to treat this condition.

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 ProcessKey MetricsWeighting
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

Related Reading

tretinoin-for-hair-loss

Tretinoin and Hair Loss: Does It Help Regrow Hair?

Key Takeaways Topical tretinoin may support hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp and boosting cell turnover.  Up-to-date clinical research indicates that tretinoin can enhance the effects of minoxidil for hair growth.  The most common side effects of tretinoin are skin irritation, dryness, and

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Oral Minoxidil Prescription

How to Get Oral Minoxidil Online: A Complete Guide

Key Takeaways Oral minoxidil is a good option for individuals with androgenic alopecia who experience side effects from topical minoxidil or who are not seeing the results they hoped for.  You can get an oral minoxidil prescription online by completing a virtual consultation with a

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Does High Blood Pressure Cause Hair Loss?

Key Takeaways While some studies do show a potential association between high blood pressure and hair loss, more research is still needed. High blood pressure can affect blood flow, potentially impacting blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. Some medications used to treat high

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Stop Minoxidil

How to Stop Minoxidil Without Losing Hair

Key Takeaways Taper off minoxidil gradually instead of stopping abruptly to minimize potential hair shedding. Consider finding an alternative hair loss treatment, such as finasteride, hair supplements, and low-level laser therapy if you are still experiencing hair loss after discontinuing minoxidil. Consult with a healthcare

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About the Author

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

Learn more
Alex Goldberg

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

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