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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.
Keeps vs. Rogaine: Overview
Keeps vs Rogaine | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil products | Minoxidil 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 treatments | Oral 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?
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.
Can you use Keeps and Rogaine at the same time?
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
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
Where to buy
- Get 50% off your first 3 months with an exclusive Fin vs Fin
How often to use:
- 2x daily
Average time to results:
- 2 – 6 months
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
Related reading: XYON Shampoo + Conditioner Review- Do They Work for Hair Loss?
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 |
The Verdict: Which Is Best, Keeps or Rogaine?
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.
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 (FAQs)
How does minoxidil work for hair loss?
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.
How does finasteride work for hair loss?
Finasteride blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that may lead to hair loss. This action may help slow or prevent hair loss.
Does finasteride work better than Rogaine?
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.
Does Keeps really grow hair back?
For some individuals, Keeps may be an effective hair loss treatment method, as the products use FDA-approved medications to treat this condition.
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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