Roman Topical Finasteride Overview
- Price: Starting at $43 per month
- Active Ingredients: Finasteride, minoxidil, tretinoin
- Inactive ingredients: Propylene glycol, citric acid, glycereth-5 lactate, isoamyl laurate, ethyl alcohol
- Application frequency: Daily
- Time it takes to see results: 3-6 months
- Potential side effects: Scalp irritation, dandruff
- Who is it for: Individuals with male pattern hair loss
- Overall rating: 4.1 on Trustpilot
Roman (a.k.a. Ro), is an online clinic that treats common health conditions and concerns, including erectile dysfunction, acne, premature ejaculation, and more. They also offer a full suite of hair loss treatments, including supplements, shampoo and conditioner, as well as oral finasteride and minoxidil.
One of their most innovative products is their 3-in-1 topical finasteride spray, which combines some of the most effective hair loss treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, and tretinoin, while also minimizing the risk of certain side effects that can sometimes accompany oral hair loss medications.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Roman’s 3-in-1 topical spray, including its pros and cons, potential benefits, side effects, and more. In addition, we spoke with Dr. Jonathan Rick, a board-certified dermatologist, about the most effective hair loss treatments for male pattern hair loss.
Roman’s topical finasteride stands out in an increasingly crowded field for its relatively low price and novel inclusion of tretinoin. While it’s not the most customizable treatment or the most affordable, Roman’s 3-in-1 spray offers a strong balance of value and clinical power.
Ro Topical Finasteride Pros & Cons
Pros
- Combines three research-backed ingredients, saving you time and money
- May be less likely to cause side effects than oral hair loss medications
- Unlimited ongoing care and free shipping
Cons
- Not your most affordable option for topical treatment
- Requires a prescription, unlike topical minoxidil alone
Our Experience With Ro Topical Finasteride
I found Ro’s sign-up process to be straightforward and simple. Since finasteride is a prescription medication, it starts with a few questions about your hair health and medical history. Once one of Roman’s clinicians gives the okay, it’s just a two-day wait to get your treatment. And the best part is that each dose is pre-measured, so applying the spray couldn’t be easier.
Team members who have had experience using this prescription spray also noted that:
- The spray comes out in a fine mist and is easy to apply
- It was easier to remember to use as part of a hair care routine, instead of taking daily oral hair loss medications
- It worked about as well as oral hair loss medications, like finasteride
- The spray didn’t feel greasy and absorbed well
Benefits: Does Roman Topical Finasteride Actually Work?
Roman’s topical spray includes two of the most clinically-backed treatments for male pattern hair loss, finasteride and minoxidil. On top of that, research shows that finasteride and minoxidil work better together than apart.
While oral finasteride is FDA-approved, topical finasteride is not. That’s because gaining FDA approval takes a lot of research, and scientists have been studying the oral form for a lot longer. The topical version is growing in popularity, but it’s going to take time for enough research studies to be conducted.
Related reading: Roman Review – Is It Legit for Men’s Hair Loss and ED Treatment?
Benefits of Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern hair loss that works by blocking a certain hormone that contributes to this condition. Because it fights hair loss at the source, oral finasteride has long been considered the gold standard for treatment. The downside is that, in rare cases, it can cause side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, that might not go away when you stop taking it.
That’s why topical finasteride has been catching on as a way to get many of the benefits of oral finasteride, with a significantly reduced risk of certain side effects.
No medication is entirely risk-free, but many individuals who take oral finasteride never experience any sexual side effects. For those who want to reduce the risk of side effects even more, topical finasteride is a great option to explore.
Related reading: How to Reduce Side Effects of Finasteride
Benefits of Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for pattern baldness that works by increasing blood flow to the scalp to stimulate growth. For some individuals, minoxidil works just fine by itself, but generally you’ll see more noticeable results by combining it with finasteride.
A Word From Our Expert
— Dr. Jonathan Rick
Oral minoxidil is about as effective as topical minoxidil. Topical minoxidil can be administered once a day and has minimal side effects on healthy individuals. Minoxidil is a blood-pressure medication and the low doses used for hair loss do cause very minor reductions in blood pressure. I generally recommend topical minoxidil first as it has no systemic effects. In isolation, finasteride is about equally as effective as minoxidil. Ideally, these two products are combined to take advantage of their different mechanisms of action.”
Topical Finasteride vs. Minoxidil
Even though topical finasteride gets applied the same way minoxidil does, they still work differently to slow, stop, and reverse hair loss. Topical finasteride helps slow hair loss, while minoxidil helps boost hair growth. That’s why it can be beneficial to use a spray or gel that combines both medications.
Benefits of Tretinoin
Tretinoin comes from vitamin A and is often used for skincare. So what’s it doing in a hair loss spray? Research shows that tretinoin makes hair loss treatment more effective, and can even work for people who don’t see any results from minoxidil alone. It is thought to help the scalp absorb minoxidil a bit better, further enhancing the hair regrowth process for some individuals.
Why We Recommend Roman 3-in-1 Topical Finasteride Spray
Roman’s clinically-backed combination of finasteride, minoxidil, and tretinoin is our recommended choice for those who don’t want to take oral medication, haven’t seen results from minoxidil alone, or who want to use a spray that combines the most effective hair loss treatments into one simple-to-use product.
Dermatologist-Designed Formula
It’s not just the science that supports Roman’s topical formula. We’d have to wager that the dermatologists who designed it are willing to vouch for its effectiveness, too.
Free Unlimited Ongoing Care
Buying Roman’s topical treatment (or any of their prescription hair loss options) entitles you to as many follow-ups with your care provider as you want, for free.
Quick and Easy Application
Thanks to its pre-measured doses, 3-in-1 topical spray is a breeze to apply. No need to become an amateur pharmacist just to keep your hair.
Free 2-Day Delivery
Unlike any of its closest competitors, Roman offers free two-day shipping for your hair loss treatment.
Roman Topical Finasteride Side Effects and Safety
While topical treatments don’t usually cause anything more serious than a bit of redness or dandruff, you should still be informed about all of the possible side effects.
Side effects of finasteride can include:
- Decreased libido
- Depression
- Difficulty maintaining an erection or ejaculating
Side effects of minoxidil can include:
- Dryness, scaling, or flaking of the scalp
- Itching, irritation, or burning at the treated area
Side effects of tretinoin can include:
- Acne sores
- Changes in skin color at the treated area
- Dryness, peeling, or flaking of the scalp
Contact your doctor or your local emergency services immediately if you experience any of these potentially serious symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Hives or rash
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling of the lips, face, ankles, hands, or stomach
- Weight gain
Roman Topical Finasteride vs. Alternatives
Want to see how Roman’s topical treatment stacks up against the alternatives? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Roman, Hims, Keeps, Happy Head, and XYON.
Roman vs. Hims vs. Keeps vs. Happy Head vs. XYON | Roman | Hims | Keeps | Happy Head | XYON |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $37/month for first 3 months $50/month thereafter | $45-$50 (billed $150 quarterly or $270 bi-annually) | $40/month for 3-month supply | $31 for first month $79/month thereafter | $99/month ($297 billed quarterly) |
| Active ingredients | Finasteride 0.3% Minoxidil 6% Tretinoin 0.025% | Finasteride 0.3% Minoxidil 6% | Finasteride 0.25% Minoxidil 5% | Finasteride 0.25% Minoxidil 8% Retinoic acid 0.001% Hydrocortisone 1% | 2.5% Finasteride |
| Propylene glycol free | ❌ | ❌ | 🟡 Not listed | ❌ | 🟡 Not listed |
| Form | Spray | Spray | Gel | Dropper | Gel |
| Application | Once-daily | Once-daily | Once-daily | Initially once-daily then twice | Once-daily |
| Pre-measured sprayer? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | 🟡 Calibrated dropper | ✅ |
| Free unlimited follow-ups? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free 2-days shipping? | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Customized dosage? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Website | |||||
Roman vs. Hims
If you’re not a fan of the tretinoin in Roman’s 3-in-1 spray, Hims is a good option to consider. Their topical spray includes the same concentration of finasteride and minoxidil as Roman’s, but without the tretinoin. It also costs around the same amount, just without the free two-day shipping.
Related reading: Hims Review – Is It Legit for Men’s Hair Loss?
Roman vs. Keeps
Keeps is another solid choice for those who want topical finasteride and minoxidil with no extras. Their gel also contains a slightly weaker concentration of both minoxidil and finasteride than Hims or Roman, making Keeps the better option for those who find their scalp reacting poorly to stronger formulas.
Related reading: Keeps Topical Finasteride Review – Does It Work for Hair Loss?
Roman vs. Happy Head
Looking for a spray that packs in even more medication than Roman’s? Happy Head offers a 4-in-1 combining finasteride, minoxidil, retinoic acid (another name for tretinoin), and hydrocortisone, or a steroid that helps prevent inflammation. But, keep in mind more isn’t always better. Folks with sensitive scalps should steer clear of this formula, which includes the highest concentration of minoxidil of any of these brands. The same goes for the price-sensitive, who may have a strong reaction to the $79 price tag.
Roman vs. XYON
For those looking for extra-strength topical finasteride without a bunch of added medications, XYON is the way to go. Their daily gel contains a whopping 2.5% finasteride, a dosage that’s customizable. The biggest downside of XYON is their price point. At $99 per month, they’re by far the priciest brand on this list.
Related reading: XYON Topical Finasteride Review – Is It Legit for Hair Loss?
What Are Other Customers Saying About Roman Topical Finasteride?
Overall, Roman customers love the effectiveness of their products and accessibility of their clinicians. But, some folks ran into trouble getting insurance to cover their care.
On the whole, individuals say Roman’s hair loss treatment is easy and effective. Just be prepared to wait, as it can take a long time for hair to grow back.
The Verdict: Is Roman Topical Finasteride Legit?
Roman Topical Finasteride may work well for those who want to combine three effective hair loss treatments into an easy-to-apply and more affordable spray.
If you want to put the power of finasteride to work for you without running the risk of certain side effects, Roman’s topical finasteride is worth looking into. Not only is it one of your most affordable options, but it also comes with the added boost of tretinoin, all in a convenient, pre-measured package. Those hoping to customize their dose or formula should look elsewhere, but for everyone else Roman is a strong contender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a prescription for Roman topical finasteride?
Yes, finasteride is a prescription medication, so you’ll need a doctor’s permission to get Roman’s Topical Finasteride.
How long does topical finasteride take to work?
It’ll take at least three months to see visible results from topical finasteride, but that doesn’t mean it’s not working under the surface to prevent further hair loss.
Is finasteride spray better than oral pills?
Oral finasteride has more clinical evidence in favor of it and is likely to produce the most dramatic results. But, those potentially greater results come with a greater risk of side effects. Topical finasteride is much less likely to cause side effects, while working about as well as its oral counterpart.
Does topical finasteride regrow thicker hair?
It certainly can, but you’ll increase your chances of thickening your mane if you add minoxidil.
Related reading: 14 Ways to Get Thicker Hair Using Natural and Scientifically Proven Methods
What is the strongest finasteride?
Of the brands we’ve covered, XYON’s finasteride is by far the strongest at 2.5%. Just keep in mind that a stronger concentration doesn’t always mean better results, but it does make scalp irritation more likely.
Is finasteride better than minoxidil?
Finasteride and minoxidil are both FDA-approved treatments for hair loss. But, finasteride is actually at its best when paired with minoxidil, as they both have different mechanisms of action.
Curious where to start?
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Methodology
We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, customer support, and useability of Roman’s Topical Finasteride, which also included examining their competitors. To determine overall value, we evaluated cost, usability, options, subscription services, and discounts.
Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the best product included convenience, customer service, access to healthcare providers, health insurance, package deals, and any free services or resources offered. For best overall, Roman stood out for its balance of affordability, convenience, and cutting-edge ingredients.
| 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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