The Best Hair Loss Medications and Where to Buy Them

Around 50% of people, regardless of gender, will experience hair loss. Hair loss medication can encourage hair growth and make the hair feel thicker and fuller. Here, we discuss the most effective types of medication and where to buy them.
Share on Pinterest
Medications 
Although treatment for androgenetic alopecia — which refers to hair loss with close links to genetic factors — is unnecessary, some people may wish to reduce their hair loss by using hair loss medication.
If hair loss is due to a health condition such as alopecia areata, polycystic ovary syndrome, or scalp infection, a person can seek treatment for any underlying conditions.
alopecia areata
polycystic ovary syndrome
scalp infection
All prices come from Optum Perks, a free search engine that provides coupons to reduce the cost of medication.
Price: from $26.49
Type: nonprescription topical
Brand name: Rogaine
Minoxidil is a topical product that people apply to their scalp. It is available over the counter.
Minoxidil
Doctors originally prescribed minoxidil for severe high blood pressure but found it caused excessive hair growth in its oral form in 20% of users. Scientists developed a topical version in 1987 specifically for androgenic alopecia in males and later for female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
high blood pressure
20%
Minoxidil has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. However, scientists do not fully understand how it works. Experts believe it shortens the hair’s resting phase — called the telogen phase — and extends the growth phase, called the anagen phase.
A person may notice results within 8 weeks. However, there are several side effects a person should be aware of. These can include:
skin irritation
scaly skin
scaly skin
itchy skin
itchy skin
making seborrheic dermatitis worse
seborrheic dermatitis
allergic contact dermatitis
contact dermatitis
unwanted excessive hair growth
It is also not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding people. A person should not use minoxidil if they do not know the cause of their hair loss.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that people need to use minoxidil once or twice per day but warns that hair loss will return if they stop using it.
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
Minoxidil may be more effective if a person combines it with other hair loss treatments. For instance, older research found that females who took 0.25 milligrams (mg) of oral minoxidil and 25 mg of spironolactone as daily capsules improved FPHL.
0.25 milligrams (mg)
can produce results in 8 weeks
available over the counter
might be more effective in combination with other hair-loss medications
not safe during pregnancy or while nursing
can cause a range of side effects, including excessive hair growth
hair loss will return if treatment stops
Price: from $3.92
Form: prescription oral tablet
Brand name: Aldactone
This medication is FDA-approved to treat and manage heart failure and high blood pressure. However, doctors can also prescribe it for FPHL if other treatments have not worked.
treat
heart failure
The British Association of Dermatologists states that spironolactone may take up to 6 months to produce results.
spironolactone
6 months
Some research has revealed positive results for spironolactone for FPHL. Research from 2015 found almost 75% of study participants with FPHL experienced improvements in their hair loss or stabilized hair loss.
Research from 2015
A 2017 pilot study involving 100 females with hair loss concluded that combining spironolactone with minoxidil may be a safe and effective treatment for FPHL. The study participants experienced increased hair growth and reduced shedding. However, this study had several limitations, and more research is necessary to confirm its results.
2017 pilot study
The AAD advises that people avoid using spironolactone if they are pregnant, as it can cause birth abnormalities. A person needs to use birth control to prevent pregnancy if they want to take spironolactone.
AAD
birth abnormalities
birth control
The side effects spironolactone may cause include:
include
vomiting
vomiting
abdominal pain
abdominal pain
vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal females
vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal females
drowsiness
increased growth of body hair
may work well alongside minoxidil
some research concluded spironolactone is effective for FPHL
may take 6 months to produce results
unsafe during pregnancy and while nursing
it is not FDA-approved as a treatment for FPHL
will not work for male pattern hair loss (MPHL)
male pattern hair loss (MPHL)
may cause side effects
Price: from $8.50
Type: prescription oral tablet
Brand name: Avodart
Dutasteride is an oral medication that doctors prescribe for people with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The FDA has not approved it as a treatment for hair loss, but a doctor may prescribe it for this purpose.
Dutasteride
prescribe
benign prostatic hyperplasia
It may take 3 to 6 months for people to start noticing results.
An older study found that a 6-month dutasteride dosage of 0.5 mg can improve hair growth in people with MPHL.
older study
In another 2017 study, researchers reviewed the effects of dutasteride and finasteride in men with androgenetic alopecia. They found that dutasteride was more effective, but its adverse effects were similar to finasteride. However, this study used a small sample size and had a short duration, so more research is necessary to confirm its results in the wider population.
2017 study
A larger 2019 meta-analysis compared dutasteride with finasteride as a treatment for MPHL. The authors found that dutasteride significantly increased hair counts, had increased efficacy compared to finasteride, and produced similar side effects. They also wrote that participants tolerated both treatments well. However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings.
2019 meta-analysis
Dutasteride can cause side effects, including:
including
difficulty maintaining an erection
difficulty maintaining an erection
decreased libido
decreased libido
ejaculation issues
increased risk of high grade prostate cancer
prostate cancer
some research found dutasteride to be effective against MPHL
may have increased efficacy compared to finasteride
may cause a range of sexual-related side effects
may increase a person’s risk of prostate cancer
FDA has not approved it for use in hair loss
Price: from $3.93
Type: prescription topical or oral tablet
Brand name: Proscar, Propecia
Finasteride is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of enlarged prostate and hair loss in males.
Finasteride
FDA-approved drug
It works by binding to the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and stopping it from converting testosterone into DHT. This can slow hair loss but will not completely stop it.
DHT
According to the AAD, a person needs to take one finasteride pill daily. It can take up to 4 months to produce results.
AAD
A 2018 study found that over 85% of the participants saw improvements after using finasteride for 5 years, making this a suitable choice for people looking for longer-term support.
2018 study
A 2022 article states that some people may prefer using topical finasteride rather than the oral form, as the topical medication may come with a reduced risk of sexual dysfunction. However, the topical form may cause irritation, a burning sensation, or contact dermatitis at the treatment site.
2022 article
contact dermatitis
Finasteride is unsafe for people who are pregnant or nursing, females of childbearing age, or children.
Moreover, finasteride may cause side effects, including:
including
erectile dysfunction
erectile dysfunction
decreased libido
decreased ejaculatory volume
decreased ejaculatory volume
gynecomastia, increased breast tissue in males
gynecomastia
FDA-approved for hair loss
evidence-based effectiveness
may take 4 months to produce results
unsafe during pregnancy and while nursing
can cause sexual dysfunction
slows but does not stop hair loss
Comparing hair loss medication
The following table compares the hair loss medications in this article on their form, effectiveness, and more.
Where to buy hair loss medications
Several telehealth companies offer hair loss medications. We rounded up the most reputable companies that have passed our vigorous vetting process.
Roman Hair Loss Medications

Type oral and topical hair loss medications
Quantity varies
Prescription needed yes for medications, no for OTC topical products
SHOP NOW AT RO
Roman offers oral finasteride and minoxidil and topical minoxidil. It also offers a 3-in-1 topical spray that contains finasteride, minoxidil, and tretinoin, which requires a valid prescription.
The prices of the medication it offers are:
$16 per month for topical minoxidil
$20 per month for oral finasteride
$30 per month for oral minoxidil
$50 per month for Roman’s 3-in-1 topical spray
Before ordering, a person must complete an online assessment for a doctor to review. If the doctor has questions, they will arrange an appointment to discuss the assessment. They can then prescribe a person with hair loss medication if necessary.
Roman states that it offers free delivery and 2-day shipping, sending medication in discreet packaging.
Read our in-depth review of Roman.
in-depth review of Roman
Hims Hair Loss Treatments

Treatments offered finasteride and minoxidil spray, oral finasteride, minoxidil, thickening shampoo, thickening conditioner, max volume shampoo, max volume conditioner
Prescription needed yes
Accepts insurance no
SHOP NOW AT HIMS
People must answer an online questionnaire indicating whether they have a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, overall hair loss, and more. Hims offers a free initial consultation with a doctor.
receding hairline
Hims offers a number of effective medication. Some of these, and their prices, include:
$15 per month for topical minoxidil
$19 per month for minoxidil foam
$22 per month for oral finasteride
$32 per month for oral finasteride and topical minoxidil
Hims provides a 90-day money-back guarantee and free discreet shipping.
Read our in-depth review of Hims.
in-depth review of Hims
Hers Hair

Type shampoo, conditioner, scrub, prescription medication
Delivery time 2 to 5 business days
Prescription needed yes, for some items
Accepts insurance no
SHOP NOW AT HERS
Hers is a sister brand to Hims, focusing on female health.
Hims offers a number of effective medications. Some of these and their prices include:
$39 per month for a hair blend solution containing minoxidil, biotin, ketoconazole, and vitamin B5
$39 per month for a postmenopausal serum containing finasteride and minoxidil
A person must answer questions online before connecting with a physician. They can then get a prescription for hair loss treatments if the doctor thinks it is necessary.
Hers offers free online visits, free shipping, and unlimited messaging with Hers doctors for follow-up questions.
Read our in-depth review of Hers.
in-depth review of Hers
Lemonaid Hair Loss Medications

Treatments offered oral finasteride, topical finasteride and minoxidil foam
Delivery time 2-3 business days
Prescription needed yes
Accepts insurance no
Medication price starts at $60 per month
GET STARTED WITH LEMONAID
Lemonaid offers generic finasteride and minoxidil for people with hair loss.
As with Roman, a person must complete an online assessment. Lemonaid states that a doctor will review their information within 24 hours.
A 3-month supply of finasteride will cost $30 and $65 for minoxidil, respectively. However, this price will go up to $60 and $95 thereafter.
Online consultations cost $25.
Lemonaid states it delivers orders for free within 1 to 5 days.
Location availability: available in the United States
Consultation required: yes
Consultation fee: $25
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Location availability: available in the United States
Consultation required: yes
Consultation fee: $25
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: shipping calculated at checkout
Keeps Minoxidil Solution

Prescription needed no
Accepts insurance no
GET STARTED WITH KEEPS
People must complete an online questionnaire to determine the best treatment plan for them.
Keeps offers a range of hair loss medications, including:
$33 for a 3-month supply of minoxidil solution
$50 for a 3-month supply of minoxidil foam
$80 for a 3-month supply of oral finasteride
$113 for a 3-month supply of oral finasteride and minoxidil solution
$130 for a 3-month supply of oral finasteride and minoxidil foam
Location availability: available in the United States
Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: $5 for shipping
Location availability: available in the United States
Key ingredient: 5% minoxidil
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: $5 for shipping
How to choose
A person should consider the following factors when looking for hair loss medication:
Safety: The FDA has approved two drugs for hair loss: topical minoxidil and finasteride. A person needs to exercise caution when buying hair loss treatments that use other ingredients, as their safety or effectiveness may not have undergone evaluation.
FDA
minoxidil
finasteride
Side effects: Some hair loss treatments can cause side effects. A person needs to read prescribing information and product labeling to understand what side effects may occur when using the product. Individuals should stop using any hair loss medication that causes side effects and seek medical advice.
Pregnancy: Many hair loss medications are not safe during pregnancy or while nursing. A person needs to speak with a doctor before trying hair loss medication.
Price: Some hair loss medications can be expensive. A person needs to consider the cost-effectiveness of their chosen medication as they will typically need to use it daily. They also need to research customer reviews and whether the manufacturer’s claims include scientific evidence before purchasing.
When to contact a doctor
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that it is usual for people to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, it recommends consulting a doctor if people experience the following:
National Health Service (NHS)
sudden hair loss
hair coming out in clumps
bald patches
itchy or burning scalp
hair loss that affects their mental health
mental health
These symptoms may be a sign of a health condition.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some of the top questions about hair loss medications.
Research suggests that the majority of FDA-approved hair loss medication — and some off-label medications for hair loss — produce promising results. However, hair loss will return if a person stops treatment in many cases.
There is no best treatment for hair loss. The type of medication that will provide the best results will depend on each person and any characteristics or health conditions they may have. For example, many medications are unsuitable for people who are pregnant.
A doctor will work with each person to find the most effective and best treatment for hair loss.
Research suggests that the majority of FDA-approved hair loss medication — and some off-label medications for hair loss — produce promising results. However, hair loss will return if a person stops treatment in many cases.
There is no best treatment for hair loss. The type of medication that will provide the best results will depend on each person and any characteristics or health conditions they may have. For example, many medications are unsuitable for people who are pregnant.
A doctor will work with each person to find the most effective and best treatment for hair loss.
Finasteride is one of the best oral medications for hair loss. This tablet has FDA approval for use in hair thinning and loss and can provide noticeable results.
Finasteride is one of the best oral medications for hair loss. This tablet has FDA approval for use in hair thinning and loss and can provide noticeable results.
The AAD states that dermatologists can recommend OTC and prescription medication for hair loss, including minoxidil. They may also suggest alternative treatments such as microneedling, laser caps or combs, or more invasive treatments, including corticosteroid injections, hair transplants, and certain blood treatments.
AAD
microneedling
laser caps or combs
corticosteroid injections
hair transplants
The AAD states that dermatologists can recommend OTC and prescription medication for hair loss, including minoxidil. They may also suggest alternative treatments such as microneedling, laser caps or combs, or more invasive treatments, including corticosteroid injections, hair transplants, and certain blood treatments.
AAD
microneedling
laser caps or combs
corticosteroid injections
hair transplants
Summary
Hair loss medications come as tablets, solutions, and foams. Some are available over the counter, while others require a doctor’s prescription.
Research is promising regarding the effectiveness of popular hair loss medications. However, more research is necessary overall, particularly on the long-term effects of using hair loss treatments.
There are also various telehealth companies offering hair loss medication a person can consider. A person should always discuss hair loss with a doctor before trying a new treatment.