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Madhura Sohani, M.A.
Psychology Writer
Madhura Sohani, an adjunct faculty member with a master’s in Psychology, focuses on making classroom material applicable to real life. With three years of research experience on aging and medical adherence, she values interactive teaching. In her free time, she enjoys CrossFit, hiking, and biking.
Hair loss is a struggle shared by millions—and the solutions to combat thinning hair have never been more accessible or innovative. In today’s telemedicine era, two names have emerged as frontrunners in online hair loss treatments: Happy Head and Hims. While both brands offer products that target hair loss, they cater to different needs and preferences. After extensive research, hands-on testing, and input from medical experts, our in‑depth comparison concludes that while Happy Head excels in customization and natural formulations, Hims is the overall winner for its broader treatment range, cost‑efficiency over time, and superior telemedicine experience.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect everything from product offerings and pricing to customer experience, clinical efficacy, and safety. Whether you’re just starting your hair regrowth journey or looking to refine your current routine, read on for the definitive guide that will help you choose the best solution for your needs.
I. Introduction
Hair loss can be more than just a cosmetic concern—it often affects self-esteem, confidence, and even personal relationships.1 With the rise of telehealth services, treatments for hair loss have moved from traditional in‑office consultations to comprehensive online platforms that deliver personalized care directly to your doorstep.
Happy Head and Hims are two such platforms that have revolutionized how men (and, in some cases, women) approach hair loss treatments. Happy Head is renowned for its customizable, high‑concentration topical formulas that harness natural ingredients to promote scalp health. In contrast, Hims has built its reputation on a robust telemedicine model that offers both over‑the‑counter and prescription options across multiple product lines—not only for hair loss but also for broader men’s health concerns.
Our goal in this article is to provide you with an in‑depth, journalistic‑quality analysis of both brands. We will detail their histories, product lines, pricing structures, customer service experiences, and clinical backing. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to decide which platform is best suited to address your hair loss concerns. Spoiler alert: if you’re seeking a comprehensive, hassle‑free, and cost‑effective solution, Hims comes out on top.
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Customization: Happy Head leverages your consultation data to create a bespoke formula. Whether you need a higher concentration of finasteride, an 8% minoxidil solution, or additional ingredients like retinoic acid and hydrocortisone, Happy Head tailors its products to your specific needs.
Natural Ingredients: Many of their products include naturally derived compounds such as biotin, saw palmetto, and other botanical extracts. This makes their approach attractive for those seeking a more “green” solution.
Product Range: The brand offers an array of topical solutions—including multiple variations of finasteride-minoxidil combinations—as well as supporting hair care products like shampoos and conditioners formulated to nourish the scalp.
Founded by pioneers in the hair loss space, Happy Head has quickly earned a reputation for its focus on natural, science‑backed formulations. The brand’s ethos centers on customization—each treatment is tailored based on your unique hair loss pattern, age, gender, and medical history. Happy Head’s approach relies on delivering potent topical formulations that combine prescription‑strength ingredients with nourishing botanicals.
“Happy Head’s customized formulations give a personal touch to hair loss treatments—ideal for those who prefer a natural approach,” says Dr. Amina Rahman, a dermatologist familiar with telehealth innovations.
Hims
—The Telehealth Powerhouse
Key Features
Comprehensive Telehealth Model: Hims simplifies the entire process—from an easy online consultation and virtual diagnosis to direct-to-door delivery of both over‑the‑counter and prescription products.
Broad Product Portfolio: Beyond hair loss treatments, Hims offers products that address sexual health, skin care, and mental wellness, making it a one‑stop shop for men’s health needs.
Cost‑Efficiency & Convenience: With competitive pricing structures, extended billing cycles, and an intuitive user interface, Hims is designed to provide long‑term value. Their subscription model and “auto‑delivery” options ensure you never run out of your treatment.
Expert-Backed: Every treatment plan is overseen by licensed healthcare professionals, ensuring that your medication is both effective and safe.
Hims emerged in 2016 as a pioneer in the telemedicine space, initially focused on providing discreet, online access to hair loss treatments. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio to encompass a range of men’s health products, including treatments for erectile dysfunction, skincare, mental health, and weight loss.
“Hims’ streamlined telehealth experience removes the friction typically associated with hair loss treatments—it’s convenient, efficient, and built around modern lifestyles,” notes Dr. Jonathan Miles, a telemedicine consultant.
III. Detailed Product and Service Comparison
In this section, we delve into the nitty‑gritty details of what each platform offers, how they stack up in terms of pricing, and what the overall customer experience is like.
A. Product Offerings & Treatment Options
1. Range & Customization
Happy Head:
Customizable Topical Formulations: Happy Head excels in offering tailored topical treatments. Their formulations allow for adjustment of active ingredient concentrations based on the customer’s consultation data. For instance, you might receive a blend containing:
Finasteride: Up to a 0.25% concentration
Minoxidil: An 8% concentration for enhanced stimulation
Retinoic Acid: A small amount (around 0.01%) to boost absorption and scalp health
Hydrocortisone: Up to 1% to reduce inflammation
Variety of Product Formats: Happy Head provides multiple variations of its topical solutions, including:
Topical finasteride & minoxidil solutions
Topical dutasteride & minoxidil combinations
Formulas specifically tailored for women (e.g., spironolactone & minoxidil)
Supporting Hair Care: In addition to treatment solutions, Happy Head offers shampoos, conditioners, and oral supplements that support overall scalp health.
Hims:
Standardized Yet Comprehensive Options: Hims offers both over‑the‑counter and prescription hair loss treatments. Their product lineup includes:
Oral Medications: Such as 1mg finasteride tablets and innovative minoxidil chews.
Topical Treatments: Including sprays, serums, and foams that combine finasteride with minoxidil.
Supportive Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and supplements like biotin gummies.
Telehealth Consultation-Driven: While Hims does not allow for as much dose customization as Happy Head, its consultation process ensures that you receive products that have been clinically vetted for your specific hair loss pattern.
Innovative Delivery Formats: Hims offers unique formats such as:
Oral finasteride and minoxidil chews—an innovation designed for ease of use and improved compliance.
Topical sprays that are easier to apply and less messy than traditional foams or solutions.
Pro Tip: For early-stage hair loss, combining oral finasteride with a topical minoxidil solution can offer a synergistic effect2—a strategy Hims has mastered.
B. Pricing and Value for Money
When it comes to “forever treatments” like hair loss medications, cost is a major consideration. Let’s break down the pricing structures and long‑term value propositions.
Flexible Billing Cycles: Offers extended billing cycles (30, 90, 150, 180, or even 360 days) that can significantly lower per‑month costs. For example, a $5 processing fee per month drops dramatically when billed annually.
Cost-Efficiency Over Time: While Hims might have a slightly higher sticker price for some products, their subscription models and bundle discounts often make them more cost‑effective in the long run.
Transparent Pricing: Although some prices aren’t immediately visible on product pages, once you complete the consultation, you receive clear pricing information.
The convenience of telehealth is a major draw for both brands. Here, we evaluate the ease of the consultation process, ongoing support, and customer service quality.
1. Ease of Consultation
Happy Head:
Consultation Process:
Requires filling out an online intake form, which then informs a customized treatment plan.
The process is thorough, ensuring that you receive a formulation tailored to your hair loss pattern.
However, the system is relatively rigid, offering only one billing cycle (usually monthly) and limited options for adjustments.
Hims:
Streamlined Telehealth Platform:
Begins with a simple, user‑friendly survey where you provide your hair loss details, medical history, and even upload photos.
Licensed healthcare professionals quickly review your information, often within 24 hours, to create your personalized treatment plan.
Hims’ integrated dashboard makes it easy to track your prescriptions, order refills, and even access messaging support directly from the platform.
Expert Quote: “Hims’ telehealth model is built around speed and simplicity, reducing the friction typically associated with getting hair loss treatments,” remarks Dr. Jonathan Miles.
2. Customer Service & Cancellation Experience
Happy Head:
Customer Service:
Offers support via email or live chat, but users report occasional delays in responses.
Cancellation processes can be less intuitive, sometimes requiring a phone call or direct email, which may frustrate customers.
Overall Experience:
Clear pricing on product pages is a plus, but the lack of flexible billing cycles can be a downside.
Hims:
Customer Service:
Features an integrated customer support dashboard with live chat and quick email responses.
The cancellation process is straightforward and transparent—a notable advantage over competitors.
Consistent positive feedback regarding ease of use and prompt delivery.
User Experience:
Hims’ website is designed for simplicity, with clear navigation and minimal hidden fees.
Pro Tip: “For a stress‑free telehealth experience, Hims’ integrated dashboard and live chat make it easy to resolve any issues—an essential factor when managing a subscription-based treatment,” advises customer service expert Lisa Nguyen.
D. Clinical Efficacy and Safety
No hair loss treatment review is complete without examining clinical studies, safety profiles, and expert recommendations. Here, we compare the scientific backing and safety of treatments offered by Happy Head and Hims.
1. Clinical Backing
Happy Head:
Customized Formulations:
Their products, including high‑concentration minoxidil (up to 8%) and topical finasteride, are designed to provide robust clinical results.
Although customized formulations sound promising, the evidence for topical finasteride (compounded for individual use) is still emerging.
Research:
Many of Happy Head’s ingredients, such as finasteride and minoxidil, are well‑studied in oral forms; however, their topical use at higher concentrations requires more robust clinical trials.
Hims:
Evidence-Based Products:
Hims’ products are built on decades of clinical research. Oral finasteride (1mg) and topical minoxidil (5–7%) have extensive clinical studies supporting their efficacy.
Their consultation process ensures that treatments are prescribed only when appropriate, adding a layer of medical oversight.
FDA Approvals:
Many of the medications offered by Hims are FDA‑approved (e.g., finasteride, minoxidil), and the platform maintains a rigorous standard for safety and efficacy.
Key Fact: “Multiple studies have shown that oral finasteride can increase hair count by more than 10% over a two‑year period.3 Hims leverages these proven treatments while minimizing side effects with topical formulations,” notes a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
2. Safety Profiles & Side Effects
Happy Head:
Topical Application:
By delivering finasteride and minoxidil topically, Happy Head aims to reduce systemic absorption and, consequently, systemic side effects.
However, some users report skin irritation, dryness, or a burning sensation due to potent active ingredients.
Ingredient Concerns:
The use of retinoic acid and hydrocortisone in small amounts can be beneficial for absorption but may lead to irritation in sensitive individuals.4
Hims:
Dual Delivery Options:
Offers both oral and topical options for key medications. For example, Hims’ topical finasteride provides a significant reduction in systemic side effects compared to oral finasteride.5
Side Effects Management:
Clinical data indicates that the incidence of sexual side effects with oral finasteride is around 2–3%.6 Hims mitigates these risks by offering a topical formulation.
Minoxidil, whether topical or oral, can sometimes cause scalp irritation or an initial period of shedding,7 but these side effects are generally mild and transient.
Pro Tip: “If you’re concerned about the potential sexual side effects of finasteride, opt for Hims’ topical version—designed to deliver the benefits directly to the scalp with minimal systemic exposure,” advises Dr. Miles.
E. Overall Customer Reviews and Reputation
A product’s real‑world performance is often best judged by its customers. Here, we synthesize customer reviews and reputation metrics from both platforms.
1. Customer Feedback
Happy Head:
Positive Points:
Many customers praise Happy Head for its natural ingredient formulations and the personalized treatment approach.
Users report noticeable improvements in hair density and scalp health with consistent use.
Criticisms:
Some users find the cancellation process cumbersome.
A few reports of inconsistent product quality (variability in formulation batch to batch) have surfaced.
Ratings:
Generally, Happy Head enjoys high ratings among users who appreciate a natural, customized solution. However, its review volume is relatively low compared to larger platforms.
Hims:
Positive Points:
Hims consistently receives positive reviews for its ease of use, prompt delivery, and robust customer support.
Users frequently mention the convenience of the telehealth consultation process and the effectiveness of the treatments—especially when combining oral finasteride with topical minoxidil.
Criticisms:
Some customers note that prescription products may have hidden fees or less-transparent pricing until checkout.
Occasional reports of side effects or less-than‑stellar results exist, but these are typical with hair loss treatments and are often mitigated by switching formulations.
Ratings:
Hims has an extensive review base on platforms like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot, with ratings averaging around 4‑stars overall. Its reputation is bolstered by a large subscriber base and consistent delivery of results.
2. Reputation and Trustworthiness
Both brands have built trust in the telehealth space, but Hims’ long‑term presence and diversified product offerings give it an edge. Hims is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating, reflecting a strong commitment to customer service and clinical efficacy. Happy Head, while innovative and personalized, has a smaller footprint and fewer reviews, which can make its overall reputation appear less robust.
Customer Success Snapshot: “After six months of using Hims, I noticed a significant reduction in hair thinning and an overall boost in my confidence. The process was seamless, and the customer service was fantastic,” shares one satisfied Hims user in an online testimonial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to see results with these treatments?
Generally, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in hair density and reduced shedding after 3–6 months of consistent use. However, individual results vary based on the severity of hair loss and adherence to the treatment plan.
Are these treatments safe to use?
Yes, both Happy Head and Hims offer FDA‑approved treatments. While side effects like scalp irritation or mild shedding may occur, these are typically manageable. Hims’ telehealth consultation ensures that your treatment is tailored to your medical history and risk factors.
Can I combine products from both brands for better results?
While it is technically possible to use products from both Happy Head and Hims, it is generally recommended to follow a single, cohesive treatment plan to avoid overlapping active ingredients. Always consult a healthcare provider before mixing treatments.
Which treatment is better for early-stage hair loss?
For early-stage hair loss, many experts recommend a combination approach using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. Hims excels in this area with its innovative oral chews and user‑friendly topical sprays.
What happens if I stop my treatment?
Hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are “forever treatments”—they work as long as you continue using them. Discontinuing treatment will likely result in a gradual return of hair loss.
Do these treatments work for women?
While Hims is primarily geared toward men, its sister platform Hers provides similar treatments tailored for women. Happy Head, on the other hand, offers certain formulations suitable for both genders.
V. Conclusion and Final Recommendation
After meticulously analyzing every facet of Happy Head and Hims—from their product formulations and pricing models to their telehealth experiences and clinical backing—it’s clear that both brands offer compelling solutions for hair loss. However, the scales tip in favor of Hims as the overall best choice for the following reasons:
1
Comprehensive Telehealth Experience
Hims’ seamless online consultation and integrated customer support system make it easy to get started and manage your treatment. With an intuitive dashboard, prompt responses from licensed professionals, and a robust telemedicine platform, Hims delivers convenience and reliability.
2
Broad Product Portfolio
Hims offers an impressive range of treatments—including both oral and topical options for finasteride and minoxidil—designed to address various patterns of hair loss. Their innovative formats, such as oral chews, provide flexibility and improved adherence, especially when combined with traditional treatments.
3
Cost‑Efficiency and Flexible Billing
Although both platforms offer competitive pricing, Hims’ extended billing cycles and bundle discounts translate to significant long‑term savings. Lower processing fees with annual billing and transparent pricing (once you complete the consultation) contribute to its superior value proposition.
4
Clinical Efficacy and Safety
Backed by extensive clinical research, Hims’ treatments have proven efficacy in slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth. The availability of both oral and topical forms of finasteride, combined with robust data supporting the use of minoxidil, provide reassurance that you’re using treatments that work—and work safely.
5
Reputation and Customer Trust
With a large subscriber base, positive customer reviews, and accreditation from reputable organizations like the Better Business Bureau, Hims stands out as a trusted leader in the telehealth space. Its reputation for quality service and continuous product innovation makes it a brand you can rely on.
Ready to take control of your hair loss?
Enjoy a streamlined telehealth experience with products designed just for you.
Hair loss is a journey that demands persistence, quality care, and the right support system. While Happy Head offers the allure of customized, natural formulations, the practical advantages of Hims—its extensive product lineup, cost‑saving subscription models, and superior telehealth experience—make it the best overall option for most men. Hims provides not only effective treatments but also a comprehensive ecosystem that supports your broader health needs.
Remember, every hair loss journey is unique. Consult with a healthcare provider to tailor your treatment plan, and consider factors such as your hair type, loss pattern, and lifestyle when making your decision. With the robust support of Hims, you can confidently embark on the path to thicker, healthier hair and renewed self‑confidence.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Regardless of the platform you choose, results will only come with regular, uninterrupted use of your prescribed treatment.8 Set reminders, schedule your telehealth consultations, and track your progress for the best possible outcomes.
How we reviewed this article:
Our experts vigilantly monitor the domain of health and wellness, promptly refreshing our articles with the latest discoveries. Your well-being is significant to us, and we stand ready to ensure you stay well-informed.
April 11, 2025
Current Version
April 11, 2025
April 11, 2025
Written By Madhura Sohani, M.A. Edited By Suzanne Briggs Medically Reviewed By Robin M Voigt-Zuwala, PhD Copy Edited By David Lopez-Kopp
April 11, 2025
At Body Freedom, we rely solely on top-tier sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, to bolster the veracity of our content. Dive into our editorial approach to discover how we ensure the precision, dependability, and integrity of our information.
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