Keeps is a streamlined telehealth platform specifically for men dealing with hair thinning and receding hairlines. The brand focuses on science-backed options to support better hair growth and health.
Founded by Steve Gutentag and Demetri Karagas, the company provides various products for hair health concerns. Keeps also offers a range of procedures, including topical minoxidil, finasteride, and ketoconazole shampoo.
In this review, we will cover all the essential details about Keeps, along with its product offerings, limitations, and advantages. We have also compared Keeps with similar brands to help you make an informed decision.
Keeps focuses on providing affordable, clinically proven formulations for hair health. Launched in January 2018 and operating under Thirty Madison, a healthcare company that specializes in chronic condition management, Keeps offers different procedures for men's hair loss.
Keeps product offerings feature a variety of FDA-approved options, including finasteride (a daily prescription pill), minoxidil (a topical solution or foam), a combination topical gel of finasteride and minoxidil, 2% ketoconazole shampoo, and a line of thickening hair products and supplements aimed at supporting hair health.
Through its online platform, Keeps claims to simplify the process of hair loss support by allowing you to complete a virtual consultation, receive a personalized plan from a licensed medical provider, and have your medications delivered directly to your door in subscription-based packages.
Keeps' Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Gel combines two active ingredients, finasteride and minoxidil, which may help address hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
Finasteride (0.25%) is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a potent androgen hormone that binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles, leading to follicle miniaturization, shortened hair growth phases, and eventual hair loss. Finasteride could help prevent the progression of hair thinning and loss by protecting hair follicles from the detrimental effects of DHT by reducing DHT levels in your scalp.
Minoxidil (5%), in this gel, is a topical vasodilator that may help stimulate hair regrowth through multiple mechanisms. While the exact way it functions is not fully understood, it is believed to enhance blood circulation in the scalp, thereby increasing oxygen delivery and providing nutrients and growth factors to hair follicles. This might promote the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle, which is known as the active phase when hair follicles produce new hairs.
Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor that functions by blocking the testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion. The official Keeps website features Finasteride, which can selectively inhibit the type II isoform of the 5α-reductase enzyme, predominantly found in the scalp. This inhibition reduces DHT levels, thereby alleviating its detrimental effect on hair follicles. Finasteride by Keeps is available via prescription, typically following an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Keeps Minoxidil+ Spray is a scientifically formulated formula that may help manage poor hair health through the synergistic action of minoxidil and other ingredients like caffeine, melatonin, and tretinoin. This formula could enhance circulation, facilitate nutrient delivery and oxygenation, thereby stimulating follicular activity and prolonging the anagen, which is known as the growth phase of the hair cycle.
The makers added caffeine to Keeps Minoxidil+ Spray because of its potential to stimulate hair follicles. Studies suggest that caffeine can penetrate the scalp and inhibit the effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone responsible for follicular miniaturization in androgenetic alopecia.
Melatonin in Keeps Minoxidil+ Spray can have direct effects on hair follicle function, likely by regulating the phases of the hair growth cycle. It may also have antioxidant properties that protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, a contributor to hair thinning.
Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, is included for its ability to enhance the absorption of minoxidil. Tretinoin in Keeps Minoxidil+ Spray could help promote cellular turnover by increasing the shedding of dead skin cells and helping stimulate the regeneration of new skin cells. This exfoliation improves the penetration of minoxidil into the scalp, allowing for more effective absorption and better outcomes in hair regrowth.
Keeps Minoxidil+ Spray is delivered as a spray, ensuring an even distribution of the formula to your scalp, with a no-drip formulation that reduces mess and enhances your experience. However, some people may experience scalp irritation, increased hair shedding initially (a normal response as weak hairs are replaced with stronger ones) during the initial use.
Ketoconazole Shampoo by Keeps contains 2% ketoconazole, an antifungal agent that functions by inhibiting the growth of fungi and yeast on the scalp. Ketoconazole acts by targeting and binding to the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which can support ergosterol synthesis.
As per the official website, ketoconazole can help weaken the integrity of the fungal cell membrane by disrupting ergosterol production, leading to cell death or inhibition of fungal growth. Ketoconazole can also help reduce the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast commonly found on the scalp, which may contribute to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Ketoconazole shampoo from Keeps could be particularly beneficial in managing scalp conditions that could affect hair growth. It may also help protect hair follicles, which may support hair growth by reducing inflammation, especially when used as part of a broader hair loss plan.
The makers state that regular use of Keeps's Ketoconazole Shampoo may show results typically within 2-3 weeks, leading to visible improvements in scalp health and hair texture for many users.
As per the official website, Keeps Thickening Conditioner works by improving the health and appearance of thinning hair through a combination of strengthening agents and bioactive compounds. Biotin in this conditioner may help enhance the strength and elasticity of hair by supporting keratin production, which could help reduce breakage and promote thicker-looking hair.
The makers also added caffeine to this conditioner, which might help stimulate blood circulation to your scalp, promoting increased nutrient delivery to hair follicles and inhibiting DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This could help reduce hair thinning and promote hair growth.
Keeps Thickening Conditioner also combines green tea, rich in antioxidants like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which may protect hair follicles from excessive oxidative stress and inflammation while supporting scalp health.
The addition of saw palmetto in this conditioner could further complement the formula by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT, helping to preserve hair follicle health and slow down hair thinning. The conditioner also works to maintain scalp hydration, which is essential for optimal follicle function, and strengthens your hair cuticle, reducing friction and preventing breakage.
As per the official website, Thickening Conditioner by Keeps doesn't directly promote new hair growth, but may create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair by improving the health and resilience of existing strands.
Keeps Minoxidil Solution 5% is a topical medication used to manage hair loss concerns. It may work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This enhanced circulation helps deliver more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the follicles, thereby promoting their revitalization and encouraging hair regrowth.
Minoxidil Solution 5% is thought to work by shortening the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle and prolonging the anagen (growth) phase, allowing hair to grow more rapidly and with a thicker texture. It may also stimulate follicular epithelial cells and endothelial cells, both of which play roles in hair follicle regeneration.
The makers state that to use Minoxidil Solution 5%, apply it directly to your scalp twice daily using a dropper, with 1 mL applied to the affected areas. They also mention that results generally become noticeable within 4 to 6 months of use.
According to the official website, Thickening Pomade by Keeps is a scientifically formulated styling product that may enhance the appearance of thinning hair by physically thickening each hair strand and improving overall volume. The makers state that Thickening Pomade by Keeps can provide a medium hold with a matte finish, helping you achieve a fuller, more textured look without excessive shine. The pomade contains biotin (vitamin B7), a crucial component in keratin production, which may help strengthen the hair shaft and improve texture.
The makers state that Thickening Pomade is free of harsh chemicals like ethanol and propylene glycol, which can dry out the scalp and irritate sensitive skin. While it does not directly treat or reverse hair loss, Keeps Thickening Pomade may support scalp health by increasing the visual density of fine or thinning hair.
Keeps eliminates the need for in-person doctor visits by providing a fully online consultation process. It allows you to start your haircare routine from home by completing a short health questionnaire and uploading photos of your hair if needed. A licensed medical provider reviews your information and creates a personalized plan, giving you expert care without the time or inconvenience of a clinic appointment.
After your plan is set, Keeps ships FDA-approved medications directly to your door. You can choose delivery every three, six, or twelve months, making it easy to stay on track. The makers state that their Keeps subscription model helps ensure consistency and often costs less than picking up a product at a pharmacy.
Keeps asks for detailed information about your medical history and hair loss concerns during sign-up. Based on this, it creates a plan personalized to your specific needs. This plan may include FDA-approved options like finasteride, minoxidil, or a combination of both. You can get a custom formula that fits your hair condition instead of a generic approach, which makes it easier to stick with the plan. This data-driven process makes the procedure more effective.
As per the official website, Keeps offers a wide range of hair loss products, which can help you manage thinning hair or receding hairlines with an option that fits your needs. The brand features products that include both prescription and over-the-counter options. For example, the brand provides a topical product that combines 0.25% finasteride and 5% minoxidil in a single gel or foam. Keeps also features Oral finasteride tablets (1 mg), which might help manage hair loss at the hairline, while minoxidil 5% comes in both foam and liquid options for crown thinning. The brand also offers a thickening shampoo and conditioner, which could help improve the appearance of hair volume, as well as daily hair defense supplements to support hair health from the inside out.
Keeps claims to offer hair loss products, including finasteride and minoxidil. However, these options may cause adverse effects like irritation and headaches. The brand features Finasteride prescription pills, which may cause issues such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume. On the other hand, minoxidil, a topical solution, is generally well-tolerated but may cause scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth, and headaches.
Keeps doesn't accept insurance or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), meaning you have to pay out-of-pocket for all products. This can be a drawback for people who rely on insurance or prefer more flexible payment options. As per the official website, Keeps also has a strict no-refund, no-return policy. Once an order is processed, it cannot be canceled or refunded, even if the products are unused. This could be frustrating for you if you change your mind or experience adverse effects. These policies may cause financial inconvenience for people seeking more flexibility.
Nutrafol and Keeps offer different approaches to managing hair loss, with Keeps focusing on clinically proven, FDA-approved medications like finasteride, which target the hormonal causes of hair loss. Keeps primarily addresses hair loss concerns through medication that blocks DHT (with finasteride) and stimulates hair growth (with minoxidil). It also provides complementary products like ketoconazole shampoo and saw palmetto supplements. As per the official website, Keeps offers personalized haircare support through an online consultation, and the medications are delivered directly to your door. However, while these options are effective, they may cause side effects like sexual dysfunction (finasteride) or scalp irritation (minoxidil).
On the other hand, Nutrafol takes a more holistic, science-based approach, addressing the internal factors that contribute to hair thinning, such as chronic stress, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies. Nutrafol's supplements contain natural ingredients such as ashwagandha (to reduce stress), saw palmetto (to help block DHT), and marine collagen (to support hair structure), targeting hair health from within.
Keeps offers a more direct, pharmaceutical approach with a focus on medication to help manage hair shedding issues, while NutriFol offers a broader, holistic option by addressing underlying health factors with natural ingredients.
Happy Head emphasizes a personalized, subscription-based telemedicine model. After completing an extensive online questionnaire, you receive a plan created by board-certified dermatologists, often combining minoxidil with finasteride or dutasteride and vitamin D3.
The brand offers both topical and oral options like the SuperCapsule, which integrates multiple ingredients into a single pill for convenience. The service provides continuous medical oversight, allowing you to adjust your plan over time with unlimited follow-ups.
Keeps, on the other hand, focuses on providing FDA-approved medications like finasteride and minoxidil, which are known for effectively managing male pattern baldness.
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Keeps is a relatively young company focused on providing hair loss options for men. Established with a focus on digital health, it offers subscription-based services for prescription hair loss options.
Keeps has received a relatively low rating of around 1.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot, based on 54 reviews. This suggests that many customers are dissatisfied with the brand, citing issues such as poor customer service and delays in product delivery. A low rating like this can be concerning for potential buyers who rely on customer reviews to make informed decisions.
On the other hand, Keeps holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This rating indicates that the company meets BBB's high standards for transparency, honesty in advertising, and responsiveness to consumer complaints. The discrepancy between the Trustpilot and BBB ratings could point to a difference in the type of customer feedback being evaluated, with BBB reviews possibly reflecting a more formalized process of addressing consumer issues.
Our evaluation of Keeps is based on a thorough review of customer feedback from Trustpilot, focusing on key factors such as customer service, subscription management, product value, and user experience.
Many consumers have noted significant concerns with the company's handling of auto-renewals and subscriptions. Despite customers indicating their preference to cancel or avoid auto-renewal charges, many reported being charged and receiving products they didn't want. The process for managing subscriptions is described as opaque and difficult, with numerous complaints about unauthorized charges and problems canceling orders.
Multiple reviews describe frustrating interactions with the support team, with customers unable to resolve billing issues or obtain refunds even when products were not yet received. Customers often reported being misled or given vague responses, making it harder to trust the company's commitment to solving problems.
While some customers noted the effectiveness of Keeps' products, others expressed concerns about the pricing, especially when cheaper alternatives were available. Several users commented that the product quantities provided were insufficient to cover the desired area, making it feel like an overpriced solution.
Keeps offers products for hair concerns through a subscription-based model. Its focus on convenience, affordability, and clinically proven medications, namely, finasteride and minoxidil, makes it a suitable option for people seeking a holistic approach to hair loss management.
However, Keeps does not accept insurance and maintains a strict no-refund policy, which may limit flexibility. Some people may also experience challenges with customer service, particularly around subscription management.
While Keeps claims to provide a convenient, research-supported option for hair loss, professional consultation remains important to ensure suitability.
To ensure better hair health and minimize the risk of hair damage, you may try natural ways like eating a balanced diet with nutrients like biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D that can help keep your hair strong. Reducing stress, being gentle with your hair, and using scalp massages or oils like rosemary may also improve blood flow to your scalp. These methods aren't a replacement for medical support, but they can be a helpful part of your hair care routine.
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