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Keeps vs. Bosley – Which Is Better for Hair Loss?

About the Author

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

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Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Jonathan Rick, M.D.

About Dr. Jonathan Rick, M.D.

Dr. Jonathan Rick is a board-certified dermatologist at the Berman Skin Institute. He hails from rural Southern California, and attended UCLA for undergrad. He continued on to medical school at UCSF where he graduated with distinction in research. Dr. Rick enjoys all aspects of dermatology with a special interest in skin cancer and surgical procedures. His passion stems from helping patients meet their personal goals with customized treatment plans.

Fact checked by:
Gabby Applebury

In this Article

In this Article

Alex Goldberg

Keeps and Bosley both provide effective hair regrowth systems, as they offer hair loss products that use FDA-approved active ingredients, such as finasteride and minoxidil, as well as various hair transplant procedures. 

 

The main difference between the brands is that Keeps offers a wider variety of hair loss treatment products and only one hair transplant procedure option, while Bosley offers a smaller selection of hair loss treatment products, but can perform multiple types of hair transplant procedures.

 

In this article, we cover an overview of the brands Keeps and Bosley, specifically focusing on the products and services offered, pricing, availability, as well as treatment effectiveness and potential side effects. In addition, we discuss both companies’ pros and cons, and explain who each brand may work best for.

Our Quick Take

  • Keeps is best for a wide selection of affordable hair loss treatments and convenient telemedicine services.
  • Bosley is best for hair restoration surgery options and subject matter expertise.

Keeps vs. Bosley: An Overview

We’ve compared Keeps to Bosley to give you a general overview of each company, so you can select which one may work best for your hair loss treatment needs. 

Keeps vs. Bosley KeepsBosley 
SummaryTelemedicine brand that offers hair loss products and emphasizes convenience and ongoing supportTelemedicine and brick & mortar brand offering invasive and non-invasive hair loss treatments 
Rx products

Topical finasteride spray 

Topical finasteride gel

Oral finasteride tablets

Ketoconazole shampoo

Topical finasteride solution

Oral finasteride tablets

Oral minoxidil tablets

OTC products

Minoxidil foam

Minoxidil solution

Thickening shampoo

Thickening conditioner

Thickening pomade

Minoxidil solution

Nourishing shampoo

Volumizing conditioner

Scalp revitalizer

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

Surgical treatments Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

BioGraft

Cost

Rx products: Start at $17.78 per month

OTC products: Start at $7.33 per month

Hair transplants: Start at $6,000-$8,000

Rx products: Start at $17.50 per month

OTC products: Start at $27.50 per month

Hair transplants: Pricing available after consultation, but tends to range between $8,000-$18,000 

ConsultationRequired for Rx products and hair transplant proceduresRequired for Rx products and hair transplant procedures
Ongoing support?
For male and female pattern hair loss?❌ only treats male pattern hair loss
Locations availableUnited StatesUnited States
Shipping $5 per shipping; free shipping available on 6- and 12-month suppliesFree for orders $50 and up
Website

What Is Keeps?

Keeps is a company that specializes in treating male pattern hair loss and offers telemedicine services, an assortment of hair loss prescription and OTC products, as well as medication delivery. 

Keeps also provides a hair transplant surgery called follicular unit extraction (FUE), a minimally invasive procedure, in the company’s NYC studio. In the future, they also plan on administering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a treatment that uses individuals’ own blood to support hair regrowth and prevent further hair loss.

Is Keeps better than Rogaine?

Keeps and Rogaine offer minoxidil at a 5% concentration, making them both equally effective at treating hair loss. However, Keeps offers more hair loss treatment products than Rogaine, including prescription oral finasteride, making it a better option for those who are interested in using products other than, or in addition to minoxidil.

Keeps 
Pros + Cons

Pros

– More affordable hair loss products, at prices close to or better than generic meds

– Offers prescription and OTC products that include FDA-approved active ingredients

– Offers one procedure option for those interested in hair transplant 

– Products delivered direct to your door for a flat fee

Offers unlimited messaging with a medical professional for a year

Cons

– No free shipping unless you sign up for subscription 

 – Hair restoration treatment is only available in NYC, which may not work for everyone 

– Unlimited messaging is only available for the first year of treatment

Does Keeps Actually Regrow Hair?

Keeps offers products that contain finasteride and minoxidil, two FDA-approved ingredients, which are clinically proven to be safe and effective in treating hair loss conditions in certain individuals. 


While
research notes that both finasteride and minoxidil are effective at regrowing hair, boosting hair thickness, and preventing further hair loss, for male pattern hair loss, the most effective treatment tends to be a combination of these two medications. Keeps offers finasteride and minoxidil, in various forms, so each individual can decide which one may work best for their unique needs.


In addition, the
follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure offered is considered to be a permanent solution to pattern hair loss, with high success rates when performed by a skilled doctor.

What Is Bosley?

Bosley is a nationwide company that specializes in hair transplant procedures, including follicular unit extraction (FUE), follicular unit transplantation (FUT), and BioGraft which are all considered permanent solutions to hair loss. Keep in mind that FUT is more invasive than FUE and BioGraft, as the procedure involves removing a strip of skin from the side or back of the head in order to obtain individual hair follicles.


The company also provides prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss treatments through BosleyRX, which can be delivered directly to your door. Bosley products include minoxidil and finasteride in a few different forms, such as
oral medications and topical solutions, as well as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), an FDA-cleared, pain-free hair loss treatment option.

Bosley
Pros + Cons

Pros

-Offers multiple hair transplant procedures, giving individuals choices ranging from minimally invasive to more invasive

-Provides prescription and OTC hair loss treatment options using FDA-approved active ingredients

-Delivers medications directly to your door

-Over 45 years experience in hair restoration

Cons

-Focuses more on surgical treatments, with a more limited approach to prescription and OTC solutions

-Doesn’t offer free shipping  unless you spend over $50

Does Bosley Really Regrow Hair?

Bosley uses FDA-approved active ingredients, including finasteride and minoxidil, in its hair loss treatment products. Finasteride and minoxidil are both clinically proven to help prevent further hair loss, as well as increase hair growth and overall thickness. LLLT is also considered an effective treatment, with individuals showing signs of increased hair growth and hair thickness after about six months of consistent use.


In addition, the three
hair transplant procedures offered are considered permanent solutions for certain hair loss conditions and tend to be well tolerated by individuals undergoing them.

Related reading: 14 Ways to Get Thicker Hair

Keeps vs. Bosley: What’s the Difference?

For those who prefer telemedicine and are mostly interested in prescription or OTC hair loss solutions, Keeps is generally a better option, as they offer a larger variety of treatments for hair loss and hair thickening.


Bosley offers multiple hair transplant procedure options,
LLLT caps, as well as hair loss solutions, making the company a better choice for those interested in options other than, or in addition to oral medications or topical solutions. The company is also more geographically available, and the physicians generally have more expertise, as the company has been in business for over 45 years.

Keeps vs. Bosley: Finasteride Comparison

We’ve compared Rugiet Ready to other brands that offer dissolvable ED meds, including Hims, BlueChew, and Hello Cake to help you understand which brand may work best for your needs.

Topical Finasteride

We’ve compared Rugiet Ready to other brands that offer dissolvable ED meds, including Hims, BlueChew, and Hello Cake to help you understand which brand may work best for your needs.

Keeps vs. Bosley: Finasteride Comparison

Keeps Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Gel Bosley HiGrowth Hair Formula 
Price$30 per monthStarts at $42.50 per month
Form GelLiquid solution
Active ingredients & dosage0.25% finasteride and 5% minoxidil

0.3% finasteride and 6.5% minoxidil

OR

0.3% finasteride, 6.5% minoxidil, 0.01% tretinoin, 1.0% hydrocortisone

Quantity 30mL30mL
How to useApply 3 pumps to dry hair once per dayApply 1 mL once per day

Oral Finasteride 

If you prefer an oral hair loss solution, Keeps and Bosley also offer 1mg oral finasteride tablets.

Keeps vs. Bosley Oral Finasteride Comparison 

Keeps Oral Finasteride Bosley Oral Finasteride  
Price$13.33 per monthStarts at $17.50 per month
Subscriptions3, 6, and 12 months3, 6, and 12 months

Keeps vs. Bosley: Minoxidil Comparison 

If you prefer an oral hair loss solution, Keeps and Bosley also offer 1mg oral finasteride tablets.

Keeps vs. Bosley: Minoxidil Comparison Keeps Minoxidil ProductsBosley Minoxidil Products 
PriceStarts at $5.50 per monthStarts at $22 per month
Form 

Foam

Solution

Capsule

Solution

Active ingredients & dosage5% minoxidil 1mg minoxidil capsule 6.5% minoxidil solution
Quantity 2.11 ounces

2 ounces

90 capsules

How to useApply foam or solution to hair once per day

Apply solution to hair once per day

Take one capsule per day

Keeps vs. Bosley: Hair Restoration Surgery Comparison

Keeps and Bosley both offer various hair transplant procedures. 

Keeps vs. Bosley: Hair Restoration Surgery Comparison

Keeps Hair Restoration Bosley Hair Restoration  
Where is it available?New York CityOver 70 locations throughout the United States
How does the process work?Meet with a patient advisor to see if you’re a good fit for the procedure Schedule a free consultation at a location near you to determine which procedure is the best fit for you

Keeps vs. Bosley: Other Hair Loss Treatments

In addition to prescription hair loss treatments and hair restoration solutions, Keeps and Bosley both offer other hair loss products, including shampoos, conditioners, and more.

Keeps Hair Treatments 

Other Keeps hair treatments include:

  • Keeps Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, which contain ingredients, like saw palmetto and caffeine to help promote hair growth
  • Keeps Thickening Pomade, which contains ingredients, like saw palmetto, biotin, and caffeine to help support hair growth
  • Keeps Ketoconazole 2% Shampoo, a prescription treatment for dry scalp or dandruff

Bosley Hair Treatments

Other Bosley hair treatments include:

  • Low-level laser therapy
  • BosRevive Nourishing Shampoo for Non Color-Treated Hair and Color-Treated Hair, and Volumizing Conditioner, which may include ingredients like pumpkin seed extract and saw palmetto, which naturally help block DHT
  • Healthy Hair and Scalp Follicle Energizer, which contains ingredients like biotin and caffeine to help support healthy hair growth

Keeps Shampoo vs. Bosley Shampoo

Bosley offers options for hair that has or has not been color-treated, while Keeps offers a thickening shampoo and a prescription ketoconazole shampoo, which helps promote scalp health. A Keeps subscription for a shampoo and conditioner bundle is more affordable than Bosley’s, coming in at $14.67 per month, compared to $19.55 for just a shampoo from Bosley.

Keeps vs. Bosley: Safety and Side Effects

Keeps and Bosley both use products containing minoxidil and finasteride which can lead to side effects in certain individuals.

Minoxidil may cause side effects, such as skin irritation, dry scalp, scalp flakiness, or burning.

Finasteride may cause side effects like:

  • Skin irritation
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Testicle pain
  • Ejaculation issues
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Symptoms of depression

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Swelling
  • Allergic reaction symptoms, such as itching or hives
  • Rapid heart beat
  • Feeling lightheaded

The Verdict: Which Works Best for Hair Loss Treatment, Keeps or Bosley?

Keeps is best for affordability, telemedicine services, and a wider variety of treatment products.

Keeps hair loss treatments are ideal for those seeking a convenient, telemedicine-only experience. Keep in mind that many of Keeps’ solutions are more affordable than Bosley’s, making it a better option when it comes to treatments, such as topical and oral hair loss medications.

 

In addition, Keeps offers a wider range of hair loss treatment solutions, including prescription medications, topical solutions, and hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, and pomade, making them a great option for those interested in non-surgical treatment options.

 

Try Keeps →

Bosley is best for hair transplant procedures and subject matter expertise.

bosley

 

Bosley offers fewer hair loss treatment options than Keeps, however, they do provide topical and oral solutions that contain FDA-approved ingredients, such as finasteride and minoxidil.

 

In addition, they offer more hair restoration procedure options, making them a better fit for those who prefer a simplified approach to treatments or who are interested in various hair transplant procedure options. They are also available in more geographic locations compared to Keeps.

 

 

Try Bosley →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Finasteride is an FDA-approved oral medication that is considered effective for treating male pattern hair loss.

 

Related reading: How Effective Is Finasteride?

Some of Keeps’ products, specifically the topical foam and topical solution, contain minoxidil, meaning they will work similarly to other minoxidil products of similar strength.

Keeps is a good Bosley alternative for prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Both minoxidil and finasteride are FDA-approved for treating certain hair loss conditions and are considered highly effective.

 

Related reading: How Fast Does Hair Grow in a Month? (And How to Speed It Up!)

To find the best hair growth solution, we started by searching for providers that specialized in hair loss prevention and treatments. Next, we narrowed our list down to only the highest-rated and most effective options.

 

We then evaluated products based on FDA approval, effectiveness, and reviews. We also considered how easy it was to order and use, as well as additional costs. Finally, we tested some of Keeps and Bosley’s products to see how easy they were to use and how effective they were.

 

We ultimately decided that Keeps is a better solution for affordable hair loss treatment products and telemedicine services, while Bosley seems like a better fit for those interested in hair transplant procedures, who may or may not be interested in a few hair loss products.

 

Review ProcessKey MetricsWeighting
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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About the Author

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

Learn more
Alex Goldberg

Alex Goldberg

Alex worked at three early-stage startups before starting Fin vs Fin. Covering the rise of direct-to-consumer health, his mission is to help patients access better treatments online. He's also a husband, father, and UC Berkeley grad who enjoys golf, podcasts, live music, cooking, and home improvement.

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