Table of Contents
About Keeps
Founded by friends Steve Gutentag and Demetri Karagas, Keeps was created as a call to action to treat alopecia in men. After all, hair loss is more common than you think.
The duo wasn’t impressed with the treatments offered on the market. And so, in 2018, Gutentag and Karagas decided to take matters into their own hands. The solution? Topical formulas in the form of Finasteride and Minoxidil.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, as customers quickly recommended Keeps to their friends and family. The brand now boasts over 58.3k followers on Instagram. Plus, it has been featured in several online magazines, including Healthline and AskMen. Today, its headquarters are located in the bustling streets of New York City.
About Rogaine
Established in 1980, Rogaine was considered the ‘Eureka!’ moment by a team of scientists. More specifically, the discovery of Minoxidil proved to be a historical find, as it was deemed helpful in promoting hair growth.
Guinter Kahn, the founder of Rogaine, led the company through years of product testing and clinical studies. Today, you can buy formulas suited for both men and women.
Hair loss treatments are always considered a hot commodity. With that in mind, it should as no surprise that Rogaine has been featured in various media outlets, including Healthline, Slate Magazine, and The New York Times. As of 2006, the brand is owned by parent company Johnson & Johnson. It’s currently headquartered in New York City.
Losing your hair sucks, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. While others opt for damage-control shampoos and cosmetic surgery, Keeps and Rogaine appear to be the two leading solutions in preventing alopecia. By now, you’re probably wondering—which brand should I choose?
To help in your hair care journey, my Keeps vs Rogaine review will highlight some key pointers regarding product quality, subscription flexibility, scientific backing, and customer feedback. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll settle on a company that speaks to your needs.
What to Consider
Target Audience
Obviously, the target audience for Keeps and Rogaine are customers who suffer from hair loss. Whether induced by stress, illness, or genetics, both companies offer solutions formulated for various causes. While Rogaine is designed for males and females, it seems that Keeps is only exclusive to men.
Product Range
For hair loss, products usually range from Minoxidil and Finasteride. You can also find other medications such as Carospir, Aldactone, and Avodart, but the two I listed above are the most common.
Scientific Credibility
When it comes to Keeps and Rogaine, solutions vary from topicals and foams to supplements. These formulas are considered over-the-counter prescriptions, and you should do your research beforehand to ensure that they are legit.
This involves some investigating on your part in terms of scientific credibility. Has the company issued any reports, studies, or tests? If so, what are the results?
Subscription Flexibility
Nobody likes feeling tied down. Subscription plans, whether it applies to cosmetics, clothing, or medication, should offer a wide amount of flexibility to ensure a happy customer. If we’re talking about prescription auto-delivery, maintaining a routine schedule is crucial to ensure you don’t miss a dosage.
Accessibility
A good brand should be affordable and accessible location-wise. There’s nothing more disappointing than finding out that your chosen company is expensive and only ships within the United States. To help mitigate disappointment, it’s always best to read up on their delivery page and pricing details before settling in.
Keeps vs Rogaine: How Do They Work?
Not a fan of hair transplant surgery? If so, Keeps acts as a solid compromise that doesn’t involve going under the knife.
It involves a bit of commitment on your behalf, as their solutions come in the form of oral prescriptions. This includes Minoxidil and Finasteride, which are both designed to promote hair growth while preventing fallout.
Minoxidil is used to promote hair growth located on the crown and the top of your head. It’s believed to target the follicles directly to thicken and elongate the tresses. Not much is known about how Minoxidil works exactly, but scientists commonly label it as a vasodilator. In short, the solution widens the blood vessels to deliver oxygen to deprived hair follicles.
Finasteride is exclusively for men. It’s targeted to those who deal with baldness, whether it’s hereditary or caused by illness. This is accomplished by decreasing the body’s amount of DHT hormones, which are directly linked to thinning hair and fallout.
If you settled on Rogaine, chances are that you’re tired of ineffective volumizing shampoos. I honestly can’t blame you; it’s rather disappointing to see ‘progress’ in the form of loose hair clogging up the shower drain.
For those looking for a different solution, Rogaine is worth giving a try. In place of cleansers, conditioners, and masks, this cosmetic company offers foams and topicals to help treat alopecia—and let me tell you, it’s far from hocus pocus.
Instead of oral medications, Rogaine is designed to target problem areas head-on. When applied, the treatment goes to work in reviving dead hair follicles.
Its foams and topicals are also used to promote growth, as it encourages protein production to help induce thicker, natural-looking hair. This is thanks to its patented 3, which involves ingredients such as Minoxidil, AHA acid, and various botanical extracts.
To get the best results, Rogaine recommends applying their treatments for 3 to 4 months daily. If you decide to stop, you’ll simply enjoy the benefits of thicker, fuller hair, as discontinued use doesn’t involve fallout.
For those curious about learning more about the effects of their chosen ingredients, I suggest you stay put for the future segments of this Keeps vs Rogaine review.
Effectiveness is debatable, as it varies from case to case. In our opinion, it ultimately depends on how you prefer to deal with hair loss. Keeps offers oral prescriptions for customers to use while Rogaine is home to topical and foams for those not fond of supplements.
Keeps vs Rogaine: Subscriptions
Keeps operates as a subscription service, meaning that you’ll need to sign up for a plan to purchase their medications.
Currently, they offer three memberships for customers to choose from: the 1 mg Finasteride, 5% Minoxidil, or a duo program that involves the combination of the two. For this Keeps vs Rogaine review, I’ll discuss the costs in the next couple of segments.
In terms of flexibility, customers can adjust their refill date by simply toggling the settings found in their accounts. You’re also free to add, remove, or cancel your subscriptions at any given time. Regarding subsequent orders, refills operate on a 90-day basis; subscribers can see when their next delivery is by logging in to Keeps.com.
It’s also worth noting that members can track their progress by signing in. Keeps offers a telehealth consultation with a certified expert for those who have certain questions regarding their conditions. It’s free for the first year.
Compared to its competitor, customers can opt for a subscription plan or a one-time purchase with Rogaine. By signing up, members are entitled to 20% off their entire order. For foams and topicals, you can choose from a 1-month, 3-month, 4-month, and 6-month supply. I won’t discuss pricing details here since I’ll cover them in future segments.
Fortunately, the Rogaine membership comes with no commitment, meaning that you can cancel at any time. Plus, customers can also change their auto-delivery dates if they run out of product.
This Keeps vs Rogaine review isn’t here to crown any winners. If anything, both subscription plans are relatively on par in terms of flexibility and customer perks.
Rogaine appears to offer a longer membership trial, as they provide options well past the 3-month period. But again, this detail only matters if you require more medication, as this may not apply to you if improvement starts to show during that time.
Keeps Minoxidil Foam vs Rogaine Men’s Five Percent Unscented Minoxidil Foam:
It’s time to get into the nitty-gritty. First up on this Keeps vs Rogaine review is the Minoxidil Foam and the Five Percent Unscented Minoxidil Foam.
Both solutions are formulated as non-oral prescriptions, which is great for customers not fond of swallowing big pills. Below, I’ve rounded up some pointers worth considering when choosing the final product.
- Designed to promote hair growth for hereditary-based causes
- Formulated only for men
- Applied on dry hair (doesn’t require showering beforehand)
- Must be used twice a day for the best results
- Works best on the crown and vertex of the head
- Results show in as little as 3 to 4 months
Cost:
- 3-month plan: $14 per term or $30 altogether (instead of the original $45 markup)
- 6-month plan: $13 per term or $71 altogether (instead of the original $90 markup)
- 12-month plan: $12 per term or $140 altogether (instead of the original $180 markup)
Rogaine Five Percent Unscented Minoxidil Foam:
- Formulated to increase hair density and growth
- Available for men and women
- Results show in only 3 months
- Customers must apply Rogaine daily on towel-dried hair
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cost:
- 1-month supply: $23 for subscribers ($29 as a one-time purchase)
- 3-month supply: $42 for subscribers ($52 as a one-time purchase)
- 4-month supply: $55 for subscribers ($69 as a one-time purchase)
- 6-month supply: $82 for subscribers ($103 as a one-time purchase)
Right off the bat, Keeps and Rogaine are relatively similar when it comes to effectiveness. But that should come as no surprise—considering that the generic name for Minoxidil is Rogaine.
In terms of differences, the Five Percent Unscented Foam is a great alternative for women who deal with hair loss. Price-wise, Keeps is more affordable if you compare their monthly plans back-to-back.
Keeps Minoxidil Solution vs Rogaine Men’s Five Percent Minoxidil Solution:
Not fond of foams? In that case, I recommend trying out the Keeps Minoxidil Solution and the Rogaine Men’s Five Percent Minoxidil topical.
Both products are relatively the same in terms of application, and you can take care knowing that each alternative is easy to use. Below, this Keeps vs Rogaine review will highlight some important facts for each option to help you make that critical decision.
- Formulated as a topical liquid
- Designed to promote hair growth in balding men (women cannot use this product)
- Must be applied to dry hair
- Customers may see improvement in as little as 3 to 4 months
- Recommended for the crown and vertex of the head
Cost:
- 3-month plan: $9 per term or $20 altogether (instead of the original $30 markup)
- 6-month plan: $8.60 per term or $47 altogether (instead of the original $60 markup)
- 12-month plan: $8 per term or $94 altogether (instead of the original $120 markup)
Rogaine Men’s Five Percent Minoxidil Solution:
- Formulated to encourage hair growth and prevent fallout
- Must be applied to damp, towel-dried hair
- Customers must use it twice a day
- Results will start to show within 3 to 6 months
- Safe for color-treated tresses
- Provided for women as well
Cost:
- 1-month supply: $23 for subscribers ($29 as a one-time purchase)
- 3-month supply: $42 for subscribers ($52 as a one-time purchase)
- 4-month supply: $55 for subscribers ($69 as a one-time purchase)
- 6-month supply: $82 for subscribers ($103 as a one-time purchase)
Aside from price, it appears that Keeps and Rogaine share the same terms regarding the application, effectiveness, and intended use. As previously mentioned in our last product review, Rogaine can act as a suitable alternative for females looking to prevent hair loss.
If you fall within this category, I suggest taking a look at the Women’s Rogaine 2% Minoxidil Solution on the brand’s website.
Keeps vs Rogaine: Scientific Backing
Since Keeps and Rogaine use Minoxidil as their promoted solution, it only makes sense to do some deep-diving in terms of clinical tests and scientific backing. Fortunately, the prescription is FDA-cleared.
Aside from this, it appears that both brands aren’t particular in sharing any information regarding any previous studies or trials. That said, Keeps and Rogaine both state that their formulations are certified by doctors, experts, and dermatologists.
According to some reports online, the ‘exact mechanisms’ of Minoxidil are relatively unknown, which is probably why Rogaine and Keeps are secretive about quality control and testing.
After doing a bit of research, it appears that there have been a few clinical studies conducted on the efficacy of this prescription. Most tests are yet to be completed, but hopefully, we’ll find out more about this in the future.
Regarding side effects, Minoxidil does come with a few red flags that customers should take note of. This list includes chest pain, dizziness, fainting, sudden weight gain, and itching, just to name a few.
As mentioned before, Keeps’s Minoxidil is exclusive to men—but you can hop over to Rogaine’s website for alternatives for women. And, as always, it’s best to let your healthcare provider know of any important details regarding medication history before committing to a daily prescription.
Finasteride is also an offered treatment for hair loss. Fortunately, more clinical trials are conducted for this alternative prescription, but none are listed under Keeps and Rogaine.
Regarding side effects, symptoms include depression, inability to urinate, allergic reactions, and more. Unfortunately, there isn’t an alternative for women provided for both companies, as Finasteride is strictly only for men.
As you’ve probably already noticed so far, Rogaine’s solutions aren’t exclusive to Minoxidil only. Their foams and topical are enhanced with Tricho-Prime Technology, botanical extracts, emollient, and AHA acid. Together, these additives increase hair growth, promote a healthy scalp, and provide skin exfoliation to help keep those follicles open for the next dosage.
In discouraging news, this Keeps vs Rogaine review can’t award any points regarding company transparency and quality control for both brands. While there are some studies conducted on the efficacy of Finasteride and Minoxidil, it appears that Keeps and Rogaine intend on keeping this information behind closed doors.
Keeps vs Rogaine: Price & Value
Hair transparent surgery is, without a doubt, the most expensive treatment to opt for. On the other side of the spectrum, volumizing shampoos are considered the cheaper alternative.
With that in mind, where do Keeps and Rogaine fit within the price range? From the products I’ve featured so far, I think it’s safe to say that they fall mid-range.
Keeps takes the cake when it comes to affordability. Customers can get a 3-month supply of Minoxidil for only $9 per term compared to its competitor, who charges $42 for a 3-term program.
It’s worth noting that an entire bottle of Rogaine’s Foam and Solution is considered one month’s supply, meaning that if you sign up for—let’s say a 4-month plan—you will get four containers in total.
While Rogaine’s subscription plan may seem way too expensive at first glance, it doesn’t mean that they’re completely out of the running. Compared to Keeps, this cosmetic company offers more flexibility in terms of purchasing options. Customers can choose to buy their products separately, or sign up for a membership plan.
Let’s talk about customer feedback. Starting with Keeps, I can say for certain that they’re, ahem, a keeper. Hundreds of happy buyers are sharing their success stories on the company’s website, including this 5-star testimonial:
“It’s pretty simple, I got this product and within 4-6 months I noticed hair regrowing at my hairline and thicker and fuller hair across the top of my head. Felt great to spike my hair again without being self-conscious, I would recommend,” according to a post published on Keeps.com.
Rogaine is also a quite popular choice by many. I uncovered dozens upon dozens of happy customers on their official page, and some were open enough to share their before-and-after photos online. I can say for certain that their foams and topicals were loved by men and women alike.
“I’ve been using Rogaine 5% Foam for a few years, and both my dermatologist and my hairdresser agree that it has helped to thicken my head of hair,” one reviewer shared on Rogaine.
After combing through dozens of websites, it appears that Keeps and Rogaine are neck and neck when it comes to positive customer reviews. Price-wise, I think you make the distinction of which brand is more affordable, but ultimately—it’s important to consider your overall budget when picking a company.
Moving forward, this Keeps vs Rogaine review will provide an in-depth summary of customer ratings as more food for thought.
Keeps vs Rogaine: What Do Customers Think?
Transformative hair growth? If you ask me, it seems to be too good to be true. But, there’s no way of knowing without conducting a bit of online investigating.
This Keeps vs Rogaine review will outline some specifics regarding customer ratings, red flags, and other important details that readers should take note of.
- Official website: 4,129 reviews with 4.8/5 stars
- Best Company: 40 reviews with 4.9/5 stars
- Highya: 30 reviews with 3.8/5 stars
- Innerbody research: 5/5 stars
- Better Business Bureau: 28 reviews with 2.46/5 stars
Common customer feedback:
- Seemingly effective in addressing hair loss
- Key in treating receding hairlines and thinning areas
- Highly affordable
- Some issues canceling or changing subscription plans
- Mixed reviews about customer service quality
- Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam: 464 reviews with 3.6/5 stars
- Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Solution: 115 reviews with 3.9/5 stars
- Amazon for the 3-month Men’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam supply: 21.2k reviews with 4/5 stars
- Chickadvisor for the Women’s Rogaine 5% Foam: 129 reviews with 3.4/5 stars
- CVS for the Women’s Rogaine 5% Foam: 1,199 reviews with 4/5 stars
Common customer feedback:
- Hundreds of success stories attributed to hair growth
- Lots of dramatic before and after photos
- No reported experiences related to customer service
- Some horror stories detailing increased fallout
- A few customers experienced no improvement whatsoever
As far as hair treatments go, I’m not surprised that a few customers reported symptoms after using Rogaine and Keeps. Medications will provide different effects and results from person to person, so it’s always best to reach out to a professional before committing to long-term treatment.
Aside from efficacy, there’s not much to say about customer service for both brands—but I wouldn’t say that it’s a pro. Negative feedback or a lack thereof is not always a good sign.
Keeps vs Rogaine: Promotions & Discounts
Looking for ways to save some money? If so, at the time of this Keeps vs Rogaine review I uncovered a few company perks for customers to enjoy.
Those in favor of Rogaine can save 20% off their orders if they sign up for a membership plan. In addition, you can also get 10% off when subscribing to their newsletter.
If you sign up for Keeps, customers can get started for as low as $8 as part of their limited-time offer. You can also get your first month of treatment for free (hurray!).
It doesn’t seem that both companies are particularly avid in offering promotions, but that shouldn’t discourage you from checking their social media feeds once in a while. This Keeps vs Rogaine review will take a look at their shipping and return policies in the final segment.
Keeps vs Rogaine: Shipping & Returns
Instant hair rejuvenation is great and all, but what’s the sitch in terms of shipping and returns? If you’re anything like me, your first concern lies in delivery and returns as a way to help mitigate disappointment. For those curious, this Keeps vs Rogaine review will outline the specifics for each brand in a neat, point-form list.
- Shipping costs $3
- Only delivers within the United States
- Packages usually arrive within 5 to 7 business days
- First-time customers only wait for a max of 75 days (subsequent orders entail a delivery time of 90 days)
- Members are free to change their auto-refill dates
- Subscription plans come with no commitment
- Returns are considered ineligible (but you can request a replacement)
- No glaring reports about delayed or unfulfilled orders
- Free shipping on all subscription-based orders
- One-time purchases entail a fee of $8
- Doesn’t offer international delivery
- Arrival times range from 7 to 10 business days
- Provides a 30-day window for unused products (doesn’t provide a free shipping label)
- No concerning issues about shipping times or delayed orders
In our opinion, Keeps provides more information on its shipping policy. It’s a pro for those antsy about telehealth subscription services, but on the downside—they’re only exclusive to the United States.
Rogaine doesn’t offer international delivery either, but hey—they do offer a safety net in the form of a 30-day return window.
Who Will You Shop With?
By now, you’re probably a pro at defining Minoxidil and Finasteride. Well, you may not know the exact scientific facts—but you can definitely pick the right answer if you’re lucky enough to guest on Jeopardy.
With that in mind, I hope that readers have a general gist of what each company offers. If not, this Keeps vs Rogaine will go over the ‘hair-splitting’ details one last time.
Keeps is an affordable hair treatment service that provides a suitable amount of options for customers to choose from. Aside from topicals and foams, they also offer shampoos and conditioners. In addition, the company is looking to open in-store hair restoration in the future.
Rogaine is pricey, but you can take care knowing that it’s a reputable company. In fact, it was the first to pioneer Minoxidil. Aside from the brand’s handy 30-day return policy, customers are also free to pick a one-time purchase or a subscription plan. That’s how you score mad points in flexibility.
Whatever company you choose after reading this Keeps vs Rogaine review, I wish you luck in accomplishing your hair goals!
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