Hims vs Happy Head hair growth subscriptions compared, tried and tested both

We've tested a lot of subscriptions over the years, so when one of our testers was losing his hair, we thought, why not test some hair growth subscriptions? He was not only willing but game to actually try the products and give them a real test!

Here's what he found...

My hair loss journey (short version):

Three years ago a family member very kindly pointed out that I was starting to thin on top. I went to Google and just signed up for the first service available, which happened to be Hims. After ordering some minoxidil I found that my scalp was irritated. Red, itchy, constant scratching - the works. 

In the hope of finding a hair loss product that was kinder to my scalp I switched to Happy Head and paid for a custom formula in the hope a more personalized product would be kinder to my scalp. Spoiler alert: it was.

If you're wondering which one actually delivers, you'll be pleased to learn I've applied both to my scalp at various times, so wanted to lay out the real differences in case any of you are considering signing up.

Still, that's just my story. If you're deciding between Hims and Happy Head, here's what matters:

Focus & expertise:

Hims

These guys are generalists. Sure, they offer hair loss products but they also sell other stuff tailored for men's issues like ED, skin problems and more. It's less a hair-loss solution platform and more a one-stop shop for men's overall health.

Happy Head

The clue's in the name here: this platform focuses specifically on treating hair loss. Its whole MO is regrowth. Happy Head offers consults with board-certified dermatologists for consults, who can offer customized formulas. This is a real stand-out feature as most other platforms (including Hims) only offer general practitioners who prescribe off-the-shelf solutions.

Product selection and customization:

Hims

This platform offers standard hair loss solutions like oral finasteride, minoxidil (as a solution or foam), and some combinations like finasteride/minoxidil chewables. There are no real options to tweak formulas, so if you have a bad reaction (as I did), then there's not much to be done.

Happy Head

This is one area where Happy Head really shines. When you sign up you're asked to fill out a detailed intake form. Next, you have your consultation with the dermatologist who can review your case, then recommend a product with tailored ingredients and strengths. They can even swap out active ingredients if you're sensitive to particular ones. For me, this meant switching out stock minoxidil for a custom formula that didn't burn off my scalp.

Pricing and value:

Hims

There's no contest here. Hims definitely wins out when it comes to value. You can pay as little as $15 per month for a Minoxidil solution. Even the combos are very reasonably priced. For example, Hims Rx Hair Loss Spray (containing both minoxidil and finasteride) starts at $35 per month.

Happy Head

If you want a dermatological specialist to create a custom formula to treat your hair loss it comes at a price. Personalized topical treatments  from Happy Head cost $59 - $119 per month depending on the ingredients. You can also ramp up the product strength if you're willing to pay more. For example, the platform sells a topical solution containing 8% minoxidil for $59 per month, which is much higher than the 5% offered by most other platforms.

My verdict?

If you read the short version of my hair loss journey above, you'll know that I first opted for Hims.

It's a solid choice if you're looking for an inexpensive hair loss solution and don't have any sensitivity issues. Minoxidil and finasteride (either working alone or together) may be all you need to reverse your hair loss.

Still, if these don't work for you - or you just want a formula tailored to your own scalp - then Happy Head is worth the investment. In my case, not only did I find a solution that was much more scalp-friendly but it helped stimulate hair regrowth within weeks.

If you're seriously considering either Hims or Happy Head, you can read my in-depth comparison here: https://subscriboxer.com/hims-vs-happy-head-subscription-compared/

If you've already tried one or both though, I want to hear from you. Did you stick with one solution, or switch between them?

If there's a particularly effective product you found on either platform, I'd love to know about it.