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My Top 5 Hair Loss Fears, and Why I Was Wrong About Them All

Niall Cooper
ByNiall CooperOct 6, 2022In Partnership With Keeps

If we’re really being honest, hair loss can be a bit distressing. I remember the day, after washing my hair, looking in the mirror, and noticing for the first time that my hair was thin enough that I could make out the shape of my scalp.

I know that male pattern baldness runs in my family, but my brother had (and still has) such a full, thick head of hair … so why was this happening to me?!

Thankfully, there are products on the market that can help men prevent hair loss, and I think Keeps is the best of them. When I first started my hair-saving journey, I had concerns: do hair loss products really work? Are they safe?

Let’s take a peek at the myths about hair loss that I used to believe. (Spoiler alert: I’ve debunked them all.)

1. First Fear: Hair Loss Products Can’t Help Me

As someone who lost their hair early and didn’t start treatment until many years later, I thought it was simply too late for me to get started. After a little reading (and scrolling through lots of before and after photos), it became clear to me that I was still a good candidate. That’s right, hair loss treatments are effective on most guys dealing with male pattern baldness– even if you’ve already lost a lot of hair.

Even though I was in fact getting older, I realized that keeping my hair was up to me – it was my choice. My dad (who also lost his hair early on) had always thought that hair loss is something that you should just accept and live with, and that’s there’s nothing you can do about it. Well, after doing some research and learning on my own, that idea is definitely outdated.

Here’s the truth: you can regrow hair and hair loss is controllable, but the earlier you start treating it, the better. You can actually prevent hair loss from happening in the first place (or keep it from getting worse). The sooner you take action, the more hair you’ll be able to keep.

2. Second Fear: Hair Loss Treatment Isn’t Safe

While not every product on the market gets a gold star, there are two FDA-approved treatments that have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing male pattern baldness. (FYI, Keeps offers both of them.)

The first treatment is called Minoxidil, which is the generic of Rogaine. Minoxidil is a topical, non-prescription treatment that’s most effective for hair growth along the top of your head and crown. It has to be applied twice a day and it takes about 4-6 months of regular application to see results.

The other effective treatment is Finasteride (generic Propecia). This is a prescription pill that’s used for stopping hair loss across your head, including receding hairlines. Finasteride is taken orally, just once a day. The science shows that a daily dose of Finasteride halts hair loss or increases hair growth in about 90% of men.

3. Third Fear: When It Comes To Treatment, I’m On My Own

If you opt to combat hair loss with over-the-counter treatments you buy at the drugstore, it’s true: there’s not a lot of guidance available. This always made me a little uneasy. Hair loss is a medical issue, and that’s why I love that Keeps begins by connecting you to a doctor who will review your results and prescribe the best treatment plan.

Then, 30 days after beginning treatment, the doctor reaches out for a follow-up consultation to ensure everything is going according to plan. And if you have any questions along the way? The Keeps team is available 24/7 to help.

4. Fourth Fear: Keeping My Hair Will Break The Bank

With Keeps, you’re paying a fraction of what you’d pay for a regular in-person doctor-backed prescription — but you get the benefits of consulting virtually with a real doctor. My initial consultation with a Keeps doctor was free. After that first visit, I was able to message my doctor for free for an entire year.

Looking at the issue of cost another way, before I started treatment, I used to wear a lot of hats… because I wanted to hide my shiny bald head. A month’s worth of treatment with Keeps costs a lot less than the hats I used to buy.

5. Fifth Fear: Treatment Will Be Inconvenient

When I made the choice to start regrowing my hair, I wanted to make sure to avoid any late-night runs to the drugstore when I realized I was out of medicine at the 11th hour. I love that Keeps offers a subscription treatment that gets shipped to my door like clockwork. It’s there when I need it, and I never have to worry about running out.

Final Thoughts

Keeps ticks all the boxes for me: it’s effective, safe, doctor-approved, affordable, and convenient. And — best of all — it helps me avoid those moments of dread when I look in the mirror. I no longer see any bald spots… just my own healthy hair.

I think it also goes without saying that it's probably time to finally update my author's bio picture - I can now show off my hair again thanks to Keeps!