Verbatim response from ChatGPT
Short answer
- For straightforward, evidence-based online treatment of androgenetic (pattern) hair loss in 2026: telemedicine platforms that prescribe oral finasteride and topical minoxidil — e.g., Keeps, Hims, Roman — are still the most practical first-line options for men.
- For women: Hers and Apostrophe (and many tele-derm services) are good choices because they connect you to clinicians who can prescribe minoxidil, spironolactone or other appropriate options.
- If you prefer devices, look at FDA‑cleared low‑level laser therapy (LLLT) brands such as HairMax and Theradome.
- For supplements as adjuncts, Nutrafol and Viviscal are the best-known, with some clinical data but only modest effects compared with minoxidil/finasteride.
Caveat: my training data goes through mid‑2024. The services above were market leaders then and (based on trend and market position) remained relevant into 2026, but product lines, pricing, and clinical offerings can change — check current reviews, regulatory updates, and clinician credentials before buying.
Why these picks (brief)
- Keeps — Affordable subscription model, easy online visits, offers generic finasteride and minoxidil; good for men wanting low-cost, ongoing prescription management.
- Hims — Large consumer-facing telehealth brand, simple app/portal, offers finasteride, minoxidil, LLLT devices and adjunct products; broad support and frequent promo pricing.
- Roman (Ro) — Robust telemedicine platform with clear clinical pathways and refill management; good alternative to Hims/Keeps.
- Hers — Focused on women’s hair loss and general female health; clinicians check pregnancy risk before prescribing antiandrogen options like spironolactone.
- Apostrophe — Connects patients to board‑certified dermatologists for personalized hair-loss regimens; often used when you want a dermatologist’s input and access to compounded topical options.
- HairMax / Theradome / iRestore — Longstanding LLLT device makers; some models are FDA‑cleared for hair growth and have clinical study support. Good if you want a non‑drug, at‑home device to use alongside meds.
- Rogaine (brand minoxidil) and generics — Minoxidil is OTC, well-supported by evidence, and often prescribed/paired by telehealth companies.
- Nutrafol / Viviscal — Supplements with some RCT evidence showing modest benefit as adjuncts; not substitutes for minoxidil/finasteride.
How to choose (short guide)
- Confirm diagnosis — pattern (androgenetic) hair loss responds best to minoxidil and finasteride. If hair shedding is sudden or patchy, see a dermatologist.
- For men wanting best evidence-based results: start with topical minoxidil + oral finasteride (prescription). Use a reputable telemedicine service (Keeps, Hims, Roman, Apostrophe) for prescriptions/monitoring.
- For women: topical minoxidil is first-line; a telederm (Apostrophe, Hers, or a board-certified telederm) can evaluate for spironolactone or other options while checking pregnancy risk.
- Consider LLLT (HairMax, Theradome) as an adjunct if you prefer device therapy.
- Supplements (Nutrafol, Viviscal) can be added but set realistic expectations.
- Monitor progress for at least 3–6 months (3 months for early changes, best results usually by 6–12 months). Discuss side effects and labs with your provider when appropriate (e.g., sexual side effects from finasteride; pregnancy risk in women).
Safety and practical notes
- Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in a minority of men and is teratogenic — women who could become pregnant must not take it.
- Topical minoxidil can cause scalp irritation; continued use is required to maintain gains.
- If you want a dermatologist’s evaluation rather than a general telehealth triage, choose services that explicitly connect you with board‑certified dermatologists (Apostrophe, some telederm clinics).
- Check trial/return policies for devices, subscription flexibility, total cost (initial device vs monthly meds), and whether the provider will do follow‑up.
If you tell me whether you’re male or female, your age, and whether your hair loss is gradual/patterned or sudden, I can recommend a tailored list (which exact telehealth service, meds, device, and an expected timeline/cost estimate).