According to recent hair loss statistics, nearly 13 million Americans used hair growth products in 2024. Thanks to telehealth platforms like Ro (formerly Roman), prescription-strength hair loss treatments containing the active ingredients minoxidil and finasteride are more accessible than ever. If you have age-related hair loss, Ro could be a convenient option for getting the care you need from the comfort of your home. 

In this Ro hair loss review, we evaluate the user experience on this popular telehealth platform and assess each Ro hair growth product for cost, availability, and ease of use. 

Why we recommend Ro hair loss and Ro hair growth solutions

One of our top-recommended hair loss platforms, Ro combines telehealth convenience with medical oversight to offer clinical-grade hair regrowth treatments. Ro users complete an online questionnaire to identify their needs and are matched with a provider. If prescribed a hair loss treatment, Ro delivers it directly to their door.

Studies have shown hair loss can affect mental health, possibly causing social isolation or feelings of anxiety. It may be comforting for people feeling distressed due to hair loss to seek treatment from the privacy of their own homes. 

Our team also recommends Ro hair loss for its broad range of affordable treatments, from hair serums and sprays to oral medications. Take note, though, that Ro offers fewer hair loss products for women than it does for men.

With the exception of Ro shampoo, all Ro hair loss treatments contain either finasteride or minoxidil, two FDA-approved active ingredients for hair growth. To fully understand hair loss treatments, check out our hair loss medication guide.

Minoxidil, originally used to treat hypertension, has been FDA-approved for the topical treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA), also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss. Topically applied, minoxidil has shown to be highly effective for treating AGA.¹

Oral minoxidil is often prescribed as an off-label treatment for hair loss, though the oral version of minoxidil is not yet FDA-approved for this purpose.

Finasteride, another active ingredient in Ro hair loss products, is FDA-approved for oral use. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, Finasteride has been shown to be highly effective for reducing hair loss and/or stimulating hair regrowth in a majority of men receiving the treatment.²

Ro claims users begin to see results within three months, and reviews show many Ro users are happy with their results. Hair loss treatments take time, though. Users shouldn’t expect to see results without long-term, consistent use.

Ro

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• Clinically backed ingredients
• Convenient telehealth access

• Affordable subscription plans

Comparing Ro hair loss treatments

Our experience testing Ro

To assess hair loss treatments and the brands behind them, our team reviews up-to-date clinical guidelines on effective therapies. We also consult dermatologists and trichologists to better understand the science of hair loss and its treatments.

For this review, we invited older adult participants to try the Ro platform firsthand—from the initial purchase to product testing and progress tracking over time. Our testers evaluated several key aspects of the Ro hair loss experience, including:

• How easy it is to use the website
• Variety of products and treatments available
• Ordering and delivery of products
• Cost of products, prescriptions, and subscriptions
• Quality of products and overall treatment experience 
• Customer service 

Ro hair loss pros and cons

Getting started with Ro hair loss 

Ro’s simple questionnaire guides first-time users through a series of questions about their hair goals and the type of treatment they’re seeking. Roman hair loss medications were initially offered only to men, but Ro now offers hair loss treatments for both men and women. Users can start their Ro hair regrowth journey with a simple online quiz.

Ro hair loss quiz for men 

To find the hair loss quiz for men, navigate to the “Hair” section of the Ro website and click “All Hair Loss Treatments” under “Men.” Here, you’ll click “Get Started” to answer a few questions about your top hair goals, other hair loss solutions you’ve tried, and how successful they were (or weren’t).

Before seeing your product recommendations, you’ll be prompted to enter your email address and other personal information, like your birth date. 

Ro hair loss quiz for women

To find the hair loss quiz for women, navigate to the “Hair” section of the Ro website and click “All Hair Loss Treatments” under “Women.” The quiz for women, found by clicking “Start free online visit,” is a little more involved than the quiz for men. It asks women the following questions about their hair loss experience: 

• How long have they been experiencing hair loss 
• Whether their hair loss started suddenly or gradually 
• Where hair loss is occurring on the head (crown, temples, frontal scalp, all over) 
• How severe their hair loss is 

After answering these questions, women will be asked if they’re ready to meet with a provider to begin their hair regrowth process. To do so, women must sign up with their email address and other personal information, including their birth date.

Women considering Ro for hair loss treatment should know that Ro currently offers fewer hair loss products for women than for men. If you’re already using Ro for other services, such as weight loss or skin health, it may make sense to use Ro for hair loss treatment as well. Otherwise, consider trying one of the recommended platforms in our guide to the best hair loss treatments for women. 

Ro hair loss products explained

The Ro telehealth platform offers a variety of hair loss treatments for men and women 18 and older. About 40% of Ro patients are 50 or older.⁴

Currently, Ro offers three topical hair regrowth products, two prescription-strength oral medications, and a non-prescription shampoo and conditioner. Ro’s topical treatments contain up to 5% minoxidil, and your Ro provider will determine the dosage of oral minoxidil or finasteride. Unlike Hims and Hers, which offer several non-prescription-strength supplements, including biotin and other vitamins, Ro primarily offers products containing minoxidil and finasteride.

Ro 3-in-1 Topical Spray

The Ro 3-in-1 Topical Spray for men combines 6% minoxidil, 0.3% finasteride, and 0.025% tretinoin to enhance scalp absorption and deliver concentrated regrowth results. Tretinoin is a retinoid (which is a form of vitamin A) often used to treat acne and fine lines and wrinkles caused by aging. When combined with minoxidil, tretinoin has been shown to enhance minoxidil's effects in treating AGA.⁵

While users may notice shedding in the first few weeks, Ro claims extra shedding should resolve as new hair begins to grow. Full results can take six months or longer. 

Ro Oral Finasteride

Oral finasteride for men works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a factor contributing to male pattern hair loss, or AGA. In most cases, finasteride will be prescribed at a dose of 1 mg daily to help slow hereditary hair loss and promote regrowth. You may see oral finasteride referred to as Propecia, which is the original brand name for 1 mg finasteride tablets.

If you’re considering oral finasteride, talk to your doctor about the potential side effects, which could include depression or suicidal ideation. 

Ro Oral Minoxidil

Oral minoxidil for men and oral minoxidil for women can help stimulate hair regrowth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Your Ro health care provider will determine the exact dosage of oral minoxidil, and the dosage for women may initially be lower than the dosage for men. Though oral minoxidil can cause side effects, such as low blood pressure or unwanted facial or body hair, people may prefer it to a potentially messy topical solution. 

Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved for treating hair loss, while oral minoxidil is primarily approved for hypertension. Because the oral form of minoxidil for hair loss is considered an off-label use, a prescription from a licensed health care provider is required.   

Ro Topical minoxidil

Topical minoxidil for men is an FDA-approved treatment for AGA. When used twice daily as directed, it can help boost hair density and reduce shedding. In some cases, this treatment can also promote regrowth. 

Topical minoxidil is the generic form of Rogaine, which was the original brand name of the topical minoxidil solution first FDA-approved for hair loss. Topical minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles. Like the 3-in-1 spray, users may notice more shedding than usual during the first few months of using this product. Eventually, this shedding should resolve as hair strengthens. 

Ro Hair Solution Rx 

Hair Solution Rx is a Ro hair treatment custom-compounded for women. This topical treatment combines minoxidil, the retinoid tretinoin to help increase minoxidil absorption, and melatonin, which has been shown to support hair growth.⁶

How often women apply Hair Solution Rx will vary according to their specific treatment plan, but in most cases, it should be applied at least once daily. It can take six to 12 months of consistent use to see the full benefits of this treatment. 

Ro Revive shampoo

Ro Revive Shampoo is a gentle cleansing formula that supports scalp health and prepares follicles for more intensive treatment. It contains saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and caffeine, and is formulated without parabens or phosphate chemicals. Users report liking its energizing peppermint scent.

Ro Restore conditioner

Ro Restore Conditioner claims to strengthen and hydrate the hair to help prevent breakage. The formula contains plant proteins, coconut oil, and shea butter. Like Ro Revive Shampoo, it does not use parabens or phosphate chemicals. Restore Conditioner has a fresh but mild scent. 

Ro contact and payment information

Customer service 

For Ro account, billing, or shipping questions, customer service representatives can be reached via email at care@ro.co. There is no customer service phone number. 

Ro subscribers get unlimited messaging with their providers by logging in and using the Ro messaging platform. For general questions and FAQs, try the Ro contact page. 

Payment options

Ro hair loss treatments are only offered on a subscription basis, with quarterly shipments. According to Ro’s website, this is because treatments take at least 3 months to work and allows the company to lower monthly costs for users. Monthly fees for Ro hair loss treatments start around $16. 

Ro accepts credit card payments from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay (when logging in with a supported Apple device), and Google Pay (when logging in with a supported Android device).

Ro does not accept insurance. They do not accept HSA/FSA cards for payment, but they do provide a detailed receipt and prescription copy for possible reimbursement. Prescription products cannot be returned or refunded. 

How much hair loss is normal

If you lose a few hairs in the shower, don’t panic. It is normal to lose between 50–100 hairs each day.⁷ You may lose slightly more or less than this amount depending on how often you wash and style your hair.

If you’re suddenly losing significantly more than 100 hairs a day or have noticed a gradually receding hairline or bald spots, it might be time to see a doctor or a dermatologist. A medical professional can help you understand how much hair loss is normal and help you determine if treatment is needed. 

Understanding hair loss and its common causes

If you’re losing hair, it could be due to a variety of causes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), the most common cause of hair loss worldwide is androgenic alopecia (AGA), a hereditary condition also called male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss.⁸ Other common causes of hair loss in men and women include: 

• Hormonal imbalances, like those caused by menopause or perimenopause
• Certain medications, like blood thinners and statins 
• Vitamin deficiencies and other nutritional deficits 
• Major life stressors, such as divorce, loss of a loved one, or recovering from an illness 

Remember, a little bit of everyday shedding is not the same as hair loss or hair thinning. If you are losing your hair, talk to a doctor or dermatologist about your concerns. 

Does Ro work for hair loss?

Ro only uses clinically backed ingredients prescribed by medical professionals, and many users report positive results. Oral and topical minoxidil and finasteride, the active ingredients in Ro hair loss treatments, are either FDA-approved for hair loss or commonly prescribed off-label for this purpose. Our team appreciates the added support of having medical experts available. And Ro subscribers can message their provider anytime with questions about side effects, dosage, or other concerns.

Consistency and long-term commitment are essential for treating hair loss. Ro treatments can be effective, but they are not a cure for hair loss. If you don’t consistently use your Ro treatment as prescribed (typically, every day), you may not see results. And if you stop using your Ro treatment, you will likely start losing hair again. 

Who should and shouldn’t use Ro hair loss treatments

Both minoxidil and finasteride are well-studied ingredients commonly used in hair loss treatments for men and women. When used as directed and under medical supervision, these medications are generally safe. 

Ro side effects 

Potential side effects of topical minoxidil include mild scalp irritation or redness, and both oral and topical minoxidil may lead to excess hair growth in unintended areas. Finasteride may also have psychological side effects, which should be discussed with a health care provider before you begin treatment.

Who should use Ro products 

Prescription-strength hair regrowth treatments like those offered by Ro are a good fit for: 

• Men and women with early to moderate male pattern or female pattern hair loss 
• Women noticing hair thinning related to hormonal changes, including menopause
• People who can commit to and tolerate consistent, long-term use of hair treatments 

Who should not use Ro products 

Prescription-strength hair regrowth treatments may not be a good fit for: 

• Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant 
• People with heart conditions or low blood pressure 
• People with pre-existing scalp irritation or very sensitive skin 

Hims and Hers vs. Ro: Which platform is better for hair loss?

Hims is an online telehealth platform for men, and Hers is an online telehealth platform for women. Like Ro, both also offer treatments for weight loss, hair loss, sexual health, and more. Here’s how Hims and Hers compare to Ro: 

Product variety: Compared to Ro, Hims and Hers offer a broader range of hair loss treatments, including hair loss vitamins and a minoxidil topical hair foam. While Ro offers fewer hair loss products overall, almost all Ro treatments (except Ro shampoo and conditioner) include the active ingredients finasteride and/or minoxidil. Our testers like that all Ro products are clearly listed at the top of the hair loss page. While the Hims and Hers sites do a good job of matching potential patients to products, it is difficult to see all of their products in one place.  

Cost: Our tester found Him, Hers, and Ro to be comparable in price, with simple topical treatments starting at $15–$16 and compounded products or product bundles starting at $50–$60 per month. Because treatments are individualized, the cost may vary by patient. 

When it comes to cost, the biggest difference we noticed between these platforms is transparency. Ro pricing is clearly stated on its website, but it is harder to find pricing information on both Hims and Hers. Hims lists individual product prices, but because you can’t see all its products in one place, it is harder to make cost comparisons. Hers offers less transparency around pricing than both Hims and Ro. To see product pricing on Hers, you will likely have to take the online quiz and set up an account. 

Provider follow-up: Hims, Hers, and Ro all offer subscribers free unlimited messaging with their provider about medication adjustments, side effects, or general concerns and questions. 

Why does medical supervision matter in hair loss treatment?

It’s possible to buy hair loss treatments at your local drugstore, but telehealth platforms like Ro offer guidance from medical professionals. Benefits of medical supervision for hair loss treatment include:

• An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause
• Personalized treatment and the ability to easily ask questions or adjust dosage
• Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment
• Support for any concerning side effects 

In most cases, you won’t meet face-to-face with your Ro provider. But you will be required to share your medical history and upload a photo ID to confirm your identity.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a prescription to use Ro?

You will need a prescription for most but not all Ro hair loss products. Ro shampoo and conditioner, as well as standard-strength topical minoxidil, can be purchased without a prescription. But all finasteride products and higher doses of minoxidil require a prescription. 

How much does Ro cost?

Ro hair loss treatments start at $16 per month for simple topical hair loss treatments. All Ro products require a three-month subscription. 

Does Ro have finasteride?

Yes, Ro offers hair loss treatments containing finasteride, including oral finasteride and topical treatments containing finasteride. 

Is Ro covered by insurance?

No, Ro hair loss treatments are not covered by insurance. Ro also does not accept FSA/HSA cards for payment, but they will provide detailed receipts for possible reimbursement by your insurance company. 

Does Ro have minoxidil?

Yes, Ro carries several products with minoxidil for both men and women, including oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil treatments. 

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.