KeepsvsVegamour GRO Hair Serum

Keeps itself is a telehealth service, not a drug; an online clinician reviews your intake and prescribes generic medications shipped to your door. The actual hair regrowth comes from two well-studied ingredients. Finasteride is an oral Type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers scalp DHT, the hormone that miniaturizes genetically susceptible follicles, thereby slowing loss and allowing some regrowth. Minoxidil is a topical vasodilator thought to prolong the follicle's growth (anagen) phase and increase blood flow to follicles, helping produce thicker hair; its exact mechanism in hair growth is still not fully understood. Keeps also offers a compounded once-daily topical finasteride/minoxidil gel and foam (0.25% finasteride, 5% minoxidil), ketoconazole 2% shampoo, and may offer dutasteride for some patients.

GRO Hair Serum is a leave-in scalp tonic that works on the hair you still have rather than acting like a drug. Its plant actives are meant to support the follicle's growth (anagen) phase and a healthier scalp. Red clover and mung bean sprout extract supply isoflavones such as biochanin A, which in laboratory studies inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT (the hormone that miniaturizes follicles in pattern hair loss). Caffeine and turmeric-derived (curcumin) callus media are intended to support the scalp environment and reduce oxidative stress, while engineered Nicotiana benthamiana peptides (marketed as plant-derived signaling peptides or "exosomes") are meant to nudge follicles toward a more favorable state. Importantly, these mechanisms are demonstrated in lab and cell or animal models of individual ingredients, not in human trials of this finished serum. The intended effect is cosmetic: hair can look thicker and shed less, but the product does not claim to chemically force regrowth the way minoxidil or finasteride do.

The medications Keeps prescribes have strong evidence; Keeps has not published its own large clinical trials. In a multinational study of men with male pattern hair loss, oral finasteride 1 mg daily produced durable hair-count improvement over five years while placebo users progressively lost hair (p<0.001 for all endpoints; PubMed 11809594). Earlier pivotal trials showed roughly two-thirds of finasteride users had visible improvement versus continued loss on placebo. For minoxidil, a 48-week randomized trial in 393 men found 5% topical minoxidil significantly superior to 2% and placebo in non-vellus hair count, and a separate 16-week foam trial in 352 men showed significant hair-count gains versus placebo (P<.0001). Smaller studies suggest combining finasteride and minoxidil may outperform either alone. Benefits require continuous use; stopping reverses gains within months.

The most-cited numbers come from Vegamour's own 120-day study of 40 participants using GRO Hair Serum once daily, described by the company as independent and third-party-conducted: up to 90% reduction in visible signs of shedding and up to a 56% increase in the appearance of hair density. These are company-sponsored, "appearance"-based cosmetic outcomes, not independently published, peer-reviewed regrowth data, and "up to" reflects best-case responders rather than the average. Independent support exists only at the ingredient level: a 2025 study in mice found that transferosome-delivered red clover extract and caffeine increased the proportion of follicles in the growth phase, with effects the authors called "comparable" to 2% minoxidil, but that tested the raw actives in a delivery vehicle, not this specific formula or human scalps. By contrast, FDA-approved minoxidil has independently published, controlled human-trial evidence, with meta-analyses reporting total hair-density gains on the order of roughly 7% to 15% (somewhat higher for oral than topical) and the 5% strength outperforming 2%. Real-world reviewers often report less shedding and somewhat fuller-looking hair after about three months, though many also change other hair habits at the same time, making results hard to attribute to the serum alone.

Minoxidil's common side effects are local: scalp itching, dryness, flaking, or irritation, plus possible temporary "shedding" in the first weeks. Unwanted facial or body hair can occur if it spreads beyond the scalp. Finasteride's notable risks are sexual: in Merck's Phase III trials about 1.3-1.8% of men reported decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation problems (versus roughly 0.7-1.3% on placebo), usually reversible after stopping. A debated but reported condition, "post-finasteride syndrome," describes sexual or mood symptoms persisting after discontinuation. The FDA-approved finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) label lists depression and, since an August 2022 update, suicidal ideation and behavior among postmarketing adverse reactions. Finasteride also lowers PSA, and the label notes a possible increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Seek medical care for mood changes, persistent sexual dysfunction, breast lumps or tenderness, or signs of an allergic reaction.

GRO is generally well tolerated and drug-free, so it avoids minoxidil's classic side effects (unwanted facial hair, an initial shedding phase, and rare blood-pressure-related concerns). The most common issues are mild and temporary: scalp tingling, slight redness, dryness, or a faintly oily feel as the scalp adjusts in the first few weeks. Less commonly, users report allergic-type reactions such as itching, swelling, or irritation, usually tied to a botanical or fragrance ingredient (the formula contains expressed bergamot peel oil and fragrance components such as limonene and linalool). Expressed bergamot peel oil can be phototoxic, so applying at night and limiting scalp sun exposure reduces any sun-sensitivity risk. Stop use and consult a clinician if you develop a persistent rash, significant irritation, or increased shedding. Patch-test first if you have sensitive or reactive skin.

As of 2026, Keeps positions itself as budget-friendly: individual plans often start around $10-25 per month (minoxidil at the low end, generic finasteride roughly $17-25), with combination and compounded multi-ingredient formulas costing more, plus a roughly $5 shipping fee per order. Longer 6- or 12-month commitments usually lower the per-month price, and the online consultation is typically free or low-cost. Insurance generally does not cover cosmetic hair-loss treatment. Because these are generics, it's worth comparing: a GoodRx coupon for generic finasteride or minoxidil at a local pharmacy can sometimes match or beat subscription pricing, though you'd manage the prescription and refills yourself. Keeps' parent company agreed to be acquired in late 2025, so verify current prices on the Keeps website before subscribing.

As of 2026, a single 1 fl oz (30 mL) bottle, about a 30-day supply, runs roughly $64 at full retail (Vegamour.com, Sephora, Amazon). Multi-month bundles and the auto-ship subscription cut the effective price to roughly $39-$49 per month (often advertised as 20-47% off), and promotional sales appear frequently. Because it is a cosmetic, it is not covered by insurance, HSA/FSA eligibility is not guaranteed, and you must keep buying it indefinitely to maintain results, so plan on roughly $470-$770+ per year. For comparison, generic FDA-approved 5% minoxidil typically costs only about $10-$15 per month, which is worth weighing if budget is a priority.

Keeps is designed for adult men (18+) with hereditary male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), and works best on early-to-moderate thinning at the crown and hairline rather than long-established bald areas. Finasteride is FDA-indicated for men only and is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant, who should not handle crushed or broken tablets, because it can cause genital abnormalities in a male fetus. Men with a history of depression or mood disorders, men planning to father children, or those with prostate-cancer concerns should discuss finasteride carefully with a clinician, since it lowers PSA levels (affecting prostate-cancer screening) and its label notes that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Men who want to avoid hormonal side effects entirely can use minoxidil alone.

Best for adults with early, mild, or diffuse thinning, postpartum shedding, or anyone wanting a vegan, hormone-free, drug-free way to improve the look and fullness of existing hair. It is not designed for advanced baldness or fully bare scalp areas, where no topical cosmetic can grow new follicles. Avoid or check with a clinician first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (the serum contains expressed bergamot peel oil and biologically active plant isoflavones), have a known allergy to any listed botanical or fragrance, or have an irritated or broken scalp. Because expressed bergamot oil can be phototoxic, applying at night and protecting the scalp from sun is a sensible precaution. People with moderate-to-severe, patchy, or rapidly progressing loss should see a dermatologist for diagnosis and to discuss FDA-approved minoxidil or finasteride rather than relying on a cosmetic serum.