Roman Hair Loss Review

Hair loss is a common issue that many people face, with male pattern baldness impacting around 50 million men in the U.S. There are plenty of treatments available, including oral medications and topical solutions. One company offering a solution is Roman, a sub-brand of the telehealth company Ro. Keep reading to explore Roman’s hair loss treatments and determine if they might be right for you.

About Roman Hair Loss

Roman’s hair loss treatments are designed specifically for men dealing with male pattern baldness. As a telehealth provider, Roman offers virtual consultations, making it ideal for those without a primary care doctor or those who prefer handling healthcare needs from home.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that these treatments aren’t proven to regrow hair on receding hairlines or other body areas. Roman’s parent company, Ro, doesn’t accept insurance, though this is usually not an issue, as most insurance plans don’t cover hair loss prescriptions.

What is Roman?

As part of the expanding telehealth company Ro, Roman focuses on men’s health services, including hair loss, fertility, sexual health, mental health, and more. To begin, you’ll complete an online questionnaire detailing your symptoms and medical history. A U.S. licensed healthcare professional will then review your information and suggest a treatment plan. If a prescription is issued, Roman will send your treatment in discreet packaging with free 2-day shipping.

How does Roman work?

Results with generic minoxidil and finasteride can differ from person to person, but both are FDA-approved and have been commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals for decades to address male pattern baldness. While these treatments may also be effective for female pattern baldness, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider beforehand, as treatment options and dosages can vary.

In terms of effectiveness, a 2015 study suggests that combining daily finasteride and minoxidil is one of the most effective approaches for reducing hair loss and promoting new growth. Roman offers a prescription-only topical spray that combines both ingredients for convenient use.

Patience and commitment are essential with hair loss treatments. Roman, like many other brands, notes that visible results are unlikely in the first two months, and some users may experience the initial shedding of fine hairs, which can feel discouraging.

After three to six months of consistent daily use, you may start noticing progress, and beyond six months, you could see reduced hair loss or signs of regrowth. However, to maintain these results, continued use is necessary, which can become costly over time.

Side Effects of Roman

Consulting a healthcare professional is essential before beginning any new treatment, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Those with prostate or liver issues should be particularly cautious when considering finasteride. Additionally, pregnant individuals should avoid handling finasteride, even topically, as it can cause developmental issues in male fetuses.

The most common potential side effects of finasteride include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty with ejaculation, and a possible decrease in sperm count.

Less common but more serious side effects can include skin rashes, swelling of the tongue, lips, or face, depression, breast tenderness or enlargement, and a lowered serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, which may be associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer, and in extremely rare cases, male breast cancer.

Minoxidil is generally considered safe with a low risk of side effects, but there are a few potential issues to keep in mind. Common side effects may include skin irritation, shedding, or unwanted hair growth in areas like the forehead. More serious but less common side effects can include sudden weight gain, chest pain, swelling in the legs or feet, and feelings of faintness or dizziness.

Roman Hair Growth Products

Roman Oral Finasteride

Price $20.00

Finasteride, the generic version of Propecia, is an oral medication prescribed for male pattern baldness. A prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required, which can be obtained online through Roman.

This tablet is taken daily, with or without food. If you miss a dose, simply continue with your next scheduled dose—taking extra won’t enhance its effectiveness. Roman advises that taking finasteride more than once daily will not speed up or improve results.

Roman Topical Minoxidil

Price $16.00

Minoxidil, the generic form of Rogaine, is a topical solution used to treat hair thinning. Roman offers minoxidil in a 5% strength, and it is available without a prescription. This treatment is meant to be applied to the scalp twice daily, typically using 1 milliliter per application. While your hair doesn’t need to be freshly washed, your scalp should be completely dry before applying minoxidil. Make sure to immediately wash your hands after application.

Roman Hair Solution Rx

Price $50.00

This topical spray features a combination of three active ingredients: finasteride (0.3%), minoxidil (6%), and tretinoin (0.025%). Finasteride helps slow hair loss, minoxidil supports hair regrowth, and tretinoin enhances the absorption of minoxidil. Roman claims that the product may show results in as little as 3–6 months. Apply it to your scalp once daily using the pre-measured spray top, before using any other hair products.

Roman Oral Minoxidil

Price $30.00

Roman Oral Minoxidil tablets contain the same active ingredient as the topical version: minoxidil. However, a key difference is that the oral form requires a prescription, as it is considered an off-label use for hair loss. Minoxidil is currently FDA-approved only for treating hypertension. You can take one tablet per day even before your meals.

Company Reputation

Roman does not feature customer reviews on its new product page but instead showcases a few before-and-after photos from users who experienced successful hair regrowth. It’s important to note that these users received free products in exchange for their reviews.

The company holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, but at the time of publication, it has a relatively low rating of 1.3 out of 5 stars from 33 reviews, with many complaints about price increases and slow customer service. On Trustpilot, however, the company fares better with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on over 560 reviews, with users praising the fast and easy service.

When to Talk with a Doctor?

It’s always suitable to consult with a healthcare professional before jumping into new treatment. With Roman, you’ll be required to have a free video consultation with a licensed physician before using any of their prescription products. This provides a valuable opportunity to ask questions and ensure the treatment is right for you.

If you experience any side effects, it’s important to consult with a doctor. Roman offers free, unlimited follow-up visits with its online physicians or nurse practitioners for any issues related to the products. However, the company still recommends speaking with your personal healthcare provider in addition to utilizing their virtual services.

The Verdict

Hair loss is a common issue and nothing to feel embarrassed about. However, if you’re looking to reduce hair loss or encourage regrowth, treatments like finasteride and minoxidil (or a combination of both) from a telehealth company like Roman could be a viable option to consider.