Frequently Asked Questions

Hair Scripts is available to patients in 48 states — not available in Alaska or Hawaii. You must be 18 or older. Our providers are licensed in the states we serve and can prescribe to patients located in those states.

Both. The intake quiz is designed for all sexes. Formulation dosing differs — oral minoxidil starting dose is typically 1 mg for AFAB patients and 2.5 mg for AMAB patients. Your clinician determines the appropriate formulation.

Androgenetic alopecia (genetic, pattern hair loss). We do not treat scarring alopecia, alopecia areata, or hair loss caused by active systemic illness.

The intake form takes about 5 minutes. Photo upload takes 2 minutes. If you add the Hair Scripts Response Test, that's a 30-minute patch test at home plus ship time. You'll speak with your trichologist live — usually within 24–48 hours of booking.

Yes — Hair Scripts is live telehealth. You'll speak directly with a licensed trichologist who reviews your intake, photos, and test results with you. Your answers from the intake form give your trichologist a head start. You'll go through them together on your consultation.

If your provider determines you're not a candidate, you won't be billed for a prescription. You'll receive a message explaining the decision.

No. Hair Scripts is direct-pay only. Compounded medications are not covered by most insurance plans.

It's a simple patch test applied to your inner forearm for 30 minutes. The color reaction indicates your SULT1A1 enzyme activity, which determines how efficiently you convert minoxidil into its active form.

No. The Hair Scripts Response Test is optional. Your provider can prescribe based on intake alone. The test adds precision — especially if you've tried topical minoxidil before without good results.

From a licensed compounding pharmacy. Compounded medications are mixed to your specific prescription. Ingredients are FDA-regulated; the finished formulation is not FDA-approved as a finished dosage form.

7-10 business days from prescription issuance. Temperature-controlled packaging. Discreet box.

No. You order when you need a refill. There is no forced auto-ship.

Yes. Hair Scripts is HIPAA-compliant. Your data is encrypted and stored securely. We do not sell your data.

Only your assigned licensed provider. Photos are stored in a private, encrypted bucket and are not visible to other patients, staff, or third parties.

Yes — minoxidil is the most clinically validated topical hair loss treatment available. Decades of randomized trials confirm it increases hair density and reduces shedding in both male and female pattern hair loss. However, roughly 30–50% of people don't respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity. The Hair Scripts Response Test tells you in advance whether you're likely to be a responder.

Reduced shedding typically begins within 6–8 weeks. Visible regrowth usually starts at months 4–6, with continued improvement through month 12. An initial shedding phase in weeks 4–8 is normal and is a sign the treatment is working, not failing. Most clinical studies use a 12-month endpoint for assessing efficacy.

Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in a minority of users — including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume. Other possible effects include breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia) and mood changes. Side effects often resolve after stopping the medication, though persistent symptoms (sometimes called post-finasteride syndrome) have been reported. Finasteride is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk to male fetuses.

They work through entirely different mechanisms. Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener that improves follicle blood flow and extends the hair growth phase. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that reduces DHT (the hormone that miniaturizes follicles in androgenetic alopecia). Many patients use both together — they target different parts of the hair loss process and can be complementary.

The most common reason is low SULT1A1 enzyme activity — your scalp can't efficiently convert topical minoxidil into its active form. Other reasons include: inconsistent application, stopping before the 6-month mark (the initial shedding phase is often mistaken for treatment failure), an underlying cause that minoxidil alone can't address (thyroid, iron deficiency, hormones), or hair loss too advanced for medical treatment. A SULT1A1 test and clinical review can clarify which applies to you.

No — minoxidil does not cure hair loss, it manages it. If you stop, the hair you maintained or regrown will shed within 3–6 months and follicles return to their pre-treatment state. Minoxidil requires continuous use to maintain results. This is true for both topical and oral forms.

Generally no. Cosmetic and hair loss treatments — including compounded minoxidil, finasteride for hair loss, and SULT1A1 testing — are not covered by most insurance plans. Hair Scripts is direct-pay only. HSA/FSA funds can often be used; check with your plan administrator.

Hair Scripts serves patients in 48 states — all contiguous U.S. states plus Washington D.C. We are not yet available in Alaska or Hawaii. If you're in one of those two states, you can join the waitlist from the quiz page and we'll notify you when we expand.

Most patients see initial results in 3–6 months. Shedding in the first 4–8 weeks is normal and temporary.

Hair Scripts telehealth is appropriate for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss). Patchy, sudden, or scarring hair loss may require in-person evaluation by a dermatologist.

Hair Scripts serves patients in 48 states. Alaska and Hawaii are not currently available.