Hair loss can be stressful, and many brands promise effective solutions. Roots and Happy Head are both medical-grade options that use prescription treatments, yet their core approaches are not the same. Roots builds its plans around a genetic test, aiming to match treatments to each person’s unique biology, while Happy Head relies on dermatologist-led consultations to create custom prescriptions. This guide takes a closer look at how the two compare.
Approach Towards Hair Treatment
- Roots by Genetic Arts: Offers a highly personalised solution for hair loss. The process starts with an easy at-home cheek-swab DNA test, which looks at over 50+ genes connected to hair thinning and loss. These markers assess factors like DHT sensitivity, how well the scalp metabolises minoxidil, and oxidative stress levels. Based on this genetic insight, Roots develops a unique topical formula for each user.
- Happy Head: Personalizes treatment via a free online consultation with board-certified dermatologists. Providers then choose from a wide menu of prescription actives and combine them into a tailored topical or oral plan. Happy Head does not rely on a home DNA test.
Key Takeaway: Roots uses genetics plus clinical review for bespoke formulas. Happy Head uses clinical review and compounding without genetic testing.
Curious what your DNA says about your hair? Use code HAIRTODAY for 30% off and explore a solution designed just for you. Order your kit now.
Ingredients And Formula Breadth
- Roots: Includes prescription-strength options like finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, and spironolactone, combined with advanced additions. These include peptides for scalp health, antioxidants to protect follicles from stress, and melatonin to support natural regrowth cycles. The formula is customised using DNA test results.
- Happy Head: Features a diverse blend of actives. Happy Head formulas commonly include minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride, with additions like retinoic acid or spironolactone for hair loss when appropriate.
Key Takeaway: Roots takes a multi-pathway approach to treatment, while Happy Head focuses on core ingredients only.
Realistic Expectations with Hair Oils
- Roots: With Roots, you order a DNA kit, complete a questionnaire, and send a cheek swab for a genetic report. A dermatologist reviews it and prescribes a customised topical, which ships on subscription, with results in three to six months.
- Happy Head: With Happy Head, you complete a free online consultation, after which a board-certified clinician prescribes a compounded topical or oral medicine. The product ships on subscription, and results usually appear in three to six months.
Key Takeaway: Happy Head can start faster because there is no waiting for a DNA kit to return. Roots requires the test step but uses that data to tailor ingredients.
Pricing And Value
- Roots by Genetic Arts: The DNA test kit ranges from $160–$250 depending on discounts, while personalised topical formulas typically cost about $60-$90/month based on the selected ingredients and offers.
- Happy Head: Custom-compounded prescription formulas cost $59–$119/month; bundles and oral capsule options also available depending on the formula.
Key Takeaway: Roots has a higher upfront cost due to the DNA test but lower ongoing costs, while Happy Head usually costs more overall with its monthly formulas and bundle options.
Comparison Table
Final Thoughts
Roots should be your go-to option if you prefer a DNA-driven plan, as it can reduce guesswork and provide a formula tailored to your genetics. Remember, though, there may be a short wait for the kit, and the upfront cost is higher due to testing.
Happy Head should be your choice if you want a faster start with a clinician-tailored prescription that doesn’t require DNA testing. However, it may cost you more in the long run than Roots.
Curious what your DNA says about your hair? Use code HAIRTODAY for 30% off and explore a solution designed just for you. Order your kit now