A new US-based telehealth company named Ulo is garnering major attention in the hair loss world. When it comes to the compounding and prescription of personalized hair loss medications, Ulo is a game changer.
Ulo: Effective Hair Loss Products that Tackle Side Effects
Hair loss treatments often force people into an uncomfortable trade-off: pursue the most effective therapies available, or avoid them due to the fear of both real and imaginary side effects. In some cases, patients start skipping does to reduce the chances of side effects.
For decades, the industry’s most recommended hair loss medications of finasteride, dutasteride and minoxidil have delivered real results. However, their use has often been overshadowed by poorly designed formulations, inconsistent quality generics, lack of sufficient topical alternatives and more.
US based telehealth provider Ulo approaches hair loss treatments through a side-effect-conscious lens. Rather than defaulting to aggressive dosing or standardized protocols, Ulo emphasizes dose flexibility, localized therapies and formulation choices intended to reduce unnecessary systemic exposure. This review focuses on how that approach plays out in practice.
The Hair Loss Dilemma: Results vs. Side Effects
Hair loss is a chronic condition. Any therapy to manage it must be used consistently, often for years. In that context, side effects become a major determinant of success. Some users discontinue treatment due to:
- Hormonal concerns associated with oral DHT blockers.
- Scalp irritation from topical formulations.
- Anxiety around long-term systemic exposure.
- Difficulty balancing results with quality of life.
Many people tolerate standard treatments without issue. But population-level tolerability doesn’t always translate to individual comfort. Even mild or ambiguous symptoms can lead someone to stop therapy, at which point effectiveness becomes irrelevant.
Ulo’s approach starts from this practical reality: a treatment that someone can tolerate long term is more useful than one they abandon early, even if the latter is theoretically stronger.
Understanding Hair Loss Side Effects: Why So Many Patients Struggle
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a central role in pattern hair loss, and suppressing it remains one of the most effective strategies available. However, the relationship between dose and benefit isn’t linear, especially when systemic exposure is involved. Common hair loss treatments like finasteride and dutasteride reduce DHT throughout the body. While many find this well tolerated and effective, others experience side effects that can affect treatment adherence. The most commonly reported systemic side effects include:
- Reduced libido.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Mood changes, such as anxiety or depressive symptoms.
- Cognitive or energy-related complaints, including fatigue or “brain fog”.
In finasteride’s large, randomized, placebo-controlled FDA clinical trials, sexual side effects affected just 1.8% of men taking 1 mg daily versus 1.3% in the placebo group. That’s a 0.5% absolute difference, and suggestive of a very low rate of sexual side effects beyond placebo.
Other studies have found much higher rates of sexual side effects. In one such study, when participants were told in advance about possible side effects from finasteride, the incidence of erectile dysfunction jumped to 25.4%, compared to just 5.7% in those who weren’t told. This is known as the “nocebo effect” – when the anticipation of an adverse event from a treatment makes a user more likely to report that adverse event. And in today’s world, most physicians will (rightfully) disclose the common side effects of a medication during the prescription process.
This means most finasteride users begin therapy aware of this concern. In effect, this likely elevates both real and psychosomatically-influenced cases of finasteride’s side effects far beyond what is suggested from the original FDA trials, and underscores the need for both better patient education and alternative delivery strategies to help mitigate such side effects.
Topical delivery was intended to localize treatment to the scalp, but high concentrations undermine that goal – often going systemic and causing DHT reductions to the same extent as the oral medication.
Ulo’s emphasis on lower-dose topical DHT blockers reflects a more cautious interpretation of the available evidence, prioritizing scalp-level action while aiming to limit whole-body effects.
How the Telehealth Model Contributes to Side Effect Concerns
The rise of telehealth has improved access to hair loss treatments, but it has also introduced new constraints. To simplify prescribing and logistics, many platforms rely on standardized products and fixed dosing. In practice, this often means:
- High-concentration topical finasteride or dutasteride applied daily.
- Limited ability to adjust formulations.
- Minimal differentiation between early hair loss and advanced cases.
With topical DHT blockers in particular, concentrations can reach levels where systemic absorption becomes more likely. At that point, the distinction between oral and topical delivery is less meaningful from a side-effect perspective.
Why Dose Matters: The Science Behind Low-Dose Topical DHT Blockers
Topical finasteride and dutasteride are often discussed as inherently safer alternatives to oral therapy, but this framing can be misleading. Whether a topical DHT blocker meaningfully alters systemic hormone levels depends less on the route of administration and more on dose, formulation, and total daily exposure.
Clinical studies show that topical finasteride can still lower DHT throughout the body when used at high enough doses. For example, applying a 1% topical finasteride solution twice daily has been shown to produce hair growth results similar to taking 1 mg of oral finasteride. While this confirms that the topical treatment is effective, it also means that enough of the drug is entering the bloodstream to significantly reduce serum DHT, potentially defeating the purpose of using a topical formulation in the first place.
A study evaluating 0.005% topical finasteride applied twice daily (1 mL per application) found no appreciable changes in serum DHT levels, indicating minimal systemic absorption. Notably, participants continued to show improvements in hair parameters, supporting the notion that scalp-level DHT reduction does not require substantial systemic involvement.
Similarly, clinical studies using low-dose topical dutasteride (0.01–0.02%) have generally shown minimal or no measurable suppression of serum DHT, low plasma dutasteride levels, and low side effects.
These findings suggest that, at sufficiently low doses and volumes, topical formulations can remain largely localized to the scalp. However, this localization is highly dose-dependent. As concentration, application volume, frequency, or penetration enhancement increases, the likelihood of systemic exposure rises.
Ulo’s Low-Dose Topical Finasteride & Dutasteride: Designed to Reduce Side Effects
A central feature of Ulo’s treatment model is its emphasis on dose-controlled, scalp-targeted DHT suppression. While finasteride and dutasteride are among the most effective agents for androgenic alopecia, concerns around systemic exposure often limit their long-term use.
Ulo addresses this by offering topical formulations at carefully selected concentrations, aiming to maintain clinical relevance at the follicle while reducing the risk of systemic hormonal effects. The following options illustrate how this approach is applied in practice, with flexibility to adjust treatment intensity based on individual response and tolerance.
Low-Dose Topical Finasteride
Ulo offers topical finasteride at a concentration of 0.005%, which is substantially lower than many commercially available formulations. As we’ve seen, research suggests that doses in this range can improve hair parameters while having minimal impact on serum DHT levels.
In practice, this formulation is often paired with topical minoxidil, allowing two independent mechanisms to be addressed at once: localized DHT reduction via finasteride and growth stimulation via minoxidil. This combination reflects how hair loss is typically managed in clinical settings, where suppressing follicle miniaturization and promoting regrowth are treated as complementary rather than competing goals.
This option may be relevant for:
- Individuals with early thinning.
- People maintaining results after prior regrowth,
- Those who discontinued oral finasteride due to side effects.
- Users who prefer a more conservative intervention.
The intent is not to maximize hormonal suppression, but to balance local DHT control with non-hormonal growth support, while keeping systemic exposure as low as reasonably possible.
For individuals who require a stronger intervention, Ulo also offers a higher-strength 0.2% topical finasteride option. This formulation is intended for patients with more advanced hair loss, suboptimal response to lower doses, or those who have previously tolerated systemic finasteride without issue. Importantly, the availability of both concentrations allows treatment intensity to be matched to individual risk tolerance, rather than forcing escalation through oral therapy.
Low-Dose Topical Dutasteride
Dutasteride inhibits both Type I and Type II 5α-reductase enzymes, theoretically leading to even lower DHT levels. It is often only considered for unresponsive users due to its potency when taken orally. Ulo’s 0.02% topical dutasteride reframes its use as a localized option rather than an inherently aggressive one.
As with topical finasteride, this formulation is commonly combined with topical minoxidil, allowing patients to achieve stronger scalp-level DHT suppression while still relying on a well-established, non-hormonal agent to support follicle growth. Pairing the two can be particularly useful for individuals who did not respond adequately to finasteride alone.
This formulation may appeal to:
- Finasteride non-responders.
- Individuals seeking stronger scalp DHT reduction without oral therapy.
- Users who are willing to escalate treatment gradually.
While still a prescription medication requiring oversight, the topical route, lower concentration, and frequent pairing with minoxidil collectively alter the overall risk–benefit profile compared to systemic dutasteride use.
Customization as a Safety Feature
Ulo allows these topicals to be modified with or without additional ingredients such as minoxidil, tretinoin, caffeine, melatonin, or cetirizine. This flexibility matters because tolerability varies. The ability to remove an irritating component or adjust strength can make the difference between staying on treatment and stopping entirely.
Topicals that don’t Significantly Alter DHT
Not all hair loss pathways are androgen-driven, and not all patients want DHT suppression. Ulo includes prescription topicals that focus on non-hormonal mechanisms, which can be used alone or alongside DHT blockers.
Minoxidil-Based Prescription Topicals
Topical minoxidil works through vasodilation and growth factor signaling rather than hormonal pathways. Ulo’s prescription formulations (up to 7%) offer higher strength than most over-the-counter products, with optional additions to improve absorption or reduce inflammation.
These treatments are often considered by:
People looking to avoid hormonal therapies
Women with androgen sensitivity concerns
Users who experienced side effects from DHT blockers
Patients combining multiple non-systemic approaches
Cetirizine Prescription Topicals
Inflammation can contribute to follicular miniaturization and shedding. Topical cetirizine targets inflammatory signaling pathways without affecting androgen levels. Early studies suggest potential improvements in hair density for some users. As with other Ulo products, cetirizine formulations can be adjusted based on scalp response.
Daily Supplements, Serums and Non-Pharmaceutical Options
In addition to prescription therapies, Ulo offers a range of non-pharmaceutical products intended for individuals who prefer to avoid medications altogether or who want supportive care alongside prescription treatment.
These options include topical serums and oral supplements formulated with ingredients commonly studied in the hair loss literature, such as Redensyl, Capixyl, Procapil, saw palmetto, L-carnitine, adenosine, melatonin, and vitamin D. While similar ingredients are widely available in the consumer market, Ulo’s formulations are based on dosing ranges evaluated in published research, rather than minimal or purely marketing-driven quantities.
Formulation Decisions to Further Reduce Side Effects
Side effects aren’t limited to systemic symptoms. Chronic scalp irritation is one of the most common reasons people abandon topical therapy.
Ulo avoids several ingredients commonly associated with irritation:
- Propylene glycol, which is frequently linked to itching and dermatitis.
- Corticosteroids, which may mask irritation in the short term but carry long-term risks.
Instead, Ulo uses alternative base formulations designed for daily use. While this doesn’t guarantee irritation-free treatment, it reduces one of the most common barriers to adherence.
Oral Treatments at Ulo
Ulo does provide oral finasteride, oral dutasteride, and oral minoxidil. These options follow standard clinical practices and require physician oversight. Importantly, they are presented as one part of a broader treatment spectrum, rather than the default starting point.
For individuals who tolerate oral therapy well, these medications remain among the most effective tools available. For others, Ulo’s structure allows them to remain optional rather than obligatory.
Beyond the Products: Ongoing Physician Support and Clinical Oversight
An often-overlooked factor in hair loss treatment outcomes is not the medication itself, but the quality of follow-up care. Hair loss is a long-term condition, and treatment responses, both positive effects and side effects, tend to evolve over time. One-time prescriptions rarely account for that reality.
As part of its prescription offerings, Ulo pairs patients with licensed partner physicians, providing ongoing medical access throughout treatment rather than limiting interaction to an initial approval step. This structure allows protocols to change as real-world responses emerge.
Users can communicate directly with medical professionals through the platform as questions or concerns arise. This is particularly relevant when navigating side effects, interpreting shedding phases, or deciding whether to adjust or pause treatment.
Avoiding “Trending” Ingredients with Unclear Safety Profiles
In recent years, some telehealth providers have differentiated their products by incorporating ingredients that gain traction on social media or in early-stage research, even when long-term safety data are limited. While innovation is not inherently problematic, the pace at which certain compounds are adopted has, at times, outstripped the available evidence.
Ulo takes a more conservative position on ingredient selection. Rather than adopting compounds primarily because they are novel or marketable, the platform limits its formulations to ingredients with established safety profiles, clear mechanisms of action, and robust clinical evidence.
Who Is Ulo Best For? Matching Treatments to Risk Tolerance
Ulo’s framework may be particularly relevant for:
- Those concerned about side effects or long-term exposure.
- Individuals who previously stopped treatment due to irritation
Low-dose topicals may be less relevant for those seeking the most aggressive intervention from day one, regardless of side-effect risk.
Final Verdict
Ulo does not redefine what works in hair loss treatment, but it does change how those treatments are delivered and combined. By emphasizing lower-dose topical DHT blockers, offering prescription options that avoid hormonal manipulation, and allowing for meaningful customization, the platform reflects a more conservative, patient-centered interpretation of the existing evidence.
For individuals who prioritize tolerability and long-term adherence, that approach may matter as much as raw efficacy.