How Does the Hims Spray Work? Understanding the Different Formulas

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that the term "Hims spray" actually refers to different products addressing distinct health needs, each with its own unique mechanism? Understanding how the Hims spray works depends entirely on whether you're considering the popular hair loss treatment or the climax delay solution.

Quick Summary

Hims offers multiple sprays, most notably a hair loss formula with finasteride and minoxidil that blocks DHT and stimulates regrowth, and a climax delay spray with lidocaine that reduces sensitivity to help manage premature ejaculation.

Key Points

Dual-Purpose Sprays: The term "Hims spray" can refer to either a hair loss treatment or a climax delay product, each with different active ingredients and mechanisms of action.
Hair Loss Action: The Hims hair loss spray uses a combination of finasteride to block DHT and minoxidil to boost blood flow, promoting hair regrowth over several months.
Delay Spray Action: The climax delay spray contains lidocaine, a topical anesthetic that reduces penile sensitivity to help men last longer during sex.
Targeted Effects: The climax delay spray's patented absorption technology ensures the numbing effect is targeted and doesn't transfer excessively to a partner.
Differing Ingredients: Finasteride and Minoxidil work differently from lidocaine, addressing distinct health concerns: androgenic alopecia versus premature ejaculation.
Prescription vs. OTC: The hair loss spray requires a prescription, while the climax delay spray is available over-the-counter.

Demystifying the Term: The Dual Meaning of 'Hims Spray'

For those new to the Hims product lineup, it can be confusing to hear about a 'Hims spray' without clarification. This is because the company offers different topical sprays for separate purposes, each functioning in a unique way based on its active ingredients. The most common types are the hair loss spray and the climax delay spray. This comprehensive guide will break down the science behind each one, explaining its core mechanism of action and how it works to achieve its specific health benefit.

The Mechanism of the Hims Hair Loss Spray

This prescription-only spray is a popular option for treating male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It contains a powerful combination of two clinically-proven ingredients: finasteride and minoxidil. Together, they provide a multi-pronged attack on the root causes of hair thinning and loss.

Finasteride: The DHT Blocker

Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, meaning it works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a hormone that contributes significantly to male pattern baldness by causing hair follicles to shrink over time. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride helps to:

Slow or stop the progression of hair loss.
Shrink hair follicles less, allowing them to remain healthier.
Prevent further miniaturization of hair strands.

Minoxidil: The Growth Stimulator

Minoxidil, an over-the-counter medication also known by the brand name Rogaine, works differently. Its exact mechanism isn't fully understood, but it is known to be a vasodilator that helps promote blood flow to the scalp. This increase in blood flow helps to:

Deliver more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles.
Stimulate dormant or miniaturized hair follicles.
Encourage hairs to enter and remain in the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.

How It Works Together

When combined in a topical formula, finasteride addresses the hormonal cause of hair loss, while minoxidil stimulates regrowth and strengthens existing hair. This powerful combination is what allows the Hims hair loss spray to deliver robust results for many users. The quick-drying spray is applied directly to the scalp, making it a simple, routine.

The Mechanism of the Hims Climax Delay Spray

Unlike the hair loss formula, the Hims Climax Delay Spray is an over-the-counter topical anesthetic designed to help men manage premature ejaculation (PE). The original Hims product was white-labeled from Promescent, a company that continues to manufacture the same formula under its own name.

Lidocaine: The Active Ingredient

The core ingredient of this spray is lidocaine, a common topical anesthetic used to numb sensitive areas. By applying it topically, the spray is intended to:

Slightly reduce sensitivity in key areas, primarily the glans and shaft.
Delay the onset of ejaculation.
Help the user maintain a higher degree of surface sensitivity, preventing the feeling of being completely numb.

Patented Absorption Technology

A key feature of the Promescent-developed formula is its patented absorption technology. This technology allows the lidocaine to be absorbed into the skin quickly and effectively. This targeted absorption is crucial because it minimizes the risk of transferring the numbing agent to a partner, which is a common complaint with other desensitizing products. This means that when used correctly, it should help the user last longer without negatively affecting their partner's pleasure.

Usage and Effects

To use the climax delay spray, it is typically applied before sexual activity. This allows enough time for the lidocaine to absorb and take effect. A user can adjust the amount of spray to find the ideal level of desensitization. The effects typically last for a period of time, providing a window for extended sexual activity.

Comparing Hims Sprays: Hair Loss vs. Climax Delay


Feature	Hims Hair Loss Spray	Hims Climax Delay Spray
Purpose	To treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)	To help manage premature ejaculation (PE)
Active Ingredients	Finasteride & Minoxidil	Lidocaine
Mechanism	Finasteride blocks DHT; Minoxidil increases blood flow to follicles	Lidocaine reduces sensitivity via topical anesthesia
Availability	Prescription only, requires an online consultation	Over-the-counter, no prescription needed
Absorption	Absorbed into the scalp to target hair follicles	Patented technology for targeted absorption into the skin of the penis, minimizing transfer
Application	Applied to the scalp	Applied to the penis before sexual activity

Considerations and Potential Side Effects

It's important to be aware of the potential side effects for both formulas. For the hair loss spray, some users experience localized scalp issues like itching, irritation, or redness. Less common, systemic side effects have also been reported with finasteride, which led the FDA to issue warnings regarding compounded topical products. For the climax delay spray, common side effects can include temporary reduced sensitivity, which can potentially lead to erectile difficulties if too much is used. There is also a risk of transferring the numbing effect to a partner, which can be mitigated by wiping or waiting for full absorption. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment, especially one with prescription components. The authoritative National Institutes of Health provides more detailed information on treatments for premature ejaculation, including the use of topical anesthetics.

The Final Word on How the Hims Spray Works

Ultimately, there is no single answer to the question of how the Hims spray works. The answer depends on which of the company's sprays is being discussed. The hair loss spray works through a hormonal-blocking and blood-flow-stimulating mechanism, while the climax delay spray works by reducing sensitivity using a topical anesthetic. Understanding these fundamental differences is key to choosing the right product for your needs and managing your expectations regarding results and potential side effects. Always have a clear understanding of the product you are using and its intended purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Hims offers different sprays for different purposes. The most common are the hair loss spray and the climax delay spray, which contain entirely different active ingredients and function in distinct ways.

The hair loss spray contains two active ingredients: finasteride, which blocks the hormone DHT to prevent follicle shrinkage, and minoxidil, which is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp, stimulating dormant hair follicles.

For optimal results, apply the climax delay product to the most sensitive areas of the penis. It is typically applied before sexual activity. The amount of spray can be adjusted to find the right level of desensitization.

Using too much climax delay spray can cause excessive numbness, which may lead to a temporary reduction in pleasure or difficulty maintaining an erection. It is recommended to start with a minimal amount and adjust as needed.

While the climax delay spray uses targeted absorption technology to minimize transfer, some residual product could still cause temporary numbness for a partner. To prevent this, consider wiping off excess spray before intercourse or using a condom.

Common side effects for the hair loss spray are typically localized to the scalp and can include itching, irritation, redness, and a burning sensation. In some cases, temporary shedding can occur initially as new hair growth begins.

Some Hims hair loss treatments contain FDA-approved ingredients like oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. However, as of recent reports, compounded topical finasteride sprays have not been specifically approved by the FDA, and warnings regarding potential side effects have been issued.