Hair loss is something that affects a significant proportion of the population at some point in their lives. For most people, the cause is androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss, and it is driven by a combination of genetics and hormones. The good news is that there are treatments with genuine clinical evidence behind them, available through pharmacies in the UK.
This article focuses specifically on the pharmacy-available treatments that have a reasonable evidence base, what they do, who they are likely to suit, and what to expect.
Why Most Hair Loss Products on the Market Do Not Work
Before getting to what works, it is worth being honest about the landscape. The hair loss treatment market is saturated with shampoos, supplements, scalp treatments for hair loss, and topical serums that make bold claims but have little or no clinical evidence to support them. Biotin supplements, caffeine shampoos, and various herbal preparations are widely sold but are not recognised as effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia by clinical guidelines.
There are currently two treatments with meaningful clinical evidence for pattern hair loss: minoxidil and finasteride. Both are available in the UK through pharmacies, though under different regulatory frameworks.
Minoxidil: The Over-the-Counter Option
Minoxidil is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp. It is available over the counter in the UK as a 2% and 5% solution or foam, without the need for a prescription. It is licensed for use in both men and women, though the licensed concentrations differ.
Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp. It does not address the hormonal cause of pattern hair loss; it stimulates the follicles that remain active. This means it is most effective in the earlier stages of hair loss, when more follicles are still present and responsive.
Results typically take three to six months to become visible, and the treatment must be continued indefinitely. If minoxidil is stopped, any hair regained or retained will generally be lost again within a few months.
Finasteride: The Prescription Treatment for Men
Hair loss treatment finasteride works differently from minoxidil. It is a prescription-only medicine (POM) taken orally, once daily, and it acts by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for pattern hair loss in men.
Clinical trials have shown that finasteride is effective at slowing or halting hair loss in the majority of men who take it, and a significant proportion also see some regrowth, particularly at the crown. Like minoxidil, it requires ongoing use; stopping treatment will typically result in the resumption of hair loss within months.
Finasteride is only licensed for use in men. It is not prescribed for women of childbearing potential due to the risk of harm to a male foetus if the drug is absorbed during pregnancy. Women experiencing hair loss should be assessed by a GP or dermatologist, as the causes and appropriate treatments differ from those relevant to men.
Because finasteride is a POM, it must be prescribed by a qualified prescriber following an appropriate clinical assessment. It is available through GP referral or, for eligible men, through registered private prescribing services online. As with all prescription medicine discussions in this context, this article provides factual information only and does not constitute a recommendation or a promotional claim.
Comparing the Two Main Treatments
The table below sets out the key differences between minoxidil and finasteride to help clarify which might be relevant to a given situation:
| Feature | Minoxidil | Finasteride |
| Type | Topical (applied to scalp) | Oral tablet |
| Prescription needed? | No (OTC in UK) | Yes (POM) |
| Licensed for women? | Yes (2% formulation) | No |
| How it works | Stimulates hair follicles and scalp blood flow | Reduces DHT, the hormone driving hair loss |
| Onset of results | 3 to 6 months | 3 to 6 months |
| Ongoing use required? | Yes | Yes |
| Stops if discontinued? | Yes, hair loss resumes | Yes, hair loss resumes |
Some men use both treatments simultaneously, as they work by different mechanisms and may complement each other. Whether this is appropriate depends on individual circumstances and should be discussed with a prescribing clinician.
What About Scalp Treatments and Other Options?
Whilst minoxidil is the most evidence-based scalp treatment for hair loss currently available over the counter, other approaches are sometimes used alongside it or when first-line treatments are not appropriate or tolerated:
- Ketoconazole shampoo has some limited evidence suggesting it may help in combination with other treatments, though it is not a standalone treatment for androgenetic alopecia
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices are available for home use and have some supporting evidence, though the quality of trials is variable and results are modest.
- Hair transplant surgery is a surgical option for suitable candidates, typically pursued when medical treatments have not produced sufficient results or are not appropriate.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are offered by some private clinics; the evidence base is still developing and this is not a standard NHS treatment.
None of the above replaces the two principal evidence-based treatments. They may be worth discussing with a GP or dermatologist as part of a broader conversation, particularly for women or for patients who have not responded to first-line options.
When Should You See a GP or Dermatologist?
Pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair thinning, but it is not the only one. Hair loss can also be caused by iron deficiency, thyroid conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress, autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, and certain medications. If hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by other symptoms, a GP assessment is warranted before starting any treatment.
Women experiencing significant hair loss should always speak to a GP first, as the cause is more likely to require investigation and the treatment approach is different from that used for male pattern hair loss.
How Pharmacy To My Door Can Help
If you have been prescribed finasteride or any other medication for hair loss through your GP or a registered private prescribing service, Pharmacy To My Door can manage your prescription and deliver it discreetly and reliably to your home. Our GPhC-registered pharmacy team is here to answer questions about your medication and ensure your prescription is handled accurately and on time.
We deliver NHS and private prescriptions free across the UK, making it straightforward to stay consistent with a treatment that requires long-term commitment to be effective.
Have a prescription for hair loss treatment and want a reliable pharmacy to manage it? Book an appointment with Pharmacy To My Door today. We deliver NHS and private prescriptions free across the UK, with full discretion.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine and must only be taken under the supervision of a qualified prescriber. If you are concerned about hair loss, please speak to your GP or a qualified healthcare professional for an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
For androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), the two treatments with the strongest clinical evidence are minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is available over the counter and is suitable for both men and women. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine for men and works by reducing DHT, the hormone primarily responsible for pattern hair loss. The most effective approach for a given individual depends on the type of hair loss, its cause, and personal circumstances, which is why a clinical assessment is always worthwhile.
Both minoxidil and finasteride typically take three to six months before any visible improvement is noticed. This is because the hair growth cycle is slow, and it takes time for the treatment to influence follicular activity. Patients sometimes experience increased shedding in the first few weeks of starting minoxidil, which can be alarming but is generally a normal part of the hair cycle adjusting. Consistency is essential; stopping treatment before giving it adequate time is one of the most common reasons people conclude it has not worked.
Finasteride is not licensed for use in women in the UK. It is not prescribed for women of childbearing potential due to the risk of harm to a male foetus if absorbed during pregnancy. Post-menopausal women are occasionally considered for finasteride in specialist settings, but this would be off-label use and requires careful clinical assessment. Women experiencing hair loss should speak to their GP in the first instance, as the causes and treatment options differ from those relevant to male pattern hair loss.
It depends on the treatment. Minoxidil is available over the counter in the UK without a prescription, in 2% and 5% concentrations. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine and requires a prescription from a qualified prescriber, whether through your GP or a CQC-registered private prescribing service. Always ensure any prescription medicine is obtained through a properly regulated route.
Both treatments can have side effects, though many people tolerate them well. Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation, dryness, or unwanted facial hair growth in some users. Finasteride has been associated with sexual side effects in a small proportion of men, including reduced libido and erectile dysfunction; these are listed in the patient information leaflet and should be discussed with the prescribing clinician. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with any medicine and report any concerns to your prescriber or pharmacist.
