Hair Loss Treatment UK

Hair loss, or alopecia, affects around two thirds of men by 35 and about 40% of women by 50. Most cases are treatable if you catch them early enough.

The most common pattern, called androgenic alopecia, is driven by genetics and a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles over time until they no longer produce visible hair. This is what people mean when they refer to “male pattern baldness” or “female pattern hair loss”.

There are also several other types of hair loss that look similar but have very different causes, including stress-related telogen effluvium, autoimmune alopecia areata, and conditions secondary to scalp problems like seborrheic dermatitis. Different causes require different treatments. The first step before any treatment is identifying which type you have.

For a deeper read on identifying types of hair loss, see our guide to types of female hair loss and our overview of how to stop hair loss. If you have only just noticed shedding and are not sure if it is normal cycling or the start of pattern loss, our short guide on am I losing hair? helps you decide.

The most common causes we see in clinic:

Androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss)

The big one. In men, DHT shrinks follicles on the top of the scalp first, which is why the hairline recedes and the crown thins (the Norwood scale). In women it shows up as diffuse thinning across the crown and a widening parting (the Ludwig scale). Treatment for both comes down to blocking DHT, stimulating the follicles directly, or both. That is exactly what our oral and topical medications do.

Telogen effluvium

A sudden increase in shedding, usually triggered by stress, illness, childbirth, crash dieting or thyroid problems. It normally resolves on its own within 3 to 6 months once the trigger is dealt with. Finasteride does nothing for it and is not needed, but topical minoxidil can speed up recovery.

Alopecia areata

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, producing well-defined bald patches. Often responsive to topical steroid treatment. See our alopecia areata guide for full detail.

Seborrheic dermatitis and scalp conditions

A dandruff-like inflammation that can drive hair loss as a secondary effect. Treatment focuses on the underlying scalp condition with antifungal shampoos, typically ketoconazole-based.

Nutritional and other factors

Iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and certain medications can all cause hair shedding. These usually respond to addressing the underlying cause rather than hair-specific treatment.

Tablets work systemically. Taken daily, absorbed into the bloodstream, acting on follicles across the whole scalp. For androgenic alopecia they are the gold standard because they deal with the hormonal cause, not just the symptom.

Finasteride (1mg daily)

The most-prescribed hair loss medication globally. Blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, reducing scalp DHT by around 60%. Clinically proven in published studies to slow, stop, or even reverse pattern hair loss in 80%+ of men.

Available as the original brand Propecia 1mg by MSD, the trusted UK generic Accord Finasteride 1mg, or our 1-month starter pack / 3-month bulk supply.

For the 1mg vs 5mg dosing debate and the cost-saving half-tablet protocol, see our Finasteride 5mg page.

Dutasteride (0.5mg daily)

Stronger than finasteride. Blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase, reducing scalp DHT by around 90% (vs 60% for finasteride). Used for patients who haven't fully responded to finasteride or who want maximum DHT suppression.

Available as Avodart (GSK brand), generic dutasteride 0.5mg, or vegetarian/vegan dutasteride for patients who require gelatin-free capsules.

Full comparison: Finasteride vs Dutasteride for Hair Loss.

Oral minoxidil (low-dose, 0.25–5mg daily)

The fastest-growing treatment in UK hair loss right now. Minoxidil started life as a blood pressure medication, and at low doses it is used off-label for regrowth. Particularly useful for people who cannot get on with topicals.

Available at 5mg standard dose, 2.5mg starter dose, or custom low-dose capsules (0.25–1mg) for sensitive patients.

Combination capsules

For patients seeking simpler dosing, we compound finasteride + minoxidil in a single daily capsule. One pill instead of two, identical mechanism.

Finasteride and dutasteride are not recommended for women, particularly during reproductive years, due to risks during pregnancy. Female hair loss has a distinct treatment landscape focused on topical anti-androgens, melatonin-based formulations, and oral or topical minoxidil.

SPIROSOL® Topical Spironolactone

Our topical spironolactone 2% blocks DHT activity in the scalp without the systemic anti-androgen effects of oral spironolactone, making it suitable for women who can't tolerate the oral form.

MELASOL® Melatonin Hair Loss Solution

Our topical melatonin solution is specifically formulated for female pattern hair loss. Gentle, prescription-strength regrowth support, without the systemic effects of stronger DHT blockers.

Topical and oral minoxidil for women

Topical minoxidil at 2% or 5% concentrations is well-established for women. Oral low-dose minoxidil (0.625mg or 1.25mg) is increasingly used as an alternative for patients who find topical irritating.

Read more in our complete female hair loss treatments guide and prevention guide.

The right treatment depends on three things: how advanced the loss is, your personal preferences, and any safety considerations.

Early-stage thinning

If you've noticed mild thinning over the past few months, the standard starting point is either oral finasteride 1mg or one of our topical finasteride products. Topical works just as well as oral for most users and has a lower side-effect profile. Add topical minoxidil 5% for a 2-treatment approach.

Moderate, ongoing loss

If finasteride alone hasn't fully arrested the loss after 6 months, consider stepping up to dutasteride (which blocks DHT more thoroughly), or adding topical minoxidil if not already using it. Microneedling 1-2× per week boosts absorption.

Advanced loss

If your hairline has receded substantially or the crown has visible scalp, medication will not regrow follicles that have already died. The realistic options are SMP (cosmetic) or hair transplant surgery (permanent restoration). Medical treatment should still continue alongside surgery to protect remaining native hair.

Women

Start with topical minoxidil and/or our SPIROSOL® topical spironolactone. Add MELASOL® if you prefer a melatonin-led approach. Oral low-dose minoxidil is an option for women who find topicals irritating. Hair transplants are an option for stable female pattern loss after medical treatment has plateaued.