FINASOL Topical Finasteride: UK Compounded TrichoSol Formula
What is FINASOL?
FINASOL is our custom compounded topical finasteride solution, made to order in a UK GPhC registered partner pharmacy. It uses our proprietary TrichoSol base, a modern alcohol-light and propylene glycol-free vehicle designed for gentle, even absorption into the scalp.
Each bottle contains finasteride at 0.025% to 0.1%, the same active ingredient used in oral finasteride tablets, but applied locally to reduce systemic absorption. For the published evidence on how much finasteride actually enters the bloodstream when applied topically, see our article on topical finasteride systemic absorption.
FINASOL is a registered trademark, available only from Hair Repair Clinic.
Why TrichoSol Matters
Most off-the-shelf topical finasteride formulas use ethanol or propylene glycol as the carrier. Both work, but both can cause scalp irritation, redness, and a tight or itchy sensation, particularly in people with sensitive skin or existing scalp conditions.
TrichoSol is our proprietary water-based vehicle. It contains less than 10% ethanol and zero propylene glycol, which makes FINASOL one of the gentlest topical finasteride options on the UK market. It absorbs cleanly with no greasy residue and no strong solvent smell.
How to Choose Your Strength
FINASOL is compounded in three standard strengths:
- 0.025%: gentle starting strength, good for sensitive scalps or those new to topical finasteride.
- 0.05%: balanced middle option, the most commonly prescribed strength.
- 0.1%: maximum strength, used for stable or advanced hair loss where the patient is already comfortable with the formula.
If you are not sure which to pick, our prescriber will recommend a starting strength based on your medical questionnaire. For a deeper read on dosing strategy see our guide to choosing the right topical finasteride strength.
FINASOL-M: With Added Minoxidil
FINASOL-M combines topical finasteride 0.1% with minoxidil 2% in the same TrichoSol base. One bottle, once a day, two clinically proven actives working together. Finasteride blocks DHT to stop the loss; minoxidil stimulates follicles to encourage regrowth.
FINASOL-M is the right choice if you would otherwise be applying two separate topicals every day, since you get both actives in a single application.
Who Is FINASOL Suitable For?
FINASOL is suitable for adult men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) who prefer a topical over oral finasteride, or who experienced side effects on oral finasteride and want to retry the medication in a form with reduced systemic absorption.
FINASOL is not suitable for women of reproductive age. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male foetuses, so even handling the medication is not recommended for women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. See our safety article on finasteride and pregnancy.
How to Use
- Apply 1ml once daily to a clean, dry scalp using the included dropper.
- Massage gently into the thinning areas, then let it air dry. Wash hair only 4 or more hours after application.
- A 100ml bottle lasts roughly 3 months at this dose.
- Use consistently. Visible regrowth usually starts at month 3 to 4 and continues over the first 12 months.
For a complete topical application routine including prep, pairing with microneedling, and the 4-hour wash window, see our step-by-step UK guide on applying topical hair loss treatment.
Free Prescription Included
FINASOL is a prescription-only medicine. Every order includes a free online medical questionnaire reviewed by a UK prescriber, with most approvals issued the same day. Dispensing happens at our GPhC registered partner pharmacy, with discreet UK delivery included.
Compare with the Rest of Our Range
For a head-to-head comparison of topical finasteride vs oral finasteride and dutasteride, see our finasteride vs dutasteride guide. For the full UK treatment landscape including transplant surgery and combination protocols, see our complete UK hair loss treatment guide.
All surgical procedures at Hair Repair Clinic are performed by Dr Ahmad Moussa, NHS Neurosurgeon and hair transplant surgeon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Finasol good?+
Yes. Finasol is our custom compounded topical finasteride, made in a UK GPhC registered partner pharmacy using TrichoSol, a low alcohol propylene glycol free base. It targets scalp DHT directly, which means less systemic absorption than the oral tablet. Most men start to see reduced shedding after 3 months and visible regrowth between 6 and 12 months of consistent daily use.
Is there a downside to taking finasteride?+
The most discussed risks are sexual side effects (reduced libido, erectile difficulty) and mood changes. With oral finasteride these occur in roughly 1 to 4 percent of users in published trials. Topical application like Finasol limits how much active reaches the bloodstream, which reduces but does not eliminate the risk. Anyone with a history of depression, prostate cancer in the family, or planning to conceive should discuss with the prescriber before starting.
Why avoid finasteride?+
Finasteride is not for everyone. You should avoid it if you are pregnant or could become pregnant (it can cause birth defects, even from skin contact with crushed tablets), if you have a known sensitivity to 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, or if you are actively trying to conceive (it can affect sperm parameters). Men with significant depression or low mood should weigh the risks carefully. The Finasol questionnaire is reviewed by a UK prescriber who screens for these contraindications before approval.
Can finasteride fully regrow hair?+
Finasteride is most effective at preventing further loss and partially regrowing hair in areas where follicles are still active. It does not regrow hair in completely bald areas where the follicles have died. Best results are typically seen in men aged 18 to 45 with early to moderate pattern hair loss. As a rough guide, Norwood 2 to 4 tend to see meaningful improvement; Norwood 5 to 7 see slower or partial response.
What happens after 3 months of finasteride?+
By month 3, most men notice that daily shedding has reduced. Visible regrowth at this stage is usually limited, but existing hair shafts can start to thicken. Clinical trial data shows the full effect typically takes 6 to 12 months, so 3 months is the point to assess tolerance (are you getting on with it?) rather than the point to assess results. Stopping at month 3 will reverse any early gains within 6 to 12 months.
Do I need a prescription for finasteride in the UK?+
Yes. Finasteride is a Prescription Only Medicine in the UK. You cannot legally buy it over the counter or import it for personal use without a UK prescription. Hair Repair Clinic includes the prescription review at no extra cost: complete the online questionnaire, a UK GPhC registered prescriber assesses your suitability, and if approved your Finasol is dispensed and shipped by Royal Mail tracked delivery.
Medical reviewer: Dr Ahmad Moussa MB BCh, MSc, MRCS(Eng), MD, FRCS(SN), NHS Neurosurgeon and Hair Transplant Surgeon.
Published: . Last updated: . Last reviewed: . All prescription medications are dispensed by a GPhC registered UK partner pharmacy.
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