Male Hair Loss Cheat Codes: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't)

If you are losing your hair and you have spent an hour on TikTok trying to work out what to buy, this article is the short version. Four things actually move the needle for male pattern hair loss. Everything else is either useful in a supporting role, or it is quietly emptying your wallet.

1. Block DHT (Finasteride or Dutasteride)

This is the single most important thing you can do. Male pattern hair loss is driven by DHT, a hormone that gradually shrinks susceptible follicles until they stop producing visible hair. If you do not reduce DHT, hair loss will usually continue no matter which shampoos, oils or supplements you layer on top.

Finasteride and dutasteride both reduce DHT. Dutasteride is the stronger of the two. Both are prescription only in the UK and are available as oral tablets or as topical solutions applied directly to the scalp.

2. Stimulate Growth (Minoxidil)

Minoxidil keeps follicles in the growth phase for longer and can increase thickness and density over time. It works on its own, but the best long term results come from pairing it with a DHT blocker. One protects the roots, the other pushes new growth.

Our topical minoxidil ships in a 100ml bottle, which typically lasts around three months. Most competitor products ship 30ml.

3. Improve Absorption (Microneedling)

Microneedling with a dermaroller can improve how well topical treatments penetrate the scalp, and may encourage additional growth on its own. A 0.5mm roller can be used 3 to 5 times a week for absorption. A 1.0mm roller is used every other week for deeper stimulation. Do not use both on the same day.

4. Maintain Scalp Health (Ketoconazole Shampoo)

Once or twice a week is enough. Ketoconazole reduces scalp inflammation, creates a better environment for growth, and has a mild anti-androgen effect as a bonus.

Reality Check

Genetic hair loss is progressive. The sooner you start effective treatment, the more hair you are likely to keep.

Do not expect miracles from PRP, rosemary oil, gummies, collagen or most "natural" remedies. None of them have been shown to reliably stop male pattern hair loss, and several of them will relieve you of a significant amount of money in the process.

If you avoid DHT blockers altogether, you are usually choosing to lose your hair more slowly, rather than stopping the process.

Where to start

Fill in our online questionnaire. A UK prescriber will review your answers and, if appropriate, approve a plan. Anything prescription only is dispensed by our GPhC registered UK partner pharmacy and posted by Royal Mail.