Minoxidil - Topical Hair Loss Treatment 100ml

Topical Minoxidil in the TrichoSol® Base (100ml)

Prescription topical minoxidil compounded in the TrichoSol® base by Fagron, a low-alcohol and propylene glycol free vehicle. Custom strengths from 2% up to 15%. Ideal for people who have had scalp irritation with standard alcohol-and-glycol solutions, and for anyone plateaued at 5% who wants a higher strength.

How topical minoxidil works for hair loss

Minoxidil is a potassium channel opener. Applied to the scalp, it improves microcirculation around hair follicles and prolongs the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle. Miniaturising follicles get more time in growth, producing thicker, longer hairs and greater density over months.

Topical application delivers the drug locally to the scalp with minimal systemic absorption, so systemic side effects are rare compared with oral minoxidil. Response depends on daily discipline, individual skin absorption, and the sulphotransferase enzyme (which converts topical minoxidil to its active form in the scalp).

Available strengths

• 2%: traditional women's OTC strength, gentlest
• 5%: standard men's strength, most researched dose
• 10%: higher strength for non-responders after several months at 5%
• 12.5%: further step up for confirmed non-responders
• 15%: maximum practical strength. Contains a small amount of ethanol for solubility

Why the TrichoSol® base matters

Standard 5% minoxidil solutions use propylene glycol and high-alcohol vehicles that commonly cause scalp itching, redness, dryness and contact dermatitis. The TrichoSol® base by Fagron is a water-based compounding vehicle that is propylene glycol free and low-alcohol, so it is much better tolerated on sensitive scalps. This matters because minoxidil only works if you use it daily; if it makes your scalp itch or flake you will stop, and no dose works if you stop applying it.

How to apply

1. Wash and dry your scalp before application (or apply to dry scalp between washes)
2. Apply 1ml to affected areas of the scalp once daily. A dropper or spray applicator is included
3. Massage gently into the scalp with clean fingertips
4. Wash your hands after application
5. Allow the solution to dry before styling or sleeping (10 to 20 minutes)

Consistency matters more than technique. Missing days slows progress, particularly in the early weeks.

What to expect

• 4 to 6 weeks: initial shedding is normal and a sign the treatment is working (follicles cycling into anagen)
• 2 to 3 months: reduced shedding stabilises
• 4 to 6 months: visible thickening and regrowth judged
• 12 months: full effect. Results plateau and are maintained with continued nightly use
• On stopping: hair gained is gradually lost over several weeks as the growth stimulus is removed

Side effects

Topical minoxidil in the TrichoSol® base is well tolerated by most people because it avoids the propylene glycol and high-alcohol content that cause irritation with standard 5% solutions.

Common (roughly 1 in 10)

• Mild scalp irritation, redness or itching after application
• Initial hair shedding in the first 4 to 8 weeks. Temporary and a normal sign the treatment is working

Uncommon (roughly 1 in 100)

• Localised facial hair growth by contact transfer if solution reaches the forehead, temples or cheeks. Careful application avoids this
• Contact dermatitis, more common with propylene glycol-based products than with the TrichoSol® base

Rare (less than 1 in 1,000)

• Lightheadedness on standing (very unusual at topical doses)
• Palpitations or racing heart (very unusual at topical doses)

When to seek urgent medical advice

• Signs of allergic reaction: facial or lip swelling, difficulty breathing, rash
• Persistent chest pain, palpitations or breathlessness
• Sudden significant ankle or leg swelling

Who should not use topical minoxidil

• Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Do not apply to broken skin or an inflamed scalp; wait for the scalp to heal first
• Known allergy to minoxidil
• Under 18

Warnings and precautions

• TrichoSol® base: the propylene glycol free, low-alcohol vehicle reduces the scalp irritation commonly reported with standard 5% solutions. Ideal for anyone who has stopped a standard minoxidil solution because of scalp reactions
• Contact transfer: do not touch your face after applying without washing your hands. Do not let the solution drip onto your forehead or temples
• Combining with oral minoxidil: some people do this for a "belt and braces" approach. The extra benefit is usually modest and combining increases the risk of side effects. Discuss with your prescriber
• Sulphotransferase response: around 30 to 40% of people have low sulphotransferase enzyme activity, which converts topical minoxidil to its active form. Poor responders after 6 months at 5% often benefit from switching to oral minoxidil, adding tretinoin (which raises sulphotransferase activity), or moving to a higher topical strength

Prescription included

Complete the short online health questionnaire at checkout. A UK prescriber reviews your answers; most approvals are the same day. Your bottle is compounded fresh in the UK by a GPhC registered UK partner pharmacy and delivered free.