PHARMACIST-LED · TWO ROUTES

Hair loss treatment

Two evidence-based treatments for male and female pattern hair loss: topical minoxidil (no consultation needed, on the shelf) and oral finasteride (prescription-only, via Independent Prescribing pharmacist consultation). This page is informational — clinical decisions happen at consultation.

On the shelf — GSL

Minoxidil (Regaine)

Both sexes. Topical foam or solution applied twice daily.

The original evidence-based topical for androgenetic alopecia. Works for ~40-60% of users, takes 3-6 months to see results. Continued use needed — stopping means hair loss resumes.

Regaine Extra Strength for Men — minoxidil 5% foam, twice daily.
Regaine for Women — minoxidil 2% solution, twice daily.
Shed phase at 2-8 weeks is normal — old hair is making way for new.

£32

3-month supply

Prescription-only — IP consultation

Finasteride 1 mg

Men 18+ with diagnosed male-pattern hair loss. Not for women — POM (Propecia).

Oral 1 mg tablet daily. Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT (the hormone driving male-pattern loss). Effective in ~80-90% of users, with results from 3-6 months.

Independent Prescribing pharmacist consultation required.
Discussion of side effects (rare but real: low libido, ED, mood changes — usually reversible on stopping).
Annual review while on treatment.
Strictly not for women — teratogenic. Women shouldn't even handle broken tablets if pregnant.

£35

per month

Combination — IP consultation

Minoxidil + Finasteride combined

Men only. Most evidence-based combination for moderate-to-advanced loss.

The two work by different mechanisms (minoxidil = vasodilation/anagen extension; finasteride = anti-androgen). Combined use is more effective than either alone for men with progressive androgenetic alopecia. Pharmacist consultation covers both.

£60

per month combined

What this page does NOT do

It does not approve you for treatment. Finasteride is POM — the prescribing decision is the IP pharmacist's, after a full consultation reviewing your medical history, current medicines, and informed consent on side effects.
It is not a diagnosis. Not all hair loss is androgenetic. Telogen effluvium (after illness, stress, weight loss), alopecia areata (autoimmune), traction alopecia, scalp conditions — all need different management. The pharmacist will assess at consultation.
It is not an advert for a POM. We don't promote finasteride. We provide information about treatment options that may be considered at consultation, per UK MHRA guidance on POM advertising.

Hair-loss workup before treatment. Worth ruling out reversible causes first. Thyroid (TSH), iron (ferritin), vitamin D, vitamin B12, sex hormones — particularly for sudden onset or female pattern loss. See our blood-tests page. Our pharmacist will often recommend these screening tests before starting finasteride.

Important — finasteride and mental-health risk. MHRA has issued safety updates on finasteride: rare but reported risks include persistent sexual dysfunction (PFS), depression and suicidal thoughts. We'll discuss these in detail at consultation. If you experience persistent low mood or thoughts of self-harm while on finasteride, stop and contact us, your GP, or NHS 111 immediately.

Want to know more before booking? Walk in for a free chat at the counter. We won't pressure you and we won't give you a script for something you don't want. Most patients try Regaine first; some go straight to finasteride after consultation. The right call depends on your pattern, age, and willingness to commit long-term.