Hair Loss Treatment for Men

Losing your hair is extremely common, and for most men it's down to genes rather than anything you've done. It isn't a health problem, but it can knock your confidence, and the earlier you treat it, the more hair you're likely to keep. The two treatments with the best evidence are finasteride, which slows or stops hair loss, and minoxidil, which helps hair grow. MedsRus offers finasteride 1mg and minoxidil tablets after an online consultation with a UK prescriber.

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What causes hair loss in men?

Most hair loss in men is male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It usually starts with a receding hairline at the temples, thinning on the crown, or both. It runs in families, and it can start as early as your late teens or twenties.

It happens because some hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, a hormone your body makes from testosterone. Over time, DHT shrinks those follicles, so the hairs they grow get thinner and shorter until they stop altogether.

Is it definitely male pattern baldness?

Other things can cause hair loss, and these need a different approach:

• patchy, round bald spots can be alopecia areata;
• sudden thinning all over, a few months after an illness, an operation or a lot of stress, is often telogen effluvium, and it usually grows back by itself;
• thyroid problems, low iron, some medicines and crash diets.

See a GP if your hair is falling out in clumps or patches, if your scalp is itchy, sore or scaly, or if you feel unwell.

Hair loss treatment for men: your options

Finasteride tablets

Finasteride blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. Less DHT means the follicles stop shrinking.

• One 1mg tablet a day, with or without food.
• For most men it stops further hair loss, and many see some regrowth, especially on the crown.
• It's a long-term treatment. If you stop, the hair you've kept or regrown is usually lost again over the following months.
• Finasteride for hair loss isn't available on the NHS, so it's only available on private prescription.

Our article on how long finasteride takes to work goes into more detail.

Minoxidil tablets

Minoxidil was first developed to treat high blood pressure. Doctors noticed it made hair grow, which is how minoxidil lotions such as Regaine came about. Low-dose minoxidil tablets are now widely prescribed for hair loss.

Using them for hair loss is off-label. That means the medicine is licensed for something else, and the prescriber takes responsibility for deciding it's suitable for you. It's legal and common, but it's worth knowing. Read more in our guide to minoxidil tablets for hair growth.

Minoxidil lotion or foam

If you'd prefer not to take a tablet, minoxidil 5% lotion or foam is available from pharmacies without a prescription. You apply it to the scalp twice a day.

Can you use finasteride and minoxidil together?

Yes. Because they work in different ways, some men use both, if the prescriber agrees it's suitable.

How long until you see results?

Hair grows slowly, so give any treatment time:

• First 1 to 3 months: you may notice some extra shedding, especially with minoxidil. It's a sign old hairs are making way for new ones, and it settles.
• 3 to 6 months: hair loss usually slows down.
• 6 to 12 months: most men can see the difference, in photos if not in the mirror.
• 12 months: the full effect. If nothing has changed by then, talk to your prescriber.

Taking a photo of your hairline and crown before you start makes it much easier to judge. See some finasteride before and after results.

Side effects and safety

Finasteride

Most men take finasteride without problems. The possible side effects to know about are:

• a lower sex drive, erection problems or less semen;
• breast tenderness or swelling;
• low mood, depression or suicidal thoughts.

The UK medicines regulator (MHRA) has asked for a patient card in every finasteride pack, explaining these risks. In some men, sexual side effects have carried on after stopping the tablets. If you feel low or have thoughts of harming yourself, stop taking finasteride and contact your doctor straight away.

Also tell your doctor you take finasteride if you ever have a PSA (prostate) blood test, because it lowers the result. Women who are or could be pregnant shouldn't handle crushed or broken tablets.

Minoxidil tablets

Possible side effects include:

• extra hair growth on the face or body;
• swollen ankles;
• a fast heartbeat, dizziness or headaches.

They aren't suitable if you have low blood pressure or certain heart conditions. The consultation asks about this.

How to order hair loss treatment from MedsRus

1. Fill in a short consultation about your hair loss, your health and any medicines you take. It's for men aged 18 and over.
2. A UK prescriber reviews it and, if suitable, prescribes finasteride, minoxidil tablets or both.
3. We send your treatment in plain packaging. Packs last from one to six months, so you don't run out.

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Hair loss FAQs

Can hair loss be reversed in men?

Partly. Treatment works best on hair that's thinning rather than gone. Finasteride and minoxidil can regrow some hair, but they can't bring back follicles that have stopped working altogether.

How can I stop hair loss in men?

For male pattern baldness, finasteride is the most effective way to slow or stop it. Starting early, and sticking with it, makes the biggest difference.

Does finasteride work for everyone?

No. Most men keep their hair at its current level or see some regrowth, but a minority don't respond. You'll know after about 12 months.

What happens if I stop taking finasteride?

The effect wears off, and within about a year you're likely to lose the hair you kept or regrew.

Do shampoos or supplements work?

Caffeine shampoos and biotin are popular, but the evidence for them is weak, unless you're actually short of a vitamin or iron.

Can women use these treatments?

No. Finasteride and these minoxidil tablets are prescribed for men only. Women with thinning hair should speak to a GP.

Further reading

• Does finasteride regrow hair?
• All men's health treatments

Sources:

• NHS: Hair loss
• NHS: Finasteride
• MHRA: Finasteride and dutasteride safety warnings

Reviewed by the MedsRus pharmacy team · Registered Pharmacy No. 9011292 · Last reviewed November 2026