Hair loss can be either temporary or permanent. Temporary hair loss often stems from an underlying health condition and may reverse once the condition is treated. Permanent hair loss, on the other hand, is typically genetic or a natural part of aging.

While there is no universal cure for hair loss, several effective treatments are available to help prevent or manage it.

Common Signs of Hair Loss:

• Thinning hair
• Bald patches
• A receding hairline

If you notice any of these symptoms, exploring hair loss treatments might be beneficial. For hair loss caused by a medical condition, addressing the underlying issue may resolve the problem.

Hair Loss Treatments:

• Hair Loss Tablets: Propecia and Finasteride
• Hair Loss Shampoo: Regaine (available for men and women)

With the right approach, you can take steps to manage hair loss and maintain your confidence.

Can I buy hair loss treatment online?

Yes, you can purchase hair loss treatments online through Superdrug Online Doctor. Our doctors will assess your needs and recommend the most suitable treatment.

Can I get hair loss treatment on the NHS?

Most hair loss treatments are not covered by the NHS. However, treatments for medical conditions like Alopecia may be available. Speak with a doctor to determine if NHS options are available in your case.

Can I get hair loss treatment over the counter?

Some treatments, like Finasteride, require a prescription. However, OTC products such as shampoos are widely available. It’s still advisable to consult a doctor to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for you.

Read the infographic below to get an idea of what to expect when you start hair loss treatment. It's important to remember that everyone experiences hair loss treatment differently, and that your journey may be different from below. If you are concerned about your treatment or need more advice, you can message a doctor for free through patient account.

Hair loss tablets containing finasteride work by reducing levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a by-product of testosterone. High DHT levels can lead to certain forms of male pattern baldness by causing the prostate to enlarge and hair follicles in the scalp to shrink. This process does not affect body hair.

How Do Hair Loss Tablets Work?

• Propecia is the branded form of finasteride, while finasteride is its generic version.
• These tablets lower DHT levels in the scalp, halting further damage to hair follicles, slowing hair loss, and promoting regrowth.
• The treatment is prescribed exclusively for men and is effective for:
  • Receding hairlines
  • Balding at the crown
  • Hair thinning

How Quickly Do Hair Loss Tablets Work?

• First 3 Months: Hair loss typically stops, though some shedding may occur as old hairs are replaced with new strands.
• After 1 Year: Clear signs of regrowth are usually visible.
• By 2 Years: Further improvement and thicker hair growth can be expected.

How to Take Hair Loss Tablets

• Dosage: 1mg tablet taken once daily.
• Timing: Take the tablet at the same time each day.
  • If missed by up to 6 hours, take the dose and resume your schedule.
  • If more than 6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and continue as normal.
• Consistency: Regular use is crucial for results. If treatment is stopped, DHT levels will rise again, leading to further hair loss.

By following the prescribed routine, hair loss tablets can effectively slow progression and encourage regrowth.

Hair loss shampoos and topical creams are over the counter hair loss treatments. Their active ingredients are absorbed through the scalp when applied. Hair loss shampoos like Alpecin contain caffeine as the active ingredient. Caffeine boosts cell energy in hair follicles. It does this by causing an increase in certain protein growth factors that stimulate hair growth. Caffeine also potentially reverses the effect of DHT.

This shampoo can work together with prescription medications like Propecia to reduce hair loss. You should see visible results after about 3 months. The hair strands should appear thicker and stronger.

Topical solutions for hair loss

The best known topical solution is Regaine. Its active ingredient is minoxidil, which is a vasodilator. It stimulates blood flow to the scalp, delivering more nutrients and oxygen that promote hair growth, thickness, and density. It also boosts the production of enzymes that extend the life of hair follicles.

The product can be ordered as either a foam or solution that is applied and massaged into the scalp twice a day. It should not be washed out for at least four hours. Visible results should be seen within 2 to 3 months. It has proven helpful to those with hair disorders and is considered a safe and effective treatment.

Hair loss is a normal biological process. We can lose up to 100 hairs a day. It is however a problem when the hairs are not replaced by new growth or exceed normal limits. Hair loss can be caused by many reasons.

Medical conditions

Hair loss can be caused by illness. When the illness is effectively treated, the hair should regrow. Hormonal changes can also often lead to temporary and permanent hair loss.

Cancer treatments

Treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can also lead to hair loss. Once treatment ends, hair can begin to regrow, but the regrowth may not be the same as the hair before.

Genetics

Hair loss may also be a hereditary condition. This means it runs in the family. Androgenic alopecia, male and female pattern baldness are often hereditary and permanent. The baldness usually comes on gradually, leaving bald spots, thinning, and a receding hairline.

Medication

Some treatments do have hair loss as a side effect. Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease and depression can have such an effect.

Stress

Hair loss can be a reaction to emotional or physical shock, or a prolonged stressful period. The hair may start falling out months after the event. The effect is normally temporary and hair later regrows on its own.

Styling

Certain hairstyles can cause pulling on hair follicles. This often leads to conditions like traction alopecia. Using chemical relaxers and hot oil treatments can also damage the scalp, leading to hair loss. Hair can recover when this habit is stopped, but once scarring has occurred the effect may be permanent.

Propecia and Finasteride

While generally safe, Propecia and finasteride can cause side effects, including:

Uncommon Side Effects:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Weight changes (gain or loss)
• Depression
• Ejaculation problems

Other Possible Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions (hives, itching)
• Heart palpitations
• Tender or swollen breasts and nipples
• Nipple discharge
• Lumps in the breast or underarm
• Testicular pain
• Anxiety
• Blood in semen
• Persistent issues with erections or ejaculation, even after stopping medication

Some side effects may be temporary, while others could persist even after discontinuing the treatment. If side effects become problematic, stopping finasteride may be necessary, though this can lead to increased DHT levels and renewed hair loss.