Haircare

Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, can affect men of any age and is caused by both genetic and hormonal factors. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a type of hormone, causes a change in the hair follicles on the scalp. In a process called "miniaturisation", hairs produced by the affected follicles shrink and become thinner and lighter until eventually the follicles stop producing hair.

Men usually first notice it through thinning at the crown and then a receding hairline. The hairline often recedes at the temples forming an "M" shape, hair thins at the crown, while hair on the sides and back is usually preserved.

Early treatment can stop hair loss and promote regrowth. Follicles that have been inactive for many years may respond less. Finasteride works best for hair on the crown and mid-scalp.

Finasteride is clinically proven for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). It is not effective for alopecia areata, traction alopecia or hair loss caused by medications.

Yes, Finasteride tablets are an MHRA-approved medication and the most effective hair loss treatment available. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It works to reduce levels of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which slows hair loss and helps the regrowth of new hair.

Take one 1mg tablet daily with water, ideally at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food, but swallow the tablet whole: do not crush or chew it. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

It generally takes up to 6 months to see results, and continuous use is required to maintain them. For best results, it's advised to start before hair loss becomes severe. Stopping treatment typically results in a resumption of hair loss within 6–12 months.

Some men notice a temporary increase in shedding during the first 4–6 weeks. This is a natural part of the hair cycle, as weaker hairs are shed to make way for stronger regrowth, and it is a sign that the medication is working.

Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, but do not double the dose. Try to take it at a similar time each day to maximise effectiveness and get into a routine.

No, it is not a permanent solution. Finasteride halts further hair loss while treatment continues. If treatment stops, hair loss will resume within 6–12 months.

Store finasteride at room temperature, in its original packaging, away from humidity and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

Finasteride is usually well tolerated with no long-term adverse effects, but like all medicines it can cause side effects in some people. Approximately 2% of men report sexual-related side effects, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and decreased semen volume. Depression and anxiety have also been reported.

Finasteride has been associated with depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction. Inform your doctor if you have any history of depression or suicidal thoughts before starting, and stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor if these develop. Breast cancer has been reported in men taking finasteride during clinical trials, so report any breast changes (lumps, pain, gynaecomastia or nipple discharge) promptly. Stop immediately and seek urgent advice if you experience swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, hives, or breathing difficulties.

Finasteride is not prescribed for women, particularly those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, due to the risk of birth defects.

Finasteride has few interactions, but it is important to inform your clinician about all medications you take. Certain medications, such as some hormone therapies, may influence its effectiveness.

Clinical studies have followed men taking finasteride for up to 10 years, showing sustained effectiveness and safety. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is recommended.

Yes. Finasteride is prescription-only in the UK. An initial supply of 1–3 months will be prescribed, and then patients will need to be reviewed every 6–12 months.

Patients must be aged over 18 and under 65, and we will ask for ID to confirm age. A clinician will review your online consultation and decide whether finasteride is safe and appropriate for you.

Complete the online consultation and short questionnaire. We will then confirm whether your order has been approved, whether we require further information, or on rare occasions that we are unable to prescribe to you. You can check the status of your order in your account area.

Once you complete the online consultation, your order is reviewed by one of our specialist clinicians. Please allow 48 working hours for review, although it is often faster. If we need more information, we'll be in touch by email. If approved, your personalised treatment pathway is created and your order prepared for dispatch.

Very common, it affects the majority of men by late middle age. Around 50% of men experience some hair loss by age 50, and up to 80% are affected by age 70. Source: British Association of Dermatologists.

Hair grows in a repeating cycle of three phases: anagen (the active growth phase, lasting 2–7 years), catagen (a transitional phase where growth slows and the follicle shrinks), and telogen (a resting phase where hair sheds to make way for new growth). In male pattern hair loss, DHT causes follicles to miniaturise, producing progressively thinner, shorter and lighter hair until they may stop producing hair entirely.

Finasteride is clinically proven. Around 85% of men stop losing hair or see regrowth after four months, and in a study of over 1,500 men, 66% experienced visible regrowth after 12 months while 34% maintained their existing hair. Maximum results are usually seen after 12 months of consistent daily use, and benefits are only maintained while you continue treatment. Source: finasteride 1mg Summary of Product Characteristics (emc) and published finasteride trials.

Finasteride is most effective at slowing hair loss and regrowing hair on the crown and mid-scalp. Hairline regrowth is less predictable, but early treatment may help to stabilise it.

A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc and vitamins helps supply the nutrients your hair needs, while regular exercise and taking time to rest and de-stress can also help. Avoid tight hairstyles that place tension on the follicles, shampoo gently, and a scalp massage may improve circulation. Lifestyle adjustments don't replace medical treatment, but they help create the optimal environment for regrowth.