Prescription Hair Loss Treatments
Before we can issue a treatment, you’ll need to answer a short assessment. This assessment will help us recommend the right treatment for you.
100% confidential
Takes less than 5 minutes!
UK pharmacy
Hair Loss Tablets Online
Hair loss can be a deeply personal experience, affecting confidence and self-esteem. At Simple Online Pharmacy, we understand how important it is to feel in control of your health. That’s why our UK online doctor service offers clinically proven treatments like Finasteride and Propecia, prescribed with expert oversight.
Our simple, discreet, and convenient process makes it easy to access safe and effective hair loss solutions—all from the comfort of your home. With expert guidance at every step, you can feel confident in taking charge of your hair.
Regaining your hair is about more than just appearance—it’s about feeling like yourself again. We’re here to support you on your journey with clincally proven treatments and reliable care.
Prescription Hair Loss treatment options
Order within for guaranteed next day delivery options
Order within for guaranteed next day delivery options
Order within for guaranteed next day delivery options
Order within for guaranteed next day delivery options
Overview
What is Hair Loss
There are a number of different types of hair loss – treatment is available for hair loss in the form of male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness is a genetic disorder affecting millions of men. It occurs when hair follicles convert testosterone into another hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, weaken and eventually die, preventing hair regrowth.
Whilst there is no cure for hair loss or baldness, treatment can prevent further hair loss and also lead to renewed hair growth. The two most effective hair loss treatments available in the UK are Propecia (finasteride) and Regaine (minoxidil).
There are several factors that can cause hair loss. The most common is genetic. Since male pattern baldness is hereditary, and is the most common form of alopecia, this accounts for the main factor in hair loss.
Normally, most people lost 50 to 100 hairs on a daily basis, as a natural ‘shedding’ process. However, new hairs also grow that maintain the balance and prevent noticeable thinning of scalp hair. When this normal cycle of hair-fall and growth is broken or the hair follicle is damaged, hair loss occurs.
Understanding the exact cause of hair loss may be difficult because it is so diverse and may range from simple or temporary reasons to complex health conditions. However, it is normally associated with one or more of the factors specified below:
Hair Loss Causes
Hereditary A hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. It gradually occurs in a predictable patterns – a fade-out hairline and bald spot in men and thinning of the hair in women. It also influences the age at which one will start losing hair, the rate of hair loss, and the size of the baldness in men.
Hormonal Temporary hair loss can also be caused by changes and imbalances in hormones during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause. As thyroid problems involve hormone levels, it can also be a cause of hair loss. This is often reversible.
Medical conditions When the hair follicles are attacked by the immune system of the body, a type of sudden hair loss called alopecia areata occurs that makes bald patches on the skin. Permanent hair loss can be caused by skin disorders that cause scarring alopecia, such as sarcoidosis, lichen planus, etc. Ringworm infections can also result in hair loss, but hair usually come back once the infections are treated.
Medication Certain drugs used to treat heart problems, cancer, depression, arthritis, etc, can also cause hair loss. Vitamin A in large doses may also lead to hair loss.
There are several different types of hair loss, which are known generally as Alopecia. However, there can be different types of alopecia and different causes and symptoms of each type. The most common type of hair loss is male-pattern baldness, and it it this type of hair loss that is commonly treated with treatments such as Regaine and Propecia (Finasteride).
Listed below, are some of the most common types of hair loss
- male- and female-pattern baldness Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss. It affects around half of all men by the time they turn 50 years of age. It can often start in the late twenties or early thirties, whilst most men have some degree of hair loss by their late thirties.Male-pattern baldness will generally follow a pattern of a receding hairline, followed by thinning of the hair on the crown and temples. This can then leave a horseshoe shape around the back and sides of the head. This can sometimes progress to complete baldness.Male-pattern baldness is linked to your genes, and so if their is baldness in the family, you are likely to also have male-pattern baldness at some stage.The condition can sometimes affect women (female-pattern baldness), which is generally characterised by thinning hair on the top of the head.Treatments for male-pattern baldness include minoxidil (Regaine), and Finasteride (Propecia). Propecia is for use only in men, while minoxidil can be used for men and women. See Regain For Women.
- alopecia areata
- scarring alopecia
- anagen effluvium
- telogen effluvium
Hair Loss Treatments
Treatment for hair loss may involve one or more of the following treatments:
- Medication – such as Propecia (Finasteride) >> You can get a doctor assessment to buy Finasteride ( or Propecia) from Simple Online Pharmacy
- Minoxidil: (Regaine Foam) This is an approved medicine to treat hair loss for both men and women. By applying it to the affected area (scalp), it can stimulate the growth of hairs and prevent them from getting thinner. Regaine for women comes in a 2% formula, while Regaine Foam for Men Extra Strength, is in a 5% formula.
- Corticosteroid: Hair loss caused by inflammation in the body may be treated by a doctor injecting a corticosteroid
Hair Loss Tablets
The main prescription hair loss is Propecia (also known as finasteride 1mg). You can buy Propecia after filling out an online assessment. No prescription is required, as our doctors will generate this once they have approved your assessment. Our pharmacy will then dispense and deliver your prescription to your door.
Propecia is a proven treatment for hair loss in men suffering from male pattern baldness. Propecia is the brand name of the drug Finasteride (1mg), and has been shown to stop hair loss and regrow hair in 90% of men.
Procedures
- Hair transplantation: This surgical treatment for hair loss is primarily used for men in which individual hair follicles from a body part that has good hair growth is transplanted to the bald part.
- Scalp reduction: It surgically involves removal of scalp parts that are affected.
- Laser Surgery : This involves treatment of the hair follicles with laser treatment, to help regrow the hair. This can only be done to live follicles, and not ones that are already dead.
- Scalp expansion: This is a fairly complex surgical procedure, in which devices are inserted under the scalp to stretch the skin and also help reduce balding in hair-bearing areas.
Further Hair Loss Reading
Propecia vs Finasteride | |
Topical Finasteride vs Oral Finasteride | |
Vitamins For Hair Loss - Are They Effective? | |
Finasteride Side Effects - A Complete Breakdown |
|
FAQ
1. Basics & Causes
What causes male pattern baldness?
It is primarily caused by genetics and sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles.
Is male pattern baldness hereditary?
Yes. It is often inherited from either parent, with family history being a key predictor.
At what age does it start?
It can begin as early as the late teens, but most men notice thinning in their 20s to 40s.
Are only older men affected?
No. Over 50% of men experience some hair loss by age 50, but it can start much earlier.
Does stress cause male pattern baldness?
Stress can accelerate hair shedding but does not cause the underlying genetic condition.
2. Diagnosis & Treatment Options
How is male pattern baldness diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made through a scalp examination, review of medical history, and sometimes blood tests to rule out other causes.
Can hair loss be reversed naturally?
No, but treatments like minoxidil or finasteride can slow progression and promote regrowth.
What treatments are clinically proven?
Topical: Minoxidil (Regaine®)
Oral: Finasteride (Propecia®), Dutasteride (off‑label)
Surgical: Hair transplants
Is a hair transplant permanent?
Yes. Transplanted follicles are typically DHT-resistant and can last a lifetime.
Are laser caps or PRP effective?
There is limited evidence for laser therapy, and PRP shows mixed results. PRP is not approved by the NHS.
3. Proven Treatments: Minoxidil & Finasteride
How does minoxidil work?
It boosts blood flow to hair follicles, prolonging the hair growth phase. It is typically applied twice daily.
Does minoxidil work for receding hairlines?
It is less effective on frontal areas but can help stabilise thinning at the crown.
What are finasteride’s success rates?
Approximately 80–90% of men see a halt in progression; around 60% may experience regrowth after 1–2 years.
Can I use both minoxidil and finasteride?
Yes, combining them often yields better results than using either treatment alone.
Are there alternatives to finasteride?
Alternatives include Dutasteride (off‑label, stronger DHT blocker) or topical anti‑androgens such as Alfatradiol.
4. Safety & Side Effects
Does finasteride cause sexual side effects?
Approximately 2% of users report temporary issues such as low libido and erectile dysfunction, which usually resolve after stopping the medication.
Is minoxidil safe long-term?
Yes, but stopping use will reverse its benefits. Scalp irritation is the most common side effect.
Can finasteride increase cancer risk?
No. Finasteride lowers PSA levels, which may mask prostate cancer, so adjusted screening is recommended.
Does minoxidil cause weight gain or facial bloating?
Rarely. Topical use results in minimal systemic absorption.
Are there risks to hair transplants?
There may be minor scarring or infection, but complications are rare when performed by qualified surgeons.
5. Lifestyle & Myths
Do shampoos like Nizoral help?
Ketoconazole shampoos like Nizoral may reduce scalp inflammation but will not regrow hair on their own.
Can diet or biotin reverse balding?
No, although deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D) can worsen hair thinning.
Does wearing hats cause hair loss?
No. Hats do not affect hair follicles unless they are excessively tight.
Will frequent washing accelerate loss?
No. A clean scalp actually supports healthier hair growth.
Does smoking worsen hair loss?
Yes. Smoking restricts blood flow to hair follicles, hastening follicle damage.
6. Access & Cost
Is finasteride/minoxidil available on the NHS?
Finasteride: Available for BPH (5mg) only, not for hair loss.
Minoxidil: Over-the-counter (no prescription needed).
Can I buy finasteride online in the UK?
Yes. Clinically regulated pharmacies, such as Simple Online Pharmacy, offer finasteride after a virtual consultation.
How much does treatment cost monthly?
Minoxidil (5% foam): £20–£30 per month.
Generic Finasteride (1mg): £10–£30 per month.
Are hair transplants covered by insurance?
No. Hair transplant costs in the UK range from £3,000 to £15,000 depending on the number of grafts.
What if I can’t afford treatment?
Consider OTC minoxidil, lifestyle changes, or shorter hairstyles to mask thinning if cost is a concern.
Prescription Hair Loss Treatments Treatment Comparison
Finasteride | Propecia | Regaine | |
Effectiveness | Shown to prevent or help regrow hair in 9/10 men | Shown to prevent or help regrow hair in 9/10 men | Shown to prevent or help regrow hair in 8/10 men |
Time to Work | Usually at least 3 months | Usually at least 3 months | As soon as two months |
How To Use | Take ONE tablet daily | Take ONE tablet daily | Apply to scalp twice daily |
Ingredient | Finasteride 1mg | Finasteride 1mg | Minoxidil 5% |