Hair loss treatment

Hair loss prevention and improved growth for men using Propecia (finasteride 1mg) tablets and Regaine Extra Strength (minoxidil 5%) treatment available to buy from Dr Fox Pharmacy.

Read medical information and answer medical questions to buy treatment online.

Hair loss medication

Prices

All medication supplied is UK licensed.

Propecia

Propecia (finasteride 1mg)

from £1.28 per day

Buy treatment
finasteride

Finasteride 1mg (generic Propecia)

from 32p per day

Buy treatment
Regaine extra strength

Regaine Extra Strength (5% minoxidil)

Foam or solution

Buy treatment
generic minoxidil 5%

Sons 5% minoxidil

Solution only

Buy treatment

Prices

Prices of hair loss medication
Hair loss treatment Quantity Cost
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 28 tablets £12.20
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 56 tablets £21.50
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 84 tablets £31.20
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 168 tablets £54.00
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 28 tablets £42.40
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 56 tablets £81.70
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 84 tablets £108.40
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 168 tablets £214.00
Regaine Foam Extra strength (5% minoxidil) 73mls (one month) £29.50
Regaine Foam Extra strength (5% minoxidil) 73mls x 3 (three months) £66.00
Regaine Foam Extra strength (5% minoxidil) 73mls x 6 (six months) £122.00
Regaine Extra strength solution (5% minoxidil) 60mls (one month) £29.00
Regaine Extra strength solution (5% minoxidil) 60mls x 3 (three months) £64.00
Regaine Extra strength solution (5% minoxidil) 60mls x 6 (six months) £118.00
Sons minoxidil 5% solution 60mls (one month) £19.95
Sons minoxidil 5% solution 60mls x 3 (three months) £48.75
Sons minoxidil 5% solution 60mls x 6 (six months) £89.90

Prescription issued online - small prescription fee per order.

Compare prices:

Dr Fox prices are 25%-50% lower cost than other online clinics.

Prescription fees

Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.

Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.

Order value Prescription fee
up to £10 £1.00
up to £20 £2.00
up to £40 £3.00
over £40 £4.00

If you have your own private or NHS paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).

Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.

Delivery charges

UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-2 working days with tracking).

Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.

Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.

Medical information

Written and reviewed by a team of doctors. Dr Fox is regulated by the CQC & GPhC.

Hereditary hair loss (androgenic alopecia)

Hair loss is a natural process. About 60% of men have significant hair loss by the age of 50. Most men with hair loss are entirely healthy. Early male pattern hair loss often runs in families. Hair loss is not often caused by a hormone imbalance or lack of testosterone.

photos of hair loss

A good general overview about male pattern hair loss can be found at DermNet New Zealand, and links to further information about male hair loss can be found at the bottom of this page.

Rapid hair loss

Rapid hair loss over a period of less than a year should be investigated. It is unlikely to be caused by hereditary hair loss so see your GP who may want to carry out thyroid and other blood tests. Hair loss in patches, or associated with irritation and soreness of the scalp, also needs to be investigated by your GP or a dermatologist.

Hair loss treatments

Dr Fox can prescribe 2 treatments for male pattern hair loss:

Men can use both Propecia/finasteride 1mg tablets and Regaine Extra Strength/minoxidil 5% topical at the same time. They should not be used for hair loss from other causes e.g. chemotherapy, head shaving, total alopecia (loss of hair over entire body).


Propecia/finasteride 1mg

  • Branded Propecia and lower cost generic finasteride 1mg are both available.
  • Propecia/finasteride 1mg are daily tablets, only available on prescription.
  • Propecia/finasteride 1mg tablets are for adult men only.

Response to Propecia/finasteride 1mg

Hair growth usually starts to improve after about three months, and is usually noticeable after 4-6 months. Two thirds of men who take Propecia will benefit from renewed hair growth. Maximum benefit is seen after one to two years (see study details).

How does Propecia/finasteride 1mg work

Propecia/finasteride is a 5AR inhibitor which reduces the levels of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and this in turn stimulates new hair growth.

Who benefits

Men at any stage of male pattern hair loss are likely to benefit.

Propecia/finasteride 1mg is most effective for hair loss over the top of the scalp (vertex).

Propecia/finasteride 1mg has NOT been proven to:

  • Reverse a receding frontal hairline.
  • Reverse hair loss which is ONLY in the temple regions (the area at sides of the forehead).
  • Restore hair to entirely bald areas.

Clinical studies were conducted on men aged 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss, but not complete hair loss.

The best results of Propecia/finasteride 1mg treatment are seen after one to two years, at which time renewed hair growth is likely to be at its thickest.

Do not take Propecia/finasteride 1mg for hair loss if:

  • Under 18 or assigned female at birth.
  • Already taking another 5AR medication such as dutasteride or finasteride 5mg for another condition, e.g. prostate cancer or enlarged prostate gland.
  • You have a known allergy to finasteride.

You may be able to take Propecia/finasteride 1mg for hair loss but Dr Fox does not supply if you have:

  • Previously suffered with sexual problems when taking finasteride or a similar 5AR medication such as dutasteride.
  • Prostate cancer or have had it in the past.
  • Male breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) or have had it in the past.
  • History of liver disease as the metabolism of finasteride is likely to be affected.

Propecia/finasteride 1mg side effects and cautions

  • Your GP should be consulted if hair loss has been rapid and recent (less than a year), or where there are symptoms of serious illness, such as unexplained weight loss, fevers, persistent diarrhoea, or excessive fatigue, or there is also loss of eyebrows or eyelashes.
  • The scalp should be examined by your GP or a dermatologist if hair loss is patchy or irregular, or hair comes out in clumps, or there is scalp inflammation, papules, or pustules.
  • If you are having a PSA test, to detect prostate cancer, tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia/finasteride, as the results can be misleading when Propecia/finasteride is being taken.
  • If you are also having difficulty passing urine either starting the flow or with very slow flow, please consult your GP as this may be caused by your prostate gland.
  • If treatment is stopped, the beneficial effects begin to reverse by 6 months and return to baseline by 9-12 months.
  • Pregnant women should not come into contact with Propecia/finasteride tablets. It may affect the baby's genital organ development.
  • Propecia/finasteride side effects are usually mild. Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction are possible. Extremely rarely, patients report symptoms linked to post-finasteride syndrome.
  • If low mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts develop, stop treatment and consult your regular doctor or GP straight away.
  • There have been a few rare cases of male breast cancer reported. Any changes in breast tissue, or nipple discharge should be reported to your usual GP.

See Propecia/finasteride 1mg patient leaflet for full list of side effects. Side effects can be reported directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme website or their app which can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple's App Store.


Minoxidil 5%

  • Applied to the scalp (hair roots) twice daily.
  • For men only.

Regaine foam is not licensed for use in men over 49 years, but Regaine and minoxidil 5% solution are licensed for men up to 65 years. In practice they can all be used by men up to 65 years and even beyond this age.

Response to treatment

With minoxidil 5%, hair becomes fuller and thicker. Around 60% of men using minoxidil 5% twice daily experienced an increased scalp coverage after 48 weeks.

Read more information on the Pharmacological Properties of Regaine and Minoxidil.

How minoxidil 5% works

Both Regaine Extra Strength and minoxidil 5% contain the active ingredient minoxidil. The exact way in which minoxidil works is not fully understood. It increases blood flow to hair follicles, reducing hair loss and stimulating new growth. This produces thicker, longer, more visible hair. Very little of the active ingredient is absorbed into the body.

Timescales

With minoxidil 5% results may be seen after 8 weeks, but remember that everyone is different so you need to be patient. Studies suggest that minoxidil 5% should be tried for 6-12 months before deciding whether to continue.

Men can use Propecia (finasteride) tablets at the same time as minoxidil 5%.

Preparations of minoxidil 5%

  • Regaine Extra Strength Foam
  • Regaine Extra Strength Solution
  • Sons minoxidil 5%

One pack is enough for one month's use. Using more than the standard dose does not give better results and increases the risk of side effects. Minoxidil should only be applied to the scalp and hair roots, not the hair itself.

Side effects and cautions

  • You may notice a temporary increase in hair loss in the first 2-6 weeks. This is entirely normal.
  • Minoxidil 5% occasionally causes skin irritation that usually resolves when the treatment is stopped.
  • Very little of the active ingredient, minoxidil, is absorbed into the circulation and therefore general side effects are not expected. You should stop using minoxidil 5% and see a doctor if you develop faintness or dizziness, you have signs of low blood pressure, or if you experience chest pain, rapid heartbeat, sudden unexplained weight gain, swollen hands or feet, or persistent redness.
  • People with known heart disease or raised blood pressure even if treated, should contact their regular doctor before using minoxidil 5%.
  • Very occasionally minoxidil 5% may cause unwanted hair growth in areas where it is applied regularly by accident. Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying and follow instructions about use.
  • Minoxidil 5% should not be used by women.
  • Minoxidil 5% should not be used for hair loss from other causes, e.g. chemotherapy, head shaving, total alopecia (loss of hair over entire body).
  • Do not use if your scalp is inflamed or you have another skin condition.
  • Do not use if also using any other scalp creams, ointments, or lotions.
  • Do not use under dressings or bandages.
  • Do not apply more than the recommended dose - this will not improve the effectiveness but risks absorption with an increased risk of side effects.
  • Minoxidil 5% must be kept away from children as swallowing it could lead to serious heart toxicity.

Regaine/minoxidil 5% cannot be posted outside mainland UK. Both solution and foam are restricted postal items (flammable). Please do not order if you are outside mainland UK.

Buy treatment

Dr Fox supplies treatment for hair loss on prescription - you are required to answer a short medical questionnaire before your order can be completed.

Dr Tony Steele

Authored 18 February 2010 by Dr Tony Steele
MB ChB Sheffield University 1983. Former hospital doctor and GP. GMC no. 2825328

Reviewed by Dr A. Wood, Dr C. Pugh, Dr B. Babor
Last reviewed 07 March 2024
Last updated 19 March 2024
Editorial policy

  1. Medical questions
  2. Choose treatment
  3. Complete order

Answer medical questions to order(hair loss)

Men only

Honest & accurate responses are necessary for safe medical assessment

Are you requesting treatment for hair loss and have you read the medication information page?

Read hair loss medical information section.

Do you have hair loss in patches, or have an itchy or sore scalp?

Irregular patchy hair loss needs investigation.

Do you have sudden unexplained hair loss, or complete hair loss, or hair loss caused by medication?

Hair falling out in clumps or over a period of days or weeks needs investigation.

Are you suffering from an illness or skin condition that might explain hair loss?

e.g. disease causing weight-loss or fevers
e.g. skin conditions such as psoriasis or ringworm (fungal infection)

Do any of the following apply to you?

  • Taking another 5AR medication such as dutasteride or finasteride 5mg for another condition, e.g. prostate cancer or enlarged prostate gland.
  • Known allergy to finasteride.
  • Severe liver disease.

Manufacturers recommend caution taking finasteride in some circumstances - do any of the following apply to you?

  • Previously suffered with sexual problems when taking finasteride or a similar 5AR medication such as dutasteride.
  • Suspected, current or past diagnosis of prostate cancer.
  • Male breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) or have had it in the past.
  • Liver disease.

Are you aware that Propecia / finasteride 1mg tablets are for men only?

Dr Fox cannot supply hair loss treatments to anyone who was not assigned male at birth. Propecia/finasteride 1mg will not work in females. It may be harmful in pregnancy. Females (especially pregnant partners) should avoid touching crushed or broken tablets.

Are you ordering Regaine/minoxidil 5% and have significant low blood pressure or high blood pressure (even if controlled by tablets), or abnormal heart rhythm, or angina?

Only significant if requesting Regaine/minoxidil 5%. If ordering Propecia/finasteride 1mg only please answer 'No'.

If you are over 49 and ordering Regaine extra strength foam, or over 65 and ordering Regaine extra strength solution or minoxidil 5%, do you agree to Regaine extra strength/minoxidil 5% being supplied to you off label (unlicensed)?

If ordering Propecia/finasteride only, or under the age limits, answer 'YES' and continue.

Are you aware there have been reports of depression and even suicidal thoughts with Propecia/finasteride?

This may be more likely if you have previously suffered with depression. If these occur, stop treatment immediately and consult your GP.
You can assess your mood here.

Are you aware that you should consult your GP about any changes in breast tissue such as lumps, pain, gynaecomastia ('man boobs'), or nipple discharge?

Most breast changes are benign. Although rare, cancer of the breast has been found in men using finasteride.

Although uncommon, are you aware Propecia/finasteride can cause reduced sex drive and/or erection difficulty?

These symptoms lead to about 1% of men stopping Propecia/finasteride, and symptoms usually settle down. In extremely rare reports symptoms have persisted. Read patient leaflet for further details.

Are you aware that if hair loss has not reduced after 6 months, treatment should be stopped?

Do you have any further medical information or questions?

Is there anything you do not understand or do you need further help?

Do the following apply to you?

  • I will inform my GP/regular doctor of treatment received from Dr Fox
    We can notify your GP for you if you provide GP surgery details when registering an account, or in your My details section of an existing Dr Fox account
  • The medication is for my own use and I will not share with anyone else
  • I will read the patient information leaflet supplied in the medicine pack
  • I am biologically male, over 18, and I agree to identity verification checks
  • I have completed this questionnaire myself and fully understand all the information
  • My responses are honest and accurate, and I understand that this is necessary for a safe medical assessment
  • I agree to the terms & conditions, privacy policy, data sharing policy & consent to cookies

The order process

Choose medication, register, and pay

Dr Fox issues prescription online

Pharmacy team post medication direct


Recent reviews

“First class service Thankyou”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Easy online ordering and swift delivery.”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Good to go! Fast, efficient, discrete - a great online experience”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Excellent service”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Excellent service all round”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Fast service and very easy to contact with any issues faced”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Amazing online pharmacy with unbelievably quick delivery times. Usually if I place an order early in the morning it's normally delivered some time the following day.”12 March 2024 – Brian S.

“Quick and efficient service. No hassle.”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“prompt delivery,professional people”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Easy repeat order & was with me very shortly after, fabulous service !!”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Was really good quick delivery and product with good quality and effective.”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

“Excellent people to deal with and fast delivery”12 March 2024 – Anonymous

Trusted Shops logo Read all reviews

Independent reviews from Trusted Shops