Types of hair loss
It's normal to lose 50–100 hairs a day. The pattern of loss is the main clue to its cause:
Male pattern hair loss
A receding hairline with thinning on the top and crown. The sides and back are kept and the scalp looks normal.
Female pattern hair loss
Gradual thinning over the top of the head, so the parting looks wider. The front hairline usually stays the same.
Telogen effluvium
Sudden shedding from all over the scalp, often about 3 months after childbirth, illness, stress or rapid weight loss.
Alopecia areata
One or more smooth, round bald patches, sometimes in the beard or eyebrows. The skin is not red or scaly.
Scarring hair loss
Hair loss with redness, scaling, itching or burning. Lost hair does not grow back, so it needs prompt in-person assessment.
Is it pattern hair loss?
- Gradual thinning, normal scalp, family history
- Likely pattern hair loss — usually suitable for online assessment.
- Sudden shedding all over
- May be telogen effluvium. It usually settles, but a GP may suggest blood tests.
- Patches, redness, scaling or soreness
- Needs to be examined in person.
What causes hair loss?
Pattern hair loss is caused by genes and hormones: DHT gradually shrinks the follicles on the top of the scalp, producing thinner, shorter hairs. Temporary shedding can follow illness, stress, childbirth, weight loss, iron deficiency or thyroid problems. Tight hairstyles and scalp infections are other causes.
Treatments, step by step
There is no cure for pattern hair loss and no treatment works for everyone. Options below aim to slow it, and sometimes bring some regrowth, but only work while you keep using them. A doctor will tell you what suits you after reviewing your case.
Hair care and over-the-counter treatment
- Be gentle with your hair, and protect thinning areas from the sun with a hat or sunscreen.
- Treatments with limited evidence — PRP, microneedling, laser devices and supplements — are rarely worth paying for unless a blood test shows you are low in something, such as iron.
Minoxidil applied to the scalp
The main treatment you can buy without a prescription, sold in pharmacies.
- Men usually use the 5% strength; for women the 2% strength is licensed.
- Apply to the dry scalp in the thinning area, not to the hair or broken skin. Some extra shedding in the first few weeks is common.
- Give it at least 6 months before judging it, and don't use it if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prescription treatment from a doctor
Where a doctor decides a treatment is suitable and safe for you, we can prescribe it online. Your doctor explains the benefits and risks before you decide.
Prescription treatment options
Finasteride 1 mg tablets (men)
A once-daily tablet that lowers DHT. Allow 3 to 6 months to judge it; any benefit usually reverses within 6 to 12 months of stopping.
Dutasteride capsules (men)
Lowers DHT more strongly and is a suitable first-line option for men. The same safety checks and monitoring apply.
Topical Finasteride and Topical Finasteride/Minoxidil Combined Treatment
Scalp liquids or sprays made up by our UK partner pharmacy. They contain the same medicine as the tablets, so the same safety advice applies.
Low-dose minoxidil tablets (men and women)
Sometimes used where the scalp solution isn't suitable. Not usually advised with a heart condition or in pregnancy; allow 6 to 12 months.
Treatment for women
Minoxidil applied to the scalp is the usual first treatment; low-dose minoxidil tablets or spironolactone may also suit you. None of these are used in pregnancy or when trying to conceive.
Important safety information (MHRA Drug Safety Update, May 2026)
- Finasteride and dutasteride are linked with low mood, depression and suicidal thoughts, and with sexual side effects such as less interest in sex and erection or ejaculation problems. Some effects can carry on after you stop.
- Tell your doctor before starting if you have ever had depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, and stop straight away if these develop.
- These medicines can affect PSA blood test results, and you should not give blood while taking them. Side effects can be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Other treatments and specialist care
Hair transplants are not available on the NHS and we do not provide them. Alopecia areata and scarring hair loss are treated by dermatology teams in person. If your treatment isn't helping, your doctor may suggest a specialist review.
What an online hair loss consultation involves
- 1
Answer questions
A few minutes about your hair loss, your health and your medicines.
- 2
Upload photos
Clear photos of your scalp.
- 3
A doctor reviews and chats with you
Every assessment and prescribing decision is made by a doctor.
- 4
Receive your personalised plan
Advice, an over-the-counter recommendation or, if suitable and safe, a prescription from our UK partner pharmacy.
When online care is not suitable
- Your hair loss is sudden and patchy, or you have smooth bald patches in your hair, beard or eyebrows.
- You have signs of scarring hair loss: redness, scaling, pain, burning, or shiny, smooth skin where hair has been lost.
- Your scalp shows infection or inflammation, such as pus, crusting, swelling or a spreading rash.
- You are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding, and are asking about finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone or minoxidil.
- You have a history of depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts and are asking about finasteride or dutasteride, or a heart condition and are asking about minoxidil tablets.
If we can't help you online, we'll explain why and what to do next.
Complete care. One simple price.
£24.99
Includes clinician review, live doctor chat & prescription
One payment. No subscription. Any prescription depends on clinical suitability.
Start your consultationFollow-up and your treatment plan
- Your doctor checks your mood and any side effects at every review — medication is never sent automatically.
- New photos at around 6 and 12 months show whether treatment is working.
- With your consent, we share a summary with your NHS GP.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get hair loss treatment online in the UK and EU?
Yes, if you are 18 or over and your hair loss looks like male or female pattern hair loss. You answer questions, upload photos of your scalp and talk to a doctor, who may prescribe if treatment is suitable. Sudden, patchy or scarring hair loss needs to be seen in person.
How long does hair loss treatment take to work?
It is slow. Finasteride usually takes 3 to 6 months, and minoxidil at least 6 months, before you can judge whether it is working — and treatment only works for as long as you keep using it.
What are the side effects of finasteride?
Most commonly sexual side effects, such as less interest in sex and erection or ejaculation problems. Finasteride has also been linked with low mood and depression; if these develop, stop and contact your doctor.
Can women take finasteride for hair loss?
Not during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. For female pattern hair loss, minoxidil applied to the scalp is the usual first treatment; low-dose minoxidil tablets or spironolactone may also be suitable.
What else can be prescribed besides finasteride and minoxidil solution?
Dutasteride for men, low-dose minoxidil tablets, Topical Finasteride and Topical Finasteride/Minoxidil Combined Treatment made up by our partner pharmacy. Your doctor explains the benefits and risks first.
Will my GP be told about my consultation?
With your consent, we share a summary of your consultation and any prescription with your NHS GP.
Evidence and references
This page is based on UK clinical guidance and patient information from:
- NHS. Hair loss.
- NHS. Finasteride (medicine information).
- MHRA. Finasteride and dutasteride: updated safety warnings for psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction (Drug Safety Update, May 2026).
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). Finasteride 1 mg tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc). Dutasteride 0.5 mg soft capsules: Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Joint UKBTS Professional Advisory Committee (JPAC). Anti-androgens, whole blood donor selection guidelines.
- British Association of Dermatologists. Hair loss: male pattern (androgenetic alopecia), patient information leaflet.
- British Association of Dermatologists. Hair loss: female pattern (androgenetic alopecia), patient information leaflet.
- British Association of Dermatologists. Alopecia areata, patient information leaflet.
- British Association of Dermatologists. Telogen effluvium, patient information leaflet.
- British Association of Dermatologists. Frontal fibrosing alopecia, patient information leaflet.
Related conditions
Get urgent help if…
Call 999 or go to A&E
sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain or severe shortness of breath, or you feel at risk of serious harm.
Get same-day medical help (NHS 111 or your GP)
a painful, swollen or pus-filled scalp with a high temperature, or fainting, a racing heart or new ankle or leg swelling on minoxidil tablets.
Low mood on finasteride or dutasteride
stop straight away and contact your doctor if you develop low mood, depression or suicidal thoughts. You can also call NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours).
Our online service is not for emergencies.
This information is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your health, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.