Losing your hair can feel like losing a part of yourself. Whether itâs a slowly receding hairline or thinning at the crown, itâs completely normal to feel self-conscious and want to do something about it.
The good news is that there are effective, evidence-backed treatments that can genuinely make a difference. There isnât a single âbestâ hair loss treatment for everyone, but the most widely recommended options for male pattern hair loss are minoxidil and finasteride.
Minoxidil and finasteride work in different ways and are often used together. The right choice depends on how advanced your hair loss is, your preferences, and how you respond to treatment. Here, we explain which treatments are supported by evidence and how to decide which one may suit you best.
Which treatments work best for hair loss?
Most ongoing hair thinning in men is caused by male pattern baldness, a genetic condition linked to the hormone DHT. Over time, DHT gradually shrinks the hair follicles and disrupts the normal hair growth cycle. This makes hair finer and shorter until growth eventually stops (1).
Women can experience a similar type of genetic thinning, often called female pattern hair loss (2)
The best medical treatments for hair loss target these processes either by:
Supporting follicles to stay in the growth phase for longer, or
Blocking the effects of DHT on the scalp
The two main licensed treatments used in the UK that are typically considered the best starting point for men with hair loss are minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is usually applied directly to the scalp and stimulates hair follicles to stay in the growth phase for longer. Finasteride is taken as a tablet and reduces the amount of DHT in the scalp (3).
Is minoxidil or finasteride better for hair loss?
Minoxidil and finasteride are both clinically proven, first-line treatments for male pattern hair loss. Each encourages thicker, healthier hair growth and slow thinning, and both need to be taken consistently for around 3 to 6 months before changes are noticeable (3-4).
Rather than one being universally âbetterâ, the right choice often comes down to the individual. As the medicines work in different ways and are administered differently, some people get along better with minoxidil, while others respond better to finasteride.
Often, they are most effective when used together (5-10). Your clinician may recommend one or both depending on your stage of hair loss and treatment preferences.
Can hair loss treatments be used together?
Yes, many people use finasteride and minoxidil together as part of a structured treatment plan.
Because the two medicines work in different ways â finasteride protecting the follicles from DHT and minoxidil supporting the growth phase â combining them is safe and can improve both overall results and how quickly you notice changes compared to using either treatment alone (5-10).
There are a few different ways to combine treatments:
Taking finasteride tablets alongside topical minoxidil. This is the most common approach, and we offer a product bundle that contains finasteride tablets, minoxidil solution, and Alpecin caffeine shampoo for an extra hair boost.
Using combination sprays containing finasteride and minoxidil. Combo preparations can be convenient because theyâre âone stepâ to remember, but theyâre unlicensed in the UK. If you go down this route, make sure youâre using a regulated UK pharmacy.
You may also be interested in combining hair loss medicines with other techniques to boost your results. For example, derma rolling stimulates the scalp and improves blood flow, which may promote healthy hair growth. When used before applying minoxidil, it can also increase absorption of the medicine, helping you get the most out of both treatments.
How can I get the best results from treatment?
Hair loss treatments tend to work best when started early. Starting treatment sooner can:
Slow further thinning
Stabilise existing hair
Improve the chances of visible regrowth
This is because medicines like minoxidil and finasteride support follicles that are active. Once follicles have stopped producing hair completely, treatment is less likely to restore growth in those areas.
Consistency is just as important as starting early. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride only work while they are being used, and stopping them usually allows hair loss to resume over time. Many people begin to notice visible improvements after 3 to 6 months of regular treatment.
Which is the best hair loss treatment for me?
The best hair loss treatment depends on what fits your routine, preferences, and medical history.
Itâs important to choose a medicine that you can take consistently. Some people prefer topical treatments like minoxidil as they act directly on the scalp, some find a daily tablet like finasteride easier to maintain long-term, and others want to try combining both.
Your doctor may also consider:
Your gender. Minoxidil can be used by men and women, while finasteride is only for men (3).
Whether youâre planning a family. Finasteride should be avoided while trying to conceive and in women who are pregnant.
How advanced your hair loss is. If your hair loss is very advanced, treatments like minoxidil and finasteride might not produce the results you want.
Your tolerance for side effects. Theyâre generally mild, but itâs always best to review them with a doctor before you start any medical treatment.
Any existing or previous health conditions. For example, finasteride might not be suitable if youâve had a history of depression.
In some situations, oral minoxidil may be considered if topical treatment has not produced the expected results. These tablets can be useful, but because they were originally developed for high blood pressure, their use in hair loss is considered âoff-labelâ and requires medical supervision.
A doctor can help you decide which approach is most appropriate based on your individual circumstances.
Are there any other treatment options for hair loss?
Yes, there are additional treatments for hair loss (1). While minoxidil and finasteride are generally the preferred options, the following can also be accessed through private clinics.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood plasma to stimulate follicles. Evidence is mixed, though some studies show positive results.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices use light to try to boost hair growth. Results vary, and more research is needed into how effective they are.
Hair transplants move follicles from one area of the scalp to another. They can be effective but are expensive, and they donât stop ongoing loss in untreated areas (11).
These treatments are usually only considered after first-line medical options have been explored. It may be worth exploring these if you havenât seen the results youâd hoped for with finasteride or minoxidil, or if your hair loss is late-stage.
Can hair loss improve without treatment?
Sometimes, but it depends on what is causing it. Temporary hair loss caused by things like stress or nutrient deficiencies might get better once the underlying cause is removed. But male pattern baldness is progressive and will gradually worsen with time without treatment (1).
Because starting early is key to getting the best results from treatment, we always advise speaking to a doctor to at least discuss your options early on. However, lifestyle changes can support overall hair health and are still important to help you get the most from your treatment.
Here are some things to consider:
Nutrition: Hair is built from protein, so getting enough in your diet is essential. Iron, zinc, vitamin D, and antioxidants also support healthy follicles.
Supplements: Products like Nourkrin tablets provide a blend of marine proteins, vitamins, and minerals designed to support normal hair growth alongside medical treatment.
Scalp care: Hair products such as Alpecin Shampoo, Sons Shampoo, and Sons Conditioner may help strengthen hair at the root and keep your scalp in good condition.
Stress management: Stress is well-known to worsen hair loss. Techniques like exercise, meditation, or yoga can play a role in protecting your hair as well as your overall health.
Choosing the right hair loss treatment for you
There isnât a single best hair loss treatment for everyone. Many people benefit from combining approaches or adjusting treatment over time as their hair loss changes.
If youâre considering treatment and feel overwhelmed, know that you donât have to figure it out alone. At Oxford Online Pharmacy, our independent doctors can help you decide whether minoxidil, finasteride, a combination, or another treatment altogether may be the right option for you.
You can also check out our hair loss hub for more information about male pattern baldness. With the right approach, expert guidance, and a little patience, you can take control and see real improvement.
Start an online consultation to explore your options and find an approach that works for you.
References
1. British Association of Dermatologists. Hair loss male pattern (androgenetic alopecia) [Internet]. Bad.org.uk. 2024.
2. British Association of Dermatologists. Hair loss female pattern (androgenetic alopecia) [Internet]. Bad.org.uk. 2021.
3. NHS. Common questions about Finasteride [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023.
4. NICE. Topical Minoxidil | Prescribing information | Male pattern hair loss (male androgenetic alopecia) [Internet]. NICE. 2025.â
5. Hu R, Xu F, Sheng Y, Qi S, Han Y, Miao Y, et al. Combined treatment with oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia: a randomized and comparative study in Chinese patients. Dermatologic Therapy [Internet]. 2015 Jun 2;28(5):303â8.
6. Asad N, Naseer M, Ghafoor R. Efficacy of Topical Finasteride 0.25% With Minoxidil 5% Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% Alone in Treatment of Male Pattern Androgenic Alopecia. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD [Internet]. 2024 Jan;23(11):1003â8.
7. Suchonwanit P, Srisuwanwattana P, Chalermroj N, Khunkhet S. A randomized, double-blind controlled study of the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% Finasteride admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil solution in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2018 Jul 20;32(12):2257â63.
8. Chen L, Zhang J, Wang L, Wang H, Chen B. The Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Combined with Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2020 Mar 12;44(3):962â70.
9. Rossi A, Caro G. Efficacy of the association of topical Minoxidil and topical Finasteride compared to their use in monotherapy in men with androgenetic alopecia: A prospective, randomized, controlled, assessor blinded, 3âarm, pilot trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023 Oct 5;23(2):502â9.
10. Johnson H, Huang D, Clift AK, Ăngela Bersch-Ferreira, GuimarĂŁes GA. Effectiveness of Combined Oral Minoxidil and Finasteride in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Service Evaluation. Cureus [Internet]. 2025 Jan 16.
11. NHS. Hair transplant [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023