Hair Loss

Hair loss treatments

At Chemist4U, we offer a range of trusted hair loss treatments to help you get your confidence back.

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Finasteride (generic Propecia)

A popular option for treating hair loss in men, particularly male pattern baldness, is finasteride. It’s available as generic finasteride or under the brand name Propecia.

When treating hair loss finasteride works by blocking the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and leads to hair thinning and loss. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps to prevent further hair loss and can even encourage regrowth in some people.

Studies show finasteride is the most effective treatment for male pattern baldness, with up to 66% of people seeing improved hair growth after two years of use. Treatment needs to be ongoing, as stopping finasteride usually results in hair loss returning.

For those looking for a complete hair loss treatment, try our hair loss bundle, which includes both finasteride tablets and topical minoxidil.

Minoxidil

Available as a foam or liquid, topical minoxidil is suitable for both men and women with pattern baldness.

It's thought that minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, delivering more nutrients and oxygen, which can help stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.

It’s available in two strengths: 2% minoxidil and 5% minoxidil, with the higher strength being more effective for hair growth.

It’s important to apply minoxidil daily by rubbing it into the scalp. It may take several months to see visible results. If treatment is stopped, hair loss usually resumes within a few months.

Minoxidil is available in strengths tailored for men and women, with products like Regaine for Men and Regaine for Women being popular choices. Oral minoxidil (off label) is also available for men on prescription, and it's usually an option if topical minoxidil hasn't been effective or causes significant irritation.

Best shampoos for hair loss

Caffeine shampoos, like Alpecin, have become a popular choice for those looking to tackle hair thinning and early hair loss. The main idea is simple: caffeine, when applied to the scalp, may stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth, offering a gentle and affordable option for people noticing the first signs of thinning.

They’re designed to deliver caffeine directly to the hair roots during washing. For example, with Alpecin, it’s recommended to leave the shampoo on the scalp for around two minutes to allow the caffeine to penetrate the follicles.

Some studies suggest that caffeine can promote hair follicle activity and may help extend the active growth phase of hair, which could reduce shedding and support fuller-looking hair. However, the effectiveness of caffeine shampoos is debated, and results may vary.

Alternative hair loss treatments

Alternative hair loss treatments include surgical options such as hair transplants, where hair is moved from areas of healthy growth to thinning or bald spots.

This can be done using techniques like follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), both performed under local anaesthetic in a clinic setting.

These procedures are designed to provide a permanent solution to hair loss, though several sessions may be needed. Other alternatives include scalp reduction surgery, tissue expansion, and the use of wigs or hairpieces for those who prefer non-surgical options.

How much hair loss is normal?

If you’re wondering how much hair loss is normal, it depends on how long and thick your hair is. The good news is that it’s natural to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without noticing, as part of the hair’s growth cycle.

You might spot more hair in your brush, shower or on your clothes, especially if you have longer or thicker hair. This can look like a lot, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. With around 100,000 hair follicles on your scalp, losing up to 100 hairs a day won’t make a visible difference.

If you notice larger clumps of hair falling out, bald patches, or a sudden increase in shedding, it’s a good idea to speak to your GP, as it could be a sign of something else. But for most people, daily hair loss is a normal part of life.

What are the symptoms of hair loss?

Hair loss symptoms vary by type and cause. Common signs include:

·       a receding hairline

·       thinning hair on the scalp or crown

·       patchy bald spots

·       more hair than usual left in your brush or shower

A widening part or overall thinning can appear in hair loss in women, while men often see a distinct pattern of loss. In some cases, hair loss can also affect eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body hair.

If you notice your hairline gradually receding—often forming an “M” shape—or thinning at the crown, and you have a family history of similar hair loss, you’re likely experiencing androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

This pattern usually develops slowly over several years, so it might be subtle at first and become more noticeable as time goes on. Early intervention is essential, as starting treatment sooner can help slow the progression and improve results.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your hair loss or notice unusual symptoms such as patchy hair loss, redness, scaling, pain or excessive shedding in a short period, it’s worth speaking to your GP.

Types of hair loss explained

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)

One of the most common types of hair loss is male pattern baldness, typically presenting as a receding hairline and thinning at the temples and crown. Male pattern baldness is expected to affect around 50% of men by the age of 50, with the likelihood increasing as they get older.

This type of hair loss is hereditary and linked to the sensitivity of hair follicles to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes them to shrink over time.

Female pattern baldness

Female pattern baldness usually appears as a gradual thinning of hair across the top of the scalp, rather than a receding hairline. It’s less common than male pattern baldness and often becomes more noticeable after menopause.

Still, the percentage of women affected remains high. Around 40% of women will experience female pattern baldness by the time they reach 50.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss, often in round or oval areas on the scalp or other parts of the body. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in younger people.

The hair may regrow on its own, but some people experience repeated episodes or more extensive loss, such as alopecia totalis (loss of all scalp hair) or alopecia universalis (loss of all body hair).

Scarring alopecia (cicatricial alopecia)

Scarring alopecia is a less common type in which inflammation destroys hair follicles and replaces them with scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss. Various skin conditions, such as lichen planus or discoid lupus, can cause it.

Telogen effluvium and other types

One temporary form of hair loss is telogen effluvium that's triggered by stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal changes (like postpartum hair loss or menopausal hair loss).

It usually causes diffuse thinning (uniform/all-over thinning) rather than bald patches and often resolves once the underlying cause is addressed.

Other causes include anagen effluvium (often due to chemotherapy), thyroid hair loss, PCOS hair loss, and medication side effects, including rare cases linked to treatments like Mounjaro.

Can hair loss be prevented?

It's important to note that stopping hair loss isn’t always possible, especially if it’s down to genetics. Some people are simply more likely to develop conditions like male pattern or female pattern baldness.

However, you can take steps to look after your hair and scalp, which may help slow down or reduce hair loss.

Taking good care of your hair starts with gentle habits. Avoid excessive heat styling, like frequent blow-drying or straightening, as this can weaken hair over time. Try to limit how often you dye your hair, too.

Over-styling, especially styles that pull your hair tightly with clips, bands or elastics, can also contribute to hair loss if done regularly.

Washing your hair with a mild shampoo, such as a dedicated hair loss shampoo, can help keep your scalp healthy. If you’re looking for a shampoo for hair loss, or specifically a shampoo for women’s hair loss, choose gentle formulas that support scalp health and strengthen hair.

When drying, gently pat your hair with a towel rather than rubbing vigorously, and use a soft-bristled brush or comb to detangle.

A balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins and minerals is also vital for healthy hair growth. Nutrients like iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can make a difference, so include foods like eggs, fish, nuts, and leafy greens in your meals.

If you’re looking for a natural remedy to repair your hair, some people find that scalp massages with oils such as coconut or rosemary oil can help stimulate blood flow and support hair growth.

Factors affecting hair loss

Hair loss can be caused by various factors, some of which are within your control and others that aren’t, for example:

·       genetics play a significant role, but your diet, lifestyle, and supplements can also make a difference

·       creatine is often discussed as a potential cause, but current evidence suggests that creatine doesn’t contribute to hair loss

·       having a vitamin deficiency can affect your hair’s health. Low levels of vitamin D, iron, or B vitamins (like biotin and B12) have been linked to thinning hair and shedding

·       a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein helps to keep your hair healthy

·       other factors include stress, hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, and thyroid issues) and hairstyles or treatments that strain hair

See your GP if you notice more hair falling out than usual to rule out any underlying issues and get advice.

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Sources

·       Male Androgenetic Alopecia. (2023). NCBI. [Accessed 19th December 2025].

·       Female Pattern Hair Loss Study. (2015). PMC/NCBI. [Accessed 19th December 2025].

·       Finasteride and Male Pattern Hair Loss. (1999). PubMed. [Accessed 19th December 2025].

·       Minoxidil and Female Pattern Hair Loss. (2004). PubMed. [Accessed 19th December 2025].

·       Caffeine and Androgenetic Alopecia. (2012). PMC/NCBI. [Accessed 19th December 2025].

·       Creatine Supplements. (2021). PMC/NCBI. [Accessed 19th December 2025].