Medication questions
Hair loss medication, honestly answered
The questions people actually ask about hair loss medicines, answered in plain English with the UK sources behind each answer. No sales pitch: where the evidence is thin, we say so, and where a medicine carries a safety warning, you will find it here.
Treatment and getting started
Is hair loss treatment available on the NHS? Usually not for pattern hair loss. How can I tell if my hair loss treatment is working? Judge it over 6 to 12 months, not weeks. What happens in an online hair loss consultation? At WMG Meds you answer an online questionnaire about your hair and your health, including safety questions on heart, kidney and hormone conditions, medicines, allergies and pregnancy. Does biotin help hair loss? Probably not, unless you have a deficiency or another underlying problem. Does ketoconazole shampoo help hair loss? The evidence is limited. Does microneedling help minoxidil work? Some small trials suggest adding microneedling to topical minoxidil may increase hair counts more than minoxidil alone, but the studies are short, mostly small and were run under study conditions.
Finasteride
How long does finasteride take to work? Most men need to take finasteride 1 mg every day for 3 to 6 months before any effect shows. Can you drink alcohol while taking finasteride? Yes. Can I take finasteride while trying for a baby? Many men keep taking finasteride 1 mg while trying for a baby, but it is worth a conversation first. Can women take finasteride? Finasteride is not licensed for women in the UK. Does finasteride lower testosterone? No. Topical vs oral finasteride: what is the difference? Oral finasteride 1 mg is a licensed UK tablet for male pattern hair loss. What should I do if I miss a dose of finasteride? Do not take two tablets to make up for it.
Minoxidil
How long does minoxidil take to work? Expect months, not weeks. Minoxidil shedding: why it happens and how long it lasts Minoxidil shedding is a temporary increase in hair fall early in treatment. Oral vs topical minoxidil: what is the difference? Both contain the same medicine but differ in licensing, how they are used and their side effects. Can I use minoxidil once a day? It depends on the product. Can women use minoxidil? Yes. Does minoxidil work on a receding hairline? It may help some people, but the evidence is thinner for the hairline than for the crown.
Safety and side effects
Can you give blood if you take finasteride? Not while you are taking finasteride tablets. Is finasteride safe to take long term? For most men, finasteride is considered safe to take for years. Can you take creatine with finasteride? There is no known interaction between creatine and finasteride: neither the UK product information nor the NHS lists one. Can you buy finasteride without a prescription? No.
Can't find your question?
Browse hair loss conditions, read our side effect guides and guides to stopping safely, or check the glossary. If your question is about your own situation, the best answer comes from a doctor who knows your history, and you can ask our clinical team directly.