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Which hair loss treatments are clinically proven?
Hair Loss
Vitamins
Stops hair loss for:
No evidence
Cost per year:
£479
Time to take effect:
Unknown
Saw Palmetto
Pills
Stops hair loss in:
No evidence
Cost per year
£166
Time to take effect:
Unknown
Caffeine
Shampoo
Stops hair loss in:
No evidence
Cost per year:
£72
Time to take effect:
Unknown
Minoxidil
(Regaine)
Stops hair loss in:
60% of men
Cost per year:
£199
Time to take effect:
2 Months
Prescription
Tablets
Stops hair loss in:
90% of men
Cost per year:
£380
Time to take effect:
3 Months
Hair
Transplants
Stops hair loss in:
96% of men
Cost per surgery:
£6,000
Time to take effect:
9 months
How can you tackle hair loss?
Dr Gigi Taguri
GP – LloydsPharmacy
by Dr Gigi Taguri – LloydsPharmacy
Hair growth is something that concerns a large percentage of the population. With hair loss affecting around 50% of men by the time they’re 50, it’s no surprise that there’s a booming market for all kinds of hair growth tablets, pills and treatments.
The most common form of hair loss is male pattern baldness (or androgenetic alopecia), a condition caused by the hormone DHT attacking the hair follicles, resulting in reduced hair growth and balding. Whilst there is no cure for this type of hair loss, there are several treatments which can stop or even reverse male pattern baldness.
Hair Loss Tablets
Prescription Tablets
Whilst there are many “hair growth pills” on the market, very few have been proven to be effective. Prescription tablets however, are extremely effective and the only medicines clinically licensed to treat male pattern baldness. In fact, clinical studies have shown that prescription treatments are effective in 90% of men.
To be effective, prescription tablets must be taken every single day, and normally for a period of 3-6 months before hair growth occurs. These treatments are not prescribed by the NHS but they are available to buy online from LloydsPharmacy’s Online Doctor. To learn more, click here to visit our online clinic.
Hair Loss Supplements
Many pharmacies and health stores sell tablets for hair growth in the form of vitamins and supplements. However, while some may assist in improving the quality and general health of the hair, they are unlikely to have any positive effect upon hair growth. There is no supporting clinical evidence that vitamin supplements can reverse hair loss.
You should also be wary about consuming too many supplements, as it is possible to overdose on your recommended daily allowance of vitamins. If you are unsure about whether you are taking supplements safely and correctly, please speak to your GP.
Hair Loss Shampoos & Lotions
Caffeine Shampoo
Hair growth shampoos such as Alpecin and Plantur are seen by many as cheap and easy solutions to hair loss. However, there is currently limited evidence to support claims that they will have a positive effect upon hair growth. There is some evidence to show that caffeine itself has an impact on hair loss (i.e. the following studies show some potential: Bussoletti et al 2011 and Fischer et al 2007). However the current clinical evidence is very limited. However, caffeine shampoos may improve the overall health of the hair, leading to an improved appearance.
Note: Our clinical team are awaiting further evidence for caffeine shampoos and will keep this page updated.
Minoxidil (Regaine)
After prescription treatments, the next most effective form of daily treatment for hair loss is Minoxidil. In the UK, Minoxidil is available to buy from pharmacies over-the-counter (one popular brand is Regaine) and comes as a foam or a lotion. The foam/lotion is rubbed into the scalp every day and has been seen to promote hair growth in both men and women suffering from androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness).
According to one study carried out on Regaine Extra Strength (a branded version of Minoxidil available in UK pharmacies), around 60% of men experienced increased hair growth after using the lotion for 48 weeks. However, as with prescription treatments, the effects of any Minoxidil-based foam or lotion will cease after treatment has been stopped. Typically, users can expect their hair loss to resume within two months after stopping Minoxidil.
Hair Growth from Transplants
One option for men suffering from male pattern baldness who are very concerned about their hair loss is a hair transplant. This involves taking grafts from an area of the head where there is healthy hair growth, and transplanting them onto areas of the head where hair loss is present. The idea is that the transplanted hairs are genetically resistant to hair loss and that, when moved to areas with hair loss, they will thrive and continue to grow normally. Though hair transplants can be successful, they can often lead to scarring and tend to be very expensive.
The cost of a hair transplant depends upon how much hair is being transplanted, and the technique used. Typically, however, you can expect to spend thousands of pounds on one session – and as multiple sessions are usually needed, the price can soon skyrocket. It’s also important to bear in mind that healthy hair growth is not guaranteed; in fact, it’s usual to need further transplants down the line. Usually, the men who benefit most from a hair transplant tend to be those in middle-age with only mild to moderate hair loss, so this is not typically a viable option for young men experiencing rapid hair loss.
To find out more about hair transplants, read this article, or visit the NHS website.
Female Hair Loss
Though men are more likely to experience hair loss, it can be a far more traumatising experience for women to go through. Unfortunately, there is only currently one treatment available in the UK to increase hair growth in women suffering from female pattern baldness: Minoxidil.
As above, Minoxidil is available as a foam or a lotion that can be bought from UK pharmacies (a popular branded version is Regaine for women). To promote hair growth, women who use minoxidil should rub it into their scalp every day for at least four months, and should continue to use it for as long as they want to delay hair loss. According to one study, 60% of women who used Regaine Regular Strength every day for eight months experienced increased hair growth. However, hair loss will resume after treatment has ceased, and any new hair is likely to fall out after two months without treatment.
Alopecia Areata
Another form of hair loss, along with male and female pattern baldness, is alopecia areata. This condition is characterised by hair (usually on the scalp) falling out in random patches. In most cases, hair growth resumes as normal after a few months, however some people with alopecia areata will go on to develop more extensive forms of hair loss such as alopecia totalis (loss of all hair on the head). To learn more about how these treatments work, visit this page about hair loss treatments on the NHS website.
Treatments for alopecia areata include:
- corticosteroid injections
- corticosteroid lotions or foams
- Minoxidil
- dithranol cream
- immunotherapy
- light therapy
- not treating it at all
For more information on hair growth treatments, visit our hair loss information hub >.
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The facts from our survey
We surveyed 1,000 British men to find out what they thought about hair loss treatments…
Need help from an expert?
Get a free online doctor’s assessment today
and find the best hair loss treatments for you.