Hair loss — treatment options that work
Reviewed by the My London Pharmacy clinical team, Zaynab Ali, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
·29 July 2026
·9 min read
Quick answer
Male pattern hair loss is the most common cause of thinning hair in men and is driven by genetics and hormones. In the UK, proven options include a daily tablet and a topical treatment applied to the scalp, which work best when started early and used consistently, following a clinical consultation.
Understanding male pattern hair loss
Male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is by far the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting a large proportion at some point in their lives. It typically shows as a gradually receding hairline, often starting at the temples, together with thinning at the crown, following a recognisable and fairly predictable pattern. It is a natural, inherited process rather than a disease or a sign of ill health, but for many men it can nonetheless affect confidence and how they feel about their appearance.
Hair loss of this kind can begin as early as the late teens or twenties and becomes steadily more common with age. The pattern and pace vary from person to person, often echoing what happened to close relatives. Understanding what is happening — and that it usually progresses slowly and predictably — makes it much easier to choose an approach that fits your own preferences and expectations, whether that is active treatment or simply accepting the changes.
What causes it
Male pattern hair loss is driven by a combination of genetics and hormones working together. Hair follicles that are genetically sensitive react to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone derived from testosterone. Over repeated growth cycles these follicles gradually shrink, a process called miniaturisation, producing progressively finer, shorter and lighter hairs until they eventually stop producing visible hair altogether. The follicle is not lost immediately, which is part of why starting treatment earlier tends to give better results.
Because the process is progressive, hair loss usually continues slowly over time if left untreated. It is worth being aware that other causes of hair loss can look quite different: sudden shedding after stress or illness, distinct patchy bald spots, or thinning alongside symptoms such as tiredness or weight change may point to thyroid problems, nutritional issues, certain medicines, or conditions such as alopecia areata. This is exactly why a proper assessment is useful before starting any treatment, so that the approach matches the actual cause rather than an assumption.
Which hormones affect hair loss, including in women
Hormones play a central role in the most common types of hair loss, and the question of which hormone is responsible comes up often — particularly for women, whose hair loss can have a different background to men's. In both sexes, the main hormonal driver of pattern hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. In people whose follicles are genetically sensitive to it, DHT gradually miniaturises the hair; in women this tends to show as a widening parting and general thinning across the top of the scalp rather than a receding hairline. Women naturally produce some androgens, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which raise androgen levels, can contribute to thinning in some cases.
Other hormonal changes matter too. Both an underactive and an overactive thyroid can cause hair to thin or shed, often alongside symptoms such as tiredness, weight change or feeling too hot or cold, and this usually improves once the thyroid problem is treated. Around the menopause, falling oestrogen can leave the effect of androgens relatively more pronounced, which is why some women notice their hair thinning at this time. Pregnancy and the months afterwards, or stopping or changing hormonal contraception, can also trigger temporary shedding. Because the hormonal picture varies so much, a clinician may suggest blood tests to check for a treatable cause before deciding on an approach.
Which vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause hair loss
Nutritional deficiencies are another recognised cause of hair thinning and shedding, and they are worth checking because, unlike genetically driven hair loss, they can often be corrected. The one most consistently linked to hair loss is low iron, usually measured as ferritin, the body's iron store; this is a common finding in women with heavy periods and in people who eat little or no red meat. Where iron is genuinely low, restoring it can help hair recover over several months.
Other nutrients associated with hair loss when in short supply include:
- vitamin D, which has a role in the hair growth cycle;
- vitamin B12, particularly in vegetarians, vegans and people with absorption problems;
- zinc, which supports healthy follicles.
A note of caution is worth adding: taking supplements you do not need is unlikely to help, and with some nutrients, such as zinc or vitamin A, taking too much can itself contribute to hair loss. The sensible approach is therefore to test rather than guess. A clinician can arrange the relevant blood tests, advise whether a supplement is appropriate, and make sure a deficiency is not a sign of something else that needs attention. For most people, a balanced diet with enough protein, iron and everyday vitamins supports healthy hair without the need for extra supplements.
Treatments that have real evidence
Two treatments have the strongest evidence for male pattern hair loss in the UK, and they work in different, complementary ways.
The first is a daily tablet, Finasteride Tablet, which reduces the level of the hormone that shrinks sensitive follicles. It is available as a generic or as the branded Propecia Tablet, and both contain the same active ingredient, finasteride. For many men it can slow further loss and help thicken or partially regrow hair over time, though results vary and it is not suitable for everyone; a clinician will check that it is appropriate for you and explain the possible side effects before you start.
The second is Minoxidil, a treatment applied directly to the scalp as a liquid or foam, which helps prolong the growth phase of the hair and stimulate follicle activity. Some men use one treatment on its own; others use both together, and a combined product such as Finasteride + Minoxidil can make this more convenient. In some cases a clinician may discuss Dutasteride, a related tablet that works in a similar way to finasteride, as an alternative option under appropriate guidance. Whichever is chosen, all of these treatments tend to work best when started early, before extensive loss has occurred.
What to expect from treatment
Hair treatments reward patience and consistency, and it helps to know this from the outset so that the early weeks do not feel discouraging. Because hair grows slowly and in cycles, it usually takes three to six months of regular, daily use before any change becomes noticeable, and the fuller effect can take around a year to judge properly. Some men also notice a temporary increase in shedding when they first start, as older hairs are replaced, and this typically settles with continued use.
The main benefit for many men is slowing or halting further loss, with some regrowth on top of that, rather than a complete return of hair that has long gone. Importantly, the benefits last only for as long as treatment continues. If you stop, the underlying inherited process resumes and any gains are gradually lost over the following months. A clinician can help you weigh this ongoing commitment against the likely benefit before you decide whether to start.
Getting started and reviewing progress
Because these are prescription treatments, starting usually begins with a consultation rather than simply picking a product off a shelf. A clinician will confirm that your hair loss fits the male pattern, ask about your general health and any medicines you take, and check there are no reasons a particular treatment would be unsuitable. This is also the moment to talk honestly about what you are hoping for, so that expectations are realistic and matched to the evidence.
Once started, it helps to give any treatment a fair trial of several months before judging it, and to keep using it as directed rather than stopping and starting, which undermines the effect. Some men find it useful to take occasional photographs in the same light to track subtle changes, which are easy to miss day to day. A follow-up conversation lets a clinician review how you are getting on, manage any side effects, and adjust the approach if needed.
Other approaches
Beyond medical treatments, some men consider cosmetic measures such as shorter, textured styles that make thinning less obvious, or products like concealing fibres. Specialist options including hair transplant surgery exist too, and a clinician can discuss these or refer where appropriate; they tend to be considered once the pattern of loss is more established and stable. Where hair loss is sudden, patchy or accompanied by other symptoms, further assessment is sensible first to rule out another cause.
Good general health, managing stress, not smoking and a balanced diet all support healthy hair, and correcting a genuine deficiency can help where one exists. On their own, however, these measures will not reverse genetically driven hair loss, so they are best thought of as helpful alongside proven treatment rather than as a replacement for it.
Being cautious about unproven products
Many products are marketed for hair loss, from special shampoos and lotions to vitamins and supplements, but relatively few have solid evidence behind them for male pattern baldness specifically. It is worth being cautious about anything that promises rapid or dramatic change, because the treatments with the best evidence work gradually and steadily over months, not overnight. If a claim sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
A clinical consultation helps you focus your time and money on approaches that are genuinely likely to help, and avoid those that are not. Honest, realistic advice — including being told when a treatment may offer little for you — is part of a responsible, pharmacy-first service.
When to seek advice
If thinning is bothering you, it is worth seeking advice sooner rather than later, since treatments generally work best before extensive loss has occurred and while the follicles are still active. A consultation lets a clinician confirm the type of hair loss you have, rule out other causes such as a thyroid problem or a nutritional deficiency, and discuss the options best suited to you and your goals.
Our clinical team can advise on hair loss treatment options that may be suitable for you, subject to a clinical assessment. There is no pressure to treat if you would rather not — sometimes clear information and reassurance about what to expect is all that is needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of hair loss in men?
Male pattern hair loss, driven by genetics and a hormone that shrinks sensitive follicles. It causes a receding hairline and thinning at the crown over time.
Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
Low iron, measured as ferritin, is the deficiency most often linked to hair loss, particularly in women. Low vitamin D, vitamin B12 and zinc can also contribute. A clinician can arrange blood tests rather than treating on guesswork.
Which hormone causes hair loss in females?
In women, pattern thinning is largely driven by androgens such as DHT acting on genetically sensitive follicles. Thyroid problems and the fall in oestrogen around the menopause can also cause hair to thin, and are worth checking.
Which hair loss treatments actually work?
In the UK, a daily tablet that reduces the hormone behind the loss and a topical treatment applied to the scalp have the strongest evidence, used alone or together.
How long before I see results?
Usually three to six months of consistent use, with fuller effects after about a year. Hair grows slowly, so patience is important.
Can I use both treatments together?
Yes, many men use a scalp treatment and a daily tablet together, and combined products are available. A clinician can advise whether this approach suits you.
Do I need to keep using treatment?
Yes. The benefits last only while treatment continues. If you stop, the natural process resumes and any gains are gradually lost.
When should I start treatment?
Earlier tends to be better, as treatments work best before extensive loss. A clinician can confirm the cause and discuss suitable options for you.