From /100ml
£55
Apply 1ml once/twice daily, a 100ml bottle lasts approximately 14 or 7 weeks at this rate.
From /100ml
£55
Formulated without propylene glycol. see why
What is minoxidil?
Originally developed as a medication for blood pressure, minoxidil was found to have an important effect on the hair growth cycle. When applied to the scalp, it can help stimulate follicles, prolong the growth phase of hair and support improvements in hair density.
Unlike treatments that target DHT, minoxidil works primarily by encouraging hair follicle activity rather than directly blocking the hormonal pathway involved in hair loss.
It's a topical medication used to support hair growth in individuals experiencing androgenetic alopecia — working by influencing the hair follicle environment and encouraging miniaturised follicles to produce thicker, healthier hairs.
Minoxidil does not remove the underlying genetic sensitivity to hair loss, so ongoing treatment is generally required to maintain benefits.
THE SCIENCE
How does minoxidil work?
The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but several effects are thought to contribute.
Extending the growth phase
Hair follicles naturally cycle through growth, resting, and shedding phases. Minoxidil may help extend the anagen (growth) phase, allowing hairs to grow for longer.
Supporting follicle activity
Minoxidil may improve the environment around the hair follicle by:
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Increasing blood flow around follicles
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Influencing potassium channels within follicle cells
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Supporting follicle signalling pathways involved in growth
Improving miniaturised follicles
In androgenetic alopecia, follicles gradually shrink and produce finer hairs. Minoxidil may help some miniaturised follicles produce thicker hairs again where they remain viable.
5%
Minoxidil
A commonly used strength with a strong evidence base for hair-loss treatment.
TAILORED TO YOU
Available minoxidil strengths
Standard commercially available topical minoxidil is commonly supplied at 5% strength. However, some patients may benefit from a more personalised approach.
7%
Minoxidil
A higher-strength formulation that may be considered for some individuals where a more intensive topical approach is desired.
10%
Minoxidil
A higher-strength option that may be considered in selected cases following clinical assessment.
PERSONALISED FORMULATIONS
Combination minoxidil formulations
While minoxidil supports follicle growth activity, other ingredients may target additional contributors such as DHT-related miniaturisation. Following assessment, minoxidil may be combined with other treatments where clinically appropriate.
Minoxidil + Finasteride
Minoxidil + Dutasteride
Minoxidil + Tretinoin 0.01%
Finasteride works by reducing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), targeting two different aspects of androgenetic alopecia:
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Minoxidil supports follicle growth activity and encourages thicker hair production
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Finasteride reduces DHT activity and hormone-driven follicle miniaturisation
Dutasteride is a more potent inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase compared with finasteride, reducing both type I and type II enzyme activity.
This combination may be considered in selected patients where stronger DHT-targeting treatment is appropriate. Suitability depends on individual risk factors and clinical assessment.
Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative commonly used in dermatology. When used as part of a customised minoxidil for hair loss formulation, combining tretinoin with minoxidil may offer several potential benefits, including:
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Improving the penetration of minoxidil through the scalp
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Influencing follicular cell activity
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Potentially improving the response in people who respond poorly to minoxidil alone
Potential side effects and considerations
Although minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp and works mainly at the local level, some absorption into the bloodstream can still occur — so the effects above remain possible and shouldn't be ruled out.
Common (affects approximately 1 in 10 people)
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Scalp irritation, dryness, or flaking
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Itching at the application site
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Temporary increased shedding when starting treatment (an expected part of the growth cycle restarting)
Uncommon (affects approximately 1 in 100 people)
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Unwanted facial or body hair growth from product transfer
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Contact dermatitis or allergic skin reaction
Rare (affects approximately 1 in 1,000 people)
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Lightheadedness or dizziness
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Rapid or irregular heartbeat
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Fluid retention or swelling (ankles, hands, face)
Very rare (affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people)
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Chest pain
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Fainting
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Significant allergic reaction
How long does minoxidil take to work?
Hair growth is gradual. Most patients require consistent treatment over several months before meaningful changes can be assessed.
During the early stages of treatment, some individuals experience increased shedding. This can occur as follicles transition between growth cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stronger minoxidil always better?
Not necessarily. Higher concentrations may be suitable for some individuals but can also increase the risk of irritation. The ideal strength depends on your scalp, response, and treatment goals.
Can finasteride or dutasteride be added to customised minoxidil for hair loss?
Combination treatments may be considered because they target different aspects of hair loss. Suitability depends on individual assessment.
Can tretinoin improve minoxidil results?
Research suggests that tretinoin may enhance the effectiveness of minoxidil in certain individuals, potentially improving its absorption and helping those who see limited results with minoxidil alone. This combination is an increasingly promising approach to personalised hair-loss treatment, with appropriate formulation and monitoring.
Do I need to use minoxidil forever?
Minoxidil benefits are generally maintained only while treatment continues. Stopping treatment may result in gradual loss of treatment-supported hairs.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This is an unlicensed medicine, prepared specifically for you following clinical assessment. It does not hold a UK marketing authorisation in this strength or formulation. Unlicensed medicines are used when no licensed product meets your individual clinical needs, in line with MHRA guidance on the supply of unlicensed medicines and GPhC standards for pharmacist prescribing
Is customised minoxidil suitable for you?
The first step is a clinical hair-loss assessment. Provide details about your hair loss, medical history, and scalp photographs so your case can be reviewed and an appropriate treatment approach considered.
Prescription treatment is not guaranteed and will only be supplied where clinically appropriate.