Hair Loss Treatment Options

Boost Your Results with Proven Hair Care

Alongside your prescription treatment, you can add clinically backed products to maximise hair health and regrowth:

Minoxidil Spray or Foam

  • Clinically proven to stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth.
  • Easy-to-use topical solution or foam.
  • Ideal for targeting thinning areas on the scalp.

Ketoconazole Shampoo

  • Helps maintain a healthy scalp environment.
  • Reduces inflammation and dandruff that can worsen hair loss.

Caffeine-Infused Shampoos

  • Popular choice for strengthening hair and improving scalp circulation.
  • Simple addition to your daily routine.

 

Young man inspecting his hair in the mirror

1. Minoxidil (Spray or Foam)

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter treatment for hair loss, available as a topical spray or foam. It’s the only non-prescription product clinically proven and FDA-approved for male and female pattern hair loss. It’s widely used to slow hair thinning and encourage regrowth.

How Does Minoxidil Work?

  • Vasodilation: Minoxidil widens blood vessels in the scalp, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
  • Hair Cycle Reset: It shortens the resting (telogen) phase and prolongs the growth (anagen) phase, helping more hairs stay in active growth.
  • Follicle Support: Increased circulation and nutrient supply can thicken existing hair and stimulate new growth.

What Results Can You Expect?

  • Timeline:
    • Early shedding may occur in the first few weeks (a sign the treatment is working).
    • Visible improvement often starts at 3–6 months, with best results after 6–12 months.
  • Effectiveness:
    • Works best for recent hair loss and thinning at the crown or mid-scalp.
    • About 60–70% of men and 40–60% of women see noticeable improvement.
  • Important:
    • Continued use is essential; stopping treatment usually leads to hair loss returning within months.

 

2. Ketoconazole Shampoo

What is Ketoconazole Shampoo?

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication commonly used in shampoos to treat dandruff and scalp irritation. Research suggests it can also help with hair loss, especially when combined with other treatments.

How Does Ketoconazole Work?

  • Antifungal & Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces scalp inflammation and fungal overgrowth, creating a healthier environment for hair growth.
  • DHT Reduction: Ketoconazole may mildly block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone linked to male pattern baldness.
  • Scalp Health: Controls dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, which can worsen hair thinning.

What Results Can You Expect?

  • Timeline:
    • Improvement in scalp health within weeks.
    • Hair density changes typically appear after 3–6 months of regular use.
  • Effectiveness:
    • Alone, regrowth is modest, but combined with minoxidil or finasteride, results can improve significantly.
    • Studies show 2% ketoconazole shampoo can reduce scalp DHT by 12–16% and increase hair count by ~18% after 6 months.
  • Usage:
    • Typically used 2–3 times per week.

 

3. Caffeine-Infused Shampoos

What is Caffeine Shampoo?

Caffeine shampoos are cosmetic products designed to deliver caffeine directly to the scalp. They’re marketed as a natural way to support hair growth and scalp health.

How Does Caffeine Work?

  • Blood Flow Boost: Caffeine may improve scalp circulation, delivering more nutrients to hair follicles.
  • DHT Blocking: Some studies suggest caffeine can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, reducing DHT’s effect on follicles.
  • Antioxidant Support: Helps maintain a healthy scalp environment.

What Results Can You Expect?

  • Timeline:
    • Cosmetic benefits (volume and thickness) can appear immediately after washing.
    • Potential hair growth benefits may take 3+ months of consistent use.
  • Effectiveness:
    • Evidence is promising but limited—caffeine shampoos are best seen as a supportive treatment, not a standalone solution.
  • Ideal Use:
    • Works well alongside proven treatments like minoxidil or finasteride.

More from Rowlands Pharmacy

location tag

Find your local pharmacy

We have over 300 pharmacies across the UK, find your nearest one using our pharmacy finder

Find a pharmacy
pilpouch box

PilPouch

This pouch-based system is a simple and convenient way of administering and keeping track of medication

Find out more
Services Icon

In-pharmacy services

We have a wide range of services available, from medication management to vaccinations

In-pharmacy services