Hair Loss

Men's Health

Hair loss can knock your confidence — but it’s treatable.

  • At SwiftMedi, you’ll get expert advice and support from UK-licensed prescribers, all from home with fast, discreet delivery.

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About Hair Loss

Overview


Hair loss is one of the most common concerns for men and women — and it can have a big impact on self-esteem. Whether it’s gradual thinning, a receding hairline, or patchy loss, many people find it frustrating and even distressing. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and at SwiftMedi your suitability will always be assessed by a UK-registered prescriber following a secure online consultation.


Symptoms


Hair loss can appear in different ways, depending on the cause:

  • Gradual thinning on the top of the head — the most common pattern in both men and women.
  • Receding hairline — particularly in men, starting above the temples.
  • Patchy or circular bald spots — sometimes caused by autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata.
  • Sudden shedding — often after stress, illness, or medication.
  • Thinning across the scalp — common in women, especially after pregnancy or menopause.



Diagnosis


Most cases of hair loss are diagnosed simply by appearance and medical history. In men, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common type, while women may experience female pattern hair loss.

Your prescriber may ask:

  • When hair loss started
  • Whether it runs in your family
  • About any recent stress, illness, or medication
  • Blood tests or scalp examinations are rarely needed unless another condition is suspected.


Treatments


The best treatment depends on the cause. For most men with male pattern baldness, two licensed options are available:

  • Finasteride tablets — A once-daily prescription medicine that blocks DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss). Proven to slow hair loss and promote regrowth in many men.
  • Minoxidil (topical) — A scalp solution or foam applied directly to thinning areas, suitable for both men and women.


Other treatment options may include:

  • Lifestyle measures — stress management, balanced diet, avoiding harsh hair treatments.
  • Wigs, hairpieces, or styling changes for cosmetic support.
  • Surgical options like hair transplants (outside SwiftMedi’s services).


At SwiftMedi, we provide safe access to clinically proven hair loss medicines, prescribed only if appropriate after a secure consultation.


Prevention


While genetic hair loss can’t always be prevented, you can support healthier hair by:

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins
  • Managing stress with exercise or mindfulness
  • Avoiding harsh treatments like frequent bleaching, tight hairstyles, or excessive heat styling
  • Treating scalp conditions early, such as dandruff or psoriasis



Misconceptions


“Hair loss only affects older men.”
False — it can begin in men as early as their 20s, and women often notice thinning during hormonal changes.

“Wearing hats causes baldness.”
Not true — hats don’t affect the hair follicle.

“Nothing can be done about hair loss.”
Wrong — licensed treatments like finasteride and minoxidil can make a real difference.

Frequently asked questions

  • What causes male pattern hair loss and why does it happen?

    Male pattern hair loss is caused by sensitivity to a hormone called DHT, which gradually shrinks hair follicles. This leads to thinning at the hairline and crown over time. Treatment focuses on lowering DHT or stimulating follicles to support regrowth.

  • Can hair loss actually be reversed with treatment?

    Yes. Many men can regrow hair or thicken existing hair with the right treatment plan. Finasteride and minoxidil work best when used together, especially early on, and can significantly reverse thinning if started soon enough.

  • How do finasteride and minoxidil work for hair loss?

    Finasteride lowers DHT to stop follicle shrinkage, while minoxidil improves blood flow and stimulates growth. Using them together often gives the strongest results for male pattern hair loss and helps stabilise long-term shedding.

  • How long does it take to see results from hair loss treatment?

    Most men notice early changes in 8-12 weeks, with visible thickening after 3-6 months. Full results take 9-12 months because hair grows slowly. Consistency is key, stopping treatment usually leads to gradual hair loss returning.

  • Do hair loss treatments work for a receding hairline or temples?

    Yes, but the temples respond more slowly than the crown. Finasteride can help stabilise recession, while minoxidil may support regrowth in the hairline if used consistently. Starting early gives the best chance of visible improvement.

  • Is it safe to treat hair loss long term?

    Yes. Finasteride and minoxidil are considered safe for long-term use when monitored. Side effects are uncommon, and most men tolerate treatment well. Regular reviews ensure your plan remains suitable and effective.

  • Can I buy hair loss treatment online in the UK?

    Yes. You can buy licensed treatment from a UK-registered online pharmacyafter a short consultation. A prescriber checks your symptoms, medical history and suitability before supply. Avoid websites offering treatment without assessment.

  • Does hair loss mean I’ll go bald, or can it stabilise with treatment?

    Hair loss doesn’t always mean complete baldness. Many men stabilise shedding and thicken existing hair with treatment. Finasteride slows progression, while minoxidil supports regrowth, giving a good chance of keeping your hair long term.

  • Which treatment works fastest for hair loss?

    Minoxidil tends to give the earliest visible changes because it directly stimulates hair follicles. Finasteride works more quietly in the background by reducing DHT. Using both together provides the quickest and strongest results.

  • What’s the difference between oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil?

    Oral minoxidil is a tablet and may work more strongly for some men, while topical minoxidil is applied to the scalp. Both stimulate hair growth, but the oral form requires careful prescribing because it can affect blood pressure.

  • Why does hair shed more when I start treatment?

    Increased shedding at the start is normal. Older hairs fall out faster to make way for new ones growing under the surface. This “shedding phase” usually settles within a few weeks and is a sign treatment is starting to work.

  • Is hair loss caused by stress or lifestyle habits?

    Stress, lack of sleep, smoking, weight changes and poor diet can all worsen hair thinning, but they don’t cause male pattern hair loss alone. Genetics and DHT are the main drivers. Healthy habits support better results from treatment.

  • Do vitamins, biotin or supplements help hair loss?

    Supplements only help if you have a deficiency. Most male pattern hair loss is hormonal, not nutritional, so finasteride and minoxidil work far better. Biotin won’t stop thinning but may improve hair quality.

  • When should I see a doctor for hair loss?

    You should seek advice if hair loss is sudden, patchy or linked to scalp pain or redness, as this may suggest another condition. Male pattern hair loss is usually gradual, and early treatment gives the best results.

  • What if finasteride or minoxidil don’t work for me?

    If results are limited after 9-12 months, a clinician can review your dose, check your scalp health and consider adding or switching treatments. Some men respond better to combination therapy or alternative options.