How long does hair loss treatment take to work?

Hair loss treatment is slow. If you are wondering how long it takes to work, the answer is months, not weeks. This article is for people in Milton Keynes who are thinking of starting treatment or who have just begun.

Most people need three to six months of regular use before any change is visible.

Some people notice something sooner. Others need longer.

The benefit lasts only while you keep using the treatment. If you stop, hair loss usually starts again.

Why does hair loss treatment take so long?

Hair grows in cycles. Each hair grows, rests, falls out, then a new one starts.

Pattern hair loss shortens that cycle and makes new hairs thinner. Treatment tries to slow that down and let hairs grow thicker again.

A new hair grows only about a centimetre a month. So even when treatment is working, it takes time to show.

Why can hair look worse at first?

Some people notice more shedding in the first few weeks of minoxidil. This can happen as old hairs drop out to make way for new ones.

It is usually temporary. Mention it to the pharmacist if it worries you or carries on.

What can you expect from finasteride and minoxidil?

The two main treatments work in different ways.

• Finasteride is a tablet. It slows the hormone process behind male pattern hair loss.

• Minoxidil is applied to the scalp. It is used for both male and female pattern hair loss.

Both are slow. Both need to be used every day, as directed.

A rough timeline

• Weeks 1 to 12: Little or nothing to see. This is normal.

• Months 3 to 6: Shedding often slows. Some people notice finer hairs thickening.

• Around 6 months and beyond: This is when most people judge whether it is working.

Results vary from person to person. Nobody can promise how much regrowth you will get.

What treatment cannot do

Treatment works best on hair that is thinning, not on areas that have been bald for years. It slows loss and may thicken what is there. It does not bring back a full head of hair.

What happens if you stop treatment?

The effect fades once you stop. Hair that was held on or regrown is usually lost again over the following months.

That is worth knowing before you start. Treatment is something you keep up for as long as you want the result.

What side effects should you discuss first?

Finasteride has recognised side effects that need a proper conversation before you start.

Tell the pharmacist if you have any of these concerns:

• Changes in sex drive or erections

• Low mood or anxiety

• Breast tenderness or swelling

Minoxidil can irritate the scalp. It can cause itching, dryness or redness.

Tell the pharmacist about any other medicines you take and any health conditions. Finasteride is not suitable for women who are pregnant or could become pregnant, so women should get personalised advice.

Who should see their GP first?

Pattern hair loss is common and gradual. Some hair loss has other causes.

See your GP if:

• Hair comes out in patches

• Hair loss is sudden

• Your scalp is sore, red or scaly

• You have other symptoms, such as tiredness or weight change

Your GP can arrange blood tests to check for causes such as low iron or thyroid problems.

Why choose a private consultation?

Your GP may be able to advise on hair loss, but treatments for pattern hair loss are often not routinely prescribed on the NHS. A private consultation lets you be seen in the same week and talk it through in confidence.

The consultation takes 15 to 20 minutes. The pharmacist asks about your hair loss pattern and medical history, then explains which treatment suits you. You leave with written guidance on how to use it, what to expect and when to come back for review.

Common questions

Is it worth starting early?

Yes. Treatment is usually more effective when started soon after thinning begins, because it keeps the hair you have.

When should I decide if it is working?

Give it at least six months of regular use. Photos taken in the same light each month help, because slow change is hard to spot in the mirror.

What if I miss doses?

Missing the odd one is not a disaster. Regular daily use gives the best chance, so try to build it into a routine.

Can I use both treatments together?

Some people do. The pharmacist can advise whether that suits you.

How much does it cost?

The hair loss consultation is £16. The cost of treatment depends on what you choose and for how long, and the pharmacist will confirm it in the consultation.

Kenmakos Medical is a private pharmacy in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, and appointments for hair loss treatment are usually available the same week. The pharmacist will set out clear timelines and book a review with you, so you know when to judge your results.

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