Whilst we know there is no cure for male pattern baldness, there are both drug and surgical treatments which may lead to improvements as outlined below:

Private hair loss service

If you already offer a private service in your pharmacy, customers should be signposted to speak to the pharmacist as the treatments are available via a Patient Group Direction (PGD). Ensure you speak to the pharmacist about the service and the benefits of it to be able to discuss with customers. If you do not offer a service, ensure you signpost to a local hair loss service. Take a look at our signposting guidance and tips to set up a folder if you do not have one in place.

Topical treatment

Minoxidil (sold as Regaine) is available as a Pharmacy Only medicine which can slow down hair loss. This is a topical treatment which was developed as drug for high blood pressure but showed signs to improve male pattern baldness. Available in 2% and 5% lotions which is rubbed into the scalp, daily. Always speak to the pharmacist first to ascertain it is appropriate for a customer before selling.

Hairpieces and wigs

Wigs or hairpieces can be used to cover thinning hair, receding hairlines and baldness. 

Hair weaves are essentially wigs that can be sewn into the natural hair but there must be enough hair to sew into.

Hair transplants

Hair transplants is the most invasive and expensive treatment for hair loss. It works by removing the hair from areas of the scalp that has active hair growth and transplanting it to where there is thinning of bald areas.