In short
Two medicines have good evidence for male pattern hair loss, finasteride and minoxidil. Both take months to work and only work while you use them.
On this page
For male pattern hair loss, two medicines have good evidence: finasteride and minoxidil. Both slow further loss and can thicken thinning hair, both take months to work, and both stop working when you stop them. Surgery is the other proven option.
Start with the right diagnosis
These treatments are for male pattern hair loss. Sudden shedding, patchy loss or a sore scalp have different causes and different treatments. A GP can usually tell which you have from the pattern and the timeline, and orders blood tests only if something else is suspected.
The options compared
| Treatment | How you get it | What it does | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride tablets | Prescription | Lowers DHT, the hormone that shrinks follicles | Three to six months to see an effect. A small number of men get sexual side effects or low mood. |
| Minoxidil solution or foam | Pharmacy, no prescription | Keeps follicles in the growth phase for longer | Applied to the scalp every day. Some shedding in the first weeks is common. |
| Low-dose minoxidil tablets | Prescription, off-label | Same medicine, taken by mouth | Can cause extra body hair, ankle swelling or a fast heartbeat. Needs a doctor’s review. |
| Hair transplant | Private surgery | Moves follicles from the back to the thinning areas | Best once loss has stabilised. Doesn’t stop further loss elsewhere. |
What to expect
- It’s slow. Judge any treatment at six to twelve months, with photos taken in the same light.
- Holding steady counts as success. Stopping further loss is the main result. Some regrowth is a bonus.
- It’s ongoing. The effect lasts only while you keep using the treatment.
Side effects worth knowing before you start
Finasteride can lower sex drive, affect erections or reduce semen volume in a small percentage of men. These usually settle if the medicine is stopped. Some men report low mood. It also lowers PSA, the blood test used in prostate checks, so tell any doctor who orders one. Women who are or could be pregnant shouldn’t handle crushed or broken tablets. Our finasteride guide has more detail.
What doesn’t have good evidence
Vitamins and supplements don’t treat male pattern hair loss unless you have a proven deficiency. Special shampoos, scalp massage and most laser devices have weak or mixed evidence.
Seeing a doctor about hair loss
A GP can diagnose male pattern hair loss, explain the options and prescribe where it’s appropriate. Photos or a video call make it easy to assess by telehealth. For unusual patterns or scalp disease, a GP can refer you to a dermatologist.
Next step: talk to a GP
Request an appointment and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time. A consultation doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
References
- Therapeutic Guidelines: Dermatology
- Australasian College of Dermatologists: Male pattern hair loss
- Healthy Male: Hair loss
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.