Prescribed by UK clinicians · CQC registered

Minoxidil spray for hair loss

A scalp spray for male pattern hair loss. Used twice a day on the thinning areas, it helps follicles grow thicker, longer hairs.¹

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CQC registered
UK-registered clinicians
Plain, discreet delivery

All content on this page has been medically reviewed by Naeem Teni, Clinical Lead. GPhC 2215591.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is one of the most established treatments for male pattern hair loss. You spray it straight onto your scalp, so it works where it's needed and very little reaches the rest of your body.¹

A clinician reviews your assessment before anything is prescribed, and is there if you have questions along the way.

How does Minoxidil work?

Longer growth phase. Minoxidil helps follicles stay in their growing phase for longer, so hairs grow longer and thicker.
Better blood flow. It widens the tiny blood vessels around each follicle, helping it get what it needs to grow.¹
An early shed can happen. Some men notice extra shedding in the first weeks. It's usually a sign older hairs are making way for new growth.
It works while you use it. If you stop using it, any new growth is usually lost again over the following months.

Smiling man in a scarf talking with a friend outside

How much does Minoxidil cost?

We're finalising prices for Minoxidil. Your clinician confirms the cost before anything is prescribed.

Man applying minoxidil spray to his scalp

How do I use Minoxidil?

Twice a day. Spray 1ml onto a dry scalp, morning and evening, and spread it over the thinning areas with your fingertips.¹
Let it dry. Leave it on for at least four hours, and wash your hands straight after.¹
Stick with it. It usually takes around four months before you see a difference, so give it time.¹
Take photos. Same light, same angle, every few months. It's the easiest way to see change.

More isn't faster. Don't use more than 2ml a day. A bigger dose won't work quicker, and it makes side effects more likely.¹

How does Minoxidil compare with other options?

Trial figures come from different studies, so they aren't a direct ranking. Finasteride tackles the hormone, minoxidil works on the follicle. Using both is common, and your clinician can prescribe them together.

	Minoxidil	Finasteride
In trials	5% worked better and faster than 2% in a 48-week trial²	90% kept or regrew hair over 5 years³
Key points	Works on the follicle and lengthens its growth phase Sprayed on the scalp twice a day	Lowers DHT, the hormone that shrinks follicles One 1mg tablet a day
Price	See pricing	From £19 a month
	This page	View Finasteride →

Is Minoxidil right for me?

It isn't suitable for everyone. Your assessment covers all of this, and a clinician checks your answers before anything is prescribed.

Usually suitable if

You're an adult (18 or over) living in the UK.
You have male pattern hair loss, like thinning on top or at the crown.
You still have hair to work with, since it keeps hair better than it regrows it.
A clinician judges it safe with your health history and medicines.

Not suitable if

Your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or has no family pattern.
You're allergic to minoxidil or any of its ingredients.
Your scalp is sore, sunburnt, broken or inflamed.
You have a heart or blood pressure condition a clinician hasn't checked.

Not sure?

Let a clinician check for you

You don't need to work it out yourself. The online assessment asks the right questions, and a UK clinician reviews your answers before anything is prescribed.

Start my assessment →

What are the side effects of Minoxidil?

Because it goes on your scalp, most side effects stay there and are mild. Your clinician checks in, especially early on.¹

More common

Usually mild and short-lived

Itchy or flaky scalpScalp rednessEarly hair sheddingHair growth where spray landsHeadache

Rare

Stop and get help if

Chest pain or a racing or irregular heartbeat.
Fainting or feeling very dizzy.
Swelling of your hands or feet, or sudden weight gain.
Swelling of your face or a severe scalp reaction.

Have a heart or blood pressure condition? Tell your clinician. Only a little minoxidil is absorbed through the scalp, but it still needs checking.¹

Minoxidil FAQs

Is Manova a proper clinic, or a website?

Both. We’re a CQC-registered clinic that happens to live online. Every prescription is signed off by a registered clinician, never an algorithm.

Will it turn up in a branded box at my office?

No. Plain brown packaging, no Manova branding, no clue what’s inside. Sent to a home or pickup address, your call.

What if the clinician says no?

Then they say no, and you don’t get charged. They might suggest a safer alternative, more tests, or refer you back to your GP. We’d rather lose a customer than push the wrong treatment.

Am I locked into a contract?

No. There’s no contract and no minimum term.

How is this different from going to my GP?

It isn’t, really. The same medicines, prescribed by registered clinicians to the same standards. We’re just faster to get hold of, and a lot less awkward to talk to about the things on this page.

Read up on Minoxidil

All Minoxidil guides →

References (3)

Minoxidil 5% w/v cutaneous solution (Regaine for Men Extra Strength) Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC).
Olsen EA, et al. A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47(3):377–385.
Propecia (finasteride 1mg) Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC).