Minoxidil: Price, Pros & Cons in the UK
The only over-the-counter option, and the only one that works topically rather than as a tablet.
Quick Facts
- Hair Loss — topical
- Typical cost: £10–£30/mo
- 15 providers currently offer this
- Content last reviewed 13 August 2026
This page provides general information, not medical advice — whether any treatment is right for you is a decision for a UK-registered prescriber after reviewing your individual history.
What it is
A topical foam or solution applied directly to the scalp, usually twice daily, that widens blood vessels and prolongs the hair growth cycle. It doesn't affect DHT the way finasteride does.
Pros and cons
Why it's good
- Available over the counter — no prescription required
- Works through a completely different mechanism to finasteride, so the two can be combined
- No known sexual side effects, unlike finasteride
- Suitable for some cases of hair loss in women, unlike finasteride
Why it's not for everyone
- Requires twice-daily application indefinitely — results reverse a few months after stopping
- Can cause scalp irritation or unwanted facial/body hair if it spreads beyond the treated area
- Generally considered less effective alone than finasteride for male pattern hair loss
- An initial shedding phase in the first few weeks can be alarming before improvement begins
Who it's best for
Anyone wanting a non-prescription starting point, women with pattern hair loss, or as an add-on alongside finasteride for a stronger combined effect.
Typical cost
Providers offering this
- Numan
- Voy (formerly Manual)
- ZAVA
- Asda Online Doctor
- Boots Online Doctor
- LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor
- Superdrug Online Doctor
- iQ Doctor
- Dr Fox
- Pharmacy2U
- Simple Online Pharmacy
- Oxford Online Pharmacy
- Happy Pharmacy
- My Private Pharmacist
- Hair Repair Clinic
Frequently asked questions
What is Minoxidil?
A topical foam or solution applied directly to the scalp, usually twice daily, that widens blood vessels and prolongs the hair growth cycle. It doesn't affect DHT the way finasteride does.
How much does Minoxidil cost in the UK?
Minoxidil typically costs £10–£30/mo in the UK, though the exact price depends on dose and provider.
Who is Minoxidil best suited to?
Anyone wanting a non-prescription starting point, women with pattern hair loss, or as an add-on alongside finasteride for a stronger combined effect.
Sources
- NHS website — medicines information.
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) — Summary of Product Characteristics for the licensed product.
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) — UK licensing and safety information.
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See exactly which UK providers offer it, and at what price.
PickMyClinic is an independent comparison site, not a pharmacy or clinic. This page is not a personal recommendation and does not replace advice from a UK-registered prescriber. Some links on this site may be affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.