On this page

    How to stop hair loss

    On this page
    1. What is hair loss?
    2. What causes hair loss in men?
    3. How can I stop hair loss?
    4. How effective is Finasteride in stopping hair loss?
    5. How long will it take for my hair to grow back?
    6. What are the side effects of taking finasteride?

    Reviewed by our clinical team - 26.9.22

    How to stop hair loss

    What is hair loss?

    Male hair loss is a very common condition, affecting up to half of all men over the age of 50. 

    It usually starts with a little thinning of the hair at the temples. The hairline will then recede and a sparse patch will appear on the top of the head. The hairline may then meet the patch, revealing the whole scalp.

    But is there a way to stop or prevent hair loss?

    What causes hair loss in men?

    Male hair loss is caused by the hormone testosterone being converted to DHT, which causes hair follicles to shrink. Hair growth subsequently slows down or even stops altogether. 

    Male hair loss (also known as male pattern baldness or ‘androgenic alopecia’) is usually genetic, although it can also be caused by:

    • Extreme stress
    • Illness
    • Side effects to medical treatment
    • A major life event
    • Skin disorders
    • Hormone imbalance.

    It’s worth noting here that there is no correlation between the level of normal testosterone and baldness.

    How can I stop hair loss?

    In the last couple of decades there have been several developments in the fight to stop hair loss. Perhaps most notable is the widespread success of Finasteride. This is a tablet containing the active ingredient finasteride, which prevents and even reverses male hair loss.

    Finasteride is a tablet which is taken once a day. The active ingredient inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT, thereby slowing or even reversing the hair loss process.

    You can request a Finasteride prescription through our Lloyds Online Doctor service, meaning that you don’t have to book an appointment or go to a clinic.

    How effective is Finasteride in stopping hair loss?

    Finasteride helps prevent hair loss and increase hair growth. It is particularly effective among those who show mild to moderate hair loss.

    While the effectiveness of finasteride often depends on the length of time it is taken, the available evidence suggests that two thirds of men who use it see some hair regrowth.

    How long will it take for my hair to grow back?

    Although no immediate effect may be seen after your first month of taking finasteride, it is highly recommended that you stick with it for a few months as long as you suffer no adverse reactions.

    It can take at least three months to slow down hair loss, six months to grow new hair, and as long as 12 months to verify whether the treatment is effective for you.

    Even though the struggle to stop hair loss may be a long battle, the good news is that more than 90% of those taking finasteride reported seeing desirable results (prevention of further hair loss and, in some cases, regrowth). While the effectiveness of finasteride often depends on the length of time it is taken, the available evidence suggests that two thirds of men who use it see some hair regrowth.

    If you stop taking finasteride, it is likely that any hair you gained will be lost within 9-12 months.

    What are the side effects of taking finasteride?

    In rare cases finasteride may cause a skin rash, erectile dysfunction, less desire for sex or tenderness in the nipple area. If you do experience these side effects, they may well disappear quickly as your body gets used to finasteride. If you are at all concerned about the side effects you should stop taking the treatment and consult a doctor.

    Looking for hair loss treatment?

    Visit our online service


    References

    https://patient.info/mens-health/male-pattern-baldness
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529357

    Close
    Lloyds Online Doctor Ireland Logo

    This service operates in the Republic of Ireland only

    Close
    Lloyds Online Doctor Ireland Logo

    This service operates in the United Kingdom only

    Visit IE Online Doctor Continue with UK service
    Close
    Lloyds Online Doctor Ireland Logo

    This service operates in the Republic of Ireland only

    Visit UK Online Doctor Continue with Irish service