Women and men
The clear guide to hair loss
Pattern loss, shedding, and the treatments worth knowing about.
- Independent
- No commission
- Evidence-led
Written in the UK, for women and men.
What’s happening to your hair?
Browse the guide
Devices
Red light hats, laser caps, microneedling, LED combs and scalp massagers.
Supplements
Biotin, iron, vitamin D, zinc, collagen and the branded hair supplements.
Topical treatments
Minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, caffeine shampoos and peptide serums.
Medical treatments
Finasteride, oral minoxidil, PRP, transplants, and who to see in the UK.
Natural remedies
Rosemary oil, pumpkin seed, saw palmetto and the rest, with the evidence.
Hair health and nutrition
Food, protein, stress, sleep, washing and heat.
Causes and conditions
Pattern hair loss, shedding, alopecia areata, menopause, iron and thyroid.
Women’s hair loss
A starting point for female pattern loss, postpartum shedding and menopause.
Men’s hair loss
A starting point for male pattern baldness, finasteride and transplants.
Research and news
Plain-English explainers, dated so the collection can be updated.
Most read
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Does minoxidil work? It can thicken pattern hair loss while you use it. It is not a cure, and the shed in the first weeks is a known annoyance.
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Finasteride side effects A tablet that can hold male pattern hair loss, with sexual and mood side effects you should hear before you start.
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Rosemary oil for hair growth The trial people quote is real. It is also one trial, against 2% minoxidil, for six months.
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Hair loss in women: the causes A wider parting is the usual pattern. A shed, a patch, or tiredness can be something else, and a GP can tell.
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Best supplements for hair growth in the UK (2026) Iron, vitamin D, biotin and zinc, compared with NHS guidance and the branded capsules sold for hair.
Latest research and news
Common questions
What is the best first step for hair loss in the UK?
See a GP if you are worried, especially before a private clinic. The NHS says most loss is either temporary or a normal part of getting older, and that no treatment works for everyone.
Which treatment does the NHS name for pattern hair loss?
Minoxidil, for women and men, and finasteride for men. Women should not use finasteride. Both need to be continued if they are helping.
Which red light hat is the top pick?
In that category, the RedLight Innovation Hat Pro at £372. The comparison sits in Devices, alongside the other ways people try to treat hair loss.