Minoxidil 5% Scalp Solution for Hair Loss (Regaine)

Minoxidil 5% scalp solution is a clinically studied, topical hair regrowth solution for men experiencing male pattern baldness. Applied directly to the scalp twice daily, it works at the follicle level to help slow hair loss and support the growth of new hair. Hair loss is a common experience for many men, and finding a treatment that is both evidence-based and straightforward to use is an important part of managing the condition on your own terms.

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most common form of hair loss in men. It typically presents as a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or a gradual reduction in hair density across the top of the scalp. While it does not pose a medical risk, it can have a meaningful impact on how a person feels about their appearance.

Minoxidil 5% scalp solution is a Pharmacy Medicine in the UK. This means it is available without a prescription, though a pharmacist will carry out a brief suitability check before supply. It is one of the few hair regrowth treatments with a licensed indication and a substantial clinical evidence base.

Minoxidil 5% scalp solution is a topical liquid medicine applied directly to the scalp. The brand name Regaine for Men Extra Strength is one of the most widely recognised presentations of this product. It contains 5% w/v minoxidil as the active ingredient, in a solution also containing alcohol, propylene glycol, and purified water.

It is licensed in the UK for the treatment of alopecia androgenetica (male pattern baldness) in men aged 18 to 65. It is applied to the affected areas of the scalp using the applicator provided. The solution is not a shampoo or conditioner and should not be rinsed off after application.

Generic versions of minoxidil 5% scalp solution are also available and contain the same active ingredient at the same licensed concentration. Whether you use the branded or generic version, the therapeutic effect is derived from the same mechanism of action.

The Science Behind Hair Growth

Hair grows in cycles consisting of three phases: an active growth phase (anagen), a transitional phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). In male pattern baldness, the anagen phase shortens progressively with each cycle, and the follicle produces increasingly finer, shorter hair until growth stops altogether.

What Minoxidil Does at the Follicle

The precise mechanism of action of minoxidil in treating hair loss is not fully understood. However, it is thought to work as a potassium channel opener, which causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) around the hair follicle. This is believed to increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to the follicle, which may extend the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.

By prolonging the active growth phase, minoxidil 5% helps to slow the miniaturisation of hair follicles and may stimulate hair growth in areas where follicles are still active but producing reduced hair. It does not affect the hormonal cause of male pattern baldness, unlike finasteride. It works peripherally, at the level of the scalp, rather than systemically on DHT levels.

What to Expect Over Time

Visible results from minoxidil 5% typically take a minimum of four months of consistent daily use. Some men notice an initial increase in hair shedding during the first few weeks of treatment. This is a recognised phenomenon and reflects the follicle transitioning from the resting phase into a new growth cycle. It generally resolves within eight weeks and is not a sign that the treatment is not working.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine. The following reflects the standard dosing guidance for this product:

1. Apply 1ml of solution (one full applicator) to the affected area of dry scalp twice daily.
2. Part the hair to expose the scalp and apply the solution directly, spreading it gently with the fingertips.
3. Do not exceed 2ml (two applications) in any 24-hour period.
4. Leave the solution on the scalp and allow it to dry naturally. Do not wash hair within four hours of applying.
5. Wash hands thoroughly after each application to avoid unintended contact with other areas of skin.
6. Do not apply to broken, irritated, or sunburned skin.
7. Do not use a hair dryer directly on the scalp immediately after applying the solution.

Consistency is essential. Minoxidil must be used twice every day without interruption to maintain any benefit gained. If you stop using the treatment, any hair that has been regrown or maintained will typically be lost within three to four months.

If you accidentally miss an application, apply the next scheduled dose as normal. Do not apply a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

Available Presentation

Minoxidil 5% scalp solution is available in a 60ml bottle with a calibrated applicator. The standard dose is 1ml per application, applied twice daily, giving a total daily dose of 2ml. Each 60ml bottle provides approximately 30 days of treatment at the standard dose.

Minoxidil 2% vs 5% Strength

Minoxidil scalp solution is also available in a 2% strength, which is licensed for use in women experiencing hair loss. The 5% strength is specifically for men and has been studied in male pattern baldness at this concentration. The 5% formulation is not licensed for use in women; women should use the 2% concentration only and under pharmacist guidance.

Foam Formulation

A 5% minoxidil foam is also available for men. The foam contains a different set of excipients and does not include propylene glycol, which may be of relevance to individuals who are sensitive to that ingredient. The standard dose for the foam is half a capful (1g) applied once daily. If you are considering the foam rather than the solution, speak to your pharmacist about which presentation is most appropriate for your needs.

Minoxidil 5% scalp solution is generally well tolerated when used as directed. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects in some people. Read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully before use.

Common Side Effects

• Scalp irritation, itching, or dryness at the site of application
• Temporary increase in hair shedding during the first few weeks of use
• Allergic contact dermatitis (skin reaction) at the application site

Uncommon or Rare Side Effects

• Unwanted facial hair growth, particularly in women (relevant if the medicine is accidentally applied to or transferred to facial skin)
• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
• Low blood pressure (dizziness or light-headedness on standing), particularly if more than the recommended amount is applied
• Fluid retention or swelling of the hands or feet
• Headache

Minoxidil 5% Scalp Solution Is Not Suitable If You

• Are female. The 5% strength is not licensed for use in women.
• Are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
• Have no family history of hair loss and are experiencing sudden or patchy hair loss. In these cases, a medical assessment is recommended to identify the underlying cause.
• Have a known allergy to minoxidil, propylene glycol, alcohol, or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• Have a scalp condition such as psoriasis, severe dermatitis, or any broken or inflamed skin on the scalp.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (women should not use the 5% formulation at all).

This Treatment May Be Appropriate If You

• Are a man aged 18 to 65 experiencing gradual thinning or hair loss at the crown or vertex of the scalp.
• Have been experiencing hair loss for fewer than ten years, as treatment is generally more effective when follicles are still active.
• Are able to commit to twice-daily application consistently over the long term.
• Are aware that treatment must be continued to maintain results.

Use With Caution If You

• Have a history of heart disease or cardiovascular conditions. Although systemic absorption from topical application is low, any cardiac symptoms during use should be reported to a doctor promptly.
• Are taking other medicines. While drug interactions with topical minoxidil are uncommon at the recommended dose, it is advisable to mention all current medicines to your pharmacist.
• Have liver or kidney disease. Speak to your GP before starting this treatment.

This list is not exhaustive. Your pharmacist will complete a suitability assessment when you purchase this product and can advise on any individual circumstances that may affect your use of it.

Minoxidil 5% scalp solution is a Pharmacy Medicine, which means it does not require a prescription but must be purchased under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. At Pharmacy Planet, this is handled through a brief online assessment completed at the point of sale. This assessment is designed to confirm that the product is suitable for your circumstances before it is dispensed.

The assessment covers the nature and duration of your hair loss, your age, any other medicines you are taking, and any health conditions that may affect suitability. Based on your responses, our pharmacist team will confirm whether the product is appropriate for you. In some cases, we may recommend you speak to your GP before purchasing, particularly if your hair loss pattern does not match the profile of androgenetic alopecia or if you have relevant health conditions.

If the product is confirmed as appropriate, it will be dispensed and delivered to you promptly in discreet packaging. Our pharmacists remain available if you have any questions once you begin treatment, whether about how to apply the solution, what to expect in the early weeks, or any side effects you notice during use.

If you are unsure whether minoxidil 5% is the right option for your pattern of hair loss, our team can signpost you to further guidance or suggest that you see your GP for a fuller assessment.

• Store below 25 degrees Celsius. Do not refrigerate.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep the solution away from open flames and heat sources. The solution contains alcohol and is flammable.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste. Return unused medicine to your local pharmacy.

The table below compares the two prescription hair loss treatments available through Pharmacy Planet. Both require a clinical consultation and approval from a registered prescriber before treatment can be supplied.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical or pharmaceutical advice. A prescriber or pharmacist will determine which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation or suitability assessment.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy dedicated to making regulated, evidence-based treatments accessible to people across the UK. We operate under the full oversight of our superintendent pharmacist and comply with all MHRA, GPhC, and NHS standards for the safe supply of medicines.

When you buy a Pharmacy Medicine through Pharmacy Planet, you are not simply adding a product to a basket. Our pharmacist team reviews every assessment to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you as an individual. We are here to support your health decisions with accurate information and professional guidance, not to process orders.

Our product information pages are written to inform, not to sell. We believe that when you understand how a medicine works, what to expect from it, and what to do if things change, you are better placed to make decisions that work for you.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Solution 5% w/v — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1797. Accessed May 2026.
2. NHS. Hair loss — treatment. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/treatment. Accessed May 2026.
3. British National Formulary (BNF). Minoxidil. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/minoxidil. Accessed May 2026.
4. MHRA. Yellow Card Scheme — reporting side effects. https://www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Accessed May 2026.
5. 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. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2002; 47(3): 377-385.