Trimu Minoxidil 5% w/v cutaneous solution 60ml spray bottle with long applicator nozzle

Minoxidil

How it works

Stimulates follicles and increases scalp blood flow topically

Effect

85% see reduced hair loss, with visible regrowth in 3-6 months

From

£49.99

/month

Available as solution or foam. No prescription required. Free discreet delivery.

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What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Originally developed as a blood pressure medication, researchers discovered it had the remarkable side effect of promoting hair growth — and it’s been helping people regrow hair ever since.

First approved for hair loss in 1988, Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Regaine (Rogaine in the US). It’s available without prescription and is one of only two clinically proven treatments for pattern hair loss — the other being Finasteride.

Unlike Finasteride which works internally, Minoxidil works directly on hair follicles where it’s applied. It’s suitable for both men and women, making it a versatile option for anyone experiencing hair thinning.

How effective is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is one of only two clinically proven treatments for pattern hair loss, with decades of evidence supporting its effectiveness. Here’s what you can expect with consistent twice-daily use:

  • 85% of users see reduced hair loss, with many experiencing visible regrowth within 3-6 months of consistent use.
  • Peak results are typically seen by 12 months. Miniaturised follicles enlarge and produce thicker, more visible hairs — improving overall hair density.
  • Suitable for both men and women, making it the most versatile hair loss treatment available. No prescription required.

For maximum results, many people combine Minoxidil with Finasteride — they work through different mechanisms and studies show the combination produces better results than either alone.

Slim man and a heavier man standing back to back, showing different body shapes

How does Minoxidil work?

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that works directly on the scalp where it’s applied, stimulating hair growth through multiple mechanisms.

Unlike Finasteride which blocks hormones internally, Minoxidil acts locally on your hair follicles. Here’s what that means for you:

01

Increases blood flow: Minoxidil widens blood vessels in the scalp, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles — the essential building blocks for healthy hair growth.

02

Extends growth phase: Hair follicles cycle through growth, rest, and shedding phases. Minoxidil prolongs the growth (anagen) phase, giving hair more time to grow longer and thicker before naturally shedding.

03

Enlarges follicles: Miniaturised follicles (those producing thin, weak hairs) can increase in size with Minoxidil treatment. Larger follicles produce thicker, more visible hairs — improving overall hair density.

04

Available as solution or foam: Solution is more affordable and precise with a dropper, but takes longer to dry. Foam dries in 2-3 minutes, contains no propylene glycol (less scalp irritation), and doesn’t leave hair feeling greasy.

05

Combine for maximum results: Minoxidil doesn’t block DHT (the hormone causing male pattern baldness). For the best outcome, many men combine it with Finasteride — Minoxidil stimulates growth externally while Finasteride blocks DHT internally.

Smiling woman with curly hair in a turquoise vest top exercising outdoors in the sunshine
Smiling woman with curly hair in a turquoise vest top exercising outdoors in the sunshine

Who is eligible for Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is available without a prescription and is suitable for both men and women experiencing pattern hair loss. It’s one of the most accessible hair loss treatments available.

Here’s what’s involved:

  • Eligibility: Men or women aged 18 or over with pattern hair loss (thinning crown, receding hairline, or general thinning).
  • Daily commitment: Minoxidil requires twice-daily application for best results. Consistency is key — it only works while you’re using it.
  • When it’s considered: Ideal if you prefer a topical treatment over oral medication, want a non-prescription option, or are looking to add to your existing hair care routine.
  • No prescription needed: Minoxidil is available over the counter, making it the most accessible clinically proven hair loss treatment.
  • Choose your format: Available as a liquid solution (more affordable, precise application) or foam (quick-drying, less irritation).

Who shouldn’t use Minoxidil?

Minoxidil isn’t suitable for everyone. It should not be used if you:

  • Are under 18 years old.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Have unexplained hair loss (not pattern baldness).
  • Have scalp conditions such as psoriasis, sunburn, or cuts.
  • Have heart problems or low blood pressure.
  • Are allergic to Minoxidil or propylene glycol.

Instructions

How to use Minoxidil

Apply Minoxidil twice daily to a dry scalp for best results — once in the morning and once at night, roughly 12 hours apart. Make sure your scalp and hair are completely dry before application, as wet hair dilutes the solution. Apply directly to the affected areas, massage gently, then let it dry fully before styling or going to bed.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

Start with dry hair

  • Make sure your scalp and hair are completely dry before application. Wet hair dilutes the solution and reduces effectiveness.
  • If you’ve just washed your hair, towel dry thoroughly and wait until completely dry before applying.
  • Don’t wash your hair for at least 4 hours after application to allow proper absorption.

Step 2

Apply to scalp

  • Apply 1ml of solution (using the dropper) or half a capful of foam directly to the affected areas of your scalp. Part your hair to reach the skin.
  • Use your fingertips to gently massage the product into your scalp and spread it evenly across the thinning areas.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after application to avoid unwanted hair growth on your hands or other areas.

Step 3

Let it dry

  • Allow to dry completely before styling hair or going to bed. Solution takes 20-30 minutes; foam dries in just 2-3 minutes.
  • You can use other hair products (gel, mousse, hairspray) once the Minoxidil has fully dried. Don’t apply other products to wet Minoxidil.
  • Apply morning and night, roughly 12 hours apart, for best results.

Step 4

Be consistent

  • Be patient — it takes 3-6 months to see visible results. Don’t increase the dose to try to speed things up; it won’t work faster and may increase side effects.
  • Don’t panic if you see increased shedding in the first 2-4 weeks — this is a good sign that weak hairs are being pushed out to make room for stronger ones.
  • Continue using Minoxidil indefinitely to maintain results. Stopping will cause regrown hair to gradually shed over 3-6 months.

FAQs

Things you should know about Minoxidil

Yes, Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Regaine (Rogaine in the US). Generic Minoxidil contains exactly the same active ingredient at the same concentration (5%) and works identically. The main difference is price — generic Minoxidil is significantly more affordable.

Yes! Minoxidil is one of the few hair loss treatments approved for women. The 5% strength is now considered safe for women (previously only 2% was recommended). Women should not use Minoxidil if pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. Be aware that facial hair growth is a possible side effect.

This “shedding phase” is completely normal and actually a good sign! Minoxidil accelerates the hair cycle, pushing out old, weak hairs to make room for new, stronger ones. The shedding typically lasts 2-4 weeks and is followed by regrowth. Don’t stop using Minoxidil during this phase — push through it.

If you stop using Minoxidil, any hair you’ve regrown will gradually shed over 3-6 months, and your hair loss will return to its previous pattern. Minoxidil only works while you’re using it — it doesn’t cure hair loss, it manages it. For this reason, most people continue using it indefinitely.

They work differently, so the best approach is often to use both. Finasteride blocks DHT (the hormone causing hair loss) while Minoxidil stimulates growth directly. For men, combining both treatments typically produces better results than either alone. Women cannot use Finasteride, so Minoxidil is usually the first-line treatment.

While Minoxidil is only licensed for scalp use, many men use it off-label to fill in patchy beards — with anecdotal success. However, this is not an approved use and facial skin is more sensitive than the scalp, potentially increasing absorption and side effects. Use at your own risk and discontinue if you experience any adverse effects.

Yes, but timing matters. Apply Minoxidil to a clean, dry scalp and let it absorb/dry completely (20-30 minutes for solution, 2-3 minutes for foam) before using other products like gel, mousse, or hairspray. Don’t apply other products to wet Minoxidil as it may interfere with absorption.

Minoxidil is generally well-tolerated. Common effects include initial increased shedding (temporary and a sign it’s working), scalp dryness or flaking, itchy scalp, and mild irritation at the application site. Scalp issues often improve with foam which contains no propylene glycol. Uncommon effects include unwanted facial hair (more common in women), dizziness, headache, and faster heartbeat. Rare but serious effects include chest pain, rapid weight gain, severe dizziness, and allergic reactions — stop use immediately and seek medical attention if these occur.

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About Trimu

Meet the team

Clinicians, pharmacists, and founders building a better way to get treatment.

  • Dr Babatunde Osarumwense

    Doctor & Pharmacist

    GMC: 7950243 · GPhC: 2074533

  • DaizLee Ahmad

    Independent Prescribing Pharmacist

    GPhC: 2230743

  • Babar Arshad

    Superintendent Pharmacist

    GPhC: 2074066

  • Charles Cook

    CTO & Co-founder

  • Mitchell Anderson

    Co-founder

Why you can trust Trimu

Regulated care from a registered UK pharmacy

Safe, discreet treatment — reviewed by qualified clinicians and dispensed by our own UK-registered pharmacy.

Registered UK pharmacy

Dispensed by a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy (premises 1037748).

Reviewed by registered clinicians

GMC-registered doctors and GPhC-registered pharmacists check every case before any treatment is approved.

Discreet, ongoing support

Free, discreet delivery and clinical support throughout your treatment.

Our mission

Trimu began with a simple belief: getting safe, effective treatment shouldn’t be expensive, complicated, or embarrassing. We pair UK-registered clinicians with our own regulated pharmacy to offer honest advice, fair prices, and genuinely discreet care — so you can get on with feeling better.