Is minoxidil or finasteride better for hair loss?

Finasteride and minoxidil work differently and are often used together. Finasteride (oral tablet) blocks DHT and prevents further hair loss in about 90% of men. Minoxidil (topical) stimulates hair regrowth at the application site. Finasteride is generally more effective for slowing loss, while minoxidil is better for regrowth. Many specialists recommend combining both for maximum results.

How much does a hair transplant cost in the UK?

A hair transplant in the UK costs £2,500–10,000 depending on the technique and number of grafts. FUE (follicular unit extraction) typically costs £3,000–10,000 with a typical price of £5,000. FUT (strip method) costs £2,500–7,000 with a typical price of £4,000. Price depends on the number of grafts needed, surgeon experience, and clinic location.

Hair Loss Treatment Prices UK 2026

Compare hair loss treatments from 8 UK providers — from £9/month finasteride subscriptions to £10,000 hair transplants. See what each treatment costs, how they work, and whether NHS or private is the right route for you.

8 providers comparedPrices verified April 2026

Market data: finasteride (monthly)

5 providers · April 2026

Lowest observed

£9

per month

Typical price

£18

per month

Highest observed

£35

per month

Minoxidil: £10 – £30/month

Hair transplant (FUE): £3,000 – £10,000

NHS option: GP can prescribe finasteride (free with NHS Rx)

Notable hair loss treatments providers

Providers that stand out on specific attributes. Based on verified data — not a recommendation.

Pharmacy2U

from £9/month

Lowest price

Finasteride at the lowest monthly price. NHS-approved online pharmacy.

Sons

from £12/month

Includes most services

Finasteride, minoxidil, and combination plans. Free online consultation. Subscription flexibility.

The Treatment Rooms

from £2,500

Lowest price

Lowest-priced FUE hair transplant from a doctor-led London clinic.

Harley Street Hair Clinic

from £3,000

Widest range

Leading FUE specialist. Free consultation. Full aftercare programme.

Price guide

Finasteride (prescription)

Daily oral tablet, prescription-only, slows hair loss in 90% of men

£18/month

£12 – £35/month

Minoxidil (OTC)

Topical solution or foam, over-the-counter, stimulates regrowth

£15/month

£10 – £30/month

Combined Treatment Plan

Finasteride + minoxidil together, often with biotin or saw palmetto

£35/month

£25 – £50/month

Hair Loss Consultation

Assessment by specialist or online questionnaire with clinical review

Free online

£0 – £100

PRP Hair Treatment (per session)

Platelet-rich plasma injected into scalp, typically 3–6 sessions needed

£350

£200 – £500

Hair Transplant FUE

Follicular unit extraction — individual grafts, minimal scarring, 1–2 day procedure

£5,000

£3,000 – £10,000

Hair Transplant FUT

Follicular unit transplantation — strip method, higher graft yield, linear scar

£4,000

£2,500 – £7,000

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Home-use laser cap or comb, used alongside medication for enhanced results

£400

£200 – £700 (device)

Providers compared

Provider	From	Type
Manual Online men's health platform. Finasteride and minoxidil with clinical review. Discreet delivery. Cancel anytime.	£18/month	Online pharmacy
Sons Hair loss subscription service. Finasteride from £12/month, minoxidil, and combination plans. Free online consultation.	£12/month	Online pharmacy
Numan Men's health platform. Finasteride, minoxidil, and combined treatments. Clinician-reviewed. Next-day delivery.	£16/month	Online pharmacy
Boots Online Doctor Trusted high-street brand. Finasteride and minoxidil via online consultation. Collect in-store or delivery.	£14/month	Online pharmacy
Pharmacy2U NHS-approved online pharmacy. Competitive finasteride pricing. Repeat prescription management.	£9/month	Online pharmacy
Harley Street Hair Clinic Leading UK hair transplant clinic. FUE specialist. Celebrity clientele. Free consultation.	£3,000	Transplant clinic
The Treatment Rooms London-based hair transplant clinic. Doctor-led FUE. Natural results focus. Transparent pricing.	£2,500	Transplant clinic
Ashley & Martin Hair loss specialist clinic. Medical and surgical options. Personalised treatment plans. Free initial consultation.	Free consult	Treatment clinic

Should you go private or use the NHS?

NHS route

Your GP can prescribe finasteride for male pattern hair loss — free with an NHS prescription in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or the standard £9.90 charge in England. Minoxidil is available over the counter. Hair transplants are not NHS-funded.

Typical wait: GP appointment (1–3 weeks)

Private route

Same-day or next-day appointments. Choose your provider. No referral needed in most cases.

Typical wait: 24 hours – 1 week

When private hair loss treatment makes sense

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You want a convenient subscription

Online providers like Sons, Manual, and Numan deliver finasteride and minoxidil monthly with free clinical review. No GP appointment needed.

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Your GP won't prescribe finasteride

Some GPs are reluctant to prescribe finasteride due to side effect concerns. Online clinics have specialists experienced in prescribing it.

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You want a hair transplant

Hair transplants are not available on the NHS. Private clinics offer FUE and FUT procedures with free consultations to assess suitability.

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You want a combined treatment plan

Private providers offer finasteride + minoxidil + supplements as a single subscription, with regular check-ins and dose adjustments.

What to check before booking

✓Ask your GP first — finasteride may be available on NHS prescription
✓Check if the consultation is included in the subscription price
✓For transplants, confirm the number of grafts included in the quoted price
✓Ask about the cancellation policy for subscription services
✓Check if the provider offers a money-back guarantee or trial period

Questions to ask a provider

?What are the potential side effects of finasteride?
?How long before I see results from treatment?
?How many grafts do I need for my hair transplant?
?What is included in the aftercare for a transplant?
?Can I switch between treatments if one doesn't work?

Frequently asked questions

How much is finasteride in the UK?

Finasteride costs £9–35 per month from online pharmacies. Pharmacy2U offers the lowest price at £9/month. Your GP can also prescribe it on the NHS.

Minoxidil vs finasteride — which is better?

They work differently. Finasteride blocks DHT to prevent loss (90% effective). Minoxidil stimulates regrowth topically. Many specialists recommend using both together for the best results.

How much does a hair transplant cost?

FUE costs £3,000–10,000 (typical £5,000). FUT costs £2,500–7,000 (typical £4,000). Price depends on graft count, surgeon, and clinic location.

Can the NHS prescribe hair loss treatment?

Yes — your GP can prescribe finasteride (free with NHS prescription or £9.90 in England). Minoxidil is OTC. Hair transplants are not NHS-funded.

Related comparisons

Sources & further reading

NICE BNF — Finasteride — Prescribing information, dosage, side effects, and clinical evidence for finasteride in androgenetic alopecia
MHRA — Minoxidil product information — Regulatory approval, licensed indications, and safety data for minoxidil topical solutions
NHS — Hair loss — NHS guidance on causes of hair loss, when to see a GP, and treatment options including finasteride and minoxidil
British Hair and Nail Society — Professional body for dermatologists specialising in hair and nail conditions — patient information and specialist directory
GMC — Standards for cosmetic surgery — GMC guidance on standards for doctors performing hair transplants and other cosmetic procedures

How we compare hair loss treatment prices

Prices are collected from provider websites and verified against published price lists. We compare monthly subscription costs for medication and total procedure costs for transplants. We do not accept payment for ranking or inclusion.