As a first step, it's important for you to read through this treatment plan. It provides valuable information on how to take the medication, potential side effects, and who should avoid it.

Now this is the initial step in your journey to tackle your hair loss, and we are going to support you through the whole process of what should be a 12 month journey. Any worries, concerns, questions just message us – we are here for you.

Is it possible to treat hair loss?

You know that old saying, "There's nothing you can do about it"? Well, when it comes to hair loss, science and medicine beg to differ! It turns out, about 90% of men with male pattern baldness have options for treatment. Here's what these treatments can do for you:

1. Slow down your hair loss significantly.
2. Put a stop to the hair loss and help you keep what you've got.
3. Even bring back some of that lost hair and prevent further loss.

So, there's hope yet! Let's tackle this together.

How does Minoxidil work?

Our unique and powerful Turbo Kit features maximum strength 10% topical Minoxidil, offering a higher concentration than standard formulas, making it a more potent option for those seeking improved hair regrowth. Minoxidil is a powerful hair growth stimulant that increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the hair follicles, nourishing them and ensuring they remain in the growth phase longer.

This helps to halt further hair loss while promoting stronger, thicker hair growth. We've also included 5% topical Azelaic Acid, a natural ingredient designed to exfoliate the scalp, improve skin quality, and enhance the delivery of Minoxidil where it's most effective.

Recognising its benefits, we increased the strength to 5% for even greater impact. Azelaic Acid also helps inhibit the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, slowing down DHT production. Together, this potent combination provides a comprehensive solution to address hair loss and maximise regrowth potential.

Will Topical Minoxidil work for me?

The extent of hair regrowth can vary between individuals. To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to use the treatment consistently as prescribed. This hair plan has been tailored specifically for you based on your consultation and offers a powerful solution to help reduce hair loss.

Minoxidil is effective in approximately 60% of users, helping to stabilize hair loss and promote regrowth. The combination of 10% topical Minoxidil and 5% Azelaic Acid works synergistically to deliver a more robust treatment for hair loss. With the increased strength of the 10% spray, you only need to apply it once a day for optimal results.

How to use Minoxidil 10%?

It is important to use the spray regularly and as directed to ensure optimal results.

The treatment solution should be applied as follows:

1. Wash your hands before and after applying the solution.

2. Apply the solution to dry/towel-dried hair and scalp. Part the hair to allow delivery onto the scalp zones most impacted with baldness.

3. Apply 1 ml (7 sprays) of the solution ONCE daily to the most problematic ‘balding’ scalp areas, you can do this at a time which best suits you.

Tips: We suggest applying it a night so that you can sleep whilst it works its magic and not worry about it impacting your hair styling regime. Also remember, you are treating the scalp and not the hair.

4. Using more than 1 ml for each application, or more than once a day will not enhance results and will mean you will lose product unnecessarily

Extra tips:

• Allow the solution to dry for at least 20 mins before applying any hair styling products, or going to bed.
• If you forget to apply, no stress, just apply when the next dose is due. No need to double up.
• If you find it too oily, ensure you use it on clean hair and you can also gently use a hairdryer

Results will come to those who wait!

How soon can I expect results?

The sooner you start treatment after noticing hair loss, the better your chances of success. Results may appear within 3-6 months, though it may take longer for some. Continued use helps hair follicles gain volume, promoting thicker, longer hair and preventing further loss. If treatment is stopped, new hair may disappear within 3-12 months.

How long should I take it for?

For as long as you'd like to keep your hair. Optimal results are seen at 12-24 months, though improvements may start within 3-6 months. This is a long-term hair loss management plan.

What are the side effects?

Topical minoxidil is generally safe for most people. Most patients do not experience serious side effects, so it can be a good option for treating hair loss. Systemic side effects from topical minoxidil are infrequent. Research suggests that when absorbed through the skin, topical minoxidil does not remain in the system for too long. As a result, the likelihood of systemic effects is very low, even with regular application. However, some users have reported rare systemic side effects, including lightheadedness, swelling in the hands and feet, and an increased heart rate. However all medications have side effects, so it’s important you understand the ones sometimes seen with minoxidil. Stop using this treatment plan and talk to a clinician, your own doctor or a pharmacist if you experience any of the following potential side effects include:

Side EffectsStop using this treatment plan and talk to a clinician, your own doctor or a pharmacist if you experience any of the following potential side effects include:

Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis is when you have more hair than usual in places where you normally don't have much hair, like your face, arms, or back.

• 0.5% of patients discontinued due to hypertrichosis
• Symptoms of hypertrichosis should reverse, typically once this treatment is stopped.
• Consider hair removal options, such as shaving, waxing, or laser treatment, if the hair growth is bothersome.

Contact Dermatitis

Skin irritation or rash that develops where the minoxidil solution is applied.

• The alcohol in the spray can may cause irritation. Avoid applying minoxidil to inflamed or irritated skin.
• Keep the scalp clean and avoid other hair products that may irritate the skin.
• Alcohol can dry out the scalp; use hydrating oils like coconut oil to maintain moisture.

Changes in hair colour

Minoxidil can cause changes in hair colour, often making hair darker or, less commonly, lighter. This may occur as the new hair grows back thicker and more pigmented, particularly in areas where hair was previously thinning and lighter.

• Managing unwanted colour changes, such as hair dye.

Gastrointestinal disorders

When taking minoxidil, you might feel sick or nauseous, feel like vomiting, or have belly pain

• Take minoxidil with food to help reduce stomach upset
• Stay hydrated and eat small meals
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician.

Palpitations

Palpitations are the sensation of feeling your heart beating rapidly, irregularly, or strongly. You might notice them as fluttering or pounding in your chest.

• Palpitations can be exacerbated by the following: strenuous exercise, lack of sleep, stress, alcohol and caffeine.
• Should you have palpitations, coupled with chest pain, feeling faint or shortness of breath it could be a serious condition. Seek immediate medical assistance by calling 999 or going to A&E.
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician.

Headaches

A type of pain or discomfort that you feel in your head, scalp or neck

• Use the medication as prescribed and avoid overuse, as excessive use can increase the risk of headaches
• Drink plenty of water to help prevent headaches, as they are a common side effect
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician.

Swelling

Fluid retention happens when your body holds onto more water than it needs, causing swelling in areas like your legs, feet, or hands. This can make you feel bloated or puffy.

• Low risk typically less than 1.3% of patients are at risk of suffering from fluid retention
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician
• If you experience any of the following symptoms—severe swelling, pain, redness, or heat in a specific area; a high fever; or swelling in one ankle, foot, or leg without an obvious cause of injury—please seek urgent medical help. Contact your GP for an emergency appointment or call 111. Please follow this link for more information.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is inflammation of the lining around your heart, which causes chest pain. It's not usually serious, but it can sometimes cause serious health problems.

• If you have any of these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or fainting, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. For more information, see the symptoms listed here.
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician

Angina

Angina pectoris is when you feel chest pain or pressure because your heart isn't getting enough oxygen. It is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles.

• If you have any of these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or fainting, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. For more information, see the symptoms listed here.
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician

Breast tenderness

Using minoxidil might cause your breasts to feel sore or tender to the touch.

• Breast tenderness is a rare side effect, but if you experience any soreness or tenderness in your breasts, please book a call to speak with a clinician.

Pericardial effusion

Palpitations refer to the feeling that your heart is beating too hard, too fast, fluttering, or skipping a beat.

• It’s not very common, occurring in approximately 3% of cases. However, if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or feeling faint, please call 999 or seek urgent medical attention at A&E.

Cardiac Tamponade

This is a condition where fluid builds up in the space around the heart. This fluid puts pressure on the heart, preventing it from pumping blood effectively.

• A rare side effect, occurring in approximately 3% of cases. However, if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or feeling faint or a fever, please call 999 or seek urgent medical attention at A&E.

Leucopenia

Leucopenia is a condition where the number of white blood cells is low.

• If you experience symptoms such as high fever, persistent infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding, mouth sores or red patches in the mouth, or a severe cough, please call 999 or seek urgent medical attention at A&E.

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low number of platelet cells.

• Although it's a rare side effect, if you notice symptoms such as easy bruising, abnormal bleeding, blood in your urine, gums, or stool, or tiny red or purple dots on your lower legs, please call 999 or seek urgent medical attention at A&E.

More information about potential side effects

If you are allergic to minoxidil or the excipients of minoxidil, anaphylaxis or a generalised severe allergic reaction may occur. Symptoms can include fainting, shortness of breath, sudden drop in blood pressure and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face and neck. If you feel very unwell or experience serious, severe or persistent side effects please go to your local Accident & Emergency department immediately or in an emergency call 999.

We want the best for you and your health. It is important that you don’t feel alone, so please voice your concerns and get in touch with one of our team members for more help if you need it. You can message a clinician via the messaging function on your patient account, and we will typically reply within 24 hours.

We are committed to continually improving our understanding of the medications we prescribe, including their side effects, to provide the highest level of care, guided by the latest medical insights. If you experience any side effects, please discuss them with your clinician or coach. Additionally, you can report side effects, no matter how minor, through the government-run Yellow Card reporting scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Your feedback helps to improve medication safety for everyone.”

Why am I Shedding?

Temporary hair loss may occur within the first 2-8 weeks of starting your treatment plan, although this may seem like a cause for concern it is actually evidence that the Minoxidil is working! This is evidence that the Minoxidil is working its magic on the natural hair growth cycle causing the old hair to fall out to make way for the newer stronger hairs.

When will I see the Results?

The moment you've been anticipating: When will you start noticing changes? It's natural to be eager for results, but it's crucial to understand that success takes time. Minoxidil gets to work as soon as you begin treatment, yet visible results might not appear immediately. While some early signs can surface within six months, we recommend committing to the treatment plan for at least a year to fully appreciate its effects. Keep in mind, restoring hair isn't a quick fix—it's a journey that requires patience and persistence.

Who should not take it?

Our hair treatment plans are not suitable for:

• Women
• Male patients under 18 years of age
• Individuals over 65 years of age
• Those experiencing non-hereditary hair loss, unexplained sudden hair loss, or total baldness
• Individuals with high blood pressure, even if untreated
• Suffer from uncontrolled dangerously low or high blood pressure
• Scalp conditions, including psoriasis (an itchy inflammatory skin condition), sunburnt or damaged sore skin.
• You should not take our treatments if you are allergic to minoxidil, azelaic acid, propylene glycol, alcohol, or purified water.

Additionally, the treatments have not been shown to be effective in men with complete hair loss.

What if my medical status changes?

If your medical status does change during the course of your hair plan subscription, please do let us know via the clinician messaging thread so we can determine whether ongoing treatment is suitable.

Please inform our clinicians via your patient account messaging facility: if you start taking any new medicines or if there are any significant changes to your medical history. Also if you experience any significant side-effects or want further advice on your treatment.

You must inform your GP about the medicines you take to ensure they have an accurate medication history. If you do not share this information with your GP it could result in the healthcare professional not having enough information to make informed clinical decisions about your care, increasing your risk of injuries or side effects. On your account page, you can download a letter to share with your GP that contains all the relevant information about your treatment plan.

The Men's Manual Podcast

Episode 02: Demystifying Hair Loss