Topical treatments
Best minoxidil in the UK
Foam or solution, 2% or 5%, and what the patient leaflet actually restricts. Brand matters less than using it.
Minoxidil is the licensed pattern-hair-loss treatment you can buy in the UK without a prescription. For men aged 18 to 49 the lead pick is Regaine Extra Strength foam 5%, £55 for three months, checked 18 Oct 2026. Women aged 18 to 65 are pointed to the once-a-day 5% foam. The benefit stops when you stop.
See a GP or doctor if hair loss is sudden, patchy, or comes with illness, a rash, or other symptoms. The NHS asks for that conversation before a private clinic.
The NHS names minoxidil for pattern hair loss in men and women. You usually buy it yourself. NICE says it is not routine NHS prescribing for male pattern loss. The useful choices are the strength, whether it is a foam or a solution, who the licence covers, and what a month actually costs.
Whether it works at all, and for how long, is on does minoxidil work. This page is the shopping comparison. Oral minoxidil, the blood-pressure tablet, is not one of these products. That stays on oral minoxidil, with no brand and no dose.
How we chose
Minoxidil is the licensed hair-loss treatment you can buy without a prescription in the UK, and the NHS names it for male and female pattern hair loss. The active ingredient matters more than the brand. We compared UK products on strength, foam or solution, the ages and sexes on the licence, the legal category, the dose and the price per month, using retailer pages and the patient leaflets on the electronic medicines compendium. These are factual comparisons. Read the leaflet in the box. A pharmacist checks suitability for pharmacy-only products. We have not used these products.
The Growth Check. Each product is scored out of 100 on five criteria, using published evidence, the spec and the UK price. We have not used the products. Read the Growth Check.
- Evidence (30) How strong the research is for the ingredient or device. Sham-controlled trials and meta-analyses score highest. A single small or uncontrolled study, or brand claims alone, score lowest.
- Dose match (20) Whether the product delivers what the trials used: strength, dose, wavelength or needle length. If that fact is not stated, the mark is conservative.
- Value (20) Cost per month at the effective dose, from the UK price checked on 18 Oct 2026. Devices are the price divided by the stated warranty. If a pack length or warranty is not stated, the pack price is treated as one month, or a device is spread over 12 months.
- Honesty (15) Ingredients and specs published in full, no cure or guaranteed-regrowth claim in the material we checked, and a clear UK sale status.
- Everyday use and safety (15) How realistic the routine is, how common the side effects are, and warranty, returns and UK availability.
Quick verdict
Regaine for Men Extra Strength foam 5% and Regaine for Women once-a-day foam 5% both score 86. The men’s foam stays first because the evidence mark is higher: 5% minoxidil in men is in a meta-analysis, while the women’s once-a-day foam rests on that 2% evidence plus one trial. The men’s foam is £55 for three months, propylene glycol-free, for ages 18 to 49.
Regaine for Women 2% solution scores just behind the foams. It is the strength the meta-analysis measured in women, and it is on general sale. Sons 5% spray is close on price to the men’s foam if you prefer a spray and will complete the pharmacy questions. The men’s 5% solution, licensed to 65 on the listing, ranks last: propylene glycol, a higher price, and the legal category was not stated.
What the leaflets say before you start
- Men’s 5% foam (Regaine for Men Extra Strength) is licensed for men aged 18 to 49 with hereditary hair loss. Apply 1 g, half a capful, twice a day to a dry scalp, and no more than 2 g a day.
- Women’s 5% foam (Regaine for Women Once a Day) is for women aged 18 to 65. Apply 1 g once a day, and not more than once a day. Allow 12 to 24 weeks for regrowth.
- Do not use it if the hair loss is sudden, patchy or of unknown cause, or if the scalp is red, inflamed, infected or sore, including sunburn and psoriasis. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you have heart disease, an abnormal heart rhythm, angina, chest pain or a circulation disorder.
- Stop and get medical advice if you get chest pain, a fast heartbeat or palpitations, faintness or dizziness, swollen hands or feet, or sudden unexplained weight gain.
- Shedding can increase in the first weeks and usually settles within a couple of weeks. If it carries on, stop and see a doctor. The men’s leaflet says to stop if there is no improvement after 16 weeks. The women’s leaflet says some people need at least 24 weeks.
- Unwanted facial or body hair can grow if the product touches other skin. Wash your hands after use. Foams and solutions are flammable. The benefit stops when you stop, which is also what the NHS says.
The picks
Best overall for men
Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam 5% (3-month supply)
86/100 Growth Check Evidence grade A
Points out of each factor’s max (the five maxes add to 100).
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Evidence 28 of 30
Adil 2017, a meta-analysis, found 5% minoxidil better than placebo in men. This is a licensed 5% foam. The trials were not all of this brand.
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Dose match 18 of 20
5% foam, 1 g twice a day, matches the licence and the strength in the men’s meta-analysis.
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Value 14 of 20
£18.33 a month. £55 for three months is £18.33 a month, from a search-index copy of the Boots page.
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Honesty 15 of 15
Strength, dose, age range, general-sale status and the propylene glycol-free formula are published in the leaflet and the listing.
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Everyday use and safety 11 of 15
Twice a day, indefinitely. The leaflet warns about chest pain, a fast heartbeat and early shedding. Foam avoids propylene glycol.
What would change our mind. A head-to-head showing a cheaper 5% foam matches this one on irritation and hair count.
£55.00
Checked 18 Oct 2026. The shop blocked a direct read, so this figure is from a search-index copy of that retailer’s own page.
Three cans, 219 ml in total, about three months. Search-index copy of the Boots page.
- Active
- Minoxidil 50 mg/g (5% w/w) foam
- Dose
- 1 g (half a capful) twice a day
- Other ingredients
- Propylene glycol-free. Contains ethanol, cetyl and stearyl alcohol, BHT and propellants.
- UK status
- General sales list medicine
Why we picked it
Five percent, a foam that leaves out propylene glycol, and the lowest monthly cost of the men’s packs we priced when bought as three months. Irritation is the usual reason to prefer foam over the classic solution.
Who it suits
Men aged 18 to 49 with gradual thinning on the crown, the hereditary pattern described on the leaflet.
Downsides
- Twice a day, every day, for as long as you want the effect. The hair you gained is lost when you stop.
Best for women
Regaine for Women Once a Day Scalp Foam 5% (73 ml)
86/100 Growth Check Evidence grade A
Points out of each factor’s max (the five maxes add to 100).
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Evidence 26 of 30
Adil 2017 found 2% minoxidil better than placebo in women. Blume-Peytavi 2011, one trial of 113 women, found once-daily 5% foam no worse than twice-daily 2% solution. The meta-analysis does not isolate this foam.
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Dose match 19 of 20
1 g once a day of 5% foam matches both the leaflet and the Blume-Peytavi regimen.
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Value 14 of 20
£17.30 a month. £34.59 for 73 ml, about two months, is £17.30 a month. Search-index copy of the retailer page.
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Honesty 15 of 15
Dose, pack, pharmacy status and the once-daily limit are published. The leaflet sets the age range and the pregnancy rule.
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Everyday use and safety 12 of 15
Once a day is easier than twice. Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding. A pharmacy asks health questions before sale.
What would change our mind. A second trial of once-daily 5% foam in women, beyond the single 2011 study.
£34.59
Checked 18 Oct 2026. The shop blocked a direct read, so this figure is from a search-index copy of that retailer’s own page.
73 ml, about two months. Search-index copy of the retailer page.
- Active
- Minoxidil 5% w/w foam
- Dose
- 1 g (half a capful) once a day
- Pack
- 73 ml, about 2 months
- UK status
- Pharmacy medicine. Retailers ask health questions before sale.
Why we picked it
Once a day, no propylene glycol, and a randomised trial found this once-daily 5% foam no worse than twice-daily 2% solution, with less itching and flaking.
Who it suits
Women aged 18 to 65 with female pattern hair loss (a widening parting and thinning on top).
Downsides
- Not in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Best lower-strength option for women
Regaine for Women Regular Strength 2% solution (60 ml)
85/100 Growth Check Evidence grade A
Points out of each factor’s max (the five maxes add to 100).
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Evidence 28 of 30
The Adil 2017 meta-analysis found 2% minoxidil better than placebo in women. This is that strength.
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Dose match 18 of 20
2% solution, twice a day, matches the women’s strength in the meta-analysis and the leaflet.
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Value 14 of 20
£22.99 a month. £22.99 for 60 ml is about one month.
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Honesty 15 of 15
Strength, twice-daily dose, pack size and general-sale status are stated.
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Everyday use and safety 10 of 15
Twice a day, and the solution contains propylene glycol, so itch is more likely than with the foam.
What would change our mind. Evidence that twice-daily 2% is easier to live with than the once-daily 5% foam.
£22.99
Checked 18 Oct 2026. The shop blocked a direct read, so this figure is from a search-index copy of that retailer’s own page.
60 ml, about one month. The price is the one listed for this pack.
- Active
- Minoxidil 20 mg/ml (2% w/v) solution
- Dose
- Twice a day, as the leaflet says
- Pack
- 60 ml
- UK status
- General sales list medicine
Why we picked it
The longest-established women’s option, sold on general sale, with meta-analysis evidence for 2% minoxidil in women. Choose it if you want the gentler strength, or if 5% caused unwanted facial hair.
Who it suits
Women aged 18 to 65 who want 2%, or who found 5% grew hair where they did not want it.
Downsides
- Twice a day, and the standard solution contains propylene glycol, so itch is more likely than with the foam.
Best value 5% solution for men
Sons Minoxidil 5% cutaneous solution (3 x 60 ml)
83/100 Growth Check Evidence grade A
Points out of each factor’s max (the five maxes add to 100).
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Evidence 28 of 30
The same meta-analysis supports 5% minoxidil in men. This is that strength. There is no trial of the Sons spray itself in the brief.
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Dose match 18 of 20
5%, 1 ml every 12 hours, matches the usual men’s solution dose. The listing does not state whether propylene glycol is present.
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Value 14 of 20
£18 a month. £54 for three 60 ml bottles is £18 a month, from a search-index copy of the Boots page.
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Honesty 13 of 15
Strength, dose and pharmacy-medicine status are clear. Propylene glycol is not stated on the listing we read.
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Everyday use and safety 10 of 15
A twice-daily spray is workable. A pharmacy questionnaire sits in front of the sale, and the heart warnings on minoxidil still apply.
What would change our mind. The listing confirming there is no propylene glycol, and a trial of this spray rather than of minoxidil in general.
£54.00
Checked 18 Oct 2026. The shop blocked a direct read, so this figure is from a search-index copy of that retailer’s own page.
Three-month pack. Search-index copy of the Boots page.
- Active
- Minoxidil 50 mg/ml (5%) solution, with a spray
- Dose
- 1 ml (10 sprays) every 12 hours. Maximum 2 ml a day.
- Other ingredients
- Ethanol 96%, glycerol, a polymer and water. Propylene glycol: Not stated on the listing we read.
- UK status
- Pharmacy medicine. The Boots listing asks you to complete a questionnaire.
Why we picked it
The same 5% strength as Regaine, a few pounds less for three months, and a spray that some people find easier to aim. It is for adult men, not for women.
Who it suits
Adult men with moderate pattern hair loss who prefer a spray and are happy to answer the pharmacy questions.
Downsides
- Pharmacy-only, so an online questionnaire sits between you and the basket.
Best for men over 49, licensed to 65
Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Solution 5% (3-month supply)
74/100 Growth Check Evidence grade A
Points out of each factor’s max (the five maxes add to 100).
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Evidence 28 of 30
5% minoxidil in men is supported by the Adil 2017 meta-analysis. This is a licensed 5% solution, including for ages up to 65 on the listing.
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Dose match 14 of 20
5% w/v matches the studied strength. The application volume was not in the brief’s spec line, so the full regimen is not confirmed here.
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Value 14 of 20
£23.33 a month. £69.99 for three months is £23.33 a month, from a search-index copy of the Boots page.
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Honesty 10 of 15
Strength and propylene glycol are disclosed. Whether it is general sale or pharmacy-only was not stated.
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Everyday use and safety 8 of 15
Propylene glycol commonly itches. The age range to 65 is the practical advantage. Legal category was not stated.
What would change our mind. A clear general-sale or pharmacy status, and a propylene glycol-free version licensed to 65.
£69.99
Checked 18 Oct 2026. The shop blocked a direct read, so this figure is from a search-index copy of that retailer’s own page.
Three bottles of 60 ml. Search-index copy of the Boots page.
- Active
- Minoxidil 50 mg/ml (5% w/v) solution
- Other ingredients
- Ethanol, propylene glycol and water
- In the box
- Two applicators
- UK status
- Licensed over-the-counter medicine. Exact category (general sale or pharmacy): Not stated. Check the pack.
Why we picked it
The listing covers men aged 18 to 65, which the men’s foam does not. If you are over 49 and you want branded 5% minoxidil, this is the one that matches that age range.
Who it suits
Men aged 18 to 65 who prefer a dropper solution, including men too old for the men’s foam licence.
Downsides
- It contains propylene glycol, a common cause of itch and flaking. Choose the foam if your scalp is sensitive and you are still within the foam’s age range.
Comparison
Swipe to compare →
| Product | Best for | Growth Check | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam 5% (3-month supply) | Best overall for men | 86/100 · A | £55.00 Checked 18 Oct 2026 |
| Regaine for Women Once a Day Scalp Foam 5% (73 ml) | Best for women | 86/100 · A | £34.59 Checked 18 Oct 2026 |
| Regaine for Women Regular Strength 2% solution (60 ml) | Best lower-strength option for women | 85/100 · A | £22.99 Checked 18 Oct 2026 |
| Sons Minoxidil 5% cutaneous solution (3 x 60 ml) | Best value 5% solution for men | 83/100 · A | £54.00 Checked 18 Oct 2026 |
| Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Solution 5% (3-month supply) | Best for men over 49, licensed to 65 | 74/100 · A | £69.99 Checked 18 Oct 2026 |
Prices and scores rechecked monthly. Last checked 18 October 2026.
What we left out
Oral minoxidil is prescription-only and is not on this page. Non-UK imports, and unlicensed serums that claim a minoxidil-like effect, are not picks.
Common questions
What minoxidil should men buy in the UK?
If you are 18 to 49, Regaine for Men Extra Strength foam 5% is the first card. It is used twice a day and it does not contain propylene glycol. It ties on points with the women’s once-a-day foam, and stays first because the men’s 5% evidence is stronger. Men over 49 who want branded 5% are on the solution, which is licensed to 65 and contains propylene glycol.
What minoxidil should women buy?
Regaine for Women Once a Day foam 5%, for ages 18 to 65. A trial found it worked as well as twice-daily 2% solution, with less itch. It is not for pregnancy or breastfeeding. The 2% solution is the general-sale alternative.
What if minoxidil is not suitable?
Stop if you get chest pain, a racing heart, faintness, swollen hands or feet, or sudden weight gain, and speak to a doctor. Sudden or patchy loss needs a GP, not a foam. Oral minoxidil is a different, prescription-only medicine.
Sources
Keep reading
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