The most common cause of male pattern baldness is hereditary hair loss. However, a range of health conditions, ailments and hormonal issues can also trigger the premature loss of hair.
Around 90% of cases in men are caused by a condition called androgenic alopecia (MBP). At the heart of the problem is the follicles’ sensitivity to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). the hormone responsible for giving men their male characteristics when younger, DHT binds to hair follicles and weakens them over time. Hair can become thinner and looser over time — eventually falling out.
Some causes of premature hair loss can’t be treated by Minoxidil or Finasteride. For example, alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that doesn’t respond to these medications. Physical issues can also cause hair loss, including traction alopecia — caused by objects such as helmets and hairbands pulling the hair too tightly. The rare condition trichotillomania involves a powerful urge to pull the hair from the scalp and is treated as a mental health issue.

agent is a 100% online telehealth platform that connects patients to licensed healthcare professionals in the UK. We offer support for conditions ranging from sexual health to skincare, and hair care. Through our easy online process, anyone can answer a few questions, meet with a licensed medical provider, and then get a customised treatment plan, including medical and over-the-counter products, shipped right to their door.

The good news for men is that 90% of patients respond to hair growth treatments. If you have MPB, you’ll first notice thinning above your temples or on your crown, the hairline will recede and leave you with a broad “v” shaped line and, whilst the crown thinning manifests with thin withering strands of hair. This type of hair loss is very responsive to treatments such as Finasteride and Minoxidil. A consultation with an Agent clinician will lead to a treatment plan to solve your problem at the root cause (no pun intended).

While our hair regrowth treatments are very effective (helping around 90% of men), they take time to deliver results. After three months of treatment, you should start noticing a difference in the thickness of your hair. After six months, scalp coverage should be generally improved. Achieving greatness takes time, so stay the course and follow the dosage or application instructions to the letter.

Every head of hair is different, and treatment differs depending on the cause or type of hair loss. For mild to moderate hair loss, Minoxidil — applied directly to the scalp — stimulates follicles and promotes regrowth, this stimulates hair growth and can help men with thinning hair achieve greater density. Finasteride blocks the hormone DHT responsible for shrinking your follicles and making them fall out- is available as a pill or a topical treatment. It prevents progressive balding and works extra well for those with the receding hairlines and those who have not responded with just minoxidil, complete a consultation and we will suggest the best option or combination.

Like all medicines, there is always a possibility a few side effects related to the use of Minoxidil and Finasteride, they’re not common and, in most cases, relatively mild. Minoxidil side effects, for example, are usually down to over-application. Among the most common are dizziness, drowsiness, abnormal hair growth (hypertrichosis), headaches, palpitations and low blood pressure. Oral Finasteride can, in very rare circumstances, cause issues such as erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculation volume and reduced libido.
Both Minoxidil and Finasteride are fully licensed in the UK, which means they have been fully tested and subjected to detailed safety checks. Check the packaging for application or dosage instructions and a full list of potential side effects.

There are no guarantees of success with hair transplants. In many cases, hair loss continues after the procedure, which often leads to additional procedures. Even if a hair transplant is considered successful, you’d still need to take Finasteride and Minoxidil in order to tackle the root causes of hair loss as the transplant only addresses the obvious symptom. Whether you’ve already had a hair transplant or you’re tackling hair loss for the first time, resolving the underlying cause of the problem is the best way to go.

Continuous use is the only way to deliver long-term, long-lasting results. If you stop taking Minoxidil or Finasteride, any regrown hair is likely to be lost. Securing a regular supply from Agent means you’ll never have to worry about getting caught short. Make these proven treatments part of your life and watch your hair flourish!