The Complete Hair Loss Plan
Thank you for choosing to start a Manual hair plan.
We have recommended “The Complete Hair Loss plan” – Manual Minoxidil Spray and Oral Finasteride tablet.
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, or questions just message us – we are here for you.
As a first step, it’s important for you to take the time to read this treatment plan and patient information leaflet (PIL) enclosed in your box. This gives you information about how the treatments work, how to take the medication, what to avoid, side effects and potential interactions with other medications.
Contents
How do the active ingredients in this hair kit work?
Will this hair treatment combo work for me?
When and how is Oral Finasteride taken?
How do I use the Minoxidil treatment solution?
How long should I take it for?
What kind of shampoo should I use with this hair plan?
What if my medical status changes or I am due a blood test?
How do the active ingredients in this hair kit work?
One of the most common causes of male pattern baldness is the activity of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles. The oral Finasteride included, works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). Doing so blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is the main culprit in causing hair loss. As a result, less hair follicle ‘destruction’ takes place, which slows down and in some cases reverses hair loss!
This is double whammied by the use of our topical minoxidil; a powerful hair growth stimulant which works by increasing blood flow to your scalp, nicely nourishing and boosting hair follicles into their ‘ripe’ growth phase.
Lastly, we have included topical azelaic acid a natural ingredient, perfectly designed to exfoliate the scalp improving skin quality and maximising the delivery of topical minoxidil to target where it works best. It has also been demonstrated to exert a similar inhibitory effect on that pesky 5AR enzyme, working in alliance with finasteride in reducing hair loss. So it’s a real powerful cocktail that we have created to really address your hair loss.
We are offering you a specially formulated preparation, which our clinical team believes will be the most effective way to treat your hair loss. As such, it is classed as an unlicensed special treatment. This means it’s a specific medication which is made to serve a specific patient need. This is produced by our licensed manufacturer that specialises in the development and manufacture of such bespoke specials. If you have any questions you can contact our clinicians via your patient account messaging facility.
Will this hair treatment combo work for me?
The amount of hair regrowth varies amongst men. To see the best results, the most important factor is taking it consistently as prescribed. This hair plan has been specifically selected for you based on your questionnaire answers and will provide you with the best solution to reduce your hair loss – a combination of oral and topical therapy.
The evidence available suggests that oral finasteride is effective in 90% of men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness, and is most effective if taken for more than 12 months. There is unclear evidence that it works for receding hairlines at the temples only, or for men with extensive hair loss. However, it should in theory still prevent further recession into the middle of your scalp. You will need to take finasteride for at least 3-6 months before you see any benefit. If finasteride has not worked for you within 12-24 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit. If you stop taking finasteride, you will most likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping.
Minoxidil works in approximately 60% of individuals – stabilising hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. The combination of topical Minoxidil + Azelaic Acid working independently on hair loss is formulated to deliver a more enhanced hair loss treatment.
When and how is Oral Finasteride taken?
For the best results, it is essential to start treatment early on to minimise hair loss. If you think about it, it is easier to keep the hair you currently have, than regrow what is lost.
Remember to take one finasteride tablet each day, for optimal performance, with or without food. It can take up to 3-6 months to start to see noticeable improvement. So for maximal success and continual benefit, consider using finasteride as a long-term treatment. Commitment is key. If you forget a dose – Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten tablet.
How do I use the Minoxidil treatment solution?
As you have the pleasure of having two products in your one plain it is also important to use the topical minoxidil regularly alongside the oral finasteride for optimal results.
The treatment solution should be applied as follows:
- Wash your hands before and after applying the solution
- Apply the solution to dry/towel-dried hair and scalp. Part the hair to allow delivery onto the scalp zones most impacted with baldness.
- Apply 1ml (7sprays) to the areas on your scalp affected by or at risk of hair loss.
- If you are using the Minoxidil 5% solution, apply the solution twice each day, once in the morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart
- If you are using the Minoxidil 10% solution apply the solution once each day, we suggest doing this in the evening for convenience.
- Using more than 1 ml for each application, or more than the suggested frequency will not enhance results and will mean you will lose product unnecessarily
Extra tips:
- Allow the solution to dry for at least 20-25 mins before applying any hair styling products, and at least 2 hours before 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, you can gently use a hairdryer
Results will come to those who wait! It’s important to stick with a twice-a-day routine for the topical solution and once-daily dosing of finasteride if you wish to see reduced hair loss and hair growth.
How soon can I expect results from using this triple combo solution?
The earlier you notice hair loss and start treatment, the greater your chances of success.
Results may be seen within 3-6 months, however, it could take longer for some men. That’s why it’s important to stick with your treatment.
With continued use, the hair follicles gain greater volume, which helps prevent further hair loss and helps promote the re-growth of longer and thicker hair. If you stop treatment, the new hair is likely to disappear after 3-12 months.
How long should I take it for?
Put simply – the same amount of time you wish to keep your hair for, with optimum results seen at 12-24 months. This treatment plan is not a cure for baldness, but an ongoing hair loss stabilisation management plan which offers scope for potential hair regrowth. If you stop taking finasteride, you will most likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping.
What kind of shampoo should I use with this hair plan?
A mild non-drying shampoo is recommended. You could also try our POWER SHAMPOO; packed with Caffeine, Biotin and Saw Palmetto. These ingredients have been shown to produce promising results in isolation in laboratory tests. So no they won’t be a miracle cure, but they may help to be a good shampoo for those who want a healthy head of hair.
What are the side effects?
Finasteride is highly effective and has many years’ worth of clinical data on its safety. 98.6% of men who took Finasteride in clinical trials, continued to do so as they experienced no adverse effects to the medication. However all medications have side effects, so it’s important you understand the ones sometimes seen with Finasteride.
Potential side effects include:
- Decreased libido.
- Inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Pain or discomfort that affects the testicles.
- Ejaculation disorders or problems, such as decreased ejaculatory volume.
- Changes in mood or depression.
- Breast tenderness
- So please read the patient information leaflet and if you have any concerns, drop a message to one of our clinicians on the message portal in your account and we will get back to you.
We don’t envisage there being any issues with the use of our topical Minoxidil treatment, based on your answers to the questionnaire, and unwanted side effects are quite uncommon. If you should experience side effects as a result of using Minoxidil solution they may include the following:
- Headache
- Scalp irritation – local redness, dryness and flaky skin
- Itching or dermatitis
- Acne-like rash
- Change in hair texture
- Change in hair colour may occur – If this occurs stop using Minoxidil
Stop using this treatment plan and talk to a clinician, your own doctor or a pharmacist if you experience any of the following:
- Headache, dizziness, feeling faint due to low blood pressure.
- Palpitations and/or fast heartbeat.
- Swelling in the hands, feet or legs, or shortness of breath.
- Sudden, unexplained weight gain.
- Develop depression or change in your mood
- Any changes in your breast tissue such as lumps, pain, enlargement or nipple discharge
- Sexual side-effects such as low libido, erectile dysfunction
NOTE: Temporary hair loss (or shedding) may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of use. This is likely to be a result of a change in the natural hair growth cycle promoting old hair to fall out and new hair to come through, it should stop within a couple of weeks.
If you are allergic to any of the actives or excipients, 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 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. This advice applies to all products within the hair plan.
We want the best for you and your health. It is important you don’t feel alone, so please voice your concerns and get in touch with one of our team 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 24hrs.
Who should not take it?
Our Hair treatment plans are NOT suitable for women and male patients under 18 years of age. The Finasteride tablets are film coated to protect handlers from the active ingredient, but crushed or broken tablets must never be handled by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, including females of childbearing age. This is due to the risk of the potential harm it may cause to an unborn baby.
Men who take Finasteride do have traces of the medication in their semen. Available evidence suggests this is unlikely to pose a risk to an unborn child, but we advise you should not take this medication if you are planning a pregnancy. You should use a condom when having sexual intercourse with a woman who does not take regular contraception.
The treatments have not been shown to be effective in men who have complete hair loss.
Finasteride is not suitable:
- for men with benign prostate enlargement (BPE) currently receiving treatment with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (e.g. Finasteride 5mg tablets or Dutasteride).
- If you are or have suffered from male breast cancer or prostate cancer
- If you have galactose intolerance, lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption
Minoxidil should not be used in patients in the following categories:
- 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, finasteride, azelaic acid, propylene glycol, alcohol or purified water.
What if my medical status changes or I am due a blood test?
Finasteride can lower a hormone called PSA measured in a blood test for prostate problems. Please tell your GP that you are taking this medication if you have this blood test so that they can interpret your test results correctly.
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.
It is important that you 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.