Beat hair loss

Male pattern baldness (MPB) is the most common form of hair loss, caused by your genetics primarily. It accounts for 95% of male hair loss, and is treatable.

In MPB, hair follicles gradually shrink, your hair becomes thinner and sheds more quickly. In the hair follicle there is an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) which changes testosterone into DHT (a more potent hormone). Hair follicles susceptible to MPB are more sensitive to DHT, and it causes them to shrink. The hair at the back of the head is more resistant to the effects of DHT and as a result, receding hairlines and the crown are usually the areas where MPB occurs.

We provide hair clinic expertise at your fingertips, and deliver prescription strength treatments directly to you at less than half the cost of expensive private clinics.

You answer an online consultation which our clinicians assess. We will then recommend a clinically approved personalised hair plan, and follow your hair growth progress with photo tracking. We will also provide unlimited clinical support and advice - you can simply message us from your account and our hair clinicians will be there for you.

Manual provides a simple and convenient subscription plan which is particularly beneficial as a treatment for hair loss.

Results do not occur instantly, it takes time and commitment. It typically takes 3-6 months to start seeing visible changes and 12 months+ to see the maximum results.

The treatment plan we offer you will be tailored to your specific needs, based on the answers you provide in your online hair consultation. We offer the most powerful, effective treatments, which include the following:

Minoxidil - a potent hair growth stimulant which works to increase blood flow to the scalp, enriching and boosting hair follicles to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Finasteride - a proven and highly effective treatment which blocks the DHT producing enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which protects your hair follicles from shrinking, reduces the risk of hair shedding and optimises hair regrowth.

Azelaic Acid - a naturally occurring compound that has been shown to have the ability to lower DHT levels - the product in the body that causes genetic hair loss. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps scalp skin conditions.

Finasteride and Minoxidil are both proven and highly effective treatments for male hair loss. Studies have shown that the earlier you start, the better the results.

Research shows that Finasteride halts hair loss or regrows hair in 9 out of 10 men, whilst Minoxidil is effective in 6 out of 10 men. Combined it should work in >90% of men.

Consistency and perseverance are the key to successful treatment outcomes. Results start to be seen within 3-6 months of regular use, with maximum benefits being seen in 12 months+. For this reason, we strongly advise quarterly plans for continuity. If the treatment is stopped the beneficial effects start to reverse after 6 months and usually completely disappear after 9-12 months.

Like all medicines there are risks of unwanted side effects. The good news is that with our hair loss treatments these are uncommon. The most common side-effects with minoxidil are local skin irritation.

98.6% of men who took Finasteride in clinical trials, continued to do so as they experienced no significant adverse effects to the medication. Finasteride side effects include a rash, tenderness around the nipples, decrease in libido, testicular pain, erectile dysfunction, poor seminal quality, depression/low mood and palpitations. Before starting Finasteride, please read the accompanying information leaflet carefully for a full list of side effects and advice.

It is important to read the treatment plans and information supplied before starting treatment.

The following are not suitable for our treatment:

• Women or Men under 18 yrs old
• Men who do not have male pattern baldness or are completely bald
• Minoxidil should not be used if you have scalp soreness/redness or low blood pressure problems
• Finasteride is not suitable for men with benign prostate enlargement and if you currently are receiving treatment with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (e.g. finasteride, dutasteride). Finasteride should not be used whilst trying to conceive a baby.
• If you are or have suffered from gynaecomastia, male breast or prostate cancer you should not take Finasteride.
• Finasteride should not be used by anyone who suffers from severe depression/suicidal thoughts.

Other treatment options are available such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections and low-level laser treatment (LLLT). They have worked for some people but don’t have clear evidence to show their effectiveness.

Hair transplants have shown rapid improvement over the last few years, but they can be expensive and success rates vary greatly. Also even after your hair transplant your surgeon will usually recommend prescription medication such as Finasteride and Minoxidil to ensure you keep the hair that is still there.

Hair pigmentation treatments and hair fibres are other possible treatments/applications to disguise your hair loss, although they don’t actually prevent the hair loss itself, they can really improve the look.

There is no clinical evidence to suggest that herbal pills help with male pattern baldness.

If you want to ask any general questions we’ll be more than happy to help. Just send an email to help@manual.co.

If you have a clinical questions, and don’t want to complete a consultation yet, please create a Manual account and send us a message - via your account - directly to one of our clinicians.