What Is This Medication and What Does It Treat?
Regaine contains minoxidil, a topical treatment clinically proven to treat hereditary hair loss (maleââ¬âpattern baldness / androgenetic alopecia) in men.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow and nutrients to hair follicles, stimulating follicles that have shrunken or become inactive — helping to:
- Slow or stop further hair loss
- Thicken existing hair strands
- Promote regrowth of hair (especially at crown/top of scalp) in responsive individuals
Who Is This Medication Suitable For?
- Adult men aged 18–65 years experiencing gradual hair thinning or maleââ¬âpattern baldness, especially at the vertex (crown) or top of the scalp.
- Those with recent or early hair loss — results are more likely if hair follicles are still active, and scalp isn’t already completely smooth / bald.
Not suitable for:
- Individuals under 18 or over 65 (per manufacturer recommendation for “Men” products)
- Areas of scalp with scarring, infection, inflammation or other scalp skin conditions until resolved
How to Use This Medication
- Use twice daily, ideally 12 hours apart (e.g., morning + evening).
- For foam: use half a capful / recommended foam dose; for solution: apply 1 mL to the dry, clean scalp in the thinning / balding area, then massage gently.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after application. Avoid contact with other skin or surfaces until the product has dried fully, to prevent unwanted hair growth elsewhere.
- Use continuously — stopping treatment typically results in hair loss resuming within a few months.
What Results to Expect & When
- Some men notice slowed hair loss within 8–12 weeks of regular use.
- Noticeable thickening or regrowth typically after 4–6 months; maximum benefit often after 12 months or more of consistent use.
- Results vary: not all users will regrow hair — about 3 in 5 men using the extra-strength topical have experienced some hair regrowth after 48 weeks of use.
- Important: Regaine does not cure baldness, and regrowth will stop if treatment is discontinued.
Possible Side Effects
Common/mild side effects (mostly local to the application area):
- Scalp irritation, itching, dryness, redness, or flaking
- Unwanted hair growth (on face/body) if the product spreads beyond the scalp or transfers accidentally
Less common/rare but more serious — discontinue and seek medical advice if you experience:
- Dizziness, lightââ¬âheadedness, palpitations, or rapid heartbeat (minoxidil can affect the cardiovascular system in some cases)
- Fluid retention (swelling in hands/feet/ankles), chest pain, or breathlessness
- Severe scalp irritation or allergic reaction (rash, swelling, itching beyond scalp)
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Our Clinical Authors
This page has been written by a registered UK pharmacist and reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is accurate, clear and reflects current clinical guidance.
Last medically reviewed: 07 July 2026
Last updated: 07 July 2026