Topical Spray

When using a hair loss treatment like Topical Spray, it’s important to know how to use it properly for the best hair regrowth results. Using it properly will also help you to use it safely, which is key when applying any type of hair growth medication to your hair.

To use Topical Spray:

1. Make sure your scalp is dry before applying Topical Spray.
2. Apply 6 sprays (1ml) to the affected areas of the scalp twice daily (once in the morning and once at night).
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Do not use more than 2ml Topical Spray daily (i.e. do not spray it on your scalp more than twice a day). Exceeding the recommended dose will not make your hair grow any quicker and you may risk side effects.

Topical Spray can reduce and reverse hair loss caused by male pattern baldness in a number of ways:

• First, by dilating the blood vessels and allowing them to supply nutrient-rich blood to the hair follicles - increasing hair density and promoting regrowth.
  
  
• Second, by extending the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. The anagen phase (known as the “growth” stage of the hair cycle) is the stage in which new hair is generated.
  
  
• Third, by increasing hair follicle size and hair diameter, which can make thinning hair appear thicker and fuller.
  
  

Topical Spray is suitable for men aged 18-65 who are experiencing male pattern hair loss. Topical Spray is not suitable for women. A full list of warnings and precautions is available on the Safety Information Page that is included with your treatment, which you should always read before using Topical Spray for the first time.

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As hair regrowth is a naturally slow process, there is likely to be little change for the first month or two when you start using Topical Spray. Some people may experience hair shedding in these initial months, but this is normal and temporary.

After two to four months, hair loss should start to slow down and newly regrown hair should begin to emerge. Initial hairs may be soft and light at the start, but should eventually become the same as normal hair.

Beyond four months, hair loss should slow significantly and thicker, denser-looking hairs should begin to fill in patches of thinning hair. Scalp coverage should noticeably improve and hairs should look stronger and healthier.

Topical Spray is our fastest-acting medicine for hair loss. After using Topical Spray twice a day every day, you should begin to notice a reduction in hair loss and/or the regrowth of hair after about two to four months. The best results are usually observed after four months of treatment.

Note that some slight hair loss may occur when you first begin treatment. This is only temporary, and happens because initial treatment causes the hair follicles to move quickly through the growth cycle until they reach the anagen (growth) stage.

If you decide to stop using Topical Spray, it’s likely that you will lose the hair you regrew during treatment within three to four months. Therefore, continuous use is recommended for the best results.

To help you stay on track with your hair regrowth journey, we will send you a new bottle of Topical Spray every month so you never have to worry about running out. By keeping topped up on your hair loss treatment, you will be able to retain the hair you regrow during treatment and continue to encourage new hair regrowth.

Don’t worry if you forget to use Topical Spray one day. Although continuous use is recommended for the best results, it takes about three to four months for regrown hair to disappear once treatment is stopped. Therefore, forgetting to apply the treatment for one day is unlikely to have an impact on your hair coverage.

In the event that you forget to spray your daily doses of Topical Spray (once in the morning and once at night), do not double the dose to make up for the ones you missed. Instead, take it as normal the following day.

All the hair loss treatments we provide are effective for treating the symptoms of male pattern baldness (i.e. thinning hair, a balding crown, and a receding hairline). This means the type of hair loss treatment you choose will ultimately depend on your preferences, lifestyle, and needs.

Topical Spray is ideal for targeting specific areas of the scalp (such as the crown and temples) as it can be sprayed directly onto them to help fill in patches. It’s an over-the-counter hair regrowth treatment, meaning you don’t need a prescription to buy it.

Finasteride is another hair treatment for men that can slow and reverse hair loss across the entire scalp. It’s a daily tablet that blocks the activity of DHT (a molecule that contributes to hair loss) to encourage hair regrowth on the areas of the scalp most affected by male pattern hair loss. Finasteride is a prescription-only hair loss treatment.

If you want to tackle hair loss from all angles, we recommend using the Complete Hair Kit. It contains both Topical Spray and finasteride so you can stimulate hair regrowth with two treatments instead of one. They’re safe to use together and work at the same time to promote hair regrowth, improve the appearance of thinning hair, and fill in bald patches.

An unlicensed medicine can be:

• A medicine that is made as a different, unlicensed version of a licensed medicine (e.g. a solid oral medication made into a liquid formulation, or a medication made in a different strength to the original licensed version).
• A medicine that has no licence at all.
• A medicine that has a licence in other countries, but not the UK.

Our Topical Spray is an unlicensed treatment that contains 6% minoxidil. Minoxidil 5% is a licensed medicine used to treat alopecia androgenetica (a form of hair loss commonly referred to as male pattern baldness) in men. Our unique formulation contains 1% more minoxidil than other minoxidil treatments on the market, which is why it is classified as an “unlicensed” medicine.

Every request for our unlicensed and off-label medicines is reviewed by our clinicians. They will review your online consultation and prescribe a hair loss treatment only if it is clinically appropriate, based on individual circumstances.

Minoxidil safety information

Minoxidil (6%) is the active ingredient in Topical Spray. Minoxidil (6%) scalp solution is a cutaneous solution that is applied to the scalp. For external use only. Minoxidil (6%) is an unlicensed medication. For more information on what an unlicensed medicine is, please see question 9 of the FAQs.

What minoxidil is used for

Minoxidil is used to treat male pattern hair loss in men aged 18-65 years. It is thought to work by dilating the blood vessels and supplying nutrient-rich blood to the hair follicles. The exact process by which this occurs is not known.

How to tell if minoxidil is suitable for you

Minoxidil works best in men with hair loss or thinning at the top of the scalp (see diagrams). It is also suitable for men who have:

• Noticed gradual hair loss or thinning over time.
• A family history of hair loss.
• Hair loss with no other symptoms.

If you have been bald for many years or have a large area of hair loss, it is unlikely that minoxidil will be an effective treatment for you.

When minoxidil should not be used

Minoxidil should not be used:

• If you suffer from a problem with blood pressure.
• If you have any condition that affects your scalp including sunburn and psoriasis or if you use other creams, ointments, lotions etc. used to treat scalp conditions e.g. dithranol, tretinoin, corticosteroids (steroids) and petrolatum products (soft paraffin) or have any kind of dressing or bandage on your scalp.
• For sudden, unexpected hair loss which may be linked to thyroid or other medical problems.
• Total baldness or complete loss of all body hair.
• Hair loss caused by drug treatment.
• If you have a shaved head.
• If you are allergic to minoxidil, ethanol or propylene glycol.
• If you are under 18 or over 65 years.
• If you are a woman.

If you suffer from heart disease (including abnormal heart rhythms or rates, angina or chest pains) and/or circulation disorders you should seek the advice of your doctor before using minoxidil.

There is a risk that minoxidil may interact with certain blood pressure medicines called “vasodilators”, and alter their effect. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking such medication.

It is very important that you use minoxidil as recommended on this safety information page. Using too much minoxidil can cause it to be absorbed into the blood, which may result in side effects such as rapid heartbeat, faintness or dizziness, or swollen hands or feet. However, when minoxidil is used as recommended it is extremely unlikely that any of these side effects will occur.

Minoxidil can also be absorbed into the blood if you are unusually sensitive to minoxidil, or if it is used when there is a scalp condition (such as psoriasis) present. Therefore, it is important that you follow the recommendations and advice on this safety information page when using minoxidil.

How long minoxidil takes to work

It usually takes 2 or more months to notice hair regrowth. This is because hair growth is a slow process, so it takes time for regrown hairs to become noticeable. Regrown hair will be soft and downy at the start but should eventually become the same as normal hair. The time it takes to notice hair regrowth may vary from person to person.

Please be aware that some slight hair loss may occur after 2-6 weeks of use. This is likely to be a result of the hair regrowth cycle and should subside within a couple of weeks. If shedding persists for longer than 2 weeks you should stop using minoxidil and consult your doctor.

If there is no hair regrowth after 12 months it is very unlikely that you will respond and you should stop using minoxidil. Please consult your doctor if you are concerned at any time during treatment.

For the best results, you should continue to use minoxidil every day if hair regrowth occurs, to maintain the hair you regrew. If you decide to stop using minoxidil, it is likely that you will lose any regrown hair within 3-4 months.

How to use minoxidil

Precautions
Minoxidil must only be used on the scalp. Make sure your scalp is normal and healthy before applying minoxidil. Do not use minoxidil on other parts of the body. If accidentally applied to any other part of the body, rinse thoroughly with water.

To use minoxidil:

1. Make sure your scalp is dry before applying the solution.
2. Apply 6 sprays (1ml) to the affected area/s of the scalp twice daily (once in the morning and once at night).
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Avoid contact with the eyes, broken skin and sensitive areas. If accidentally applied to these parts, wash with plenty of water.

Do not use more than 2ml minoxidil daily (do not spray it on your scalp more than twice a day). Exceeding the recommended dose will not regrow your hair any more quickly and you may risk side effects.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying minoxidil and rinse other areas that have come into contact with it.

Side-effects of minoxidil

Stop using minoxidil if you get any of the following:

• Blood pressure changes.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• New or worsening pain in the chest.
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
• Unexplained rapid weight gain of more than 2 kg or 5 pounds.
• Swelling or puffiness of the hands or feet.
• Persistent redness or irritation of the scalp.

Minoxidil can cause skin irritation (e.g. local redness, itching, dryness, scalp flaking). Although this might only be a temporary effect, stop using the product if it persists.

Stop using minoxidil if you notice changes in hair colour and/or texture.

Minoxidil may cause a burning sensation and irritation if you get it in the eye. If you get minoxidil in your eye, mouth or on a cut or damaged skin, wash the area well with lots of cool tap water.

Unwanted non-scalp hair has sometimes been reported after using minoxidil. Always wash your hands thoroughly after application and if accidentally applied to parts of the body other than the scalp, rinse thoroughly with water.

Keep minoxidil out of reach of children. If anyone (including a child) ingests minoxidil, take them to the hospital immediately with the minoxidil bottle (so the doctor can see how much they have ingested).

If you experience any other side effects not mentioned on this Safety Information Page, you should consult your doctor.

How to store minoxidil

Keep the bottle in a safe place, below 25°C (normal room temperature).

Keep out of the reach and sight of children. When empty, dispose of the bottle safely. To properly dispose of a partially-used bottle, empty as much of the contents as you can into a sink, and wash away with running water. Never try to burn a bottle of minoxidil.