Hair Loss

There are many hair loss treatments available but one certainly outshines the rest - Propecia. Does Propecia really work for hair loss? You’ll find out in this article.

Hair loss is a common problem affecting men and women. But this condition is more common among men who experience noticeable balding in their mid-30s. Hair growth follows a natural three-phase cycle:

• Anagen Phase - hair grows actively during this stage.
• Catagen Phase - a transitional stage that lasts between 2 - 3 weeks.
• Telogen Phase - a resting stage that lasts about 2 - 3 months. At the end of this phase, the old hair falls out and the cycle returns to the anagen phase.

Hair loss is usually affected by genes, hormones, stress, diet, injuries, cosmetic products, and other factors. Click here if you want to know more about the causes of hair loss.

Using Propecia to stop hair loss

There are many proven ways to stop hair loss. And taking a hair loss treatment called Propecia is one of them.

Propecia is a hair loss drug that contains the active ingredient finasteride. This treatment is used to address male pattern baldness on the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area.

Finasteride in Propecia is traditionally used to treat prostate enlargement. This drug, which is taken in smaller 1mg doses, works by decreasing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is the main culprit behind balding, so obviously, the lower its concentration in your body, the less likely you are to suffer from hair loss.

Is Propecia effective?

Yes! When it was approved for use in 1997, Propecia became the first medicine in history to effectively treat balding in most of the men who used it.

“In one two year study, 83% of men taking Propecia maintained their hair at the top of their heads (vertex area), compared to 28% of men taking a placebo. In the same study, 17% of the men taking Propecia still experienced measurable hair loss, but 72% of the men taking the placebo also experienced additional hair loss. After the first two years, the results of the group taking Propecia continued to improve.”

You can read more about this study here.

Another study shows that “at one, two, and five years respectively showed hair loss at a rate of 58, 72, and 100% in groups of men receiving placebo, versus 14, 17, and 35% hair loss in men taking Propecia.”

Is Propecia safe to use?

While every person reacts to Propecia differently, Propecia is generally safe to use as long as you follow your doctor’s directions. Some of the side effects of Propecia include:

Risk of developing breast cancer in men (this is especially true if you are taking high doses of Propecia. The recommended dose for hair loss treatment is only 1mg.)

• Loss of sex drive
• Inability to ejaculate
• Erection problems

These side-effects are very rare and are usually associated with taking high doses of Propecia.

Where can I buy Propecia?

You buy Propecia from Express Pharmacy. Order online today and we’ll get it delivered discreetly right at your doorstep.

In this article, we are going to talk about 4 proven ways to stop hair loss so you can walk with full confidence once again.

Understanding Hair Loss

Hair loss or alopecia affects both men and women. It is, however, more common among men with about 40% experiencing noticeable balding by the age of 35.

The average adult head contains about 150,000 strands of hair and it’s considered normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day. So, don’t be alarmed if you find strands of hair on your hairbrush or on the floor.

Our hair is actually made up of dead keratin cells. As hair follicles produce new hair cells, old or dead keratin cells are pushed out through the skin’s surface --- this then becomes the hair that we can see. On average hair grows at a rate of approximately 6 inches every year.

Normally, 90% of the hair on a normal person’s scalp is growing. Hair growth follows a cycle with three distinct phases:

• Anagen Phase - hair grows actively during this stage. This phase lasts around 2 - 8 years.
• Catagen Phase - a transitional stage that lasts between 2 - 3 weeks.
• Telogen Phase - a resting stage that lasts about 2 - 3 months. At the end of this phase, the old hair falls out and the cycle returns to the anagen phase.

Hair loss is affected by age, genes, hormones, stress, certain drugs, burns, x-rays, injuries, cosmetic procedures, diet, autoimmune diseases, and certain medical conditions like diabetes, anaemia, lupus, and iron deficiency.

For more information, here’s a more detailed article that explains the causes of hair loss.

4 proven ways to stop hair loss

1. Consider having a hair transplant

This option is perfect for those who have already suffered significant hair loss. Don’t worry - you don’t have to replace all 100,000 strands of hair. In fact, only 25,000 strands of hair are needed to give the appearance of a relatively complete hair.

Hair transplants are done by taking hair follicles that are resistant to DHT from the back and sides of your head. Doctors then graft these portions on to the balding area of the scalp. Modern procedures involve using hair stem cells to stimulate regrowth of healthy hair in the “donor” area of your head. This allows for repeated transplants if needed.

2. Try changing your lifestyle

Do you know that stress is a major factor that affects hair loss? Changes in lifestyle can help prevent or slow down hair loss. Here are some of the things that you can do.

• Reduce stress by getting more sleep, drinking plenty of water, and reducing your hours at work.
• Eat a healthy balanced diet.
• Eat protein-rich foods regularly. Remember that keratin which makes up your hair is a type of protein so supplementing your diet with healthy protein can do wonders to your hair.
• Get enough vitamins and minerals. You can easily get vitamins B3, B5, B9, and E from orange, fish, soya beans, spinach, and broccoli. For minerals, a healthy quantity of Zinc (dairy, egg yolk, and wheat), magnesium (tuna, banana, and milk), and iron (fish, beans, and leafy greens) is a must.

3. Use hair-friendly products

Hair products like gels may contain chemicals that could get trapped in the follicles --- preventing your hair from growing. If you are starting to see signs of hair loss, stop using gels and try more natural or organic styling products.

You can also opt for shampoos that combat DHT. Studies show that DHT is one of the main culprits of hair loss. Anti-DHT shampoos contain ketoconazole which prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT.

4. Use hair loss medications

Hair loss medications like finasteride are proven to be effective in preventing or slowing down hair loss. Express Pharmacy stocks two hair loss drugs that you can buy online and get delivered right to your doorstep.

Propecia

Propecia contains finasteride as its active ingredient. This hair loss drug is used to treat male pattern baldness on the vertex and anterior mid-scalp areas. Propecia is a constant treatment. This means that you have to take one pill a day on an ongoing basis.

Studies show that men who are taking Propecia stop losing hair within 3 to 6 months of treatment. 90% of men noticed visible improvements in their condition over 5 years of taking the tablet.

Finasteride

Finasteride is the generic counterpart of Propecia. This hair loss treatment has the same medical composition as its branded counterpart and is perfect for treating male pattern baldness. This hair loss drug should not be used by children and women.

Same as Propecia, you have to take one tablet of generic Finasteride every day. You should start seeing improvements within six months of use.

Shedding hair is normal. In fact, we shed between 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, if you are losing more hair than usual, then there’s a chance that you are suffering from alopecia or hair loss.

Within this guide, we will be taking you through what causes hair loss and how to prevent it from disrupting your life.

Am I Shedding Hair Or Balding?

While shedding and balding both involve losing some of your hair, there are telltale signs that your hair loss is indeed a greater deal. Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of hair loss:

Gradual thinning on the top of your head

This type of hair loss affects both men and women as they age. For men, the most common sign is a receding hairline from the forehead that looks like the letter “M”. Most women don’t lose their hairline.

Loosening of hair

Some factors like shock can cause your hair to loosen to the point where a handful might come out even by just gently combing or tugging. This type of hair loss leads to the overall thinning of hair. It rarely causes baldness.

Bald spots

Some people suffer from bald spots, usually the size of a coin. This type of condition is usually caused by a problem on the scalp. It can also occur in eyebrows or beards.

Full-body hair loss

A type of hair loss that’s caused by medications or therapy. Usually, the hair grows back after the treatment.

Causes Of Hair Loss

Your hair follows a natural cycle of shedding and growing that’s divided into three phases:

• Anagen - most active hair growth occurs during this phase. This stage lasts from 2 to 6 years.
• Catagen - a transitional hair growth stage which typically lasts between 2 to 3 weeks.
• Telogen - a 2 to 3-month resting phase. After this period, the hair is shed and new hair starts growing again.

You lose, on average, up to 100 hairs a day but this is never too noticeable or distressing. Hair loss occurs when this natural cycle gets disrupted. Below are some of the most common causes of hair loss:

Genetics

The most common types of hair loss (called male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness) are usually caused by genetics and age. If your parents suffer from hair loss, there’s a big chance that you will too.

Hormone changes

Some changes in the levels of your body hormones may cause hair loss. For example, women who experience pregnancy, childbirth or are already at menopause experience more defined hair loss than others.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can cause hair loss too. For example, thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) can lead to hair loss. Hair usually grows back when the underlying thyroid problem is treated.

Another medical condition that can cause hair loss is alopecia areata which creates bald spots on your head. Scalp problems like ringworm, psoriasis, and dermatitis and disorders like trichotillomania (hair-pulling) can also cause hair loss.

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, can also cause hair loss that is patchy with lesions on the scalp.

Stress and shock

Traumatic or stressful events can lead to general thinning of the hair for several months. Hair loss caused by such events is usually temporary.

Medical treatments

Radiation to the head and chemotherapy also cause hair loss which may be irreversible. Certain medications like those used for high blood pressure, heart problems, gout, depression, and arthritis can also contribute to hair loss.

Hair treatments

Perms and hot oil treatments can damage the hair follicle. This could lead to permanent hair loss if scarring occurs. A tight hairstyle like pigtails and cornrows can also cause hair loss (traction alopecia).

Nutritional deficiencies

Studies show that the lack of iron and zinc may contribute to hair loss. There is also evidence that deficiencies in fats, vitamins D, B-12, C, and A, and minerals like copper and selenium are also to blame.

How To Treat Hair Loss

Now that we’ve talked about the causes of hair loss, let’s look at some of the hair loss treatments available.

Most hair loss can be treated through medication. The most common one is Propecia which you can get from Express Pharmacy. Propecia is a treatment used for male pattern baldness. This type of medication is for men only and should not be used by children and women because it can cause birth defects.

Available as a pill, Propecia can be taken once a day. This drug was first used to treat prostate issues until it was discovered that it can block the formation fo certain male hormones that can cause hair loss.

If medication doesn’t work, hair transplant surgery may be performed. During this procedure, small plugs of skin with some hair are moved to bald spots of your scalp.

Hair loss is rarely something to worry about from a medical standpoint. Losing hair to some degree is normal for everybody. We tend to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day without noticing.[1]

But for many people, the onset of balding can be emotionally distressing. High levels of hair loss can take its toll on your confidence and overall wellbeing, and you may be left feeling powerless and confused.

Understanding what’s behind your hair loss is the first step to overcoming these feelings. We’re going to take a closer look at this condition, including many of the myths that surround it and the possible treatments available.

What is hair loss?

Hair loss can often be a distressing experience, and in many instances it has a significant detrimental effect on the sufferer’s quality of life[2] with people suggesting that it contributes to low self-esteem. The most common form of hair loss is male pattern baldness, or male pattern hair loss.

In the case of male pattern hair loss, high levels of androgens, including DHT, can shrink your hair follicles and shorten the growth cycle, which can cause hair to appear thinner and more brittle.[3] DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a by-product of testosterone.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss can be the result of many different factors, from stress and family history to nutrition and diet.[4] In certain situations, hair loss can be the sign of a larger health concern, such as iron deficiency, extreme weight loss or cancer treatment.[5]

But with so many factors involved in hair loss, a great deal of misinformation gets spread about the condition. This makes it even more confusing to work out exactly what is behind your symptoms. Let’s explore some of the widely regarded facts and myths surrounding hair loss.

Swimming?

For a long time, people have held the belief that continuously exposing your hair to pool-water can lead to baldness. This is largely based on the course, dry feeling of your hair after using a pool treated with chlorine.

However, evidence suggests that in order for swimming to be the sole cause of hair loss, the swimmer would have to be allergic to the pool’s chemicals, or the chlorine levels would need to be dangerously high.[6]

Hats?

Another common untruth surrounding hair loss is that wearing a hat can make it more likely. However, while it is true that frequent hat wearing can lead to the loss of hairs, these hairs would have to be vulnerable to shedding already in order to be affected. In other words, you need to already be at risk of hair loss in order to lose your hair as a result of wearing a hat, meaning your hat isn’t to be held responsible.[7]

Hair dryers?

Similarly, drying your hair with a hair dryer is unlikely to be the sole cause of significant hair loss. However, hair loss can occur as a result of overtreating your hair.

This form of hair loss, known as traumatic alopecia, is caused by potentially damaging hairdressing techniques. These include pulling the hair into tight braids, twisting the hair, exposing the hair to extreme heat or bleaching the hair with strong chemicals.[8]

Stress?

Anxiety can lead to hair loss. This connection may present itself in several different ways. For example, stress may cause you to pull at your hair as a nervous habit, or your diet may suffer meaning your hair becomes weaker and more susceptible to falling out.

Telogen effluvium is a specific form of hair loss which occurs following a major body stress, such as major surgery, serious infection or a prolonged illness. It can also happen after a significant change in hormones, such as for women after giving birth.[9]

Hormones?

It is thought that, overall, hormones do have a role to play in hair loss. In the past, the level of testosterone itself has been thought to have an impact on male baldness. However, more recent studies appear to contradict this theory. One German study found that total testosterone was not significantly associated with general hair loss in male participants.[10]

In fact, as outlined earlier, it is a particular by-product of testosterone – DHT – which is at the root of much male pattern baldness.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) can occur at any age, although it is most common during the menopause. This does not necessarily mean that hormones are solely responsible, but oestrogen may have a protective role. Genetics are thought to be an important factor in FPHL.[11]

Genes?

A family history of hair loss can increase your risk of suffering from hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness or male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common type of hair loss among men, affecting as many as half of men over the age of 50.[12] It is also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is thought that men are more susceptible to the symptoms of MPHL if they have a family history of the condition.

How to prevent or reverse hair loss

There are many different factors which have been suggested as ways to avoid hair loss, from changing your hair products to investing in technology like a laser comb.[13] Sometimes, studies occur which seem to offer hope to sufferers of hair loss. For example, a 2016 Japanese study found that scalp massages increased hair thickness in 24 weeks.[14] While encouraging, results like these do not necessarily mean that such treatments will work in all cases of hair loss.

Some of the more extreme treatments for hair loss include hair transplantation, scalp expansion or reduction, flap surgery and skin lifts and grafts.[15]

Medications like Propecia and its generic equivalent, Finasteride, have been proven to effectively slow and even reverse the symptoms of male pattern baldness. After two years of treatment, 99% of men had visible results – 66% had hair growth and 33% had no further hair loss.[16]

As such, many men suffering from hair loss find medication to be the safest and most effective way to treat their symptoms.

Discover effective hair loss treatment at Express Pharmacy. If you have any queries about your health, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact our NHS-approved pharmacists today by calling 0208 123 07 03 or leave your enquiry by using our discreet online Live Chat service.

[1] NHS UK. Hair Loss. 2018.

[2] Phillips, TG., Slomiany, WP., Allison, R. Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatments. American Family Physician. 2017.

[3] Healthline. What You Need to Know About DHT and Hair Loss. 2019.

[4] MedicinePlus. Hair Loss. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2019.

[5] NHS UK. Hair Loss. 2018.

[6] Belgravia Centre. Can Swimming Pools Cause Hair Loss? 2013.

[7] LiveStrong. How Do Hats Cause Thinning Hair? 2017.

[8] Harvard Health Publishing. Hair Loss: What is it? 2018.

[9] Harvard Health Publishing. Hair Loss: What is it? 2018.

[10] Kische, H. Arnold, A., Gross, S., Wallaschofski, H., Volzke, H., Matthias, N., Haring, R. Sex Hormones and Hair Loss in Men from the General Population of North-Eastern Germany. JAMA Dermatology. 2017.

[11] Women’s Health Concern. Menopausal Hair Loss. 2018.

[12] British Association of Dermatologists. Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia). 2012 [Reviewed 2019]

[13] The Guardian. Seven ways… to avoid hair loss. 2018.

[14] Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K., Ogawa, R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. 2016.

[15] UCLA Health. Hair Loss. UCLA Dermatology. 2018.

[16] Kaufman, K. et al. Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1998.

Misinformation can prevent you from treating hair loss effectively, so let’s establish the facts surrounding the condition.

Hair loss is a common condition. In fact, it’s a natural part of life, as both men and women lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, and 80% of this is due to washing or brushing the hair. However, for some people hair loss can occur at a highly increased rate. This can cause both distress and a lack of confidence.

You should know that you do not suffer alone. Around 40% of men will experience significant hair loss by the age of 35, and around half of women over 65 experience balding. But despite how common the condition is, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding hair loss.

To combat that, we are going to take 5 common statements regarding hair loss and put them under the microscope.

“You will definitely lose your hair if your parents did”

It is generally considered factual that if hair loss is common in your family, you will be more likely to deal with it at some point in your life. This is true, but it is not the only factor which plays a part in the balding process.

There is no single ‘hair loss gene’ which is passed down through family members. Hair loss is a polygenetic condition, which means it is determined by an assortment of genes from your immediate and extended family. Therefore, your father losing his hair does not guarantee that you will lose yours.

“Hair thinning only occurs with age”

Many people believe that you only start to lose your hair after a certain age, but the harsh reality is that you’re never too young to start losing your hair. The age at which your hair loss begins is largely due to genetics, though the condition does become more common as you get older.

However, the good news is that the reverse is also true: hair loss in old age isn’t a guarantee, and you could end up keeping a full head of hair well into old age.

“Only men can suffer genetic hair loss”

While it is true that hair loss is much more common in men (as 80% of men will experience male pattern baldness by the age of 80), this doesn’t mean that it is impossible for women to suffer with hair loss. On the contrary, up to 40% of women have visible hair loss by the age of 40. However, women are also much more likely to seek medical advice regarding their hair loss (53% compared to 26% of men).

“Wearing a hat will encourage baldness”

Some people blame hat wearing for their hair loss, claiming that a hat stops their scalp from ‘breathing’. However, your hair follicles actually receive their oxygen supply from the blood stream, so blocking off outside air will not make any difference to your chances of experiencing hair loss. Dirty hats however can lead to scalp infections, which may accelerate hair loss.

“Shampooing your hair frequently will make it fall out”

As we mentioned earlier, we lose around 50-100 hairs a day, and many of these are due to washing. However, washing your hair less is not the key to beating hair loss. This level of hair loss is perfectly normal, and the average adult will grow more hairs than they lose. By delaying your shampooing session, you’re only delaying the loss of these hairs until your next wash.

You may think that hair loss is an inevitable condition, but there is effective treatment available. Finasteride and Propecia are both available from Express Pharmacy. Get in touch today by calling 0208 123 07 03 or using our discreet online Live Chat service.

British men are the most likely in Europe to become anxious about balding, but the least likely to do anything about it. In fact, 60% of hair loss sufferers say they would rather have more hair than money or friends.

For many men, hair loss can affect their confidence and their overall happiness. It can leave you feeling powerless and unable to do anything about it. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. There are certain measures and treatments you can take to reduce your symptoms and even encourage regrowth.

Explore prescription medications

75% of men believe their hair loss cannot be prevented, and 87% do not know that there are scientifically proven and medically approved hair loss treatments. Once the discovery is made, it can really add a sense of hope to men struggling with male pattern baldness.

Finasteride is a clinically proven hair loss medication. It works by inhibiting the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the hair follicles to shrink and fall out. This allows Finasteride to not only slow the loss of hair, but to actually encourage regrowth too.

Try a laser comb

Aside from medication like Finasteride, the only hair loss treatment to receive FDA approval is the laser comb. Although the exact way the comb works has not yet been fully understood, it is believed that it uses low power lasers to create an antioxidant effect on hair follicles. In one study of over one hundred men, 26 weeks of using the laser comb three times a week resulted in significant hair growth and strength in participants.

Switch your shampoo

The main culprit of hair loss is DHT, so you may see some positive results by switching to an anti-DHT shampoo. These are becoming more and more common, so it shouldn’t be difficult to track down. Seek out products which contain 1-2% ketoconazole — a drug which blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT in a similar way to Finasteride.

Change your hair products

There is some evidence relating hair products with hair loss, though this link hasn’t been proven causal so take it with a pinch of salt. However, using hair care products such as tough gels with lots of chemicals can make the products difficult to remove completely from the scalp. This may lead to the products becoming trapped in the follicles, making it more difficult for hair to come through to the surface. Try swapping out your hair products for more natural alternatives.

Try to avoid overly hot showers

Although there is no evidence to directly link hot showers with hair loss, it is true that overly hot showers can strip the scalp of its essential oils, causing dryness, flakiness and irritation. Some experts believe that this irritation can cause the hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinning hair.

Try a scalp massage

One Japanese study by researchers Koyama et al found that a scalp massage has the potential to improve blood circulation to the follicles, and in turn increase hair density. Massages are also an effective way of reducing stress levels, which is another factor relating to hair loss.

Have a transplant

Hair transplants are one of the more extreme hair loss treatment options, but may be the right course of action if your hair loss is significant and you want fast results. Men are more likely than women to look into hair restoration surgery (20% vs. 12%), but be sure to research around the subject fully so you know exactly what to expect.

Safe and effective medication for hair loss, such as Finasteride and Propecia, is available from Express Pharmacy. Get in touch today for further information by calling 0208 123 07 03 or by using our discreet online live chat service.

With around 40% of men experiencing hair loss before the age of 35, here are the warning signs you need to look out for

Men are highly unlikely to go through their whole lives without experiencing some level of hair loss. By the age of 60, around 65% of men will have noticeable hair loss, and this number jumps to 80% by the age of 80.

But despite male pattern baldness being an extremely common condition, many men are still self conscious about it. Thankfully, there are effective treatments available (more on that below) but spotting the signs early will give you a greater chance of delaying, preventing and even reversing hair loss with the right treatment in place. With that in mind, here are 7 early warning signs of male pattern baldness to look out for.

You can see the difference in photos

When changes happen over the course of months or years, it can be difficult to see them. Comparing your current hair thickness to old photographs will give you a clearer idea of whether hair loss is becoming an issue.

You wake up to hairs on your pillow

A small amount of hair shedding is perfectly normal, but if your pillow is particularly hairy first thing in the morning it can be a sign that male pattern baldness is underway. The same is also true of finding hairs on your shirt shoulders, or on your desk at work.

You notice a change in your hairline

Male pattern baldness usually starts at the hairline, so this is likely to be where the first signs occur. You may notice your hairline forming an ‘M’ shape which overtime recedes further to a ‘U’ shape. Keep an eye on your reflection to see if you spot any changes.

You spot thinning hair on your crown

After the hairline, the crown is the most common area for male pattern baldness to develop. Hair loss will spread outwards from the top of your head, which can be trickier to spot so you may need a handheld mirror.

You find a lot of hair in your comb

If every time you comb your hair you pull away a significant clump of strays, this is a clear sign that hair loss is on the cards. This simple action could be making your hair loss worse by causing unnecessary friction, so be sure to comb gently and avoid tugging on tangles.

The texture of your hair has changed

If styling your hair has become more difficult and it feels different to run your fingers through it, there’s a good chance that it’s thinning. It may appear wispier with more flyaways.

Your family members are balding

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition, so if you notice other male relatives going bald then you need to keep a close eye on your own head of hair. Finding out when exactly older relatives started to lose their hair can give you an idea of what kind of timescale to expect.

What can you do about it?

If you notice any of these early signs of male pattern baldness, it’s important that you seek treatment as soon as possible. Propecia and Finasteride (Propecia’s unbranded medical equivalent) are two safe treatment options available from Express Pharmacy, both of which have been proven in their effectiveness at treating male pattern baldness.

In both medications, 99% of men had visible results after two years of treatment — 66% experienced hair regrowth and a further 33% had no further hair loss. When using either of these medications, you should start to see results within three to six months.

Find further information and support for a variety of health concerns by contacting the Express Pharmacy team. You can call us on 0208 123 07 03 or use our discreet Live Chat service.

Hair loss and unwanted facial hair are both problems that can leave you feeling self-conscious and suffer a loss of confidence. Yet these common problems should not be a cause for embarrassment. At Express Pharmacy we offer a number of treatments that can help you deal with hair-raising problems and find a light at the end of the tunnel.

Both hair loss and unwanted facial hair are medical conditions that often leave sufferers feeling upset and embarrassed. But you should know that you aren’t alone. In fact, both afflictions are extremely common and by trying to ignore the issue you are actually missing out on the opportunity to take the problem in hand.

Hair loss

Hair loss is particularly prevalent in men – with 40% of males experiencing noticeable hair loss by the time they are 35 years old. As men progress into their 40s, 50s and 60s this hair loss often becomes what many would consider to be “baldness”. While stress, a poor diet, poor hair care, illness or medical treatments can all contribute to hair loss, genetics is by far the most significant factor.

Male pattern baldness refers to the loss of hair in men, usually starting at the crown or the temples – and often includes a general thinning of the hair all over the scalp.

It tends to take 15-25 years for male pattern baldness to take full effect, though in some cases hair loss spreads within just 5 years. Hair loss in men is the result of your body becoming increasingly sensitive to male hormones called androgens. The extent to which this affects you is hereditary, and other factors such as stress can speed up the process in some cases.

Unwanted facial hair

All women have body hair and experience regular growth from puberty onwards. However, some women also find themselves growing excess hair in areas more typically found on men such as the face and lower abdomen. This condition is known as hirsutism and is thought to affect between 5-10% of all women.

These conditions can wreak havoc on our self-confidence, and many people feel too embarrassed to speak to a GP about their symptoms. Instead, many women simply learn to live with unwanted hair or attempt to tackle the problem by shaving – a solution which can cause the problem to worsen in the long-term.

Like male pattern baldness, hirsutism, tends to run in families among women as a result of a genetic predisposition to the condition. Hirsutism is characterised by high levels of androgens, including testosterone, which can result in male-pattern hair growth.

There are several medical conditions that can result in unwanted facial hair. Perhaps the most well-known is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS), which accounts for three out of four cases of hirsutism. This is when benign cysts on the ovaries lead to decreased fertility and irregular menstrual cycles.

Unwanted facial hair can also be the result of adrenal gland disorders, or certain medications such as minoxidil, testosterone and cyclosporine.

How can you treat these issues?

For hair loss in men, Express Pharmacy offers Propecia. This helps treat male baldness and hair loss in the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area. Propecia helps with symptoms such as receding hairline, balding at the crown or general thinning of the hair.

Express Pharmacy also offers Finasteride, which is the generic version of Propecia. Finasteride contains the same active ingredient as its branded counterpart and acts on the scalp in precisely the same way.

For unwanted facial hair in women, Express Pharmacy offers Vaniqa. This is designed forapplication directly onto the face, and results can be seen within 4-8 weeks when applied twice a day, 8 hours apart. Vaniqa helps slow the growth of facial hair by taking effect during the growth stage of the hair cycle and interfering with an enzyme in the follicle necessary for the hair to grow.

Express Pharmacy makes treatment simple and discreet. Our 3 step process ensures you get the treatment you need, quickly and discreetly without a visit to the GP. Order your prescription today and it could be with you tomorrow morning.

September is Alopecia Awareness Month. Despite the relatively common nature of the condition, many people are still not familiar with the facts about alopecia. September is therefore an opportune time to explain what alopecia is, who experiences it, how it can be treated and what can be done to support sufferers.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term referring to hair loss, of which there are many types. The most common is male-pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, which is likely to affect half of all British men by the time they reach their fiftieth birthday. This is a hereditary condition that typically sees men’s hairlines begin to recede by their thirties, with the hair on the top of the head eventually thinning to leave a horseshoe shape of hair on the back and the sides of the head.

Alopecia areata (AA) is another type of alopecia, which results in patchy hair loss. This can advance into alopecia totalis (AT), where hair is lost from the scalp entirely, and alopecia universalis (AU), where hair is lost from the entire body. Some types of alopecia can be the result of other medical conditions or treatments. Scarring alopecia, where hair follicles are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue, can be the result of a form of lupus or severe rash.

There are also condition known as anagen effluvium, where hair loss is caused by chemicals, and traction alopecia caused by pulling or tension on the hair.

Who experiences alopecia?

Even though alopecia receives most prominence when it affects men, alopecia is actually a condition that is indiscriminate towards gender. Female-pattern baldness reportedly affects almost half of women who are over 65, and some studies suggest this is because hair thinning becomes more apparent after menopause.

Anagen effluvium, the type of alopecia caused by certain chemicals, most commonly effects people being treated for cancer with chemotherapy (and sometimes radiotherapy). Therefore, this type of alopecia can affect anyone of any age. Alopecia areata has been known to affect teenagers and young adults in particular, although the causes of this type of hair loss are not clear.

One form of alopecia where the causes are more salient is traction alopecia, which is most common in women who regularly choose to style their hair in tight braids.

How can it be treated?

As there are many types of alopecia, treating and living with the condition can vary from type to type. Where the cause of the hair loss is clear, the treatment can be very simple – when a sufferer of anagen effluvium ceases chemotherapy they find that their hair grows back, and braiding the hair more loosely or taking a break from braided extension can ease traction alopecia.

At Express Pharmacy, we offer effective treatments for male-pattern baldness such as Propecia and Generic Finasteride. These treatments are not, however, recommended for other forms of alopecia, however.

How can I help?

This September, charity Alopecia UK is offering support to those suffering from the condition and encouraging people to raise money to help with research and treatments for alopecia. This year’s activities include Fun Hat Fridays, where people wear a jazzy hat to work or school every Friday in September and share a photo of themselves on social media.

Participants can simply text HATS44 £3 to 70070, which will donate £3 to the charity. Some people also choose to cut off and donate their hair – sponsorship money can be donated to Alopecia UK, whilst the hair itself can be sent to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for children who experience alopecia as a result of cancer treatment. Visit www.alopeciaonline.org.uk for more information.

If you are concerned about your receding hairline you are not alone. Male pattern baldness is incredibly common, affecting 30% of white men under 30 and 80% of men over the age of 70. To put this into perspective, that's around 6.5 million men who will suffer significant hair loss through the course of their adult lives.

Male pattern baldness (MPB) or Androgenetic Alopecia can often bring anxiety and self-esteem issues with it. The anticipation and oncoming signs of Male Pattern Baldness alone can often be enough to drastically affect a man’s confidence.

With so many men unsure about how to deal with - or effectively treat - male pattern baldness, this guide will help to put worries at rest. Read on to discover everything you need to know about male pattern baldness and how to reduce it.

What is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is so named because it typically progresses with the thinning of follicles around the hairline and the crown. Hair follicles go through a process known as ‘miniaturisation’ – hair follicles thin and fall out at a faster rate till they eventually stop growing altogether. The common horseshoe pattern of MPB occurs as the hair on the top of the scalp and crown are the most susceptible to this miniaturisation process.

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?

MPB occurs when susceptible hair follicles shrink due to the influence of androgenic hormones. While there are many possible reasons for hair loss to occur – including medication, disease and extreme stress – the majority of men who suffer from it do so because they are genetically predisposed to suffer from miniaturisation to some degree.

Is Balding a Sign of Bad Health? Hair Loss and Your Lifestyle

While male pattern baldness is often hereditary, there are a number of underlying health issues that are worth taking into account. In many cases, hair loss can be accelerated and amplified by factors and habits in your lifestyle. The following points provide an insight into areas of your lifestyle which might be causing hair loss.

Serious Health Issues: Doctors have linked excessive and early hair loss – hair loss in 20s and early 30s – to a number of other health concerns such as issues with blood pressure or cholesterol levels.

Excessive Smoking and Drinking: Activities that may reduce the supply of oxygen to the scalp such as smoking and drinking have also been linked to the shrinking of follicles and the onset of baldness.

Stress and poor nutrition are also factors that contribute towards premature hair loss.

How To Prevent Male Pattern Baldness

Reducing your hours at work, getting more sleep, and drinking more water can all work to reduce stress and help keep your hair looking fuller for longer.

Similarly, there is evidence to suggest that a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the speed of male pattern baldness and slow down the process of genetic hair loss.

Regularly consuming protein-rich foods is also thought to reduce the progression of hair loss among some medical professionals. As hair is made up of the protein, Keratin, supplementing your diet with plenty of healthy proteins can help supply your body and hair with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Protein is not the only thing you can consume to help with hair loss. Basic medical advice recommends a healthy quantity of Vitamins B3, B5, B9, and E (found in orange, spinach, chicken, fish, broccoli and soya beans); Zinc (wheat, dairy, oats and egg yolk); Magnesium (milk, tuna, banana, cashews) and Iron (fish, leafy greens, fortified cereals, and beans).

Although lifestyle factors may encourage male pattern baldness, the main trigger is near enough always genetics. Express Pharmacy offers a number of hair loss treatments proven to slow the progression of male pattern baldness.

Consult our expert team on the benefits and properties of Finasteride and Propecia today, and if you're ready, you can purchase both hair loss treatments online right now.

Male pattern baldness is typically explained as the loss of hair on one’s head, beginning with a receding hairline, followed by hair loss on the crown and temples.

In Europe, British men are thought to be the most concerned about balding, but among the least likely to do anything about it. Due to lack of information, many view male pattern baldness as an unpreventable sign of ageing.

Causes of Male Pattern Baldness

Although not the only cause, genetics are a key factor in male pattern baldness. This genetic disposition can be inherited from either your mother or your father, contrary to popular opinion.

Hair loss is also strongly linked to hormones, which can be affected by lifestyle. The decrease in production of testosterone later in life leads to the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop working.­­

Hair loss and self esteem

Scientists have found hair loss can lead to feelings of depression, low self-esteem, neuroticism, introversion and feelings of unattractiveness for men of all ages.

New research by the hospital Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, studied the effects of hair loss as more than merely a cosmetic problem. They discovered hair loss patients had decreased self-esteem, feelings of disfigurement, and even depressive and anxiety disorders including social avoidance, impairing their quality of life.

Recently, celebrity hairdresser James Brown spoke out about his own battle with hair loss and the profound impact this had on his confidence and self-esteem following years of wearing his trademark hat.

Hair Restoration

In recent years, the popularity of surgical hair restoration has grown. The number of hair transplants continues to rise year on year worldwide, with over 285,000 now taking place.

Wayne Rooney’s treatment in 2011 thrust hair transplants into the public eye. Many other celebrities have since followed suit, such as Robbie Williams and Declan Donnelly. And while this has perhaps helped to tackle some of the stigma attached to tackling hair loss, the cost of cosmetic surgery - often anywhere between £3,000 and £30,000 – are prohibitive for the man on the street.

Surgical treatments are not a fix-all solution, either. Prescription hair loss treatments need to be used following the transplant, as the hairline and crown will still be susceptible to thinning.

Non-surgical baldness treatments

The NHS recognises the major emotional and psychological effects hair loss can have but does not currently offer treatment for male pattern baldness. Affordable and effective hair loss treatments are, however, available from reputable pharmacists.

Propecia and Generic Finasteride are oral medications proven to combat hair loss. 99% of men have been found notice visible results within 2 years.

If you are embarrassed about seeking treatment for hair loss, Express Pharmacy offers discreet, confidential baldness medications available for next day delivery.

For many of us hair and our sense of identity are heavily intertwined. Hair styles can mark the different phases of our lives and allow us to express ourselves.

From teenage grunge years to slicked back 20s, men are every bit as wedded to their hairstyles as women. And yet for 50% of men, baldness will become an issue before they hit retirement age. More worrying still is the fact that hair loss is commonplace for gentlemen in their 20s and 30s.

Perhaps it is no surprise then that an estimated 66% of men have searched for hair loss remedies at some stage.

So, what exactly causes hair loss?

Most commonly, cases of hair loss occur as a consequence of your genetic make-up and it can be inherited from both your mum and your dad. Another cause of hair loss is something we all know a little bit about; stress. Being stressed can cause the production of certain chemicals which impacts negatively on hair follicles, stunting hair growth.
Stress can also result in the development of the mental disorder trichotillomania, which is the pulling out of ones hair under stressful conditions. While stress clearly perpetuates hair loss, it does not however cause male-pattern baldness which is purely genetic.

What is male-pattern baldness?

It is the most common type of hair loss and it tends to develop according to a strict pattern. First, a receding hairline. This is then followed by the thinning of the hair on the crown of the head creating a balding patch on the top of the head with hair remaining around the back and sides. While it is possible, it is rare that male-pattern baldness will progress to complete baldness.

Given its ties to genetics and its common nature, there is sense of inevitability surrounding male-pattern baldness. However, there are treatments available.

What is the best treatment for you?

While male-pattern baldness is a natural process, posing no risk to your physical health, it can be distressing and pose risks to the self-esteem of some men. Treatment is available for aesthetic purposes and is recommended for the alleviation of this loss of confidence.

The only permanent way of solving hair loss is through a hair transplant. However, whether or not you undergo this measure, it is important to continue treatment for hair loss on the un-transplanted areas of your head through medications such as Propecia (Finasteride) and Minoxidil, which inhibit the thinning process.

Propecia

This is the most common medication for the cosmetic treatment of male-pattern baldness. It is available as a private prescription form your GP or pharmacist and consists of orally self-administered pills. Its history offers insight into exactly how this medication works.

Propecia was originally used as a form of treatment for men with an enlarged prostate. A common side effect of this use of Propecia was hair growth. Business savvy distributors realised its potential as a treatment for hair loss, creating the popular drug we have today. It works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to a hormone named dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is responsible for the shrinking of hair follicles.

An added benefit of Propecia is that it is renowned for its lack of common side effects. Incidences of erectile dysfunction have been documented in relation to the use of Propecia. However, the likelihood of erectile dysfunction is deemed to be very small.

While posing no threat to your health, Propecia does have an effect on your levels of prostate specific antigens (PSA). The level of these in your blood is commonly used as a base line by your GP in the screening process for prostate cancer. It is important therefore to consult a health professional before before taking Propecia and always order medications from a reputable and regulated provider.