Hair Loss Treatment London: Finasteride, Minoxidil, and When to See a Private GP

Last updated: March 2026

The Online GP by The Wellness

If you are experiencing hair loss, The Online GP by The Wellness provides same-day GP consultations with GMC-registered doctors who can assess the cause, arrange blood tests to exclude underlying conditions, and prescribe evidence-based treatments including finasteride and minoxidil where clinically appropriate. Video consultations start from £250. Blood tests for hair loss start from £195. All prescribing decisions are at the sole clinical discretion of the assessing doctor. All cases are accepted at the complete discretion of the clinic, and final charges are determined by clinical complexity.

WhatsApp us for a same-day hair loss consultation | Call 020 3951 3428 | Email team@thewellnesslondon.com

What causes hair loss in men and women?

Hair loss affects approximately 6.5 million men and 8 million women in the UK according to the NHS. The causes differ between men and women, and accurate diagnosis is the essential first step before any treatment is considered.

Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in men, affecting roughly 50% of men over the age of 50 according to the British Association of Dermatologists. It is driven by genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, which causes progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles. It typically presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown.

Female pattern hair loss affects approximately 40% of women by the age of 50. It typically presents as diffuse thinning across the top of the scalp rather than a receding hairline. Hormonal factors, including menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid disorders, can contribute.

Other causes that must be excluded before treatment include iron deficiency anaemia (one of the most common reversible causes, particularly in women), thyroid disorders (both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), vitamin D deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, telogen effluvium (temporary diffuse shedding triggered by stress, illness, surgery, or childbirth, which typically resolves within 6 to 12 months), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss), scalp conditions including seborrhoeic dermatitis and fungal infections, medication side effects (including certain blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and antidepressants), and nutritional deficiencies related to restrictive diets.

A GP consultation is the correct starting point because treatment depends entirely on the cause. Prescribing finasteride for hair loss caused by iron deficiency would be ineffective and inappropriate. The GP identifies the cause, excludes treatable underlying conditions, and then recommends the appropriate treatment pathway.

Concerned about hair loss? WhatsApp us for a same-day consultation.

What blood tests are needed for hair loss?

Before prescribing any hair loss treatment, a responsible GP will arrange blood tests to check for reversible causes. The Online GP offers a hair loss blood panel from £195 which includes full blood count (to check for anaemia), ferritin (iron stores, the most commonly deficient marker in hair loss patients), thyroid function (TSH, free T4, free T3), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, testosterone and DHEA-S (particularly in women with signs of hormonal hair loss or PCOS), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG).

Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours. The doctor reviews the results with you and explains what they mean for your specific situation. If a treatable deficiency is identified, correcting it may resolve the hair loss without the need for additional medication.

Blood tests can be taken during a video consultation by attending our Marylebone clinic for phlebotomy, or by visiting one of our partner phlebotomy services. Home blood test kits can also be arranged.

Can a private GP prescribe finasteride for hair loss?

Yes. Finasteride (1mg daily, marketed as Propecia) is a prescription-only medication that a GP can prescribe for male pattern hair loss. Under NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries and the BNF, finasteride is a recognised first-line treatment for androgenetic alopecia in men.

How finasteride works. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride slows hair loss and in many cases promotes regrowth. According to a Cochrane Review, finasteride increases hair count by approximately 10% over 12 months, with visible improvement in most men who use it consistently for six months or longer.

Who can take finasteride. Finasteride is licensed for use in men only. It must not be taken by women of childbearing potential due to the risk of birth defects. It is not suitable for men under 18 or for hair loss caused by conditions other than androgenetic alopecia.

Side effects. The doctor will discuss potential side effects before prescribing. The most commonly reported include decreased libido (reported in approximately 1-2% of users), erectile dysfunction (approximately 1%), and mood changes. Most side effects resolve on stopping the medication. The doctor will weigh the benefits against the risks for your individual situation.

Monitoring. A follow-up consultation is recommended three to six months after starting finasteride to assess response and side effects. Ongoing repeat prescriptions are available following periodic review.

All prescribing is at the sole clinical discretion of the doctor, in accordance with NICE guidelines and the BNF. Finasteride is not prescribed without a clinical assessment and, where appropriate, blood tests.

Can a private GP prescribe minoxidil?

Minoxidil is available over the counter (without a prescription) in the UK as a topical solution or foam (marketed as Regaine). However, a GP consultation is valuable because the doctor can confirm that minoxidil is appropriate for your type of hair loss, advise on the correct formulation and concentration (2% for women, 5% for men), explain proper application technique (which significantly affects results), identify whether combining minoxidil with finasteride or other treatments would be more effective, and monitor progress.

For some patients, oral minoxidil at low doses (off-label, typically 1.25 to 2.5mg daily) may be more effective than topical application and more convenient. This requires a prescription and careful monitoring of blood pressure. The doctor will discuss whether this is appropriate for you.

What does a hair loss consultation include?

A hair loss consultation at The Online GP covers a detailed history of your hair loss pattern (onset, rate of progression, distribution, family history), assessment of potential triggers (stress, illness, dietary changes, medication, hormonal changes), review of your medical history and current medications, scalp and hair examination (via high-resolution video or in-person), blood test arrangement to exclude underlying causes, discussion of treatment options based on the likely diagnosis, and a prescription if clinically appropriate.

Video consultation from £250. Suitable for most hair loss assessments. The doctor can assess hair loss pattern and distribution via high-quality video. Blood tests can be arranged at our Marylebone clinic or via a partner service.

In-person consultation from £295. Recommended if the doctor needs to examine the scalp closely, particularly for suspected alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, or scalp conditions.

Hair loss blood panel from £195. Can be ordered during or after the consultation.

Follow-up and repeat prescriptions from £150. Recommended three to six months after starting treatment to assess response.

Book a hair loss consultation via WhatsApp

When should you see a dermatologist for hair loss?

A GP can diagnose and manage the majority of hair loss cases, particularly androgenetic alopecia and hair loss related to nutritional deficiency or hormonal factors. However, referral to a private dermatologist is recommended for suspected alopecia areata (patchy, sudden-onset hair loss that may require specialist immunological treatment), scarring alopecia (permanent hair loss with visible scalp changes, requiring biopsy and specialist management), hair loss that does not respond to first-line treatment after six to twelve months, uncertain diagnosis where a scalp biopsy is needed, and female hair loss with signs of virilisation requiring endocrinological investigation.

The Online GP can provide same-day referral letters to private dermatologists specialising in hair and scalp conditions. Most private dermatologists can see you within one to three weeks with a GP referral letter.

Important information

All prescribing decisions are at the sole clinical discretion of the doctor. If the doctor does not consider a medication appropriate for your situation, it will not be prescribed.

Acceptance of cases is at the complete discretion of the clinic. Final charges are determined by clinical complexity.

This service does not diagnose or treat hair loss caused by chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. If you are experiencing hair loss related to cancer treatment, please speak to your oncology team.

All doctors are GMC-registered. The Online GP operates as part of The Wellness, a private medical clinic at 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London.

Frequently asked questions about hair loss treatment

Can I get finasteride online without a consultation? Not legally in the UK. Finasteride is a prescription-only medication and requires a genuine clinical assessment before it can be prescribed. Some online pharmacies issue prescriptions based on questionnaires, but a proper GP consultation ensures the diagnosis is correct, underlying causes are excluded, and the treatment is appropriate for you.

How long before I see results from finasteride? Most men see a reduction in hair loss within three to six months, with visible regrowth by twelve months. Finasteride must be taken continuously to maintain results.

Is hair loss treatment covered by the NHS? Generally no. The NHS does not fund finasteride or minoxidil for cosmetic hair loss. Private treatment is the standard pathway.

Can women take finasteride? Finasteride is not licensed for women in the UK and must not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant. Alternative treatments for female pattern hair loss include topical minoxidil and, in some cases, spironolactone (off-label). The doctor will discuss appropriate options.

The Online GP by The Wellness 10 Portman Square, Marylebone, London Phone: 020 3951 3428 WhatsApp to book | Book online: thewellness.co.uk

Hair loss consultations from £250. Blood panel from £195. Follow-up and repeat prescriptions from £150. All prescribing at the sole clinical discretion of the assessing doctor. All cases accepted at the discretion of the clinic. Final charges determined by clinical complexity.