In this article we’re addressing some misconceptions about hair loss and its treatment that we see all the time - setting the record straight with scientifically backed research.
There’s nothing you can do about genetic hair loss
Genetic hair loss, aka male pattern baldness, is a natural condition which affects up to 50% of men by the age of 50. Some men are simply more genetically sensitive to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which binds to hair follicles on their scalp and causes ‘miniaturization’. Left untreated, DHT shrinks hair follicles, so hair grows back thinner, lighter and weaker, which leads to balding over time.
Some men think because it’s genetic, there’s nothing that can be done to stop it. But there are treatments which can stop male hair loss getting worse, and even in some cases, restore lost hair.
The licensed treatments are Minoxidil Spray and Finasteride tablets, which have decades of clinical studies to back them as effective hair loss treatments. There are other treatments, like PRP and AMT, which are less well researched but may help.
Natural remedies are safer and more effective than medication
If male pattern baldness is a natural condition, surely that means you should be able to solve it with natural remedies? It’s a common assumption, and an understandable one.
As interest in natural/organic ingredients in beauty and haircare continues to grow, particularly in the younger generations, many people are drawn to the idea that hair loss can be treated with oils and herbal supplements rather than medication.
This has led to a surge in products claiming to treat hair loss naturally. You’ve likely seen claims that rosemary oil can stop hair loss and/or stimulate hair growth, or pumpkin seed oil is a natural DHT blocker. While there is some limited evidence suggesting potential benefits, they have not been studied as extensively or rigorously as established hair loss medications like topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
For a medication to be approved in the UK, it must go through several phases of clinical trials to prove it is both safe and effective. Once it is on the market, it is continually monitored by the MHRA. This level of oversight means claims made about medications must be backed up by robust evidence.
By contrast ‘natural’ treatments like hair oils are not subject to the same regulatory standards, which means companies can make claims that may not be supported by high-quality clinical research. That makes it difficult to compare ‘natural’ remedies with clinically proven treatments in terms of either safety or effectiveness.
Shedding means your treatment isn’t working
Shedding at the start of treatment is a sign it is working.
When you spray minoxidil onto your scalp twice a day or take finasteride tablets, you’re expecting it to make your hair loss better, not worse. But a temporary shedding phase when you’re starting out with hair loss treatment, or coming back to it after a substantial break, is common. But the operative word is temporary – it should only last for a few weeks, then shedding should stabilise.
In fact, it's so common it has a name: dread shed. As worrying as it can feel, it actually means the treatment is starting to have a positive impact.
Hear us out. Minoxidil works by accelerating the hair growth cycle of the follicle. So, within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment you might start to notice more hair fall than usual.That’s minoxidil pushing hairs out of the resting phase (causing them to shed) so the follicle can re-enter the growth (anagen) phase sooner. These hairs would have fallen out at some point anyways, as they had already stopped growing and were in the telogen (resting) phase, waiting to be shed. By speeding up this cycle, minoxidil helps the hair get back to growing sooner.
It can feel alarming but trust the process.
Minoxidil 10% works better than Minoxidil 5% because it’s stronger
It’s logical to assume that higher concentration = better results. But that’s not the case, at least not with minoxidil. Don’t just take our word for it:
A 2021 study compared minoxidil 10% solution to a minoxidil 5% solution, and the total hair count improved more in the group using the 5% solution. The 10% minoxidil also caused more scalp irritation and shedding, so it is less well tolerated than the 5% solution.
A 2024 study found that groups using 5% or 10% minoxidil saw almost the same results, but the group using the 10% concentration experienced more side effects, which is likely to reduce overall compliance. In other words, patients are more likely to stop using the stronger version because adverse events are more likely.
Hair loss treatments work instantly
Patience (and consistency) are key when it comes to hair restoration.
Results take, on average, at least 3-6 months to become visible. You’re unlikely to be able to tell straight away if the treatment is working, because hair growth takes time. We recommend taking progress pictures in natural lighting, from the same angle (it might help to get somebody else to do this for you) before you start treatment, and once a month from then on. This helps you measure your progress objectively, so you can see with your own eyes if hair loss has stopped, and if you are starting to see thinner areas filling in with new or thicker hairs.
Many people stop treatment early, before they’ve really given it a chance, because they feel it’s not working. They might adopt a stop-start approach – sticking to it for a month or two, before falling off the wagon, and repeating that cycle every few months. That’s why we strongly recommend giving it a solid 6 months before you make any judgements.
The takeaway
A lot of these myths are based on assumptions that sound logical at first, but don’t hold up when you look at the science.
Genetic hair loss isn’t hopeless, natural remedies aren’t automatically better, shedding doesn’t mean treatment isn’t working, stronger formulations aren’t always better, and results don’t happen overnight.
Hair loss is frustrating enough – misinformation only makes it harder to deal with.
Our blog is filled with all the hair loss information you could ever need - all reviewed by our medical director, Dr Knut Moe. Plus, we have a dedicated Aftercare Team who are trained and knowledgeable on all hair loss matters, there to help if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan.
Our consultation is free, and it offers personalised treatment recommendations if you’re not sure where to start.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
