Minoxidil (Regaine) — UK price comparison
What minoxidil (Regaine) costs from UK pharmacies: typical monthly prices for the topical solution and foam, generic vs branded, and how to compare pack prices per ml.
Prices checked: 10 July 2026· Indicative treatment-service prices, not quotes
At a glance
- Typical cost: £20–£40 per month — compare price per ml, as multi-month packs cost less per month than single packs
- No prescription needed: available from pharmacies and supermarkets as branded Regaine or generic minoxidil — a pharmacist can advise
- Strengths: 5% is commonly used by men; 2% and 5% options are available for women
- Applied once or twice daily to the scalp as a solution or foam
- Results typically take around 3–6 months and reverse if you stop — some initial shedding is normal
- Suits both men and women, unlike finasteride, which is a men-only prescription tablet
Typical private cost
£20 – £40/month
per month (topical solution or foam); compare price per ml — multi-month packs cost less
Compare Minoxidil treatment services
All providers listed are GPhC-registered pharmacies or their linked online prescribing services. Prices are the pharmacy's own current service prices — where we haven't verified a price, check it on the pharmacy's site. Ordering is always subject to the pharmacy's own consultation.
| Pharmacy | Service price | What's included | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemist4UGPhC premises no. 9012464View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacy purchase · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
| Pharmacy2UGPhC premises no. 9010146View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacy purchase · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
| BootsGPhC premises no. 1096181View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacy purchase · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
| SuperdrugGPhC premises no. 9010736View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacy purchase · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
| Simple Online PharmacyGPhC premises no. 9011287View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacy purchase · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
| NumanGPhC premises no. 9011408View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacy purchase or plan (confirm) · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
| UsMenGPhC premises no. 9011473View profile & rating | Check current price | Pharmacy purchase or plan (confirm) · Delivery | Visit pharmacy |
Pick My Pharmacy is an independent comparison service and not a pharmacy. Where a listing is a referral partner we may earn a commission when you visit them — this never changes prices you pay, ratings, or the order providers appear. Affiliate links use rel="sponsored" and are labelled “Ad – Affiliate”. For Prescription Only Medicines we promote the pharmacy’s clinical service, not a specific medicine, in line with the MHRA Blue Guide. See our affiliate compliance.
What the price covers
Because minoxidil is sold without prescription, you're buying the product itself rather than a treatment service — so the comparison is straightforward pack price. The like-for-like measure is price per ml: packs are commonly sold as one-month, three-month, or six-month supplies, and the larger packs almost always cost less per ml. Branded Regaine sits at the higher end and generic minoxidil at the lower end, with the same active ingredient at the same strength. Since no consultation is required, it's worth comparing prices across online pharmacies, high-street chemists, and supermarkets alike — plus any delivery charge for online orders.
Who can use minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical treatment for hereditary hair loss that suits both men and women — unlike finasteride, which is a prescription tablet for men only. The 5% strength is commonly used by men, and both 2% and 5% options are available for women; products are labelled for one or the other, so check the pack. It's applied once or twice daily to a dry scalp, following the pack directions. No prescription is needed, but a pharmacist can advise on whether minoxidil is appropriate for your pattern of hair loss and which strength and format to choose.
NHS availability
Minoxidil is not available on the NHS — hair-loss treatment is classed as cosmetic, so it isn't funded. In practice this makes little difference for minoxidil, because it's a pharmacy purchase rather than a prescription anyway: you pay the retail price wherever you buy it. That puts the emphasis on shopping around — the same branded or generic product can vary noticeably in price between pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers, especially on multi-month packs.
Safety and side effects
Some increased hair shedding in the first weeks of use is normal and usually settles — it isn't a sign the treatment is failing. Visible results typically take around 3–6 months of consistent use, and any benefit reverses if you stop applying it. Common side effects include scalp irritation, itching, or dryness; the solution format contains alcohol, which some people find more irritating than the foam. Read the patient information leaflet before starting, ask a pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's suitable for you, and report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. This page compares prices only — it is not medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for minoxidil?▼
No. Minoxidil is available from pharmacies and supermarkets without a prescription, as branded Regaine or generic minoxidil. No consultation is required, but a pharmacist can advise on whether it's suitable for you and which strength and format to choose.
Is generic minoxidil the same as Regaine?▼
Generic minoxidil and branded Regaine contain the same active ingredient at the same labelled strength — the main differences are price and format availability. Generic versions usually cost less per ml, so compare pack prices at the same strength and volume.
Which strength of minoxidil should I use?▼
The 5% strength is commonly used by men, and there are 2% and 5% options for women — products are labelled for men or women, so check the pack. If you're unsure which is appropriate, ask a pharmacist before buying.
How long does minoxidil take to work?▼
Visible results typically take around 3–6 months of consistent once- or twice-daily use, and some extra shedding in the first weeks is normal. Any benefit reverses if you stop applying it, so compare ongoing monthly cost — multi-month packs cost less per ml.
Can women use minoxidil?▼
Yes. Minoxidil suits both men and women, with 2% and 5% options labelled for women — unlike finasteride, which is a prescription tablet for men only and must not be handled by pregnant women. Ask a pharmacist if you're unsure which product is right for you.
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