What thinning is, and what each product does about it.

The mechanism

Pattern hair loss runs on two things: a genetic sensitivity of some follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and time. With every growth cycle, a sensitive follicle spends less time growing and produces a slightly finer, shorter hair — miniaturisation — until the hair is too fine to see. The follicle is usually still there, which is why treatment can help, and why starting earlier keeps more.

Treat — the two topicals

Finasteride, on the scalp

Finasteride blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. Applied topically, it acts in the skin where the follicles are, and much less of it reaches the bloodstream than from a tablet — the reason many men prefer this form. It is a prescription medicine: a pharmacist confirms it is appropriate before dispensing, and it must not be handled by women who are or may become pregnant.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil does not touch hormones. It prolongs the growth phase of the follicle and increases the calibre of the hair it produces, which is why hairs look thicker before they look more numerous. Twice-daily application matters; so does patience through the initial shedding, when resting hairs are pushed out to make room for new growth.

Nourish — the gummy

Hair is protein built at speed, and low biotin, zinc, vitamin D or folate all show up in the hair before anywhere else. The gummy is a reliable daily dose of those four — a floor, not a treatment on its own.

Care — shampoo, conditioner, serum

Actives need a clean scalp to work on. The shampoo removes oil and residue without sulfates; the conditioner stays off the scalp so it never coats it; the serum is the leave-in layer with caffeine, niacinamide and Redensyl for daily scalp care between treatments.

What to expect

• Weeks 2–8: possible shedding on minoxidil — the follicles are cycling, not failing.
• Month 3: less shedding; fine hairs begin to thicken.
• Month 6: the point at which the routine is judged. Photos in the same light help more than the mirror.
• Ongoing: the gain is held by continuing. Stopping returns the scalp to its own course over several months.

This page explains how the products work in general terms. It is not medical advice; read each product's leaflet and ask a pharmacist or doctor about your own case.