Most hair loss does not need treatment and is either:

• temporary and it'll grow back
• a normal part of getting older

Hair loss caused by a medical condition usually stops or grows back once you've recovered.

There are things you can try if your hair loss is causing you distress. But most treatments are not available on the NHS, so you'll have to pay for them.

No treatment is 100% effective.

Finasteride and minoxidil

Finasteride and minoxidil are the main treatments for male pattern baldness.

Minoxidil can also be used to treat female pattern baldness. Women should not use finasteride.

These treatments:

• do not work for everyone
• only work for as long as they're used
• are not available on the NHS
• can be expensive

Wigs

Some wigs are available on the NHS, but you may have to pay unless you qualify for financial help.

Synthetic wigs:

• last 6 to 9 months
• are easier to look after than real-hair wigs
• can be itchy and hot
• cost less than real-hair wigs

Real-hair wigs:

• last 3 to 4 years
• are harder to look after than synthetic wigs
• look more natural than synthetic wigs
• cost more than synthetic wigs