There’s been an explosion of men-focused wellness brands worldwide, and the UK is no exception. Wellness and self-care are two things that historically men have ignored despite a clear set of embarrassing problems that require medical attention.
Most of these new UK-based telemedicine providers are following a similar playbook as Hims, Roman, and Keeps in the US — starting with a non-life threatening, but also completely treatable condition: hair loss, which almost 80% of men experience by age 80.
Balding typically starts much earlier in life, and for many men, it causes unwanted stress and embarrassment. Just ask any guy who starts to notice their hair thinning in their early 20’s… it can be devastating.
Fortunately, new telehealth startups such as Numan, Manual, Hims, and Sons are taking this challenge head-on (get it?). They offer clinically-proven prescription hair loss treatments that are widely popular not only in the UK, but worldwide.
In this article, we’ll compare the top four providers of online hair loss treatment in the UK, dissecting what they offer, pricing, and how well they actually work to keep hair on your head. We’ll also cover the basics of hair loss to help you understand how different treatments work scientifically to reduce thinning.
What do Numan, Manual, Hims UK, and Sons offer?
While there are definitely nuances between their offerings, generally speaking, hair loss subscription services offer similar treatments. With any of these subscriptions, you will receive finasteride and/or minoxidil, the generic versions of standard hair loss medications. Their treatment plans include one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
- Finasteride tablets to take once a day
- Minoxidil hair spray to apply topically
- Shampoo
- Supplements
Slower than growing a lawn, you’ll likely notice the first few results after about three months when the hair loss begins to slow down or stop completely. Then, when the treatment is fully effective after about six months, you will notice the hair loss significantly slowing down and hopefully stopping altogether, along with signs of hair regrowth.
One thing to note: You’ll have to maintain your daily regimen of minoxidil / finasteride indefinitely in order to continue seeing results. Put differently, the minute you stop hair loss treatment, you’ll likely notice hair thinning again almost immediately.
Numan, Manual, and Sons are all popular UK-based men’s wellness brands that also offer treatments for men beyond just hair loss. Hims is an American company that’s now licensed to prescribe hair loss meds in the UK. Below is a table that describes what each offers at a high-level:
Numan vs Manual vs Sons vs Hims | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Loss | Finasteride (oral) Topical Spray (6% minoxidil) Regaine (5% minoxidil) | Finasteride (oral) Minoxidil | Finasteride (oral) Minoxidil DHT blocking shampoo Biotin vitamins (aka B7 or vitamin H) | Finasteride (oral OR topical) Minoxidil |
| Other Conditions treated (beyond hair loss) | Beard Growth Blood Testing Supplements Erectile Dysfunction Premature Ejaculation Quitting Smoking Asthma Acid Reflux | ED Skin Care Blood Testing Nutrients and Vitamins Gut Care Personalized Health Plan | Gut Health Brain Health Immune Health | ED |
| Website |
How to get hair loss meds online in the UK
All four brands offer a similar online experience that starts with a quick, virtual consultation. If their team of licensed doctors approves you for treatment, they’ll recommend a course of treatment and prescribe medication that’s delivered to your door in a few days, or as soon as 24 hours if you go with Numan. In any event, these services help you skip both the doctor’s office and the pharmacy. They also help you save money as well because they offer more affordable generic meds, rather than the popular brand name.
At a high level, here’s how Numan, Hims UK, Sons, and Manual work to prescribe you hair loss meds:
- Online Hair Loss Consultation: Complete a virtual consultation of your hair loss and health situation, which is generally just answering a simple questionnaire online.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: A registered practitioner creates a treatment plan for you, assuming your condition is deemed a good fit for hair loss medication.
- Purchase Products: Some products require a prescription, while you have some flexibility with others. Choose the treatments you’d like to order based on the recommendations in your consultation. You can generally elect to order one-time or sign up for a recurring subscription.
- Receive Shipment: Your products will be delivered to your door, generally in discreet packaging because everyone knows how sensitive hair loss or ED treatment can be.
- Follow Up Questions: You’ll have ongoing support as needed should you have questions about dosage, side effects, or anything related to you hair loss medication.
What’s the best hair loss subscription for men in the UK?
Okay. Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s a chart that compares the top UK men’s hair loss subscriptions side-by-side to help you distinguish their brands and offerings:
Numan vs Manual vs Sons vs Hims - What's Best for Hair Loss? | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Started | 2019 | 2019 | 2018 (Acquired by Hims & Hers in 2021) | 2018 |
| Hair Loss Treatments Offered | Topical spray and finasteride tablets combo Finasteride tablets Minoxidil topical Spray Regaine minoxidil | Finasteride and Minoxidil hair spray combo Finasteride tablets Minoxidil Spray | Topical Finasteride with Minoxidil Minoxidil Solution Finasteride Tablets | Finasteride tablets Minoxidil DHT blocking shampoo Biotin tablets |
| Regulation | Care Quality Commission | General Pharmaceutical Council | General Pharmaceutical Council | General Pharmaceutical Council and MHRA |
| Cost of hair loss meds | – Finasteride + Minoxidil: £38 per month – Finasteride: £29 per month – Minoxidil: £32 per month – Regaine: £80 per month | – Finasteride + Minoxidil: £28 per month – Finasteride: £18 per month – Minoxidil: £24 per month | – *Topical* Finasteride + Minoxidil: £22 per month – Finasteride: £17 per month – Minoxidil: £11 per month for minoxidil | £39 per month for the “full works” plan with finasteride tablets, minoxidil, shampoo and biotin tablets. Save 40% with code FIN40 at checkout! |
| Recurring Subscription Cadence | Monthly | Monthly Every 3 months Every 6 months | Monthly Every 3 months | Monthly Every 3 months |
| Delivery Timeline | Free 24-hour delivery | Free 2 business day delivery | Free 2-3 working days delivery | Free 3-5 days delivery |
| Discreet packaging? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| On-going medical support? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Can I return meds if they don’t work? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Introductory offer | First-month discount | First-month discount | First-month discount | 3 and 6 months subscription discounts |
| How to Order |
Price Comparison: Which offers the most affordable hair loss treatments?
UK Men’s Hair Loss Price Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride | £19 first month, then £29 per month thereafter. £29, £29, and £29 per month on 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions | £18 first month, then £34 per month thereafter £15 and £14 per month for 3 or 6 months subscriptions | £17 first month, then £34 per month thereafter £28 per month for a 3-month subscription | £23 per month
£18 and £16 per month for 3 and 6-month subscriptions Save 40% with code FIN40 at checkout! |
| Minoxidil | (Regaine) £70 first month, then £80 per month thereafter | £24 first month, then £42 per month thereafter £19 and £16 per month for 3 and 6 months subscriptions | £11 first month, then £23 per month thereafter £20 per month for a 3-month subscription | £20 per month
£17 and £5 per month for 3 and 6 months subscriptions Save 40% with code FIN40 at checkout! |
| Minoxidil and finasteride combo | £28 first month, then £38 per month thereafter £35, £34, and £33 for 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions | £28 first month, then £44 per month thereafter £20 and £19 for a 3 or 6 month subscriptions | £24 first month, then £49 per month thereafter £42 for a 3-month subscriptions | *includes Minoxidil, DHT Blocking Shampoo Biotin tablets, and Finasteride £39 per month, or £34 for a 3-month plan Save 40% with code FIN40 at checkout! |
| 2-in-1 Topical Finasteride with Minoxidil | ❌ | ❌ | £22 first month, then £44 per month thereafter £37 per month for a 3 month subscription | ❌ |
| How to Order |
We also reviewed what customers had to say about each provider online to help see if that sways your decision.
UK Hair Loss Treatment Reviews: What do customers say?
All four brands offer finasteride and minoxidil, which are the only two MHRA and FDA-approved hair loss treatments and the generic versions of the medications. We scanned the internet for customer reviews and found the following themes:
Reviews of Numan or hair loss
Numan offers a complete hair kit that consists of topical spray and finasteride, which some customers have found to be an effective combo for slowing down hair loss while stimulating hair regrowth.
Other customers were skeptical whether or not the hair loss products work, but fortunately saw results within a few months of use.
Read our full Numan review for additional colour.
Reviews of Manual for hair loss
With Manual hair loss products, some customers experienced shedding hair in the first couple of weeks, but eventually grew new ones — even thicker — upon continued use.
Like most of the brands here, Manual recommends testing their products for at least a 3-months to achieve noticeable results.
Reviews of Sons for Hair Loss
Sons has the biggest hair loss treatment line, including a DHT-blocking shampoo and biotin vitamin tablets that Numan and Manual don’t offer. These additional treatments are definitely less effective at regrowing hair than finasteride or minoxidil, but potentially worth trying nonetheless, especially if you’re keen to avoid prescription medication. Most Sons customers reported hair growing slowly (but surely!) over a period of three to six months.
Sometimes slow and steady wins the race (and that also means being patient enough to use the products in appropriate dosage).
Check out our full review of Sons for Hair loss for even more information. You can save 40% by applying code FIN40 at checkout.
Reviews of Hims UK Hair Loss
Among the interesting themes we noticed for Hims UK (formerly named Freshman prior to being acquired by Hims & Hers in 2021) — aside from overall effectiveness — are claims of super accommodating customer support interactions. Others loved their old packaging, which likely will change now that the company has rebranded, although Hims arguably has better (read: more discreet) packaging anyway.
We reviewed Hims UK much more granularly, including an in-depth dive into each of the products that the offer.
Final considerations when choosing the right hair loss treatment for you
Finasteride and minoxidil treatments can help men who are starting to lose their hair from the effects of male pattern baldness. Men who have already lost a significant amount of hair or have been missing the hair for quite some time already are less likely to see results from these treatments. That’s because, by that point, the hair follicles most likely will not be able to produce new hair and have reached the point of permanent hair loss.
These treatments are intended for use as early as possible for best results. If you’re not sure where you’re at in your hair loss journey, you can always reach out to one of these brands about your specific case or simply try the treatment and see if it works for you. But remember that you’d need to give it a good three to six months before you start seeing results.
All four online hair loss subscriptions — hims, Sons, Numan, and Manual — offer a free consultation before and after buying one of their subscriptions.
Another thing to be aware of is the potential side effects because you’re dealing with prescription medications. Finasteride has been associated with sexual dysfunctions like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, but it’s quite rare, as FDA noted. And, if it’s any consolation, in the majority of cases, stopping hair loss treatment made the adverse symptoms go away.
Minoxidil has been associated with skin irritation. It’s also possible you could experience other side effects and something you’d want to keep an eye on and mention to your physician. Also, make sure to fill the consultation questions accurately when ordering so that the clinicians can alert you in case you are susceptible to any of the side effects.
The Verdict: Manual vs Numan vs Sons vs Hims – Which UK hair loss subscription is best for you?
All four brands offer clinically-proven, widely used treatments for hair loss that work for 9 out of 10 men. They all make it exceedingly convenient to combat hair loss discreetly from home with finasteride and minoxidil — just in different forms and concentrations.
Based on regulation, quality, and pricing, Numan is our current favorite. If you are looking for a holistic brand with a wide range of men’s wellness offerings, they are a smart pick. If you want to save more per month, Manual offers the most affordable 3-month plan that combines both the minoxidil and finasteride treatments. And if you’re interested in meds for other conditions beyond hair loss, like Numan, they can help you there, too.
If you want the easiest-to-apply and thus most convenient option, go for Hims’ 2-in-1 topical solution combining finasteride with minoxidil. Last but not the least, Sons currently offers the widest selection of treatment options of the bunch, so they are a great service if you want to experiment (or do everything humanly possible for regrowth!) Don’t forget to apply code FIN40 at check out to save 40% off Sons‘ already-affordable pricing.
Ultimately these new services are more alike than they are different, so you can’t really go wrong. It’s just a matter of what you’d prefer to optimize for (convenience, price, variety, reputation, or perhaps something else entirely). Have you already tried one of these men’s hair loss subscription services? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is more affordable — Manual, Numan, Sons or Hims?
When it comes to hair loss, Numan, Manual, Sons and Hims all recommend 3-month or 6-month plans to allow enough time to see the first signs of regrowth. They typically offer discounts for committing to larger shipments. For example, a 6-month supply costs roughly half of what you’d pay if you were to purchase meds month to month. So which is the most affordable overall?
Numan has a 3-month plan for a hair loss treatment bundle starting at £35/month, which is reasonable when considering that they’re a trusted brand regulated by a high-standard body in the UK. (Check out our in-depth Numan review to learn even more.)
That said, Manual offers a similar combo for only £19/month (also with a 3-month subscription requirement). But wait, there’s an even more affordable option…
If you want a complete package that offers the greatest bang for your buck, Sons offers the finasteride-minoxidil combo, plus a DHT-blocking shampoo and Biotin tablets at £34/month for a 3-month subscription. Plus you can save an additional 40% off with the discount code FIN40. That makes Sons the most affordable option by FAR.
Hims’ 2-in-1 topical solution costs £44/month, but you can save with a 3-month subscription for £37/month, which is still a bit steep, but more convenient to apply regularly than the other products.
What causes male pattern baldness?
Male pattern baldness (known medically as alopecia) is the most common form of hair loss, affecting around ⅔ of men in their lifetime. It’s usually caused by the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone when it attacks hair follicles, making them weak, smaller, and no longer able to create new hair.
The timing of balding / hair thinning is mostly dictated by age and genetics, with a fortunate minority of men never losing their hair at all. For the rest of us, we’re lucky to have convenient treatment options from telemedicine companies like as Numan, Manual, Hims, and Sons.
How does finasteride work?
Finasteride stops the body from processing testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the dastardly hormone that causes hair loss, by miniaturizing hair follicles. Luckily, Finasteride is effective in stopping or slowing down hair loss in 9 out of 10 men.
While there is no cure for male pattern baldness, there are several clinically proven medications that slow or stop hair loss — i.e. they can help you keep the hair that’s on your head currently — and even promote moderate hair regrowth.
Finasteride and minoxidil are the only FDA and MHRA-approved hair loss treatments currently. Finasteride typically comes as an oral tablet (although many brands now offer it as a topical solution, too), while minoxidil is typically applied topically to your scalp — either as a foam, liquid, or spray.
How does minoxidil work?
On the other hand, minoxidil is another widely popular hair loss treatment that facilitates blood flow to hair follicles, delivers useful nutrients and oxygen, and thus catalyzes hair growth. Using finasteride and minoxidil together has been found to produce better, compounded results. Naturally all the hair loss subscription upstarts we mentioned below offer both minoxidil and prescription finasteride.
What is a hair loss treatment subscription service?
Online hair loss subscriptions offer patients virtual diagnosis and care for alopecia and other types of hair fall. They typically prescribe and deliver meds to your door monthly, quarterly, or semiannually.
Getting a prescription for finasteride and other popular hair loss meds is now easily done online. Delivery is mostly within a few business days, and the packaging is discreet enough so no one has to know.
In the UK, companies like Numan, Manual, Hims, and Sons offer the most compelling hair loss subscriptions, which can include more than one treatment.
Who regulates online hair loss providers in the UK?
Online telehealth companies like Hims, Sons, and Manual are registered pharmacies regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council. This is the body that regulates pharmacies, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in Great Britain.
Numan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and is the strictest amongst the four. They require buyers to fill a consultation form that must be approved by one of its prescribers. They also run an ID check to make sure your name, DOB, and address are authentic. If your ID check fails, they will ask you to submit a copy of your driver’s license or ID to confirm your identity. Some consumers may think this is burdensome or overkill, but we appreciate the extra precaution. Privacy is important.
Discover more hair loss brands for men
Happy Head SuperCapsule Review – Is it Better Than Traditional Finasteride?
Home › Hair Loss › Happy Head SuperCapsule Reviews Rating: 4.6 / 5 ★★★★★ 4.7/5 Hair loss is stressful enough as is. Treating it shouldn’t
XYON Dutasteride Review – Is It Worth It?
Home › Hair Loss › XYON Dutasteride Review Rating: 4.7 / 5 ★★★★★ 4.7/5 The hair loss market is huge and sometimes baffling, with a
Happy Head Hair Supplement Review – Do They Actually Work?
Medical Reviewer: Dr. Tod Anderson, DDS Home › Hair Loss › Happy Head Supplement Review Rating: 4.4 / 5 ★★★★★ 4.4/5 If there’s one thing
Keeps Topical Finasteride Review – Is it the Best Topical for Hair Loss?
Home › Hair Loss › Keeps Topical Finasteride Review Rating: 4.4 / 5 ★★★★★ 4.4/5 Did you know that male pattern baldness, also known as
XYON Health Review – Is Their Topical Finasteride Legit for Hair Loss?
Home › Hair Loss › XYON Health Review Rating: 4.8/5 ★★★★★ 4.8/5 You look in the mirror and notice what you’ve been fearing the most:
Geologie Co-Wash Review: Should You Try It? We Found Out
Home › Hair Care › Geologie Co-Wash Reviews Rating: 4.7 / 5 ★★★★★ 4.7/5 Most people use shampoo for their entire lives without ever questioning
