Regaine: What you need to know

What is Regaine?

Regaine is a brand-name topical treatment licensed in the UK for androgenetic alopecia (hereditary pattern hair loss). It contains the active ingredient, minoxidil, and is applied to the scalp daily. Depending on the product you use, follow the individual instructions for application as directions vary by product. It’s available in either a foam or solution form. 

Regaine products are specifically intended for hereditary pattern hair loss and may not be suitable for hair loss resulting from other medical conditions such as hair loss following childbirth or hair loss where the cause isn’t known. 

Find more information on hereditary hair loss in our article ‘Everything you need to know about hair loss’.

How does Regaine work?

The active ingredient in Regaine is minoxidil. Minoxidil is thought to help by aiding blood flow to the hair follicles, although its exact mechanism in hair loss is not fully understood. 

Learn more about Regaine’s active ingredient in our ‘What you need to know about minoxidil’ article.

How effective is Regaine for hair loss?

While Regaine results can vary from person to person, some studies carried out in clinical settings have found that topical minoxidil may help people with mild to moderate pattern baldness. 

Product information for some Regaine products notes that people who have been losing or thinning hair for a shorter period may be more likely to respond, but individual responses cannot be predicted.

How long it takes to see evidence of hair growth varies between Regaine products. Follow the treatment timeframe in the patient information leaflet for the specific product you are using.

Does Regaine work for men and women?

Regaine provides products for both women and men, with each range tailored to the recommended usage and safety guidelines for its intended use. It can help some people with hereditary pattern hair loss, but results vary and not everyone will experience regrowth.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Regaine.

What side effects does Regaine have?

Like all medicines, Regaine products have associated side effects that you should be aware of so you can take the right action if you experience them. 

Always read your Regaine patient information leaflet before using the product. This will include a list of all possible side effects, as well as how to use it. Using Regaine as directed will help to reduce the risk of any side effects associated with over-use.  

Stop using Regaine and seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain or swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat that may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Stop using Regaine and speak to a doctor if you experience symptoms including a fast heartbeat or palpitations, faintness or dizziness, swollen hands or feet, shortness of breath, sudden unexplained weight gain, or persistent local redness or rash.

Our article, ‘Minoxidil side effects explained’, has more information about adverse effects to be aware of.

What products are available in the Regaine range?

Here’s a summary of products available in the Regaine range, including the product type, strength, and frequency of application.

Patient Information Leaflets

Regaine for Men Extra Strength Foam

Regaine for Men Extra Strength Solution

Regaine for Women Once a Day Scalp Foam

Regaine for Women Regular Strength Solution

Is Regaine available over the counter?

The Regaine products listed in this article are General Sales List medicines and can be bought without a prescription.

Regaine’s suitability depends on the specific product within the range that you intend to use. Check the intended user, age range, contraindications and instructions on the pack and patient information leaflet, or ask a pharmacist.

Regaine contains minoxidil and is used to treat hereditary pattern hair loss. Always read the label and patient information leaflet. Ask your pharmacist for advice if you are unsure whether it is suitable for you.