Minoxidil Prices

Topical minoxidil is a pharmacy medicine, not a prescription-only one, so unlike finasteride or oral minoxidil, we can compare its prices openly, the same way we would for any other retail product.

Topical minoxidil prices, checked 16 July 2026. Sorted cheapest first.
Product	Retailer	Pack size	Price	Buy
Sons Minoxidil 5% Spray	Amazon UK	60ml	£21.99 £29.00 RRP	View
Sons Minoxidil 5% Cutaneous Solution	Boots	60ml	£24.00 £29.00	View
Regaine For Men Extra Strength Foam 5%	Boots	73ml, 1-month supply	£29.59 £36.99	View
Regaine For Men Extra Strength Solution 5%	Boots	60ml, 1-month supply	£29.59 £36.99	View
Sons Minoxidil 5% Spray	Amazon UK	3 x 60ml	£44.00 £54.00 RRP	View
Regaine For Men Extra Strength Foam 5%	Amazon UK	3 x 73ml (3-month)	£46.00 £77.50 RRP	View

Regaine vs generic: what’s actually different

Regaine is the original branded topical minoxidil, and the only version most people have heard of. Generic and other-brand 5% minoxidil solutions and sprays, such as Sons, use the same active ingredient at the same standard strength. The main differences are formulation details (foam vs solution vs spray) and price, not a different active ingredient. There’s no requirement to buy the branded version for topical use to work as intended.

2% vs 5% strength

5% formulations are generally the stronger, more commonly used strength for men; 2% formulations exist and are specifically licensed for some women’s products. Higher strength isn’t automatically “better” for everyone: the BNF notes hypertrichosis (unwanted hair growth on nearby skin) is more commonly reported at the 5% strength than 2%, and side effects should factor into which strength is right for you, alongside a pharmacist’s advice.

Where oral treatment fits

Topical minoxidil doesn’t need a prescription, but oral minoxidil, used off-label for hair loss, does, and carries a different, more serious side-effect profile. See our oral minoxidil guide for the full detail if you’re considering that route instead of, or alongside, topical use.

Realistic expectations

Timeline to visible results is typically cited as 2 to 4 months of consistent daily use, not weeks. Initial shedding in the first few weeks is a recognised, usually temporary effect as hair follicles cycle into a new growth phase, not a sign the product has failed. Stopping and restarting repeatedly is one of the most common reasons people conclude, wrongly, that minoxidil “didn’t work” for them.

Frequently asked questions

Is minoxidil available without a prescription in the UK?

Yes, topical minoxidil (2% and 5% foam or solution) is a pharmacy medicine, available directly from a pharmacy or online without a prescription. This is different from oral minoxidil, which is prescription-only and off-label for hair loss.

Is generic minoxidil as good as Regaine?

Generic and other-brand 5% minoxidil products use the same active ingredient at the same strength as Regaine. The main differences are formulation (foam vs solution vs spray) and price, not the active ingredient itself.

How long does minoxidil take to work?

Typically 2 to 4 months of consistent daily use before visible results. An initial shedding phase in the first few weeks is common and usually temporary, not a sign of failure.

Should I use 2% or 5% minoxidil?

5% is the more commonly used strength for men; 2% is specifically licensed for some women's products. The BNF notes unwanted hair growth on nearby skin is reported more often at 5% than 2%, worth discussing with a pharmacist.