Curious about MANUAL’s hair loss treatments? I was too, and decided to try them out for myself.
You’ve probably seen their brands on social media and wonder, do MANUAL’s hair loss treatments actually work? I’ve done the hard work for you and dug up all the intel you need to decide if MANUAL could be right for you.
MANUAL offers both a spray and an oral treatment containing MHRA-approved prescription medicines that, according to research, are effective in treating male pattern hair loss for most men. Although these drugs aren’t completely devoid of side effects, these treatments are generally well tolerated.
Long story short, based on the results I’ve seen over the last year – I would recommend them. Their prescription treatments helped boost my hair thickness significantly.
In this review, I explore the pros and cons of the treatments, their benefits, and share details about my personal experience. In addition, we compare MANUAL to alternative hair loss treatment providers in the UK – including Numan, Sons, and Hims – to help you choose the best option for your scalp.
MANUAL
Pros + Cons
Pros
Contains MHRA-approved medicines that are scientifically proven treatments for baldness
Team of licensed clinicians manage your treatment plan, track your progress, and offer unlimited clinical support via phone or email as needed
Effective. MANUAL’S treatments combine scientifically-proven active ingredients for hair loss into a convenient daily plan that has worked well for me and thousands of others.
Individualised care with a bespoke prescription based on your health and lifestyle
My Personal Experience
I started with MANUAL in 2022 and have found it to be a convenient way to manage my male pattern baldness. The experience of getting a prescription was easy, and I’ve seen significant results from combining their oral treatment with their topical spray. Both are simple to apply – just one pill orally and one topical spritz on my scalp per day.
At several points during the course of my treatment, I’ve been able to access clinicians via phone or email to ask questions. Luckily I haven’t experienced any side effects needing urgent attention, but it’s helpful to know I can access help quickly, just in case.
I initially chose MANUAL over Sons and Numan because of its lower price point. Alternative platforms offer similar hair loss treatments (oral + topical, Rx and over the counter), but MANUAL won me over with ever so slightly lower pricing.
What Does MANUAL Prescribe for Hair Loss?
MANUAL offers effective over-the-counter products, as well as prescription-based treatments for male pattern baldness that may work for many individuals. For most men who take them as instructed, potential benefits may include improved hair growth, decreased hair loss, as well as increased hair thickness.
The benefits of hair loss treatment may only be seen when the medications are used as prescribed by your clinician.
Oral Meds
Male pattern baldness is associated with high levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles. An increased level of DHT in the hair follicles may lead to:
- Delayed growth of new hair
- A shorter hair growth cycle
- The growth of thinner and shorter new hair
MANUAL’S oral hair loss meds block an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase (5AR), which changes testosterone, the primary sex hormone in individuals assigned in males at birth, into DHT. This prevents further hair loss and encourages new hair growth as long as you are taking the medication as prescribed.
Hair Spray
MANUAL’S topical spray works by encouraging the hair to enter the growth phase of the hair cycle and improving blood flow to your hair follicles. This helps promote thicker hair growth, while slowing down further thinning.
I combined both oral and topical treatments from MANUAL, which is often recommended (depending on your situation) for maximum results.
Why I Recommend MANUAL for Hair Loss
I personally MANUAL hair loss products because they use powerful, MHRA-approved treatments that are associated with reduced hair loss, increased hair growth, and improved hair density for the following reasons.
Access to Experts
You deserve the best guidance and support when it comes to your hair. The team at MANUAL are specialist clinicians who have decades of experience helping individuals improve follicle health. As licensed medical professionals, they’re well-versed in all the latest treatments, innovations, and advancements in hair restoration.
Unlimited Support
The knowledgeable clinicians at MANUAL are always available for you to talk to via phone or email. Your subscription includes unlimited support, so you can always turn to them with questions or seek their professional opinion regarding your progress.
Convenience to Help You Stay Consistent
Consistent use of MANUAL’S oral treatments and topical spray offers you the best chance of meeting your hair regrowth goals. Keep in mind that it can take anywhere from six to 12 months before you see results, making it critical that you follow your clinician’s instructions carefully. The company’s recurring subscription ensures you never miss a dose.
Target Hair Loss From All Angles
MANUAL offers both prescription meds and over-the-counter options to help you combat hair fall from multiple angles. The combination of their oral treatment, DHT-blocking properties and their topical formula’s follicle-stimulating effects worked together to best slow down my hair loss. The regrowth I noticed ~3 months after taking both products was a huge relief!
Side Effects: Are Manual Hair Loss Products Safe?
Finasteride and minoxidil are associated with certain side effects that range from mild to severe. In general, these side effects don’t typically impact the majority of individuals using these medications and if side effects are experienced, many tend to be temporary.
Be sure to let your healthcare provider know about any prescription or non-prescription medications or supplements you are taking prior to using these products. If you experience any side effects, let your healthcare provider know right away.
Finasteride side effects may include:
- Reduced sexual desire
- Difficulty having or maintaining an erection
- Testicle pain
- Symptoms of depression
- Ejaculation problems
Minoxidil side effects may include:
- A dry or flaking scalp
- An itching scalp
- Scalp burning and irritation
Seek emergency medical care if you experience:
- Difficulty with swallowing or breathing
- Swelling of the face
- A rash or hives
- A fast heartbeat or chest pain
- A lightheaded feeling
MANUAL Alternatives: How Does it compare?
MANUAL vs Numan vs Sons vs Hims | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Finasteride price (monthly) | £15 | £18 | £31 | £23 |
| Topical Minoxidil price (monthly) | £19 | £40 | £18 | £27 |
| Finasteride + Minoxidil combo price | £20 | £22 | £22 | £30 |
| Free shipping? | ✅ Ships within 2 business days | ✅ Ships within 24 hours | ❌ | ✅ Ships within 2-3 business days |
| Topical minoxidil + finasteride spray available? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Pause or cancel anytime? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Non-Rx hair loss products |
| ❌ |
| ❌ |
| Money-back guarantee? | ✅ 180-day money back guarantee | ✅ 180-day money back guarantee | ❌ | ✅ 90-day money back guarantee |
| Geographical Availability | UK Brazil | UK | UK | UK US |
| Website |
Related reading: Numan vs MANUAL vs Hims vs Sons – Which is best for hair loss?
MANUAL Reviews: What do other customers think?
The Verdict: Is MANUAL Legit for Men's Hair Loss?
MANUAL’s hair loss treatments are best for men who want to treat thinning on the scalp or hairline with the most powerful clinical medications. It’s ideal for guys in the early to moderate stages of hair loss who are open to taking prescription medications over cosmetic procedures.
The convenience they offer with unlimited support, doorstep delivery, as well as access to an expert clinician who manages your treatment plan, has offered me peace of mind. It feels good to know I’m doing everything I can to keep my hair, with the help of licensed clinicians, 100% on auto-pilot each month.
Overall, I recommend MANUAL because it can deliver clinically proven meds that have worked for hundreds of thousands of men – including me! – for slightly less than other online hair loss providers in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does MANUAL hair loss treatment cost?
Cost will vary based on the subscription you select, but pricing typically ranges from about £15 to about £38 per month. Discounts are available, so be sure to ask about them when you connect with your Manual clinician.
How do I get started with MANUAL?
Take the free hair loss assessment, and get your results evaluated by their hair loss clinicians. From there, you’ll be told whether you qualify for treatment via MANUAL. If you do, you’ll be given a custom prescription based on your specific needs.
Where is MANUAL available?
Currently, Manual hair loss products are only available in the United Kingdom and in Brazil.
Can you cancel MANUAL subscription anytime?
Yes. Head over to Manual.co, log into your account, go to “Accounts,” and select “My Plan.” From there, you can pause or cancel your subscription.
Do hair loss products actually work?
Yes. In general, topical minoxidil and DHT-blocking treatments work for many individuals experiencing male pattern balding. Topical minoxidil and oral hair treatments are the only MHRA-approved treatments for alopecia and are considered the main treatments for this condition in the United Kingdom.
MANUAL offers both in all-in-one oral treatment, but also allows you to purchase them separately as well (if eligible).
If you are interested in using these medications, be sure to speak with your clinician to ensure it will work for you.
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Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of every telehealth service we review. This also includes examining and comparing each provider to comparable alternatives. We also evaluate usability, treatment efficacy, prescription delivery time, and ongoing support to determine the best value for those seeking fast and reliable healthcare online.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
