Treatment guide
Hair loss and scalp treatments: where this crosses into regulated territory
Most scalp and hair-loss services are unlicensed. Two things are different: some hair-loss medicines are prescription-only, and scalp micropigmentation is needle-based — in Wales it already requires a licence, because Welsh law treats it as tattooing.
Last reviewed · How we research and check this
Is it regulated?
No licence is required to perform this in England today. Most hair-loss work sits outside the scheme, but scalp micropigmentation is needle-based: it is already licensed as tattooing in Wales, and England's definition of skin penetration would capture it once the scheme commences.
Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and requires a prescriber. Minoxidil is available over the counter. Neither is something a salon can supply on its own authority.
Basis: Section 180, Health and Care Act 2022 and the Government's consultation response of 7 August 2025, tracked in House of Commons Library briefing CBP-10331.
What the practitioner should hold
Trichology is a distinct field with its own training. For scalp micropigmentation, ask about needle training, bloodborne-pathogen awareness and — in Wales — the practitioner licence and premises approval.
Insurance
Scalp micropigmentation must be named on the policy. General salon treatment-risk cover will not extend to a needle-based service.
What it costs
Guide price: we do not yet have enough member listings to publish a reliable range for hair loss & scalp. We publish this figure only when there is real data behind it.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is this a cosmetic service or are you recommending a medicine?
- For micropigmentation: what needle and hygiene training do you hold?
- In Wales: can I see your licence and premises approval?
- What results are realistic, and over what timeframe?
Red flags
- Prescription medicines offered without a prescriber
- Guaranteed regrowth
- Needle work with no visible sharps or hygiene procedure
- No patch test before pigment work
Common questions
Is scalp micropigmentation regulated in the UK?
In Wales, yes — it falls within tattooing under Part 4 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017, so the practitioner needs a licence and the premises need approval. Elsewhere in the UK there is no specific licence, though the England scheme's definition of skin penetration would capture it once it commences.
Can a salon prescribe hair loss medication?
No. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine and requires a prescriber. Minoxidil is available over the counter. A salon offering prescription medicines without a prescriber involved is operating outside the law.
Members offering hair loss & scalp
- Dr. Yamini AshokkumarTrent Bridge, Nottingham NG2
- Hair SolvedAnderston/City/Yorkhill, Glasgow G3
- LIMI SKINCastle, Nottingham NG1
- SPMU OxfordCowley, Oxford OX4
- Pro ClinicsClifton, Bristol BS8
- Changes ClinicCosham, Portsmouth PO6
- Doctor FacePlasnewydd, Cardiff CF24
- crown hairRhiwbina, Cardiff CF14
- Hairbleu ProfessionalPiccadilly, Manchester M1
- Diamond Angels GlasgowCalton, Glasgow G31
- Skinoza ClinicEast Greenwich, London SE10
- Manor HealthBramley & Stanningley, Leeds LS13
By area
Where members currently offer hair loss & scalp, with the local guide prices.
- Hair loss & scalp in Norfolk1 listing
- Hair loss & scalp in Greenwich1 listing
- Hair loss & scalp in Nottingham2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Nottinghamshire2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Liverpool2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Manchester3 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Edinburgh3 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Glasgow2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Brighton and Hove2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Hampshire1 listing
- Hair loss & scalp in Oxfordshire1 listing
- Hair loss & scalp in Portsmouth2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Southampton2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Bristol2 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in South Gloucestershire1 listing
- Hair loss & scalp in Cardiff3 listings
- Hair loss & scalp in Leeds3 listings