Preparation
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and ensure your scalp is clean and completely dry before applying any topical treatment.
- Check that your scalp is free from cuts, irritation or sunburn before treatment.
- If you use styling products such as wax, gel or moulding clay, apply your treatment before styling and allow it to dry fully.
Note that LEO provides 3 application methods for our topical treatments - you only need to use one. We recommend the LEO Scalp Roller for optimum absorption, speed, comfort and zero mess.
Topical solutions
**Using the LEO Scalp Roller**
1. Remove the cap from your LEO bottle and screw the LEO Scalp Roller applicator onto the bottle neck.
2. Prime the applicator by pushing the pump down several times. The window on the applicator shows 1 ml and 2 ml marks. Pump 4 times to dispense 1 ml or 8–9 pumps for 2 ml.
3. Turn the bottle and applicator upside down and place the dispenser nibs against your scalp. Apply light pressure to start the liquid flowing.
4. Slowly roll the nibs over the affected areas using a circular motion. Spend 2–3 seconds per area, pressing the applicator every so often to keep the liquid flowing.
5. Continue until all the solution in the applicator chamber has been used and you have covered all thinning areas. You may gently massage the solution into the scalp with your fingertips if desired.
6. After use, rinse your hands and style as normal.
7. Clean the applicator after each use: unscrew the nib unit and rinse under water. Clean the roller balls and the body of the applicator at both ends. Allow to air dry before the next use.
**Using the dropper**
1. Unscrew the cap from your LEO Minoxidil bottle and screw the dropper firmly onto the bottle.
2. Squeeze and release the bulb to draw up the prescribed amount of solution into the dropper.
3. Use your fingers or a comb to part your hair and expose your scalp.
4. Hold the dropper a few inches above the exposed areas and gently squeeze to release the solution directly onto the scalp (not onto the hair). Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
5. Ensure all solution in the dropper is applied and that you have covered all affected areas.
6. Replace the dropper on the bottle. Wash your hands after applying and allow the solution to dry naturally before using other hair products, swimming or showering (this may take up to four hours).
7. Do not blow‑dry the solution and do not apply more solution or more often than directed.
**Using the spray**
1. Unscrew the cap from your LEO Minoxidil bottle and attach the spray device firmly onto the bottle neck.
2. If helpful, position yourself in front of a mirror so you can see your scalp. Use a comb or your fingers to create partings and expose the scalp.
3. Extend the arm of the spray so it can reach thinning areas and aim the nozzle approximately 75 mm (3 inches) from the scalp.
4. Keep the bottle upright and press the spray nozzle down firmly to apply the solution evenly across the exposed areas, avoiding spraying into your hair.
5. If any excess solution drips, gently wipe it away with a paper towel.
6. When finished, wipe the nozzle clean, wash your hands, and allow the solution to dry fully before styling or swimming.
Oral medications
- Take oral medications (finasteride or minoxidil tablets) exactly as prescribed by your clinician. Swallow tablets whole with water at the same time each day.
- Do not crush or chew tablets. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
- If you are taking oral finasteride, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets due to potential absorption through the skin.
Combination therapy
- If prescribed both topical and oral treatments, use them as directed: apply your topical treatment to the scalp once daily and take your oral medication as prescribed. Do not double‑dose to make up for a missed dose; simply resume your regular schedule.
- Maintain consistent daily use; missing doses reduces effectiveness.
Ongoing care
- Store medications at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use expired products.
- If you experience any irritation, persistent redness, excessive shedding, dizziness or other side effects, discontinue use and contact our clinical team or your GP.
- Treatment aims to slow or stop further hair loss and may support regrowth where follicles remain viable. Results vary, and consistency is essential.
- For any questions about your treatment, contact our support team through the Help Centre.
Important:
- Women and children must not use finasteride or handle finasteride tablets. If contact occurs, wash the area immediately with soap and water.