Hair loss treatment in NZ: what's changed.
For a long time, getting a finasteride or minoxidil prescription in New Zealand meant booking a GP appointment, waiting weeks, paying for the consultation, and then potentially being referred to a specialist. Many men simply didn't bother, and hair loss went untreated.
Online telehealth has changed this. NZ-registered doctors can now review your case, ask follow-up questions, and issue a prescription for finasteride or minoxidil entirely online — meaning you can start treatment without taking time off work or sitting in a waiting room.
What the process looks like.
The process starts with a short assessment — a series of questions about your health, your hair loss, and your medical history. This takes around two minutes.
A NZ-registered doctor then reviews your answers. This isn't automated — a real doctor looks at your case, checks for any contraindications, and makes a personalised recommendation based on your specific situation.
If treatment is appropriate, a prescription for finasteride, minoxidil, or a combination of both is issued and dispensed by a NZ-registered pharmacy and shipped directly to you. Most patients receive their first order within a few days.
Your doctor remains available throughout your treatment for follow-up questions, and your progress is monitored over time.
Who can be treated: Finasteride and minoxidil are appropriate for most adult men experiencing male pattern hair loss. Some medical conditions and medications may affect eligibility — your doctor will assess this as part of the review. Men under 18 are not eligible.
Finasteride, minoxidil, or both?
Finasteride targets the hormonal cause of hair loss by reducing DHT — the hormone responsible for follicle miniaturisation. It is the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment for male pattern hair loss and is taken as a once-daily oral tablet.
Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by improving blood flow to follicles and extending the growth phase of the hair cycle. It is available as a topical solution applied directly to the scalp, or as a low-dose oral tablet. It works through a different mechanism to finasteride and the two treatments complement each other well.
Clinical evidence consistently shows that men who use finasteride and minoxidil together achieve better outcomes than those using either treatment alone. Your Forme doctor will recommend the right combination based on your hair loss stage and health profile.
Take a free 2-minute assessment and get a personalised recommendation from a NZ-registered doctor.
Start free assessment →