Hair loss is a problem that can affect both men and women for various reasons. Whether the result of genetics, hormones, nutrition, or stress, many struggling with hair loss look for ways to slow and reverse the process. 

Thankfully, drugstores in Japan offer a number of over-the-counter solutions to hair loss of any kind. From medicated treatments for hereditary balding to hair growth tonics suitable for all hair types, here are some of the most popular and effective hair loss treatments recommended by drugstore staff. 

Hair Loss Treatments from Drugstore Pharmacies

For anyone dealing with hair loss due to male or female pattern baldness, drugstore staff suggest using a topical medicated treatment. These products contain the active ingredient Minoxidil.

Minoxidil is used to stimulate hair growth and slow balding. It is generally most effective in individuals under 40 years of age with recent hair loss, and has not been studied in patients over 65. It does not treat receding hairlines or cure baldness, and any newly grown hair may be lost within a few months of stopping treatment.

Minoxidil is categorised as a Class 1 OTC drug in Japan, meaning you will have to speak to a pharmacist before purchasing any of these treatments. Look out for drugstores with a pharmacy counter inside—they will usually have the character for medicine (薬) displayed on the outside.  

For Male Pattern Baldness: RiUp X5 Charge

One of the most recognizable hair loss treatment brands in Japan, RiUP was the first hair loss treatment that drugstore staff recommended for men. RiUP X5 Charge contains 5% Minoxidil (the highest concentration allowed in Japan) along with 8 other active ingredients. 

Price: Around ¥7,400 (60ml)

For Female Pattern Baldness: RiUp Regenne 

RiUP Regenne contains a lower dose of 1% Minoxidil to minimize potential side effects for women dealing with hair loss. This product also contains three active ingredients aimed at promoting overall scalp health and nurturing healthy hair growth. 

Price: Around ¥5,239 (60ml) 

Considerations

Products containing Minoxidil may cause a range of side effects including allergic reactions and the worsening of some medical conditions. Talk to a pharmacist about your symptoms, health condition and family history of hair loss before buying any of these products. 

Over-the-Counter Hair Growth Tonics and Serums

Unlike medicated treatments, anyone can use hair growth tonics to treat hair loss, regardless of the root cause. You can find these products at regular drugstores and don’t need to speak to a pharmacist before buying them. Here are some of the top tonics drugstore staff recommend. 

Best Overall: Kaminomoto A Hair Tonic

Drugstore staff suggest using this Kaminomoto A Hair Tonic for everyday scalp and hair care. Active ingredients promote circulation to improve hair growth, as well as preventing dandruff. Kaminomoto A is also fragrance free, making it suitable for sensitive scalps. 

Price: Around ¥1,255 (200ml)

Best for Women: Mochida Collagen Frou-Frou Hair Growth Lotion

Along with classic ingredients for stimulating hair growth, this topical lotion contains estrogens to address hair loss caused by hormonal fluctuations. As such, drugstore staff singled out this product for post-partum hair loss. It also contains collagen to promote thicker, healthier hair. 

Price: Around ¥2,800 (120ml)

Best for Men: Success Medicated Hair Tonic

Drugstore staff say that this spray-on hair tonic is a particularly popular choice for men dealing with thinning hair. Its unique selling point is the follicle-stimulating ingredient t-flavanone, which shoppers will only find in this brand. 

Price: Around ¥1,023 (180g)

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan.

This page has been brought to you as a public service of The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic in Yokohama.