Direct absorption: Oral treatments offer “systemic action” by being absorbed into the bloodstream. This addresses the underlying causes of hair loss from within, such as hormonal imbalances or genetic factors. More effective: Oral minoxidil is effective in more women (upwards of 90% depending on the dose), while topical minoxidil is only effective in about 50% of people. This is due to many women having a biological shortage of sulfotransferase, the enzyme that converts topical minoxidil into its active form in the scalp. (source). More convenient: Oral treatments are more convenient, require less frequent application, and strongly reduce the #1 cause of failure for hair loss medications which is compliance (actually using the medication consistently). They also remove issues of scalp sensitivity from topical treatments that can lead to skin irritation or allergies.
While both male and female hair loss can be genetic, they show up differently and are influenced by different hormonal factors. Male pattern hair loss typically starts with a receding hairline or bald spots at the crown, and can progress to complete baldness. It’s strongly linked to genetics and a genetic sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).Female pattern hair loss, on the other hand, usually presents as diffuse thinning across the crown, a widening part, or a smaller ponytail diameter, and women rarely go fully bald. It's also genetic but more heavily influenced by hormonal changes, especially:
Female hair loss can result from various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, stress, and certain hairstyles. Here are the most common types of hair loss in women—in order of how commonly they occur:
The 4 most common types of female hair loss can all be treatment with Locklab. Other contributing factors include nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and underlying health issues. Consulting a Locklab Provider can help identify the specific cause and appropriate treatment.
Speak to your doctor about taking Locklab if you are trying to conceive. Taking Locklab is not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding.
The results may or may not be permanent depending on why you were losing hair to begin with. If the pill was addressing a deficiency or hormonal issue—such as female pattern hair loss—the hair loss will likely return if you stop the medication. However, if you were experiencing temporary hair loss—including postpartum, stress-related, or weight gain/loss related hair loss—and if your underlying health is stable, it's possible to maintain the results even after stopping.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles to help follicles stay in the growth phase longer. This process typically targets weak, thinning hair, and since most of your body is already strong, Locklab primarily targets and grows the hair on your head.
You may notice an extra hair or two growing in other places, like your body. We know that additional hair growth isn't ideal, but it's a possible side effect of such a powerful treatment. That said, shaving, plucking, or waxing should do the trick.
In a clinical study of 1404 patients looking at the safety of oral minoxidil, 15% experienced increased hair growth on their face or body, but only 0.5% of participants stopped treatment as a result of that side effect.
If you experience more unwanted hair growth than you are comfortable with, you can message your Locklab Provider to customize a lower dose.
Most women will see regrowth around 3-6 months, but it may potentially take up to 12 months in some cases. It is also possible over the first 12 months for your hair to thicken significantly and thus have the appearance of regrowth, without new hair actually appearing.
Yes, stress can contribute to female hair loss—especially a type called telogen effluvium, where stress shocks hair follicles into shedding. However, the most common cause of hair loss in women is genetic, known as female pattern hair loss. Stress may worsen genetic hair loss or trigger temporary shedding, but long-term or progressive hair thinning is usually due to inherited factors. If hair loss persists, it’s usually best to turn to a prescription treatment for more lasting results.
Locklab was created to be an all-in-one treatment, so there is nothing specific you should be doing in tandem with taking the pill once daily. Shampoos, blow drying, and thickening products can create the appearance of fuller hair, but by taking Locklab you are doing what you need to address the underlying issues that are causing hair loss.
There are several possible ways to regrow hair depending on what's causing it, but if you want to go straight to what works best, a prescription-strength oral treatment is the strongest, fastest way to solve your issue. If a Locklab Physician determines you can be safely prescribed treatment, we are confident this is your best chance medically possible to regrow your hair.
Side effects are uncommon, but like with all prescription medications, there is a possibility they can occur. You can see a list of potential side effects here.
Natural remedies may help with mild, temporary hair loss—like telogen effluvium from stress or diet—especially when paired with lifestyle changes. But if hair loss is ongoing, worsening, or due to conditions like female pattern hair loss or alopecia areata, prescription treatments are more effective and should typically be used. Learn more
If the follicles are dead as they should be from electrolysis (laser hair removal), they will not grow back. However, we cannot assure you any follicles are dead, since electrolysis can vary in its effectiveness. If the hairs are not dead, there is a chance they will grow back, and that would be something you'd have to weigh the pros/cons of.
You’ll receive your first shipment 4-7 business days after you order. Your first refill will be processed a few weeks before you run out of treatment, that way you always have a little more than you need so your treatment doesn't lapse. This timing ensures your Locklab will always arrive in time, so you never miss a dose.If you have any questions about your next shipment and would like to change the date, please reach out to our support team by calling or texting (866) 562-5522, or emailing help@locklab.co, we’ll do our best to accommodate the request.
If you see on your order tracking that your package has been returned to sender, this may be because your address isn't current with us. Please check the address in your Locklab Portal to confirm that it is accurate and update it if applicable. If your order has been returned to sender, please call or text (866) 562-5522, or email us at help@locklab.co so we can further assist you.
Our customer support hours are Monday - Saturday, 10am-7pm EST
You’ll receive an email confirmation with tracking information as soon as your product ships. If you think the email could be lost in your inbox, you can search “help@locklab.co.” Your first order of Locklab usually ships within 4-7 business days since it is freshly compounded for you.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our support team: Email: help@locklab.coCall/Text: (866) 562-5522
At this time, Locklab comes in a 5-month, 3-month, and monthly supply. If you need more medication than this, please reach out to support by calling or texting (866) 562-5522, or emailing help@locklab.co
No, we can’t update your address for an order that has already been processed and shipped. However, you can update your address for future shipments inside your Locklab Portal. If you have any questions, please reach out to support by calling or texting (866) 562-5522, or emailing help@locklab.co
From start to finish, you should have your first order of treatment on your doorstep in under two weeks. Once you place your order and fill out a quick consultation form, your Locklab medical provider will review your answers and be in touch with you within 24 hours. You'll then have an opportunity to ask any follow-up questions and make any changes you need to your order. It’ll arrive 4-7 business days later. If you’ve already placed your order and are wondering when it’ll arrive, check your confirmation email for order details.
Your first refill will be billed and shipped sooner after your initial purchase than the following refills. This is to ensure there is no lapse in treatment and you don't run out of Locklab.
If you have any questions, please reach out to support: Email: help@locklab.coPhone: (866) 562-5522
We're sorry to hear your Locklab treatment hasn't arrived. We recommend checking the tracking information in the shipping confirmation email you received to see the status of your shipment. It usually takes 4-7 business days after the order ships for it to arrive. Please contact us for a replacement if:
To request your free replacement shipment, please contact our support team by calling or texting (866) 562-5522, or emailing us at help@locklab.co.
Please note: Our replacement policy requires 10 business days to have passed between the date your treatment was shipped before we can send you a replacement.
If your package was marked delivered, but you didn't receive it, please wait a few days. Shipping carriers will sometimes mark or scan packages as delivered but not deliver them until later. If you still have not received your package 3 business days after it was marked delivered, please reach out to our support team by calling or texting (866) 562-5522, or emailing us at help@locklab.co for a replacement shipment.
If you need to report a missing, defective, or damaged item, you may also contact our Care Team. You must report this within 30 days of the original ship date to receive a free replacement. If more than 30 days have elapsed after the original ship date, we reserve the right to deny any replacements.
Your prescription will typically ship within 4-7 business days after you order since it will be freshly compounded once it is prescribed. You'll receive a confirmation with tracking information as soon as it ships.
Locklab will be shipped to your door or mailbox with only the name "Locklab" identifying what is inside.
Locklab is available in 49 states and DC — excluding Alabama.Unfortunately, we do not ship internationally. To ensure the safety of our patients, we also do not recommend forwarding Locklab orders out of the country. Our medical providers are only licensed in the United States, and our packages are not suited for international shipping.
You can get your medication sooner, delay your next shipment, or change your shipping plan inside your Locklab Portal.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our support team by calling or texting (866) 562-5522, or emailing us at help@locklab.co.
If you're concerned about your progress, you can message your Locklab Provider to help you make the best decision for you. Our mission is to provide expert advice you can trust, whether or not you choose to stay with us. If you still wish to cancel, here’s how: Cancel easily inside your Locklab Portal by going to Dashboard > Treatment > Cancel plan*. Or email us at help@locklab.co with the subject line “Cancel My Prescription” and we will be happy to cancel for you.*Our customer support hours are Monday - Saturday, 10am-7pm EST*If your next refill date is within the next 24 hours, we will not be able to process your cancellation request before your refill order. If you're unsure if you want to cancel, please don't hesitate to message your doctor or send us an email at help@locklab.co - we're here to help you make the right decision for you.
If you’re experiencing a physical or mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are contemplating suicide, call 911 or call/text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. These services are available 24/7.
Please do not message your Locklab provider if this is an emergency, as they typically take 12 hours to reply.
If this is not an emergency and you wish to chat with your Locklab provider about anything related to side effects, you can message your doctor in the Messages tab inside your Locklab Portal.
You can easily restart your prescription anytime inside your Locklab Portal. If you'd like to restart with a different treatment, contact our Care Team. If you'd like to restart with a different shipping cadence, you'll first need to restart your subscription and then select "Change plan".
Locklab Women and Locklab Women Postmeno do not have a money-back guarantee. This aligns with telehealth industry standards. That said, your satisfaction is our highest concern and if you have any questions about the efficacy of your medication please reach out to help@locklab.co