Finasteride vs. Minoxidil. If you are losing hair and are doing research on hair loss treatments, chances are you have come across “Finasteride” and “Minoxidil”. Let’s understand what they are.

Finasteride and minoxidil are the two most popular—and clinically proven—treatments for men’s hair loss. Although they both work to achieve the same objectives of preventing hair loss, they work in completely different ways.

Difference between Finasteride and Minoxidil?

Finasteride (generic name Propecia®) is a DHT blocker. DHT (a.k.a dihydrotestosterone) plays a pivotal role in male pattern baldness. It’s a hormone that attaches itself to men’s hair follicles thus damaging them and ultimately rendering them unable to grow new hair. Finasteride prevents hair loss by stopping your body from converting testosterone into DHT.

Minoxidil (generic name Rogaine®) is a vasodilator. When applied to scalp, it widens the blood vessels, facilitating the blood flow to hair follicles. This increased blood flow, in turn, delivers more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, thereby thickening the hair and possibly promoting its growth.

What are the benefits of Finasteride and Minoxidil?

Finasteride stops hair loss by blocking DHT.

Minoxidil doesn’t stop hair loss, but helps new hair to become thicker and grow faster than before.

Finasteride and Minoxidil (you should know that these are the only two FDA-approved products) have been proven successful at treating hair loss in men, as per multiple studies.

A 5-year study on the efficacy of Finasteride in men with Male Pattern Baldness showed improvement in 90% of participants. A 120-week study of male subjects with Male Pattern Baldness showed that Minoxidil was statistically significantly superior to the placebo in increasing hair count.

In what forms do Finasteride and Minoxidil come?

Finasteride is an oral pill taken once a day.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment applied to your scalp twice a day. It is available in liquid form, applied with a dropper, and as a foam, which can be applied with your hands. Both forms are equally effective.

Can Minoxidil and Finasteride be taken together?

The short answer is “Yes”! Because Finasteride and minoxidil work using different mechanisms, there is no risk in using both at same time. In fact, taking them in tandem could be the most effective means of managing hair loss: A 2015 randomized and comparative study of the combined treatment of Male Pattern Baldness with Finasteride and Minoxidil found that “the combined medication showed best efficacy.”

So, which should you use?

Finasteride and Minoxidil are different medications, serving different aims. Because Finasteride stops hair loss at its source by blocking DHT, most doctors recommend it. It comes with some side affects you should be aware about. Minoxidil comes in handy to thicken and regrow hair.

Ultimately, combatting hair loss is a pledge—in order for the treatments to work, you need to be disciplined in using Finasteride and/ or Minoxidil daily. Your needs and lifestyles play a key role in your final decision.

Need help to figure out which hair loss treatment is better for you?

You can make your decision easier by reaching out to us for a free consultation Once that’s done, our Hair Loss Expert will take over and can guide you on next steps including a possible treatment plan.