Minoxidil and Finasteride are two popular medications recommended for hair loss caused by male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia. However, whether one is better than the other, or whether you can take both medications together, let’s address all your queries.
Key Takeaways-
- Minoxidil and Finasteride medications are prescribed either individually or in combination for better results. Both are FDA-approved and safe.
- While combining, you can either take Finasteride in oral medication and Minoxidil in topical form, or vice versa. However, Finasteride in topical form is not FDA-approved. Minoxidil promotes better blood flow to the scalp, while Finasteride blocks Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from being produced in the body.
- Finasteride is prescribed for male adults, and minoxidil is for both male and female androgenic alopecia. However, today the combination is prescribed to both genders.
- Both medications are effective by slowing down the hair loss pattern and regrowing lost hair when you continuously use and monitor them with the help of a hair restoration expert’s advice.
Androgenetic Alopecia is a common hair loss condition affecting both men and women, causing a receding hairline and baldness on the crown. During this distressing condition, Finasteride and Minoxidil promote hair regrowth through oral and topical applications. Both medications have different working mechanisms and effectiveness in controlling hair fall. This article will help you discover a clear picture of what is right for you while searching for the hair restoration solution.
How Does Minoxidil Work?
Minoxidil is a component present in the form of serum, shampoo, or soap, which is a vasodilator with a concentration of 2% to 5% in any of the products. Whenever you apply it to the scalp, it starts the vasodilation process, which means widening the blood vessels, allowing blood flow to travel smoothly into the scalp.
Thus, it helps in hair growth by improving blood circulation and leads to good blood flow into the hair follicles, where individual hair growth occurs. Simply, it lengthens the anagen phase or growth phase, allowing hair to grow for longer before the shedding period starts. This medication is best for female pattern baldness and stress-related hair loss.
How Does Finasteride Work?
The main purpose of Finasteride is to block DHT formation in the body. There is an enzyme called 5-Alpha-Reductase that converts testosterone into DHT, a male hormone or androgen, which is essential for adolescence; however, an excess of it leads to gradual hair thinning in males.
Therefore, oral Finasteride acts as a DHT blocker and increases hair density and hair growth in male pattern baldness. Hair experts recommend taking 1mg of oral Finasteride, whose results will be visible when taken continuously for 6 to 8months.
Minoxidil and Finasteride: Which Works Best for You-
Let’s create a detailed comparison table for Minoxidil vs Finasteride, and see which one is better for your hair loss control.
| Factors | Minoxidil | Finasteride |
| Working Purpose | Improves blood flow to the scalp | Block DHT hormone formation in the body. |
| Dosage | 2% to 5% in either shampoo, serum, or soap | 1 mg daily |
| Results | Allows hair to grow longer in the anagen phase. | Promotes hair growth by improving hair density. |
| Side Effects | Dizziness, Stinging sensation, faster heart rate. | Erectile dysfunction, painful breasts, and ejaculation issues. |
| Oral/ Topical | Both (preferably topical) | Both (Preferably oral) |
| Recommended For | Both male and female | Only for males (Today, for females also, this medication is prescribed in many parts of India, including Odisha). |
Notes-
Besides the comparison, both have similar results. Therefore, hair experts always suggest taking a combo of both medications for effective results. For example, a recent study has found that oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil have greater effects on patients than these medications alone.
Wait for at least 6 to 12 months to see the results without worrying about the side effects, as these are temporary and they stop when you discontinue the medication. However, the perfect combination dosage is prescribed in the hair clinics, so don’t have it on your own knowledge.
Conclusion-
Are you looking for a hair loss solution and the perfect dosage combination of minoxidil and finasteride? Do not take hair matters into your own hands, and consult your trusted hair clinic, Dalaapin Care- the best hair restoration center in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. With the expert hair consultancy of Dr. Vivek Bandari, get rid of all your hair problems. From general to surgery, medication, and nutritional advice, get a combination of services from our hair restoration clinic now!