When it comes to treating hair loss, two topical treatments come up time and time again: finasteride and minoxidil. Both are clinically approved treatments for androgenetic alopecia and both have been used for decades, yet they work in completely different ways.
Minoxidil is usually applied topically as a cream, foam or spray. It improves blood flow to the scalp to support healthy hair growth and increased density.
Finasteride is a male-only medication that inhibits the production of the male hormone DHT, which contributes to follicle shrinkage in men, preventing further hair loss or slowing the rate of shedding.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Key Takeaways
- The right hair restoration treatment depends on the cause of your hair loss, but finasteride may be beneficial for men with male pattern baldness, and minoxidil for women with a similar condition.
- Finasteride affects the natural production of DHT in men, which contributes to hereditary hair loss, and should never be taken by women.
- In some cases, practitioners will prescribe both medications to male patients, and these treatments can be combined where there are no conditions or issues that would make this unsafe.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is an approved treatment for pattern hair loss in men and women, with a stronger 5% concentration that delivers 45% improvements in hair growth than a lower 2% strength – the latter of which is primarily prescribed for female patients. [1]
Although minoxidil cannot completely prevent hair loss or guarantee that lost hair will regrow, it can promote faster growth in healthy follicles and improve the condition of dormant follicles.
Does Finasteride Help Correct Male Hair Loss?
Yes, around 48% of men using finasteride see improvements within one year, and 66% after two years. [2] The downside is that hair restoration results take time, and finasteride won’t make an immediate or dramatic difference.
Finasteride is, though, less likely to be effective if there aren’t underlying hormonal changes that are influencing hair loss, because if the patient has little DHT to begin with, it won’t make a difference.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Finasteride and Minoxidil?
The main drawback is the need to keep taking or applying the medication over the long term, because stopping finasteride or minoxidil typically means the results achieved will reverse.
To help you compare the two options, the table below summarises the key differences.
| Finasteride | Minoxidil |
| Available only for men, but it has been shown to slow pattern hair loss. | Suited for men and women and is usually applied as a topical cream. |
| Usually taken once per day as a tablet. | Applied once or twice a day. |
| Side effects can include sexual dysfunction, although this is rare. | Side effects are minor and can include itching, dryness and unwanted facial hair growth. |
| Best for men with male pattern baldness. | Best for promoting hair growth for women or for men who prefer not to take tablets. |
Can I Take Minoxidil or Finasteride After a Transplant?
Yes, and many patients use medications and therapies to speed up their post-transplant recovery.
Provided your minoxidil or finasteride has been prescribed by a professional, it is safe to go ahead, and you’ll be advised when to start taking it – usually after around three weeks.
However, there is no obligation to take either medication if you prefer not to, and your hair transplant surgeon can suggest other vitamins and nutrients that support healthy hair growth.
Dr Matee, Surgical Services Director at KSL Clinic, says, ‘Both finasteride and minoxidil may be beneficial, but as with any medication, it’s best to speak with a qualified practitioner to ensure you make informed choices.
For example, finasteride is not appropriate for women, and there are some skin conditions and other contraindications that mean a clinician will recommend an alternative, such as a non-surgical therapy after a hair transplant.’
Is it Safe to Take Minoxidil and Finasteride at the Same Time?
Yes, for male clients only. Men can use minoxidil to improve blood circulation to the scalp and finasteride to reduce the hormone DHT, in effect tackling two potential causes of hair loss or minimising the risk of further balding.
Because these medications work in very different ways, they are safe to take together, but patients should report any symptoms or side effects to a clinician.
Dosages remain important, and side effects are more likely for patients taking a high dosage of one or both medications. It is highly advisable to follow the dosage and usage instructions provided by your practitioners.
Which Is the More Effective Medication for Hair Loss?
Both finasteride and minoxidil have proven effective, but the most appropriate option will depend on the cause of your hair loss. If you have traction alopecia, for example, rather than androgenetic alopecia, finasteride may have a limited impact.
Minoxidil is generally regarded as useful for a wider range of hair loss concerns and patients, as it improves blood flow rather than interfering with hormone levels, and is suited to most causes of thinning, shedding or hair loss.
Finasteride, however, is only used for male pattern baldness when there is a good reason to believe that male hormones are part of the issue.
How Can I Decide Whether to Use Finasteride or Minoxidil?
The only way to know with certainty which medications and dosages will be best for you is to speak with a qualified professional who can review your medical history and scalp health to provide independent recommendations.
It’s also possible for medication reactions to vary between individuals, which may mean starting at a lower dose or watching for side effects before making changes to your dosage when you know whether you tolerate the medication well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Side Effects From Finasteride Worse Than Minoxidil?
Potentially, yes, because minoxidil is applied topically to the skin, and therefore doesn’t usually have any side effects that impact your general health. Finasteride can cause mood changes or sexual dysfunction, although this remains rare.
Will I Have to Take Minoxidil or Finasteride Forever?
Yes, you may need to, depending on the condition of your hair, and whether you’re using medication temporarily to boost hair growth before a hair transplant, or incorporating these products as part of your post-transplant recovery.
Are the Side Effects From Finasteride Worse Than Minoxidil?
Potentially, yes, because minoxidil is applied topically to the skin, and therefore doesn’t usually have any side effects that impact your general health. Finasteride can cause mood changes or sexual dysfunction, although this remains rare.
Will I Have to Take Minoxidil or Finasteride Forever?
Yes, you may need to, depending on the condition of your hair, and whether you’re using medication temporarily to boost hair growth before a hair transplant, or incorporating these products as part of your post-transplant recovery.
