Written by
Science & Humans
When it comes to Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or Androgenetic Alopecia both Finasteride (Topical and Oral Finasteride) and Minoxidil works well. Finasteride blocks DHT which shrinks hair shaft and Minoxidil nourishes with increased blood supply as it dilates blood vessels.
All types of hair loss will benefit from Minoxidil. Finasteride will work only on male pattern baldness and not on other types of hair loss.
Consider Minoxidil as a general OTC hair treatment applied to the scalp while Finasteride pill and topical is used to treat androgenetic alopecia which is genetic and the most common cause of hair loss.
Minoxidil is only topical application for hair loss since oral ingestion can cause hair to grow all over the body. Oral minoxidil is prescribed for hypertension and not hair loss.
Finasteride blocks DHT, a potent form of testosterone that shrinks the hair shaft and makes it fall out eventually. Such hair loss starts in the 20s accelerating as one ages. So both oral finasteride and topical treatment is ok.
Side Effects of Minoxidil and Finasteride
Side effects of both finasteride and minoxidil tend to be extremely rare and highly manageable.
Minoxidil has to be used lifelong. Stopping minoxidil will revert hair loss. Finasteride can be stopped for a while without hair loss.
Finasteride might affect fertility,(watery sperm, spermatogenesis) it can be stopped for a period of time to improve sperm quality and resume after the child is conceived, without any hair loss.
Dosage – Finasteride and Minoxidil
Amount of topical finasteride is less than the oral finasteride. It is only .25mg, while oral finasteride – 1 mg./day. Those concerned about fertility issues can only use topical finasteride with minoxidil.
Topical finasteride is yet to be approved by FDA, but in the process. Many long term studies have proved that topical finasteride is extremely safe and beneficial for MPB hair loss.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) topical application dosage is 5% for men. 2% for women.
More minoxidil will not mean more benefit. 5% is the optimum solution.
A 5% minoxidil solution with .25% topical finasteride has emerged as the gold standard for treating male pattern baldness. Finasteride pill 1 Mg./day can also be prescribed depending on severity of hair fall, and when treatment starts in the hair loss cycle.
Efficacy of Finasteride (Topical and Oral Finasteride) and Minoxidil
Both finasteride and minoxidil have been used for decades, thoroughly researched and extremely effective in preventing hair loss and restoring density. Results vary on age and how early treatment started.
Considering MPB is genetic and most common, finasteride and minoxidil can be started in 20s or earlier as a preventive measure so the hair shaft will not shrink from DHT, and anagen phase of growth phase of hair is not shortened by DHT.
Androgenetic alopecia treatment initiated earlier is highly efficient in stopping MPB hair loss. If androgen dependent alopecia is untreated, it deteriorates progressively with age.
Currently, FDA has approved only topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for hair loss treatment.
With the year winding down Science&Humans wishes everyone a healthy, happy, stable year ahead. Science&Humans has your back, and here for you through the thin and thick of it.
Hope the new year finds you in joy, a spring in the step and a headful of hair!
FAQs
What is the difference between Finasteride and Minoxidil?
Finasteride works by blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and causes male pattern baldness. It can be taken orally (1 mg/day) or applied topically (0.25%). Minoxidil, on the other hand, works by increasing blood supply to the hair follicles, nourishing them and prolonging the hair growth (anagen) phase. Minoxidil is always used topically for hair loss — oral minoxidil is only prescribed for hypertension.
Can Finasteride and Minoxidil treat all types of hair loss?
No. Finasteride is specifically effective for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) because it targets DHT, the main culprit in this type of hair loss. It is not effective for other types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium or alopecia areata. Minoxidil, however, can benefit many types of hair loss because it enhances blood flow and supports follicle health.
Do I need to use Minoxidil or Finasteride for life?
Yes — particularly Minoxidil. If you stop using Minoxidil, any regrown hair typically falls out, and hair loss resumes. With Finasteride, however, you can temporarily stop treatment without immediately losing hair, though long-term discontinuation will eventually lead to renewed DHT-related hair loss.
What are the side effects of Finasteride and Minoxidil?
Both medications have rare and generally manageable side effects. Minoxidil may cause scalp irritation or dryness. Finasteride has been linked to possible effects on sexual function and sperm quality (such as watery sperm or reduced sperm production), but these typically resolve after stopping the drug. Men concerned about fertility can use topical finasteride, which has a much lower systemic absorption.
What is the recommended dosage for Minoxidil and Finasteride?
For men, Minoxidil is used as a 5% topical solution (twice daily), while women typically use 2%. Oral Finasteride is prescribed at 1 mg/day, and topical Finasteride is usually 0.25%. Importantly, using more Minoxidil than recommended does not increase its effectiveness — 5% is the optimal concentration.
Is topical Finasteride FDA-approved?
Not yet. While oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil are FDA-approved for hair loss treatment, topical Finasteride is still undergoing regulatory review. However, long-term studies show that topical Finasteride is safe and effective for male pattern baldness, with the added advantage of minimizing systemic side effects.
When should I start treatment for male pattern baldness?
The earlier, the better. Since male pattern baldness is genetic and DHT-driven, starting Finasteride and Minoxidil in your 20s (or even earlier if there’s a strong family history) can prevent hair shaft shrinkage and preserve hair density. Early treatment is much more effective than trying to reverse advanced hair thinning
Which is more effective: oral Finasteride or topical Finasteride with Minoxidil?
Both oral and topical Finasteride are effective, but the gold standard is currently a combination of 5% Minoxidil with 0.25% topical Finasteride. This combo maximizes hair regrowth while reducing systemic exposure to Finasteride, making it ideal for men concerned about fertility or sexual side effects. In severe or advanced cases, oral Finasteride (1 mg/day) may still be recommended.
