Pattern Baldness, or Androgenetic Alopecia, is common and affects more than 50 million males and 30 million females in the USA. These numbers indicate how many men and women might lose self-confidence due to hair loss. 

Fortunately, medicines can treat and reduce hair loss or even reverse it. Two such effective solutions are Finasteride and Minoxidil. Each has its benefits and efficacy. Keep reading to learn more about Finasteride vs Minoxidil comparison and determine which one is better for you. 

Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Overview

Here is a brief overview of Finasteride vs Minoxidil:

FactorsFinasterideMinoxidil
Mechanism of actionIt stops your body from converting Testosterone into DHT, preventing hair lossIt is a Vasodilator that works by widening the scalp’s blood vessels
FDA-approvedFor malesFor males and females
Mode of ApplicationOral pillsTopical solution or foam
Dosage1 mg/day1 ml twice a day
Side effectsErectile Dysfunction, decreased libidoSkin irritation, burning, excessive hair growth

What is the difference between Finasteride and Minoxidil?

Finasteride is an effective oral medicine for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It helps patients by shrinking the enlarged prostate. It is also widely prescribed to prevent hair loss in men. 

Hair loss begins when Testosterone is converted into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) by the enzyme 5α-reductase. The hormone produced binds to men’s hair follicles and damages them, leaving them unable to grow new hair.

 Finasteride is a DHT blocker that stops Testosterone conversion into DHT and also prevents the hormone from attacking hair follicles, reducing or preventing hair loss. 

It does not work against other causes of hair loss, such as chemotherapy, stress, or medication. It is also not approved by the FDA for women as it can cause birth defects. So, a doctor may not prescribe it to women generally. However, research suggests that premenopausal women using oral contraceptives containing Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol can benefit from its use without any adverse effects. As per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), doctors may also prescribe Finasteride medication to treat a woman who has hereditary hair loss and struggles with fertility issues or does not plan to get pregnant. 

Finasteride is a generic medicine available under different brand names. You can buy Finpecia 1mg (Finasteride) from WowRx at affordable prices.

On the other hand, Minoxidil is a hair growth stimulator, a Vasodilator that works by widening the blood vessels inside the hair scalps. As a result, the blood flow to your hair follicles increases. It also increases the Anagen phase (active/growth phase) of the hair growth cycle.

FDA approves Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia (the most common hair loss). But it’s not approved for all types of hair loss.

“It cannot grow hair if the hair follicles are no longer present; these follicles can be lost in certain hair loss disorders known as scarring alopecias,” explains Sharon Belmo, MD, founder of The Skin of Colour Resource. But you can still try Minoxidil if your hair loss isn’t pattern baldness because it’s sometimes used off-label by dermatologists when treating other hair loss conditions,” Belmo adds. 

Minoxidil is also a generic medication available under multiple brand names. You can buy Hair 4u 2% (Minoxidil spray) from WowRx.

Did you know?
Androgenetic Alopecia is more common in men than women, with a prevalence of 67.1 percent in comparison to 23.9 percent. 

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride prevents the production of DHT, a hormone that causes Male Pattern Baldness. Your body creates DHT as a byproduct of Testosterone. It’s essential during childhood and adolescence as it helps develop sexual organs and features like facial and body hair.

DHT can attach to the receptors in your scalp as an adult, causing your hair follicles to miniaturize. As a result, disrupting your hair’s natural growth cycle prevents it from growing.

During the early stages of hair loss, DHT damages the hair follicles near the hairline and crown, resulting in the classic receding hairline. DHT also increases hair thinning, which further leads to hair loss.

Finasteride decreases the DHT levels, which protects your hair follicles from damage.  It also prevents hair loss from worsening. For many men, it also regrows hair in areas of the scalp already affected by Male Pattern Baldness.

How does Minoxidil work?

Minoxidil is a medication known as a hair growth stimulator.  It enhances blood flow to your hair follicles by widening the blood vessels within your scalp. Minoxidil also prolongs the Anagen phase of your hair’s growth cycle. During the Anagen phase, the hair follicles work to produce a hair fiber. As this phase extends, your hair grows longer before shedding.

Hair growth cycle
Hair growth cycle

What forms do Finasteride and Minoxidil come in?

Doctors generally prescribe Finasteride as an oral pill, which is FDA-approved for treating Androgenetic Alopecia in men. But Minoxidil generally comes as a topical solution with a dropper to apply to the scalp. It also comes as foam, which you can apply with both hands. 

The FDA currently approves Minoxidil as a topical medication for hair loss. Oral Minoxidil is not FDA-approved for treating hair loss. So, if your doctor prescribes this medicine for treating hair loss, it is “off-label.” 

Minoxidil vs. Finasteride: Dosage

Minoxidil and Finasteride have very different dosage forms. In general, doctors recommend Minoxidil as a topical medication. In contrast, Finasteride is prevalent as an oral tablet.

A typical Minoxidil dosage is 1ml of liquid solution applied to the scalp twice daily, usually in the morning and at night.  On the other hand, the typical Finasteride dosage for Male Pattern Baldness is 1mg daily.  It is safe to take on an empty stomach. 

You can take Finasteride at any time, but it is best to take it at a fixed time every day. If you forget to take your Finasteride, skip the missed dose and resume your medication as usual. Avoid a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

To get the best results from Finasteride and Minoxidil, use the medicine as directed by your doctor. You must use them consistently to retain the results. Your doctor may prescribe it permanently for preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.

Nourish your hair with finasteride

Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Side effects

Minoxidil and Finasteride are both effective and safe for the majority of people. Sometimes, like any other medicines, they can cause side effects. The side effects are rarely severe and disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.

Finasteride side effects

Some potential side effects of Finasteride are:

While the above-mentioned sexual dysfunctions may sound alarming, they are not very common. 

Clinical trial data from the FDA show that 1.3 % of men who took 1 mg of Finasteride per day experienced ED, compared to 0.7 % in the placebo group. In other words, while these side effects are possible, they only affect a small percentage of men.

Minoxidil side effects

A person with skin irritation
A person with skin irritation

Some side effects of Minoxidil are:

  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Discomfort
  • Burning sensation
  • Isolated pruritus (dry, itchy skin)
  • Skin irritation
  • Worsening of Seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that affects the scalp) 
  • Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth on the body) 

Minoxidil may also cause Telogen Effluvium, a temporary hair loss in which hair exits the Telogen phase of the hair growth cycle. Even though this may sound unusual, it is a common problem for Minoxidil users. 

Minoxidil causes follicles to enter the Anagen phase. As a result, it can disturb the natural hair growth cycle. In the short term, this can cause the Telogen phase to shorten, resulting in some hair shedding. This hair loss is only temporary. Most men notice an improvement after several months of using Minoxidil.

Which is better: Finasteride vs. Minoxidil?

Minoxidil and Finasteride are two medications with different purposes. However, oral Finasteride is more effective in treating hair loss in men than Minoxidil. About two-thirds of the men using Finasteride witness new hair growth. However, both of them are safe and effective options.

Moreover, factors like the cause of hair loss, gender, expenses, and doctor’s recommendation also play a crucial role in choosing between the two. According to research, Minoxidil and Finasteride might work better as partners instead of competitors in treating hair loss.

You can buy Finpecia 1mg from WowRx at affordable prices.

Warning
Using Finasteride can affect your mood and even result in depression. If you observe mood changes or depression symptoms, immediately consult your doctor. 

Can you take Minoxidil and Finasteride together?

Yes, you can take them together as both of these medicines have different mechanisms of action. They are safe and effective when taken together. As per a 2015 study, regular use of both medicines can maintain good hair density. This study used topical Finasteride instead of the more common oral Finasteride tablets.

There are no interactions between Finasteride and Minoxidil. Yet, check for potential drug interactions before beginning any hair loss medication. Inform your doctor of any medicine or diet supplement you take to avoid side effects. They will tell you if you need any change in your routine while treating your hair loss with any medicines.

Conclusion

Finasteride and Minoxidil are effective treatments for reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Oral Finasteride is proven more effective for men. However, both are safe and effective for men, while Finasteride use in women can cause birth defects. 

Finasteride is mainly available as an oral pill, administered at 1 mg daily. Minoxidil is generally a topical solution, and 1 ml is used twice daily. It is also available as foam. 

Both have respective side effects. While Finasteride can cause ED and low libido, Minoxidil can cause excessive body hair growth, itching, and discomfort. However, the chances of side effects are rare. 

The choice between Finasteride and Minoxidil ultimately depends on the individual’s specific needs when addressing hair loss. While both treatments have shown promising results, they target different underlying causes of hair loss and offer varying degrees of effectiveness. 

Anyone considering these treatments should consult experts for personalized advice based on the individual’s severity of hair loss and treatment goals. Ultimately, informed decision-making, guided by medical expertise, will pave the way for successful hair loss management through either Finasteride or Minoxidil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minoxidil better than Finasteride? 

Oral Propecia (generic name Finasteride) is more effective than Minoxidil for treating hair loss. Up to two-thirds of people who take Finasteride for Male Pattern Baldness report good results in new hair growth.  However, both drugs are effective and safe for treatment. You can buy Finpecia 1mg from WowRx at discounted prices.

How long do you shed with oral Minoxidil?

Minoxidil can cause hair shedding as a temporary side effect. This generally lasts for four to six weeks and will resolve itself after that short period of time. If you feel it has worsened or lasted longer than usual, contact your doctor.

Does Finasteride regrow lost hair?

Yes, Finasteride helps scalp hair growth and stops further hair loss in men. It prevents the production of DHT, a hormone that causes male pattern baldness. Women who cannot get pregnant or using oral contraceptives containing Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol and hereditary hair loss may also be prescribed Finasteride.

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