Hair loss is a problem for millions of people all over the world. It may be just the thinning of the hair or even total baldness, and often, hair falling is associated with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.
Over 50% of men and women experience a certain degree of hair thinning by age 50. The most frequent form is androgenetic alopecia, or AGA, also known as male or female pattern baldness, affecting both sexes.
With the advancement of medical treatments, solutions like Minoxidil and Finasteride have emerged as leading options in trying to stop or reverse hair loss.
This article gives a comparative review of Minoxidil and Finasteride and examines the added benefits of combining these treatments to enhance hair regrowth and effectiveness.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Hair Loss
- What is Minoxidil?
- What is Finasteride?
- Minoxidil vs Finasteride: Full Comparison
- Combination of Minoxidil and Finasteride: Additional Benefits
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
Understanding Hair Loss
Causes of hair loss could be due to genetics, hormonal changes, or even one’s lifestyle.
The major cause, which is androgenetic alopecia, is influenced by genetic predisposition and hormonal alteration, especially through the action of dihydrotestosterone on hair follicles.
Dihydrotestosterone is a conversion product of testosterone that acts at the level of hair follicles to shrink their size, leading to thinning and subsequent loss of hair.
Minoxidil and Finasteride act differently on hair loss. Minoxidil acts by stimulating hair, while Finasteride causes a reduction of DHT, thereby stopping hair loss.
The reviews for this drug are mostly good, especially in solo and combined use in the treatment of alopecia androgenetica.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical medication applied for the treatment of hair loss. Originally developed as an oral high-blood pressure medication, pharmacologists then discovered it caused hair growth.
It is approved to treat androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle, thereby increasing growth and follicle size. It is available over-the-counter in a liquid solution or foam formulation applied directly to the scalp.
Benefits of Minoxidil
Minoxidil revitalizes dead hair follicles and stimulates new hair growth. It is ideal for early stages of losing hair and effective at slowing down baldness. This drug must be applied on an ongoing basis to sustain new hair.
Side Effects and Precautions
The most common side effects are irritation of the scalp, redness, or itching. When this drug is taken in higher concentrations, less common but possible adverse reactions include unwanted hair on the face and palpitations of the heart. Always follow the guidelines as prescribed by your doctor and consult them if the side effects persist.
What is Finasteride?
The other FDA-approved drug is Finasteride. This drug acts based on the hormonal causes of hair loss. It inhibits the formation of DHT from testosterone through the inhibition of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, hence preventing the shrinking of hair follicles and its resultant hair fall.
Oral vs topical finasteride
Finasteride, as a modality of treatment, is quite convenient to take as a 1 mg oral tablet. Topical finasteride is still under study, which may decrease systemic side effects without compromising its efficacy. Nevertheless, oral finasteride is still the gold standard.
Benefits of Finasteride
Finasteride is effective in reducing hair loss and stimulating regrowth of hair amongst men experiencing male pattern baldness. Unlike Minoxidil, which is a stimulant for growth, Finasteride works on the level of the hormonal imbalance causing hair loss.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects include decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, which typically subside after discontinuation. Finasteride is not recommended for women, particularly during pregnancy, due to the risk of birth defects.
Minoxidil vs Finasteride: Full Comparison
Minoxidil increases blood flow to the hair follicle, thereby increasing follicular size and hair density; finasteride reduces the level of DHT, thus slowing down hair loss. Because of these complementary mechanisms, their combined effectiveness is enhanced.
Ease and convenience of application
Minoxidil is for topical application and has to be applied frequently. This is cumbersome for some individuals. On the other hand, Finasteride is a straightforward oral medication.
Efficiency
Minoxidil works in both men and women, in the various stages of the progression of hair loss, but particularly in the early stages. Finasteride-treated male pattern baldness is its target, though it could be prescribed for women; because of possible side effects, it is seldom prescribed for women.
Adverse Effects
Minoxidil is only locally known to cause scalp issues, while Finasteride has systemic side effects, especially related to sexual health. Both are well tolerated by most users.
Cost
Minoxidil is less expensive and is available over the counter, while Finasteride requires a prescription and is costlier. Combining treatments can be more expensive but offers superior results.
| Finasteride | Minoxidil |
| How do you use it? | |
| Usually oral (topical versions available off-label) | Usually topical (oral versions available off-label) |
| Strengths | |
| Oral: 1 mg (5 mg in limited cases)
Topical: 0.1% – 1% |
Topical: 2%, 5%
Oral: >1 mg – 5 mg |
| How soon can you see results? | |
| 3-6 months | 3-6 months |
| What are the side effects? | |
| Topical: Skin irritation, contact dermatitis, redness.
Oral: Temporary Finasteride hair shedding, erectile dysfunction, lower libido, testicular discomfort. |
Topical: Skin irritation, contact dermatitis, redness, temporary Minoxidil hair shedding.
Oral: Hypertrichosis, changes in blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Which hair loss conditions can it treat? | |
|
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Combination of Minoxidil and Finasteride: Additional Benefit
These treatments put together yield a complete solution. Minoxidil works on follicle stimulation, while Finasteride will impede the hormonal cause of hair loss for a synergistic effect. Combining the medications shows an overall better response with improved density and regrowth in studies.
Best Candidates
These treatments are best suited for individuals with early to moderate androgenetic alopecia.
How to Use Minoxidil and Finasteride in Combination
Apply Minoxidil twice a day and take Finasteride as a 1 mg tablet once a day. Take each one at different times of the day to avoid interaction.
Tips for effectiveness:
- Be patient; results take a few months.
- Do not wash the scalp for 4 hours after the application of Minoxidil.
- Use a shampoo that works well with Minoxidil.
- Be consistent; missing doses will delay progress.
Side Effects
Start with lower doses; in cases of severe side effects, consult a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Minoxidil be used with other DHT blockers apart from Finasteride?
Yes, Minoxidil can be effectively combined with other DHT blockers like Dutasteride, though Dutasteride is not yet approved for hair loss and must be prescribed off-label. You can also combine Minoxidil with rosemary oil, which contains natural DHT blockers and has shown promise for androgenetic alopecia, though more research is needed.
2. Is 10% Minoxidil better than 5%?
While it’s possible to use 10% Minoxidil, studies suggest that 5% Minoxidil is more effective and carries fewer side effects. It’s generally best to stick with the lower concentration for better results and reduced risk.
3. Is Finasteride more effective than Minoxidil?
It depends on the type of hair loss. For androgenetic alopecia, Finasteride is generally more effective in improving hair density and thickness. However, for conditions like alopecia areata or patchy beard growth, Minoxidil is more effective since Finasteride doesn’t work for these conditions.
4. Is topical Minoxidil as effective as oral Minoxidil?
Topical and oral Minoxidil have similar effects when used at comparable doses. However, oral Minoxidil carries a higher risk of systemic side effects, while topical application is less likely to cause such issues.
5. Does topical Finasteride work as well as oral Finasteride?
Topical Finasteride is somewhat less effective than oral Finasteride in lowering blood DHT levels, but it carries a lower risk of systemic side effects.
6. Can you use Finasteride and Minoxidil for menopause hair loss?
It’s generally not recommended to use these for menopausal hair loss, as it disrupts your hormones. We recommend looking into natural hair growth products.
Conclusion
Minoxidil and Finasteride work effectively to address hair loss and are complementary strategies. These medications are mostly used together for better success, especially in cases involving androgenetic alopecia. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
References
- Chen, L., Zhang, J., Wang, L., Wang, H. and Chen, B. (2020). The Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Combined with Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, [online] 44(3), pp.962–970. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-020-01621-5.
- Hu, R., Xu, F., Sheng, Y., Qi, S., Han, Y., Miao, Y., Rui, W. and Yang, Q. (2015). Combined treatment with oral finasteride and topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia: a randomized and comparative study in Chinese patients. Dermatologic Therapy, [online] 28(5), pp.303–308. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12246.
- Chandrashekar, B., Nandhini, T., Vasanth, V., Sriram, R. and Navale, S. (2015). Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, [online] 6(1), p.17. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.148925.
- Nestor, M.S., Ablon, G., Gade, A., Han, H. and Fischer, D.L. (2021). Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, [online] 20(12), pp.3759–3781. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14537.
Published by HOLR Magazine.