Finasteride and Minoxidil are two of the most popular treatments for hair loss, but they work in very different ways. Minoxidil helps promote new hair to grow faster, fuller, and thicker. Finasteride works by stopping hair loss at the source, blocking the hormone that causes it.
In this article, we’ll explain how each treatment works, who they are suitable for, and what results you can expect.
By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which option may be the better fit for your needs.
Table of content
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription tablet that helps stop hair loss and can even promote new hair growth. It works by lowering levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is known to shrink hair follicles and cause male pattern baldness.
DHT is a by-product of testosterone, and when levels are too high, it can shorten the growth phase of hair and make each strand thinner over time.
Eventually, the follicles stop producing hair altogether. Finasteride blocks the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, helping to protect hair follicles and keep hair growing longer.
Most people take a 1 mg dose of Finasteride once a day. It is commonly sold under brand names like Propecia, although generic versions are also widely available. You need a prescription to get it.
Finasteride is mainly used for male pattern baldness and is not usually recommended for women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, due to potential risks.
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What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a medication that helps stimulate hair growth by improving blood flow to the hair follicles. It doesn’t stop hair loss directly, but it encourages existing follicles to produce thicker, fuller strands and stay in the growth phase for longer.
It comes in two main forms: topical and oral. The topical version is the most common and is available over the counter as a foam or liquid. It is applied directly to the scalp, usually twice a day.
Minoxidil is often sold under brand names like Rogaine, but generic versions are also easy to find. Oral Minoxidil is a prescription version taken as a tablet. It was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but doctors discovered that it also helps with hair growth.
Some people who do not respond well to topical treatments may be prescribed the oral form.
Minoxidil can be used by both men and women, and it’s generally considered safe when used as directed. It may take a few months to see visible results, and consistent use is key to maintaining any progress.
How do Finasteride and Minoxidil work?
Both Finasteride and Minoxidil help treat hair loss, but they work in completely different ways. One targets the hormones that cause hair loss, while the other stimulates hair follicles to grow more hair.
Finasteride’s mechanism
Finasteride works by reducing the amount of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, in your body. DHT is one of the main reasons men experience hair loss. It causes hair follicles to shrink over time, leading to thinner hair and eventually bald patches.
By blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, Finasteride lowers DHT levels in the scalp.
This helps stop the shrinking process, allowing hair follicles to recover and continue producing healthy hair. In many cases, it not only slows hair loss but can also lead to noticeable regrowth over time.
Minoxidil’s mechanism
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. It’s a vasodilator, meaning it helps widen the blood vessels in the scalp. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the follicles, which can help strengthen existing hair and encourage new growth.
Minoxidil also extends the anagen phase, which is the active growing phase in the hair cycle. This gives hair more time to grow longer and thicker.
Unlike Finasteride, it does not affect hormone levels, making it a non-hormonal option for treating hair loss.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Key differences
Finasteride and Minoxidil are both effective for treating hair loss, but they differ in how they are used, how they work, who can use them, and how quickly they show results.
Format (pill vs. topical/foam/oral)
Finasteride is typically taken as a 1 mg tablet once a day. It is a simple routine and appeals to people who prefer not to apply products to their scalp.
Minoxidil, on the other hand, is most commonly available as a topical foam or liquid that you apply to the scalp twice a day.
For those who struggle with the topical version, oral Minoxidil is also available by prescription.
Action (hormonal vs. non-hormonal)
Finasteride is a hormonal treatment. It works by reducing levels of DHT, the hormone that contributes to male pattern baldness. This makes it effective at stopping hair loss at its root cause.
Minoxidil is non-hormonal. It focuses on improving blood flow and follicle function, which helps support hair growth regardless of hormone levels.
Use in men vs. women
Finasteride is generally prescribed for men only, especially those with male pattern baldness. It is not recommended for women, particularly those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it can cause serious birth defects.
Minoxidil, on the other hand, is approved for use by both men and women. It is often the first line of treatment for women with thinning hair or female pattern hair loss.
Onset and duration of results
Both treatments take time to show results. With Finasteride, it can take around 3 to 6 months before you see any noticeable improvement, and up to a year for full results.
Minoxidil may start showing results slightly sooner, often within 2 to 4 months, but it also needs to be used continuously for the effects to last.
Stopping either treatment will likely lead to a return of hair loss over time.
Prescription vs. OTC
Finasteride is a prescription-only medication, which means you need approval from a healthcare provider to start using it. This is important as it ensures proper monitoring, especially given its hormonal effects.
Minoxidil foam or liquid is available over the counter, making it more accessible for people who want to start treatment without a prescription.
Oral Minoxidil, however, still requires a prescription.
Side effects: What you need to know
Like most medications, both Finasteride and Minoxidil come with possible side effects. While many people use them without any problems, it’s important to understand what to watch for.
Finasteride side effects
Finasteride affects hormone levels, which means some of its side effects can impact the whole body. Most users don’t experience major issues, but a small percentage may notice changes that are worth discussing with a doctor.
Common side effects may include:
- Reduced sex drive or interest in sexual activity
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Mood changes, such as anxiety or low mood
These side effects are usually rare and often improve after stopping the medication, but they can be distressing for some users.
Minoxidil side effects
Minoxidil is more likely to cause local side effects, especially when used as a topical solution. These side effects usually affect the area where the product is applied and tend to be mild. However, oral Minoxidil may cause wider effects on the body.
Topical Minoxidil may cause:
- Itching or irritation at the application site
- Flaking or dryness on the scalp
- Temporary increase in hair shedding (common in the first few weeks)
- Unwanted hair growth on the face or body (if the product drips or spreads)
Oral Minoxidil can sometimes lead to:
- Swelling in the feet or lower legs
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Rapid heartbeat or chest discomfort
Always speak to a healthcare provider if any side effects are bothersome or persistent.
When can you expect to see results?
Hair regrowth does not happen overnight. Whether you choose Finasteride, Minoxidil, or both, patience and consistency are key. You’ll need to commit to using the treatment daily for several months to give it a fair chance to work.
With Finasteride, most people begin to notice a slowdown in hair loss after about 3 to 4 months. Visible regrowth may take closer to 6 to 9 months, with full results often seen after a year. The process is gradual, and stopping the treatment can lead to hair loss returning.
Minoxidil tends to show results a bit sooner for some people. You might see signs of new growth or less shedding in as little as 2 to 4 months, especially with consistent use. However, just like Finasteride, the best results usually take up to a year.
It’s also normal to experience an initial period of increased shedding during the first few weeks of using Minoxidil. This is a sign the hair cycle is resetting, and new hair is beginning to grow.
Combining both treatments may speed up visible improvements and offer better long-term results. Still, everyone’s response is different, so tracking your progress and consulting a doctor can help set realistic expectations.
Who should use each treatment?
Finasteride and Minoxidil both have their place in treating hair loss, but the right choice depends on your hair loss pattern, medical history, and comfort with the format and possible side effects. Here's a breakdown of who may benefit most from each.
Ideal candidates for Finasteride:
- Men with early to moderate male pattern baldness
- Those experiencing thinning at the crown or a receding hairline
- Individuals comfortable with taking a daily oral medication
- Men looking for a treatment that helps stop the progression of hair loss
- People who want a treatment backed by strong clinical evidence
Ideal candidates for Minoxidil:
- Men or women experiencing general thinning or patchy hair loss
- Those who prefer a non-hormonal treatment
- People looking for an over-the-counter option
- Individuals who are not eligible for Finasteride due to medical reasons
- Anyone willing to apply a topical solution consistently
Long-term use and what happens if you stop
Both Finasteride and Minoxidil are ongoing treatments. They help maintain and improve hair growth as long as they’re used consistently. If you stop taking either one, you’ll likely lose any hair that was regained during treatment.
With Finasteride, stopping the medication allows DHT levels to rise again, which may cause hair loss to resume within a few months. The hair that regrew or was maintained due to the treatment can start thinning again.
For Minoxidil, if you stop applying it, the effects will also gradually fade. Hair may shed within weeks or months, and you could return to the same level of hair loss as before you started.
That’s why it’s important to think of both treatments as part of a long-term routine, rather than a one-time fix. It’s a commitment, but many users find the results are worth the effort.
A better approach to your overall hair health
While prescription treatments like Finasteride and Minoxidil are helpful, some people also explore drug-free options to support their scalp and hair health naturally.
One such option is the Bio-Pilixin® Activation Serum, developed to help reduce hair loss and support hair growth. It contains plant-based growth factors made with stem cell technology, designed to nourish hair follicles and encourage growth over time.
The serum is suitable for daily use and free from drugs, making it a gentle option for many users.
This serum has been clinically tested on both men and women with various types of hair loss. In a trial lasting 150 days, 77% of users reported reduced hair loss after just 45 days, and 73% experienced a measurable increase in hair density after 150 days.
While results vary from person to person, many people first notice less hair fall in the shower within the first few weeks.
Formulated with naturally-inspired and vegan ingredients, it includes:
- Capilia Longa®, a compound shown in individual studies to reduce hair loss by up to 89%
- Niacinamide, which supports stronger hair through keratin production
- Vanillyl Butyl Ether, a mild warming agent that can improve blood flow to the scalp
It’s a thoughtful choice for those looking to support their hair health from another angle, especially when paired with a consistent routine and healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Hair loss is a common experience, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to feel like the end of the road. Finasteride and Minoxidil are both clinically proven treatments that can help manage hair loss and even encourage new growth.
Finasteride works by blocking DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss, while Minoxidil boosts blood flow to the scalp and supports healthier hair follicles.
Choosing between them depends on your needs, comfort level, and long-term goals. Some people may prefer to start with one, while others see the best results when combining both.
It’s also helpful to explore supportive, non-prescription options like Bio-Pilixin® to create a well-rounded routine.
No matter which path you choose, consistency and patience are key. And as always, speak to a healthcare provider before starting or changing your treatment.
FAQs
Can I use Finasteride and Minoxidil together?
Yes, using both treatments together is safe for most people and often leads to better results. They work in different ways, so combining them can tackle hair loss from two angles—stopping further loss and encouraging new growth.
Is oral Minoxidil better than topical?
Oral Minoxidil may work better for some people, especially if they don’t respond well to the topical version. However, it may come with more widespread side effects, so it’s important to discuss it with your doctor before starting.
How long do I need to use these treatments?
Both Finasteride and Minoxidil need to be used continuously. If you stop, any new hair growth is likely to be lost, and your hair may return to its previous condition over time.
Do these work for a receding hairline?
Finasteride is often more effective at treating a receding hairline, while Minoxidil works better on thinning at the crown. That said, everyone responds differently, and many people use both to target multiple areas.
Which has fewer side effects?
Minoxidil generally has fewer and milder side effects, especially when used topically. Finasteride may cause hormonal side effects in a small number of users, so it’s worth discussing any concerns with a healthcare provider.
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