Finasteride vs Minoxidil- Which One Is More Effective?

Are you worried about your hairline? Does your hair loss concern you? If yes, then do not worry because you are not alone in this.

Two out of three (66%) men complain about hair loss when they reach the age of 35. There may be several reasons for hair loss and the reasons also differ from person to person.

Many of you must have tried numerous products and ways of preventing hair loss but a lot of products are simply fake and even harmful for you. If you wish to prevent, stop, or reverse male baldness then you are at the right place.

In this article, we compare the effectiveness of Finasteride vs Minoxidil.

Finasteride and Minoxidil are two clinically tested treatments for men. Although both treatments give the same result, the way they function is totally different altogether.

In this article, you will learn about the uses, benefits, and side effects of both medicines. Also, we’ll compare Finasteride vs Minoxidil in terms of effectiveness.

Also Read- Minoxidil Vs Biotin- Which One Is Best?

Finasteride Vs Minoxidil- Which One Is Best?

So, let’s start with Finasteride first…

Finasteride

It is a highly effective and popular treatment that can prevent hair loss in men. Even though it is quite helpful, do not think of it as a magical cure. Different bodies react differently to certain things.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is used to treat men who have male pattern hair loss and a gradually receding hairline.

This treatment efficiently increases the number of hairs on the scalp without increasing body hair.

Since it prevents your hair from thinning, the conversion of testosterone to DHT is prohibited.

Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is an important hormone that can cause hair follicles to grow extremely slowly and eventually stop growing hair at all.

Regular use of Finasteride is definitely going to promote hair growth and it also strengthens your hair.

How Does Finasteride Work?

Finasteride is a type 2, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors and it regulates the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

When the DHT levels are reduced in the scalp, the effects of DHT on the hair follicles also decrease which results in reversing the process of hair loss.

Moreover, Finasteride has a proven record of helping men overcome hair fall issues. You can prevent the hair fall which occurs due to DHT hormones.

When Will You Notice The Result?

The best thing about this medication is that it starts blocking DHT immediately. As soon as you take the first pill, it will start showing its effects.

In other words, after just taking one pill of Finasteride, you will have lower DHT levels in your scalp.

If you wish to see visible effects then it will start showing in three to four months, considering that you are regularly taking your dose. After six to nine months, you will notice the full effects of finasteride.

Also, remember that not all men can regrow the hair they have previously lost. Finasteride definitely controls your further hair loss but do not expect any miracles.

Another important point to remember is that hair fall is a natural process of our body so even after taking finasteride, you will notice a few strands of hair in the comb or shower which is completely okay.

Dosage

You can ask your doctor for dosage. Usually, Finasteride 1 mg is prescribed to most men and the results show that this is 80% effective.

One pill of Finasteride has to be taken daily for at least a year if you want to see a drastic change in your hair loss.

Remember that taking two pills a day will give you no additional benefits so take the medication as prescribed to you.

Are There Any Side Effect Of Finasteride?

Studies show that no major side effects were reported in the surveys. However, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased volume of ejaculate, and breast enlargement was reported in some men.

All the side effects are caused on a very minor level or could be due to an overdose of medication. You must consult your doctor if you’re taking any other regular medicines.

Who Can Take Finasteride?

Men with male pattern baldness can start their medication with Finasteride. However, do not forget to consult a doctor first and only then proceed with it. If you have hair fall issues then this product is just perfect for you.

Women, especially pregnant women and children should strictly stay away from this medication. Pregnant women should not even handle the broken or crushed pills of Finasteride.

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Minoxidil

Next is Minoxidil whose purpose is the same as Finasteride but the functioning is a whole lot different. Let’s find out more about Minoxidil, who can use it, and also what side effects it has.

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a topical serum that was developed as an oral medication for blood pressure but it also promotes hair growth and strengthens your hair. It arrives in 2% formulations as well as 5% formulations.

It is available in both a liquid and foam formula so you can opt for whatever you prefer. When Minoxidil is applied to the scalp, it stimulates hair growth and has the potential to increase the density as well as the thickness of hair.

How Does Minoxidil Work?

There is no one particular theory about how Minoxidil works. Several scientists have their assumptions but the final results of every research come down to one thing; Minoxidil is highly effective in preventing hair loss.

Some theories state that Minoxidil increases the blood flow to the hair by dilating the blood vessels in the scalp that results in stimulating hair growth.

Another theory supports that Minoxidil increases an enzyme called ATP in the hair follicle that extends the growth phase, also known as the anagen phase.

It is also believed that this medication will enlarge the hair follicles that may have shrunken due to hormonal changes.

Benefits of Minoxidil

Here are some benefits of Minoxidil that will prevent further hair loss and promote hair growth:

• Within two to three months of regular usage of Minoxidil, you will notice that with each passing day, your hair fall is decreasing. To see visible results, use it for at least 10-12 months and see how your hair fall will cease.
• According to surveys and reports, around 60-70 percent of the patients found that their hair was thick and strong as compared to before using Minoxidil. If your hair density increases, your receding hairline will automatically start quelling.
• Minoxidil is safe for all hair types. Before using this, you do not have to consider whether your hair is dry, oily, or combinational. Also, Minoxidil can be used by both men and women.

What Are The Side Effects Of Minoxidil?

There are no serious effects of Minoxidil. You can expect irritation as the product is applied on the scalp and not on your hair. Women can face more irritation than men but can also see rapid growth in hair.

Also, do not be alarmed if your hair starts falling rapidly after using minoxidil as it is just a part of the process.

Using Minoxidil two times a day has proven to be extremely beneficial for the patients. If you allow time for this medication to work then it will surely give you desirable results.

Can You Combine Finasteride With Minoxidil?

There is no scientific evidence or study that supports this statement. Combining the two medications without consulting your doctor may prove to be hazardous for your health.

Even if you are switching from one medication to another then keep a gap of six months in between.

However, I found that Folexin (a Biotin & Fo-Ti rich supplement) gives faster results when combined with Minoxidil. So, you can take a Folexin hair supplement and apply Minoxidil topical for quick results.

Final Verdict

This was all you needed to know about Finasteride and Minoxidil. Carefully assess both types of medications and only then choose one. Note that the results may vary for different people. Before using anything, consult a doctor for your safety.