For men experiencing male pattern hair loss, finasteride is widely considered to be more effective than minoxidil [5-6]. However, a combination of both hair loss treatments is often more effective than one or the other [7-9]. Finasteride can also work for women with female pattern hair loss [10].
Oral finasteride is one of the most popular alternatives to minoxidil for male pattern baldness. Known by the brand-name Propecia, finasteride has DHT blocker effects and is FDA-approved as an effective medication to stop hair loss in men. It is also approved for an enlarged prostate under the brand-name Proscar.
Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.
Finasteride, being an oral medication, can have systemic side effects, including sexual dysfunction or mood changes in rare cases. However, it's essential to note that while Minoxidil's side effects are often milder, Finasteride's side effects, though rare, can be more profound.
Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair. You can do the same by oiling regularly, refraining from wearing tight hairstyles and following a nourishing hair care routine.
Rosemary essential oil
In a trial with androgenetic alopecia patients, application of rosemary oil topically in the form of lotion, was found to be the same in effect as topical 2% minoxidil, which makes it a perfect minoxidil alternative for hair growth.
Finasteride (Propecia).
You take it daily as a pill. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show new hair growth. It may take a few months to tell whether it's working for you. You'll need to keep taking it to retain any benefits.
According to Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC, choosing products with clinically proven ingredients is key to finding an effective hair growth serum. Currently, the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss is minoxidil.
Patients at stage 3 of the Norwood scale are also suitable candidates for a hair transplant, because they are experiencing visible balding. A hair transplant works by removing healthy strands of hair from the lower back and sides of the scalp and transplanting them into the balding areas of the head.
Both Nizoral and Minoxidil can help treat hair loss, but they work in different ways. Nizoral works by eliminating fungi and inhibiting 5-alpha reductase enzymes, while Minoxidil increases blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth.
Studies show that Nutrafol may improve hair growth, thickness, and shedding over time, but consistency is key - it typically takes at least three to six months to see results.
Current natural minoxidil alternatives or enhancers include active ingredients such as pumpkin seed extract and retinol, as well as essential oils such as rosemary oil and camellia tea oil.
Biotin remains commonly recommended by hair loss specialists at doses up to 5,000 mcg.
A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.
You have significant side effects. It's expensive to continue using Minoxidil every day. You're concerned that Minoxidil is interacting with other medications you're taking. You've achieved the results you want and no longer want to use Minoxidil.
Contraindications include the following: Minoxidil should not be used in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to the drug or its constituents, including propylene glycol. The utilization of minoxidil is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Kirkland Signature Hair Regrowth Treatment Minoxidil Foam for Men, 2.11 oz, 6-count | Costco.