Medically reviewed by HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, Pharm.D., Conor Sheehy, PharmD | Updated Mar 3, 2025. Key Takeaways. Many men experience male pattern baldness, which can be treated with medications. Finasteride and minoxidil both promote hair growth, but finasteride is often considered more effective than minoxidil.
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].
Minoxidil is available in different percentages including 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%.
Redensyl, a natural blend, targets early-stage balding with minimal side effects. Minoxidil, proven effective for advanced hair loss, remains a top prescription choice. While Redensyl shines in the initial stages, Minoxidil excels in later phases. Both aim to combat male pattern baldness, each with unique strengths.
Allergic reactions like any inflammation, redness, itchiness, or irritation can occur if you are allergic to any compound used in the formulation of redensyl. Dryness or flaky scalp leading to dandruff. Hair discolouration can happen. However, it is very rare.
Redensyl is a more natural, non-hormonal option, ideal for those looking for a gentler approach with fewer side effects. On the other hand, Minoxidil is a well-established treatment, backed by decades of research and proven results, particularly for individuals with androgenetic alopecia.
Use the same concentration of minoxidil, but use more of it... or use it more often. For some patients, using more minoxidil allows more to get into the scalp. This is especially true for males using minoxidil and may be true for some women as well.
No, it does not significantly matter which minoxidil brand you use in terms of the effectiveness of the active ingredient. minoxidil is a generic medication, meaning that the active ingredient, minoxidil itself, remains the same across all brands.
Some studies indicate that while topical Minoxidil 10% may perform somewhat better in improving frontal hair density in men [2], the 5% formula is more effective in promoting overall hair growth [3]. Moreover, the stronger variety can produce more side effects.
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.
Do not shampoo your hair for 4 hours after applying minoxidil. Immediately after using this medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. Do not use a hairdryer to dry the scalp after you apply minoxidil solution. Blowing with a hairdryer on the scalp may make the treatment less effective.
Solution 1: Be patient
Hair regrowth is a slow process, so don't be discouraged if you don't see results straight away. In fact, it usually takes 2-4 months of continuous use to notice a reduction in hair loss and the regrowth of new hair when using minoxidil.
Research from the SKINMed Journal of Dermatology for the Clinician showed that rosemary oil was as effective as minoxidil in boosting hair growth among participants with androgenic alopecia.
Oral medications.
"It's helpful for people who aren't getting enough benefit from topical minoxidil, or those who have scalp irritation from the topical form." Other oral medications to treat hair loss include finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and spironolactone (Aldactone).
Remember that minoxidil and Rogaine® have the same active ingredient, so you'll likely get the same great results whether you go brand name or generic. Some options you may want to consider: Topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.
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Applying tretinoin can enhance this conversion and improve minoxidil absorption. Enter: Retinol, but specifically Tretinoin, which is only offered as a prescription. This form of retinol can used topically on the scalp (before minoxidil) and helps raise sulfotransferase levels to boost the efficacy of minoxidil.
Does Minoxidil increase testosterone? No – there is absolutely no evidence to suggest this. While studies have looked into the possible effect of the hair loss treatment on your hormones, no definitive conclusion has been reached. In fact, Minoxidil may well have the opposite effect.
2% minoxidil is recommended for people with minor hair loss or who are sensitive to the medication. It has a decreased chance of negative effects and is frequently advised for women due to its milder nature. 5% minoxidil improves outcomes for more severe hair loss and may work faster or more efficiently.
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Topical minoxidil 2% and 5% are both approved for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Higher concentration products like minoxidil 10% are not approved for the treatment of hair loss. Minoxidil 5% is thought to yield superior results compared to both minoxidil 2% and minoxidil 10%.