Does Topical Finasteride Work for Hair Loss
DR FURQAN RAJA
There are 2 types of medically-proven hair loss medication products available, Finasteride and Minoxidil.
Minoxidil is in a class of medications called antihypertensive vasodilators. It was previously used for the treatment of high blood pressure but it was discovered that users of the medication were experiencing significant hair growth. It has since been developed into a topical solution that can be applied directly to the scalp and to the hair follicles.
Finasteride is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It is most commonly prescribed as an oral medication to be taken once a day. However, topical finasteride is now available which has clinically proven, evidence-based, scientific data to show similar benefits when compared with oral finasteride medication.
Hair Transplant Surgeon at The Private Clinic shares their views on topical finasteride with Healthline editor, Victoria Stokes;
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The difference between oral and topical finasteride
“Traditionally, Finasteride was taken in oral form, but now it is also used topically in liquid form and applied directly to the scalp,” explains The Private Clinic.
They believe products like these are more accessible for hair loss patients who don’t like taking oral medication. Topical formulations of finasteride may also be a good choice for men who want to avoid some of the side effects associated with the tablet form.
“In a small percentage of patients, oral Finasteride can cause side effects, such as erectile dysfunction,” points out a consultant trichologist
For hair loss, Finasteride works by counteracting the effects of DHT, which is a broken-down form of testosterone that plays a major role in hair loss. Too much DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink and ultimately fall out.
“Finasteride can also stimulate regrowth in areas of thinning, and we’ve certainly seen this in our own patient cohort,” says The Private Clinic
As for the benefits of mixing Finasteride with Minoxidil?
“Minoxidil is a medically-approved topical treatment for male pattern hair loss. It dilates the blood vessels, which can aid in the delivery into the scalp and hair follicles of other ingredients applied at the same time,” Passam explains.
In other words, Minoxidil may improve the effectiveness of Finasteride by allowing it to penetrate more deeply into the hair follicles.
