Difference Between Minoxidil And Finasteride — Ultimately minoxidil addresses the issue directly on your scalp whereas finasteride addresses it internally by ceasing the body from generating hormones which cause you to lose hair. So what’s out there so you can pick your weapon of choice? Read below!
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil – Topical A medicated rinse, this is applied to thinning areas on the scalp. Initially developed as a drug for high blood pressure (doctors had noticed that it stimulated the growth of hair) the medication became available specifically for this type of hair loss following further studies. It is sold over the counter in 2% and 5% concentrations, the 5% for male and the 2% recommended for females and it should be applied to the affected area on the scalp once or twice daily. Minoxidil works by encouraging vasodilation of the blood vessels of the scalp to allow increased flow of nutrients to dormant follicles, over time inactive, stunted follicles start working again resulting in faster and thicker hair growth.
What Is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a pill that a person orally takes once daily. It works by shutting off an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that is needed to turn testosterone into dihydrotesterone(DHT). DHT is mainly to blame for hair loss in men so by turning off this enzyme they can slow the progression of hair loss and in some cases, promote growth.
The effectiveness of finasteride to reduce your circulating DHT levels is in between 60 and 70%.
The majority of men who try finasteride notice an improvement between three and six months of treatment. However, the approval on the drug is only for men and it is not recommended for use by pregnant or women or who might become pregnant.
Minoxidil vs Finasteride — Key Differences
The other two medications work via the scalp and act on the hair follicles in the region; these include drugs such as topical minoxidil that are taken orally; the latter, called minoxidil stimulates the scalp blood flow and reactivates the dormant hair producing follicles by enlarging them or otherwise waking them up. The other, Finasteride (which requires a prescription, the well known branded version is Propecia), treats and controls the hormones that actually trigger the body to lose hair. So, to keep it simple – one is top down, the other is bottom up!
Minoxidil works for both men and women, requires no prescription, while finasteride is prescribed for men and by your GP. The typical results with either are visible within 3-6 months. But while Minoxidil is generally considered more adept at encouraging new growth, Finasteride has shown to be more effective in preventing continued hair loss.
Studies have revealed the strongest hair recovery results when both drugs were used together by those on medication. Neither product interferes with the other; in fact, they’re complementary: one triggers regrowth, the other inhibits the hormonal mechanism which was initially suppressing that regrowth.
Which One Is Right for You?
Women or those who dislike oral medications should opt for minoxidil. Those Men who have the family predisposition to induced hair loss and aim to control it right at source than should be on finasteride. If hair loss is in the first and mid stage and intend to have maximum protection then along with either can take both.
Do not self prescribe.
Hair density analysis will help know the type and stage of hair loss .
Side Effects You Should Be Aware Of
Shedding (This typically happens within the first few weeks of using Minoxidil and is usually a temporary and normal phenomenon). Dry scalp/Irritation. (Mild itching of the scalp, burning or tingling.
Women may experience unwanted facial hair over time.)
Finasteride may help maintain sexual function in the majority of cases, with small percentage showing decline in libido. For a rare small group of people, you may have a slightly diminished sex drive. Pregnant women should not come into contact with finasteride if the tablets has been opened/crushed.
Do You Still Need a Hair Transplant?
For early hair loss, or at the beginning of progression of shedding, medication does a good job slowing down hair fall, and helps the hair to grow back a little. However if there is no functioning follicle there it will not make them come back, and at that stage of hair loss medication alone may not suffice. Therefore after having Hair Transplantation done, a lot of my Hair transplant patients to have good results continue minoxidil / finasteride to protect existing natural hair. This way they also preserve and prolong the effects of a hair transplant.
Conclusion
Minoxidil vs finasteride: So, who takes the cake? When we pit these two hair growth powerhouses against each other, there can never be one winner as the real ‘best’ depends on your gender, reason for hair loss and severity of the problem. Minoxidil (external), finasteride (internal) and for maximum hair fall control, let’s team them up; they will create a well-rounded attack plan covering every aspect of your hair loss concerns.
If you are looking at getting the right start, it’s time to approach a skin, hair & aesthetic expert in Gurgaon at one of the best hair transplant clinic in gurgaon and they’ll make a thorough check of your scalp to plan the best treatment for you. Start young. Stick with it!
Dr. Sandeep
- 25 Years Total Clinical Experience
- QHT Hair Transplant Procedures
- Advanced Hair Restoration
- Hairline Design & Reconstruction
