Does finasteride actually work for hair loss?
Reviewed by the glpzoom Editorial Team against primary clinical sources — FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines.
Content current as of June 2026; updated when guidance or availability changes.
Finasteride is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and is one of the most-studied hair loss treatments. In trials, approximately 80-90% of men taking 1mg daily for one year either maintained their existing hair or experienced some regrowth. Regrowth tends to be more modest than slowing/stopping further loss; significant regrowth happens in roughly 30-40% of users. Effects typically appear after 3-6 months and continue for 12+ months. Discontinuation usually leads to gradual return to the natural hair loss trajectory over 6-12 months. Side effects are uncommon (~2-4% report sexual side effects in trials) but should be discussed with a clinician.
Where to start
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Hims Hair
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Drugs referenced
Related questions
Finasteride vs minoxidil: which works better?
Finasteride and minoxidil work through different mechanisms and are often combined for best results. Finasteride is an oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT — the hormone driving male pattern hair loss — addressing the root cause. Minoxidil (topical or oral) increases blood flow to hair follicles and prolongs the growth phase, addressing the downs