Finasteride vs minoxidil: which works better?
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 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 downstream symptom. In studies, the combination produces meaningfully better outcomes than either drug alone: combination users see more regrowth and better maintenance over time. Side-effect profiles are different (finasteride has potential sexual side effects; minoxidil can cause shedding initially and unwanted facial hair if applied carelessly). Most telehealth services offer both as a combined protocol.
Where to start
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Hims Hair
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Drugs referenced
Related questions
Does finasteride actually work for hair loss?
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 h