Finasteride + Minoxidil: The Ultimate Hair Loss Combo

Hair growth cycle

Human hair contains two structures — hair follicle and hair shaft. The hair shaft is visible above the skin, while the hair follicle is beneath the scalp or skin. The hair grows from follicles, and the development of follicles is cyclical, such as:

Anagen stage/growth stage:

Follicles make hair strands and this cycle continues for 3-5 years.

Catagen stage/transition stage:

Follicles go under transitions, this stage is short-lived and lasts for 2-3 weeks. During this time, the hair follicles shrink and hair growth slows down, separating hair strands from the lower part of the follicle while remaining attached to the scalp.

Telogen stage/rest stage:

During this stage, hairs (including all hair on the body) stay in the resting period for about 90 days. The hair sheds and the hair follicle grows new hairs again. 

Male hair loss overview

Losing hair regularly is a part of your hair growth cycle. Normally, you lose hair while washing or brushing and it is a matter of no concern.

Apart from daily shedding, many factors such as aging/maturing of the hair, genetics, stress, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and diet restriction cause excessive hair loss. 

Besides these factors, Androgenetic Alopecia is the common cause, affecting 50% of men over 50 and 25% of women of the same age. So, how does androgenetic alopecia work:

Hormones and genetics:

The key factor in pattern baldness is the DHT hormone (dihydrotestosterone), derived from testosterone. DHT binds with hair follicles, leading to short, thin hairs and letting them shrink and stop producing hairs.

Progression:

Men tend to lose their hair first on the temples and crown, while women get thin hair all over their scalp. Effective treatment like the combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil targets these underlying mechanisms and resolves the issue. 

Finasteride and Minoxidil are two of the most widely used non-surgical treatments for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).

These medications have been shown to produce noticeable results within 3 to 6 months of consistent use. They come in different forms—oral for Finasteride and topical for Minoxidil—and are often used together for optimal results.

Finasteride

Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is an effective hair loss treatment that belongs to a drug class called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

It comes in a 1 mg tablet that is taken once a day, reducing the DHT production up to 70% and slowing down hair loss.

It works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing hair loss.

According to the research, 66% of users experience noticeable hair growth in the crown area by using Finasteride.

How It Works: By reducing DHT production by up to 70%, it helps slow down hair loss and even encourages new hair growth in some users.

Effectiveness: Research suggests that about 66% of men see noticeable improvement in hair regrowth, particularly in the crown area.

Dosage: Available as a 1 mg tablet, Finasteride is typically taken once a day.

Availability: Prescription required.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil (brand name Regaine available in the UK comes in the form of a topical hair loss solution or foam applied directly to your scalp.

Unlike Finasteride, Minoxidil does not affect hormones. Instead, it works by improving blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulating dormant follicles to begin producing new hair.

Minoxidil hair loss treatment, contrasts with Finasteride in that it is available over the counter, while Finasteride (Propecia) requires a prescription.

Formulations: Available as a liquid solution or foam, Minoxidil is typically applied twice daily.

How It Works: Minoxidil expands the blood vessels in the scalp, allowing for more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles, thereby promoting hair regrowth.

Effectiveness: Studies show that about 40-60% of users experience improvements in hair density and thickness after using Minoxidil for at least 4 to 6 months.

Availability: Over-the-counter (no prescription required).

The Differences Between Finasteride and Minoxidil are:

Finasteride comes in two forms: oral tablets 1 mg and topical form 0.1%-1%. Minoxidil comes in 2%-5% topical liquid or foam. 

Finasteride 1mg tablets are taken orally once a day while Minoxidil solution or foam is used 2 times a day. Once the solution/foam is dry, you can style your hair normally.

Finasteride is one of the DHT blockers for hair loss, while Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator and enhances blood flow to hair follicles, stimulating hair growth. 

Finasteride treats only male pattern baldness while Minoxidil is effective against male pattern baldness, telogen effluvium (rapid hair loss), female pattern baldness, traction alopecia, alopecia areata, and anagen effluvium.

How Do Finasteride and Minoxidil Work to Combat Hair Loss?

Finasteride and Minoxidil are effective treatments for hair regrowth in men, but they work in different ways:

Finasteride: Targeting the Root Cause

Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR), which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps prevent hair follicle shrinkage, which is a primary cause of hair loss. This process slows down or stops hair loss, allowing hair to remain in the growth phase for a longer period.

Minoxidil: Stimulating Hair Growth

Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, meaning it helps to widen blood vessels, improving blood circulation to the scalp. This enhanced blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, stimulating hair growth.

Minoxidil also reverses follicular shrinkage caused by DHT, encouraging follicles to enter the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.

Why Use Finasteride and Minoxidil Together?

Using both Finasteride and Minoxidil together can provide complementary benefits. Finasteride works by reducing the underlying cause of hair loss (DHT), while Minoxidil stimulates the growth of new hair by enhancing circulation and follicle activity.

Combined, they offer a "double-hit" approach to combating hair loss, increasing the chances of stopping progression and promoting regrowth.

A recent study shows the effectiveness of three treatments:

Finasteride, Minoxidil, and their combination. After 12 months of use, 80% of men showed improvement with Finasteride, 59% with Minoxidil, and over 94% with the combination therapy.

Similar studies have also found that the combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil delivers the best results, leading to efficient hair regrowth.

Does Finasteride work better with Minoxidil?

Finasteride works better with Minoxidil as both medications address different aspects of hair loss, providing a synergistic effect.

However, as hair growth takes time, the combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil may take 8 weeks to show noticeable results and the complete regrowth takes up to 2 years after starting the treatment. 

So, the treatment is long term and if you stop the treatment in between, the results will reverse back and you may experience the same hair loss rate you experienced previously.

Moreover, each treatment has its side effects, so consult your doctor to ensure this combination is suitable for you.

How to use Finasteride and Minoxidil together?

Using Finasteride and Minoxidil in combination is quite easy such that:

Follow your doctor’s instructions for effective results.

Simply take 1 mg tablet of Finasteride orally once a day and apply 1 ml of Minoxidil solution/foam on the affected area of your scalp 2 times a day. 

Ensure your targeted area is clean and dry before applying the solution or foam. 

The treatment is long-term, so ensure regular usage, as stopping it can reverse the results. 

Can I take oral Finasteride and oral Minoxidil?

You can take oral Finasteride with oral Minoxidil but under medical supervision. Both medications are effective in hair loss prevention but work differently:

Finasteride is a DHT inhibitor, while Minoxidil is a vasodilator. Combining both of them tackles hair loss effectively but can cause side effects such as low blood pressure.

So, consult your doctor to find out the right dosage and safe usage guidelines according to your health and medical history.  

How long does it take for Finasteride and Minoxidil to work?

Finasteride and Minoxidil take several months to show significant results. As hair growth takes time, Finasteride and Minoxidil show visible improvements within 3-6 months while thickening of hair becomes apparent after 9-12 months of consistent use.

So, Finasteride and Minoxidil therapy require patience and consistency; skipping will reverse all your progress. Moreover, during this combined therapy, you will notice a temporary shedding phase as weaker hairs will fall out to make space for new hairs.

Some of the best Minoxidil and Finasteride combination options

Besides oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil combination, the other best Finasteride and Minoxidil combination options are:

Keeps topical Finasteride and topical Minoxidil:

Combine 0.25% Finasteride with 5% Minoxidil solution. You can also use the Minoxidil foam or gel. This combination is safe and effective with a low risk of side effects.

Hims topical Finasteride and Minoxidil spray:

Combine 0.3% Finasteride with 6% Minoxidil. The spray reaches the thinnest spots, dries quickly, and offers precise applications. 

Hims Finasteride and Minoxidil + supplement blend chew:

Chewable Finasteride and Minoxidil combination with a proprietary blend of hair growth vitamins. One pill is taken per day; however, be aware of its side effects. 

Tips for maximizing results

Finasteride and Minoxidil in combination enhance hair growth, but for the best outcomes, you must follow these points:

Stay consistent: Hair growth takes time so stay consistent do not skip the treatment as it will reverse your condition.

Maintain a healthy scalp: Avoid harsh styling and use gentle shampoo as a healthy, clean scalp promotes better absorption of Minoxidil products and hair regrowth. 

Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, manage your stress, and quit smoking to enhance hair regrowth.

Consult doctor: Talk to professional trichologists or dermatologists for personalized advice and monitor your progress.

Avoid scams: Choose licensed or registered pharmacies, whether local or online, to ensure you are using genuine or high-quality products.

Finasteride and Minoxidil side effects: Is it safe to use Finasteride and Minoxidil together?

Like all medications, Finasteride and Minoxidil have side effects. These effects are rare and mild, and not everyone gets them. 

Finasteride side effects

• Mood changes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Breast tenderness and enlargement 
• Skin irritation
• Testicular discomfort
• Lower libido 
• Swelling of the face and lips

Minoxidil side effects

• Scalp irritation, itching, redness, or flaking
• Temporary hair shedding
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• Headache
• Nausea
• Non-scalp hair growth
• Chest pain
• Blurred vision 

If you experience any of these effects, consult your doctor immediately. Besides these effects, Finasteride and Minoxidil do not interact with other medications, recreational drugs, and alcohol.

Although there are many lotions, foams, shampoos, supplements, and medications that are found online, over the counter, or via prescription for hair loss treatment, they are not approved for this issue.

The approved medications are only Finasteride and Minoxidil. However, some other alternatives are available, such as:

Hair transplant

It is a surgical procedure that relocates your hair follicles from one part of the body (usually from the sides of the scalp or back) to the area experiencing hair loss.

Techniques like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are well-known, ensuring natural hair growth and offering long-lasting effects.

A hair transplant is effective for people with pattern baldness; however, it requires a professional surgeon, is slightly expensive, and the recovery period consists of several weeks. 

Microneedling

This method uses a needle device or derma roller, creating tiny punctures in your scalp, stimulating your skin’s natural healing process, increasing the production of collagen, and improving overall hair growth.

Microneedling works best when combined with topical treatments such as Minoxidil, enhancing absorption and effectiveness. 

Although it is an affordable and non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime, consistent sessions are required for optimal results.

Red light therapy (RLT)

RLT uses LEDs or low-level lasers to improve cellular activity and stimulate hair follicles. This technique enhances blood flow and energy production in your scalp cells, slowing thinning and promoting hair growth.

This pain-free and non-invasive treatment is best for men and women experiencing hair loss and is at early stages. 

Some studies have combined RLT with topical Minoxidil and found improved results compared to each treatment alone. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

In this therapy, your blood is extracted in small amounts from your arm and processed to separate platelet-rich plasma. After this, this plasma is injected into your scalp.

As this plasma is filled with growth factors, it stimulates your hair follicles and encourages regrowth. If you want a natural solution for hair loss, PRP therapy will suit you.

However, it requires multiple sessions, and its effectiveness varies from person to person.

Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with Minoxidil is effective in androgenetic alopecia treatment and has offered promising results in people with pattern baldness. 

Hair loss vitamins like Nourkrin and Viviscal

Hair loss vitamins such as Nourkrin and Viviscal are formulated to promote healthy hair growth by offering essential nutrients to follicles and scalp.

Nourkrin consists of Marilex, biotin, zinc, and proteoglycan-rich extract derived from fish. These nutrients maintain your healthy hair and promote hair growth efficiently. 

On the other hand, Viviscal contains AminoMar C™, iron, vitamin C, and a marine protein complex, strengthening hair and increasing volume.

Nourkrin and Viviscal are used together, offering promising results in the treatment of hair loss.

This combination is a drug-free supplement that can be taken for a long duration of time, making them the best for those who are suffering from thinning hair or early stages of hair loss.

However, using it regularly over several months can strengthen the hair, decrease shedding, and help maintain the health of the scalp.

How to get Finasteride and Minoxidil combinations in the UK?

If you are looking for hair loss treatment and do not know where to start, head over to Ashcroft Pharmacy. We offer free online consultations and medications at affordable rates.

Simply answer a few questions, and our pharmacists will determine the right treatment option for you.

Once approved, we will deliver your medications such as Finasteride and Minoxidil at your doorstep via our fast, discreet delivery process. 

Summary

Finasteride and Minoxidil combination has become a cornerstone in the treatment of hair loss. This combined therapy addresses vascular and hormonal causes of hair loss and leads to hair restoration.

However, the results vary from person to person. So, consult your doctor to figure out whether this combination is suitable for you. 

Frequently asked questions about Finasteride and Minoxidil combination hair loss treatment

Can Finasteride and Minoxidil regrow hair?

Finasteride and Minoxidil can regrow hair by blocking DHT (a hormone that causes the hair follicles to shrink) and reducing hair loss. Minoxidil increases the blood flow to the scalp and promotes hair growth. Together, they are scientifically proven to rescue hair from thinning and regrow hair in many people.

Is Finasteride better than Minoxidil?

Finasteride is better than Minoxidil as it targets the root cause and inhibits DHT levels, treating male pattern baldness effectively.

Instead, Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp resulting in hair regrowth. However, the selection depends on your needs; so consult your doctor to determine the right fit for you.

Can Finasteride and Minoxidil cause hair loss?

Finasteride and Minoxidil can cause temporary hair shedding when first used. This happens as weak hairs fall out to make room for strong growth. It is a normal part of treatment and resolves within a few months.

What is the success rate of Finasteride and Minoxidil?

The success rate of Finasteride and Minoxidil varies from person to person. However, studies show that finasteride reduces hair loss in 80% of men, Minoxidil improves hair density in 59% of users, and their combination promotes hair regrowth in 94% of men. 

Can I apply Minoxidil and Finasteride at the same time?

Finasteride and Minoxidil do not interact with each other and you can use them at the same time. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth and is applied topically while Finasteride reduces DHT levels and is taken orally.

Combining them offers better results and enhanced effectiveness. 

What is the best combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil?

The best combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil is 1 mg oral Finasteride and 5% topical solution/foam of Minoxidil. The dual approach targets growth and hormonal factors of hair loss for best results. 

Can Minoxidil worsen baldness?

Minoxidil temporarily worsens baldness due to hair shedding during the first several weeks of treatment. This happens as weaker hair falls out to make space for new and healthier ones. It is a normal process and subsides within a few weeks. 

What happens after 1 month of Finasteride?

After 1 month of taking Finasteride, you will not see any significant results as it shows optimal results within 3-6 months.

However, the medications reduce DHT levels, slow down hair loss, prepare your scalp gradually within 1 month, and offer improved results over the coming months. 

Is Minoxidil useless without Finasteride?

Minoxidil is not useless without Finasteride. It acts as a vasodilator, improves blood flow to your follicles, and stimulates hair growth when used alone.

However, combining with Finasteride offers better results as Finasteride addresses hormonal causes of hair loss and Minoxidil enhances hair growth. 

Do Minoxidil and Finasteride result in receding hairline?

Minoxidil and Finasteride improve a receding hairline. They enhance blood flow and reduce DHT levels, preventing further hair loss and offering effective results if used consistently. 

Author