Minoxidil and Finasteride are two different forms of treatment that are often used together to treat male pattern hair loss. These are two of the only medications clinically proven to be effective at treating hair loss. But how different are Minoxidil and Finasteride?
How are Minoxidil and Finasteride different?
Minoxidil and Finasteride are entirely separate medications that play different roles within your hair loss treatment. Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp, which in turn provides crucial oxygen and nutrients to damaged and shrunken hair follicles on your head. Using Minoxidil is easy too - simply apply 1ml of the solution to the affected areas of your scalp (usually your crown or temples) twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Don’t forget - the scalp should be dry before application. It is also available as an oral capsule.
Finasteride works by blocking the production of DHT - a hormone that is the biggest cause of hair loss in men. For those with a sensitivity to the hormone, DHT binds to hair follicles, which causes them to become thinner and eventually die. Finasteride blocks the production of DHT by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT, it protects hair follicles from damage.
Can you use Minoxidil and Finasteride together?
Yes - in fact, using them together can potentially enhance the effectiveness of your hair loss treatment in the long term. As Finasteride blocks the impact that DHT can have on hair follicles, Minoxidil will work to increase the blood flow to these damaged follicles, providing them with vital nutrients.
They can be used in combination in a variety of formulations, e.g a Combination Spray containing both Minoxidil and Finasteride, or alternatively, Oral Minoxidil and Finasteride Spray. Multiple options are available, depending on your needs, lifestyle and preferences.
It’s easy to keep a stiff upper lip and go ahead with life business as usual, but your hair loss doesn’t have to be like that. Interested in doing something about your hair loss? Take a consultation today for treatment recommendations.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
