Finasteride has proven to be an effective hair loss treatment for a long time, with countless men around the world taking it to cease hair loss and possibly promote hair regrowth.
However, there are two forms of Finasteride: Oral and Topical, but which is best? Let's look at what each form of treatment does to narrow down which is the most sensible choice for you.
The Facts About Oral Finasteride
The objective of Oral Finasteride is to stop your body from producing the DHT androgen, a hormone that we naturally produce. DHT helps form male characteristics during adolescence, but in adulthood, it can lead to hair loss when it’s created by testosterone. Therefore, halting the production of this hormone is vital to stopping hair loss from continuing.
Consuming Finasteride as an oral tablet is the primary suggestion for this medication because of its effectiveness and how well it pairs with topical Minoxidil, another FDA-approved prescription drug for hair loss; your odds of seeing positive results are improved when taking these hair loss medications simultaneously, plus you won't be doubling up on Finasteride doses, thus making side effects less likely. Also, taking the correct dosage with an oral tablet is easier than it is topically.
How Does Topical Finasteride Work?
Topically applying Finasteride is done using a Combination Spray containing both Finasteride and Minoxidil. The idea behind this product is to provide customers with two very effective medications without needing to apply or consume them separately; this will boost your chances of stopping hair loss and leave you less likely to forget to take a dose.
There isn't a Finasteride spray that does not contain Minoxidil, so it isn't easy to compare their effectiveness. However, the chances of side effects are reduced when you apply Finasteride topically compared to the oral route. However, there is the possibility that people with sensitive skin might react to topical serums.
Oral Finasteride vs. Topical Finasteride
Oral Finasteride is a highly effective treatment for men experiencing hair loss and is very simple to consume. Conversely, Topical Finasteride (the Combination Spray) must be applied all over your scalp, which can be slightly annoying but harnesses the power of both Finasteride and Minoxidil to increase the likelihood that hair loss will stop and make hair regrowth more of a possibility.
As oral Finasteride is the first port of call, you'll likely be prescribed this first, but if this doesn't work, topical Finasteride might be issued. Book a consultation with a hair loss specialist to assess your options, and they will give you the best advice on fighting hair loss. Of course, you can state your preference for the product type you'd like to use, and the prescribers will accommodate you.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
