Topical or Oral Finasteride: Which One is Right For You?

Topical or Oral Finasteride: Which One is Right For You?
16 April 2025
2-minute read

Finasteride is a clinically proven and effective hair loss treatment that has been used for decades, with countless men around the world taking it to tackle their hair loss and help promote hair regrowth.

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 DHT, 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.

Most take Finasteride as a licensed oral tablet because of its effectiveness and how well it pairs with topical Minoxidil, another prescription medication for hair loss. Your odds of seeing positive results are improved when taking these hair loss treatments simultaneously. Also, taking the correct dosage with an oral tablet is easier than it is topically.

 

How Does Topical Finasteride Work?

Topically applying Finasteride can be done using our 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.

Sons also now offers a Topical Finasteride Spray if deemed appropriate through our prescribing partners via our consultation.

The chances of side effects are reduced when you apply Finasteride topically compared to the oral route, while studies also show that topical Finasteride could be as effective as oral Finasteride in treating male pattern hair loss. This makes it a great alternative for anyone who has taken Oral Finasteride and seen side effects. Both Sons' Topical Finasteride and Combination Spray include a unique nozzle applicator, that makes it easier to get the serum to your scalp and the root of the cause. However, like with all medications, 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. However, some may experience side effects which is when Topical Finasteride is recommended instead because of its better tolerability and similar efficacy.

Take our consultation to assess your options, and we'll recommend the best course of action for fighting your hair loss - whether oral Finasteride, topical Finasteride or our Combination Spray.

It is important to note that Oral Finasteride is the licensed approved treatment for hair loss and is the recommended first line treatment. Alternative preparations such as topical Finasteride or combination spray are ideally second line medications for those who are unsuitable for Oral Finasteride or for whom the topical regime is more appropriate.  

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.