How does hair loss happen?
Male pattern baldness is caused by a sensitivity to DHT - a by-product of testosterone. This hormone attaches itself to hair follicles in the scalp and causes them to shrink, a process that is also known as miniaturisation.
As miniaturisation progresses, the hair strands become thinner and shorter until they eventually reach a point where they do not break through the scalp and die off. This causes large areas of your head of hair to thin out and eventually become bald.
Why is there a topical Finasteride-Minoxidil solution?
There are two medications that are approved by the FDA for treating hair loss in men - Finasteride and Minoxidil. The most common form of Finasteride is a 1mg oral tablet, which is usually taken daily alongside a topical Minoxidil solution and this is the most effective treatment regimen for hair loss.
However, less than 4% of the people who take Finasteride experience side effects from taking this oral medication. Whilst many of these side effects are mild (and stop when you cease taking the medication) it is understandable that men may want a viable alternative treatment.
There is recent evidence that taking a combined topical solution of Finasteride and Minoxidil has demonstrated clear efficacy. Whilst the research needs further exploration, the early signs are positive: suggesting that a Finasteride-Minoxidil spray can also effectively treat hair loss and present less risk of side effects to the user.
How does a topical Finasteride-Minoxidil solution treat hair loss?
A combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil is an effective way of treating male hair loss - here’s how the combination of these two active ingredients work:
- Topical Finasteride reduces DHT levels in your scalp. A sensitivity to DHT causes your hair follicles to shrink, which can eventually lead to complete hair loss - this process is also known as miniaturisation.
- Topical Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp, which promotes the revitalisation of dormant hair follicles. It also enables a more efficient intake of Finasteride to affected areas of the scalp.
How do I take a topical Finasteride-Minoxidil spray?
The spray should be applied once as part of a daily treatment - usually as part of a morning or evening routine. Simply administer the spray directly to the scalp, (especially those areas that are most affected by hair loss) and allow it to fully absorb.
In summary
There is recent evidence that suggests a topical Finasteride-Minoxidil solution could be a viable alternative for those that find it daunting to take a daily oral Finasteride medication and is also an option for men that have experienced the rare side effects of Finasteride. However, it is important to note that this combination is less effective than oral finasteride in combination with topical minoxidil.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
