When it comes to treating male pattern hair loss, only two medications are clinically proven to deliver results - Minoxidil and Finasteride. It often leads people to compare and contrast the medications, but the reality is that they work much better in tandem than they do in isolation. Let’s take a look at how they both work and why they’re ideally suited for simultaneous use.
Introducing Finasteride
Finasteride is often taken in tablet form and is a prescription medication that is effective at treating male pattern hair loss. The role of Finasteride when used to treat hair loss is to block the production of the hormone DHT. When left untreated in men who are sensitive to it, DHT can bind to your hair follicles and cause them to shrink and eventually die out.
Although it’s not a cure for male pattern hair loss, Finasteride can prevent DHT from destroying the follicles on your head, which is an important first step in any hair loss treatment. For Finasteride to be successful, you need to take it every day for a period of at least six months, and continue using it to maintain results.
Introducing Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an ideal companion to Finasteride, as it can have a positive impact on the quality and quantity of your hair follicles. Once Finasteride has blocked the production of excessive DHT decaying your follicles, Minoxidil can stimulate blood flow to the affected areas of your scalp. This can enable the previously dying hair follicles on your head to regrow, as they now have the nutrients and oxygen required to thrive and are no longer inhibited by DHT.
As a double team, Finasteride and Minoxidil are considered to be the most effective way of treating male pattern hair loss.
So, which is better?
Studies have shown that the syngery between the two is the most effective method, so it is likely you will increase your chances of seeing positive results by using the two together.
You can also combine medications with hair loss aids such as strengthening shampoos and supplements to ensure your hair and scalp are receiving all the necessary nutrients for strong and healthy hair growth.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
