Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Which Is Best?

Table of Contents

• What Is The Difference Between Finasteride and Minoxidil?
• Are Finasteride and Minoxidil Suitable for Both Men and Women?
• Does Dosage Impact Efficacy?
• Which One is More Expensive?
• Does Minoxidil Have Fewer Side Effects Than Finasteride? 
• Which is More Effective for Hair Loss?
• Is It Safe to Take Finasteride and Minoxidil Together?
• Should I take Finasteride or Minoxidil?

What Is The Difference Between Finasteride and Minoxidil?

The main differences between Finasteride and Minoxidil are the way they work and the form in which they are available. Finasteride is a prescription medication that works by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Stopping the production of DHT helps prevent further hair loss and improves hair regrowth. Finasteride is available as oral tablets. 

On the other hand, Minoxidil works by increasing the blood flow around the hair follicles and stimulating growth. Not only does it promote hair follicles to the growth phase, but it also prolongs the growth phase, resulting in fuller and longer hair. Minoxidil is available by prescription in oral tablet form and over-the-counter as a topical solution or foam which is applied to the affected scalp area.

Are Finasteride and Minoxidil Suitable for Both Men and Women?

Finasteride is specially made to treat male pattern baldness. The causes of hair loss and thinning in women differ from those in men. Therefore, it is not usually prescribed to women with female pattern baldness. Finasteride works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. The female body produces far less amounts of testosterone and DHT compared to the male body. Therefore, Finasteride won’t help with female pattern baldness. 

Another reason why Fintasride is not suitable for women is because it can be absorbed by the skin and cause serious birth defects if used during pregnancy. It should never be taken by women who are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. [2]

In contrast, Minoxidil can be taken by both men and women who suffer from androgenetic alopecia. In fact, topical Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved drug for female pattern baldness. [3] As topical Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp, it is not intended to affect hormone levels like Finasteride does. 

Similar to Finasteride, it is not advised for women to use Minoxidil during pregnancy or breastfeeding. [4]

Does Dosage Impact Efficacy?

Like any other medication, instructions must be followed and the right dosage needs to be taken to achieve the best results. The recommended dosage of Finasteride for men is 1mg once a day. 

Generally, topical Minoxidil is prescribed to men in a 5% solution or foam, whereas women are prescribed a 2% solution or 5% foam. For men, the recommended dosage for 5% solution is 1ml twice daily. The dosage for 5% foam is half a capful twice daily. For women, the usual dosage is 1ml of 2% solution twice daily or half a capful of 5% foam once a day.

Although Minoxidil 5% is an effective hair loss treatment for men and has been used for several years, a higher 6% strength topical spray is also available. Studies show that a small percentage increase is likely to yield better results without a proportionate increase in side effects.[5]

Whether you choose Finasteride or Minoxidil for your hair loss, it is important to check with your healthcare provider before starting treatment to ensure you take the right dosage for your specific needs. Taking the incorrect dosage can cause ineffective results and increase the potential risk of side effects. 

Which One is More Expensive?

Cost can be a main factor for individuals choosing between Finasteride and Minoxidil. Finasteride tends to be more expensive because it is a prescription-only medication, whereas topical Minoxidil can be purchased over the counter. 

On average, high-street pharmacies in the UK charge from £11 to £55 for a 28-tablet box of Finasteride 1mg (4-week supply). At Chemist Click, a 28-tablet box of Finasteride 1mg starts from £13.89. You can expect to pay more for larger quantities. A 168-tablet box of Finasteride 1mg (28-week supply) ranges from £50 to £245, depending on the pharmacy and brand.

Meanwhile, the cost of Minoxidil depends on strength, quantity and brand. The average cost of a 60ml bottle of 2% solution is £12 to £28 and for a 5% solution is £15 to £35. For a 73g can of 5% foam, the average cost can vary from £15 to £40.

Does Minoxidil Have Fewer Side Effects Than Finasteride? 

Finasteride is more likely to cause possible side effects than Minoxidil. This is because Finasteride works by reducing DHF levels in the male body, which can cause side effects such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction and depression. As topical Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp, it is less likely to cause serious side effects. That being said, Minoxidil can cause some side effects including dryness, burning, itching, contact dermatitis and unwanted hair growth.

Which is More Effective for Hair Loss?

The effectiveness of Finasteride versus Minoxidil as a hair loss treatment can hugely depend on the type of hair loss.

In a clinical study, 40 patients were selected to take 1 mg/day of oral Finasteride and 25 patients were chosen to take 5% topical Minoxidil twice a day. After 12 months of treatment, the study found that oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil were effective and safe in treating mild to severe male androgenetic alopecia. However, oral Finasteride appeared to be more effective. [6]

Finasteride and Minoxidil are both clinically proven to treat male androgenetic alopecia. If the production of DHT is not the cause of hair loss, Finasteride is less likely to help with hair regrowth. If hair loss is caused by other conditions such as female pattern baldness, alopecia areata or telogen effluvium, Minoxidil is likely to be more effective than Finasteride. 

Is It Safe to Take Finasteride and Minoxidil Together?

Research shows that it is relatively safe to use oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil together. This combination may be a good first-line approach for men to enhance hair growth. 

In a comparative study of 450 Chinese patients with male androgenetic alopecia, 160 men were assigned to take Finasteride 1 mg/day, 130 men were assigned to take 5% topical Minoxidil and 160 men were assigned to take a combined medication. After 12 months, the study found that men who took the combined medication showed the best efficacy (94.1%), behind Finasteride (80.5%) and Minoxidil (59%). [7]

If you are considering using a combination of oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil to treat hair loss, please consult with your healthcare provider beforehand to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Should I Take Finasteride or Minoxidil?

If you are suffering from male androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), Finasteride is likely to be the best hair loss treatment for you. Otherwise, if you are suffering from female pattern baldness, alopecia areata or telogen effluvium, then Minoxidil may be more suitable for you. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before taking either medication to discuss your hair loss condition, medical history and other specific factors. 

Sources

1. NHS. (2024). Hair loss. Retrieved on 14th August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/
2. Mayo Clinic (2024). Finasteride (Oral Route). Retrieved on 14th August 2024, from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/description/drg-20063819
3. National Library of Medicine. (2024). Minoxidil dose response study in female pattern hair loss patients determined to be non-responders to 5% topical minoxidil. Retrieved on 14th August 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28078868/
4. National Library of Medicine. (2024). Minoxidil. Retrieved on 14th August 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
5. National Library of Medicine. (2002). A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. Retrieved on 5th September 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12196747/
6. National Library of Medicine. (2024). An open, randomised, comparative study of oral finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia. Retrieved on 14th August, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15316165/
7. Wiley Online Library. (2015). Combined treatment with oral finasteride and topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia: a randomised and comparative study in Chinese patients. Retrieved on 14th August 2024, from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/dth.12246

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.