Which is better, minoxidil or finasteride?

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp. It was originally developed as a drug for high blood pressure, but researchers found that it also has the hair growth stimulates. By using minoxidil as a spray, it only affects the areas that are being treated. After application, gently massage the minoxidil into the scalp. Minoxidil is available in both 20 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml strength. Studies show that results are by far the best with the 50 mg/ml variant. If you suffer from side effects such as itching or redness, consider using the 20 mg/ml variant.

How does Minoxidil work?

Minoxidil promotes blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil prolongs the growth phase of the hair and helps reactivate dormant hair follicles. During the first weeks of use, shedding may occur. This causes old hair to fall out, which is replaced by new healthy ones. These new hairs will be in the growth phase longer and will therefore grow longer and thicker. If shredding occurs, this is not something to worry about but a sign that the treatment is working.

Benefits of Minoxidil:

• Stimulates hair growth on the crown and hairline.
• Available without a prescription.
• Easy to use and convenient to treat locally.

Disadvantages of Minoxidil:

• Only works as long as you use it.
• In some cases, may cause irritation or itching on the scalp.
• It takes a few months before results become visible.

What is Finasteride?

‍Finasteride is a medication in tablet form that reduces the production of DHT, a hormone that causes hair loss in men. Finasteride was originally developed to treat prostate enlargement, but it was also found to be effective against prostate enlargement in lower doses hair loss. It is used by many men worldwide to prevent hair loss. Finasteride has been proven and approved for use against hair loss by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG).

‍How does finasteride work?

‍Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which creates DHT. DHT is the hormone that causes hair loss in men by shrinking the hair follicle. By lowering DHT, it reduces the negative impact on hair follicles and prevents further hair loss. Finasteride is highly effective and the most used hair loss medicine worldwide.

‍Benefits of Finasteride:

• Effective in stopping hair loss and stimulating hair growth.
• Works on the scalp and can improve hair density.
• Easy to take (one tablet once a day).

Disadvantages of Finasteride:

• Possible side effects - read there gentleman more about.
• Only works as long as you keep using it.
• Requires a doctor's prescription.

Which remedy works better against hair loss?

‍Both minoxidil and finasteride are effective against hair loss. However, finasteride shows better results. Both when it comes to stopping hair loss and growing back, it shows this study. Specifically, finasteride shows very good results on the crown. Minoxidil primarily stimulates hair growth and has less effect on hair loss. You will notice that thin, short hairs that no longer grow as long as they used to begin to grow fuller and thicker after a few months of use. Studies show that the combined use of finasteride and minoxidil shows the best results. In addition, the effectiveness of both increases to a positive result for 94% of the users. In addition, your choice should include the following consideration; 1) Whether you only want to treat locally what is good with minoxidil. 2) You have no problem consulting a doctor to get a prescription for finasteride. 3) And finally what your body responds best to, both positively. The result is better hair growth. As a negative with possible itching or other side effects.

When you start an intake at Fellos, you will be linked to a doctor which can advise you which option suits you best.