Hair loss is a progressive condition. It doesn't happen overnight. Instead, it occurs slowly and over time. Here is where finasteride and minoxidil can come in handy. You see, both of these medications work best when used in combination with one another.
Minoxidil is generally used to stimulate hair growth in the body. It works by widening the blood vessels in the scalp. This, in turn, increases nutrient and oxygen flow to the hair follicles. As a result of this increase in flow, the follicles are stimulated to grow hair.
Finasteride, on the other hand, is a more effective hair loss treatment. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into a more potent form of the hormone. In other words, Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By doing so, it inhibits further hair loss and even promotes hair re-growth.
Minoxidil and Finasteride can be used together for best results. The best way to use them is by applying minoxidil first and then applying the finasteride. This approach works best for people who are suffering from more advanced cases of hair loss. But, it can also be used for younger men who are suffering from early stages of hair loss.
The key difference between Finasteride and Minoxidil is that Finasteride is a prescription medication and Minoxidil is a topical drug that is available over the counter. Finasteride is available in pill form and is taken orally, while Minoxidil is available as a lotion and is applied to the scalp.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a topical medication that is used to stimulate hair growth in men and women. It is used to treat a condition known as pattern baldness. This condition is responsible for the hair loss that occurs in the crown and other parts of the scalp.
Minoxidil works by stimulating blood circulation to the scalp. This allows for increased nutrient and oxygen flow to the hair follicles. As a result, the follicles are stimulated to grow new hair.
Aside from its use in treating hair loss, minoxidil can also be used to treat various heart problems. It is also used to lower blood pressure.
Minoxidil is sold under the brand names Rogaine, Loniten, and Regaine.
How Minoxidil Is Used for Hair Loss
Minoxidil is generally used to treat hair loss in men and women. It is used to treat a condition known as androgenic alopecia. This is the most common type of hair loss that occurs in both men and women. It is a condition that is often referred to as pattern baldness.
Minoxidil is usually applied directly to the scalp. It is usually applied twice a day. The dosage can be increased if necessary.
Minoxidil can also be used to treat hair loss in women. It can be used to treat a condition known as female pattern hair loss.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a type 2 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It is used to prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It prevents this conversion by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
DHT is responsible for the development and growth of the prostate gland. Increased levels of DHT can lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland. This can result in a number of problems, such as urinary tract infections, and the increased risk of prostate cancer.
Finasteride is used to treat the following conditions:
- Prostate enlargement
- BPH
- Alopecia
Finasteride is sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia.
How Finasteride Is Used for Hair Loss
Finasteride is used to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT. It is used to prevent the formation of DHT in the scalp. It is used to prevent the development of hair loss in patients with androgenic alopecia.
Finasteride is usually taken in pill form once a day. It is taken at the same time every day.
How to Get the Best Results When Using Finasteride and Minoxidil
For men who are experiencing hair loss due to male pattern baldness, the following tips can help them get the best results from Finasteride and Minoxidil:
- Use Minoxidil in the morning before bedtime and any other hair regrowth products that are being used.
- Apply a small amount to the affected area of the scalp, as directed by the product’s instructions.
- Use Finasteride, as directed on the product’s instructions.
- Pay close attention to the amount of Finasteride that is being taken, as it should be taken as prescribed.
- Use both products together, as directed.
- Follow the instructions for each product to the letter.
Do Finasteride and Minoxidil Together Produce Results?
Yes, the combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil produces results. Using these two medications together to treat hair loss may allow people to better achieve the results they are looking for. For example, some people use Minoxidil alone to reduce the amount of hair loss occurring in certain areas of their scalp. When used with Finasteride, Minoxidil may be more effective at slowing hair loss and encouraging regrowth.
The combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil may be effective in some people and in some hair loss situations. In many cases, the results achieved by combining these two medications are similar to the results achieved by using either of the hair regrowth products alone. When used together, these products may be more effective at reducing the amount of hair loss happening in some areas of the scalp, promoting regrowth and slowing hair loss.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that hair loss is a serious problem for many people. If you are struggling with hair loss, you may be interested in using the combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil to treat your hair loss. You can talk to a licensed doctor from the comfort of your home, all without turning your camera on, by trying out Phoenix Health. Phoenix Health is a telehealth platform just for men that deals with common (and uncommon) health issues from hair loss to ED. Make an appointment today to regain your hair and gain back your confidence.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.