Miniaturization or regrowth? How can I tell them apart?
    Treatment 1/13/2026

    From the encyclopedia
    Finasteride →

    Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

    Minoxidil →

    An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

    Microneedling →

    technique to create small wounds in skin to activate collagen production and hair growth

    At a glance
    In this question or advice post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    💊 Finasteride (oral) 0.5mg 16 months
    💧 Minoxidil (topical) 11 months
    Microneedling 2 months
    the tone is 😐 neutral.

    Other terms

    The user has been using finasteride for 16 months, minoxidil for 11 months, and started microneedling 2 months ago, experiencing shedding phases. They are questioning whether they are experiencing miniaturization or regrowth.
    View this post in the Community →

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    5 / 5 results

      community finastride and minxidil have changed my life

      in Progress Pictures  98 upvotes 8 months ago
      A user shared their positive experience with hair regrowth using 1mg finasteride and 5% topical minoxidil daily, showing significant improvement in hair density over six months. The conversation includes supportive comments and questions about the treatment details, such as whether finasteride was taken orally or topically and if microneedling was used.

      community 11 weeks progress microneedling, is there some regrowth ?

       5 upvotes 6 months ago
      A 22-year-old has been using minoxidil and finasteride for four years with limited success and recently added microneedling to their regimen. They have seen some hair regrowth and are advised to continue using minoxidil alongside microneedling and consider lifestyle factors like diet and stress.

      community Minoxidil is working for me – just 3 months in! (No fin, no microneedling

      in Is this regrowth?  48 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 36-year-old experienced slow, diffuse hair thinning over 15 years and saw significant improvement using 5% topical minoxidil alone for 3 months, without finasteride or microneedling. The user is pleased with the results, noting increased hair density and no visible scalp, and plans to continue monitoring progress without using hormone-affecting treatments.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results
      Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of Current Treatments

      research Male Androgenetic Alopecia - A Review of Current Treatments

      February 2026 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)”
      This study reviewed treatments and findings related to male androgenetic alopecia, noting that topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are effective for slowing hair loss, while newer interventions like PRP and microneedling show promise.
      Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of Current Treatments

      research Male Androgenetic Alopecia - A Review of Current Treatments

      February 2026 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)”
      This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of male androgenetic alopecia, noting that combination treatments, including FDA-approved and emerging therapies, may improve outcomes without added side effects.
      The Rise of Transcutaneous Drug Delivery for the Management of Alopecia: A Review of Existing Literature and an Eye Towards the Future

      research The rise of transcutaneous drug delivery for the management of alopecia: a review of existing literature and an eye towards the future

      9 citations , October 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”
      This study reviewed eight studies investigating transcutaneous drug delivery via fractional laser and microneedling for alopecia treatment, with six studies showing improved hair regrowth over topical therapy alone, suggesting its potential as a promising treatment strategy, although further research is needed to refine treatment parameters.
      Advances in Hair Growth

      research Advances in hair growth

      1 citations , January 2022 in “Faculty reviews”
      This review discusses recent advances in understanding hair growth mechanisms and reviews current and emerging therapies, but it presents no new clinical results.
      Safety Concerns When Using Novel Medications to Treat Alopecia

      research Safety concerns when using novel medications to treat alopecia

      23 citations , October 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Drug Safety”
      This review discusses the safety concerns associated with new treatments for non-scarring alopecias, highlighting that while these therapies such as JAK inhibitors and oral minoxidil show efficacy in hair regrowth, their safety profiles vary significantly, requiring careful consideration of benefits and risks.
      Perifollicular Fibrosis in Androgenetic Alopecia

      research Perifollicular Fibrosis in Androgenetic Alopecia

      April 2026 in “Brazilian Journal of Hair Health”
      This narrative review highlights current insights into how perifollicular fibrosis contributes to androgenetic alopecia, by hindering hair regrowth and treatment response, and outlines potential antifibrotic therapies, though conclusive evidence from randomized controlled trials is still needed.