Why do Minoxidil gains need continued Minoxidil to be kept and can´t be retained with DHT blockers?
    Chat 12/13/2025

    From the encyclopedia
    Minoxidil →

    An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

    Finasteride →

    Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

    Dutasteride →

    Heavy duty finasteride that comes with higher risks

    At a glance
    In this question or advice post, the primary subjects mentioned are the tone is 😐 neutral.

    Other terms

    Minoxidil and finasteride work through different mechanisms; minoxidil-dependent hair requires continued use to maintain growth, while finasteride prevents further hair loss but cannot sustain minoxidil gains alone. Current treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and others need indefinite use, as no permanent solution exists yet.
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    6 / 6 results

      community Why is Minoxidil not enough for hair loss? (No fin)

       59 upvotes 1 year ago
      Minoxidil alone is often insufficient for treating hair loss because it doesn't address the DHT-related cause. Combining it with finasteride, a DHT blocker, is generally more effective.

      community Is it true that most hair loss treatments fall into one of two categories? If not, what am I missing?

       4 upvotes 2 years ago
      Hair loss treatments are generally categorized as anti-androgens, like finasteride and RU58841, which prevent hair loss by targeting DHT, and growth stimulators, such as minoxidil, rosemary oil, microneedling, and LLLT, which promote hair growth by increasing blood flow and growth factors. The user is seeking to confirm these categories and understand if there are other treatments or mechanisms of action.

      community Minoxidil can prevent hair follicle miniaturization!?

       5 upvotes 5 years ago
      Minoxidil can prevent hair follicle miniaturization, not just stimulate hair growth. Finasteride and dutasteride don't work for everyone, suggesting DHT may not be the sole cause of hair loss; hair loss could be due to multiple factors, including autoimmune conditions.

      community Intermittent fasting reduces hair growth?!? :(

       35 upvotes 1 year ago
      Intermittent fasting may inhibit hair growth by triggering a stress response that affects hair-follicle stem cells. Some users believe genetics and DHT play a larger role in hair loss, and treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride are mentioned as ineffective for some.

      community Bloodflow? Does it affect hair growth?

       23 upvotes 7 years ago
      Hair loss is primarily caused by genetic sensitivity to DHT, not lifestyle factors like diet or exercise. Treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride can help, but it's important to consult a dermatologist to determine the best approach for individual cases.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results
      Treatment of Hair Loss

      research Treatment of Hair Loss

      370 citations , September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”
      This article discusses the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata with finasteride and minoxidil but reports no new clinical results.
      Natural Hair Growth Actives in the Market: A Comprehensive Review

      research Natural Hair Growth Actives in The Market: A Comprehensive Review

      February 2026 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)”
      This review evaluates the efficacy and safety of natural hair growth actives set to enter the 2025–2026 market, noting their potential as alternatives to conventional therapies for alopecia but highlighting formulation challenges that may impact their effectiveness.
      Quantitative Models for the Study of Hair Growth In Vivo

      research Quantitative Models for the Study of Hair Growth in Vivoa

      34 citations , December 1991 in “Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences”
      The conclusion is that small hair follicles cause baldness in macaques, and treatments like antiandrogens and minoxidil can prevent hair loss and promote regrowth.
      Hair Aging And Anti-Aging

      research Hair aging and anti-aging

      3 citations , October 2007 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”
      This review discusses the biological and cosmetic aspects of hair aging and reports no new clinical results; it highlights current treatments and future research directions to address both aging factors.

      research Medical Management of Hair Loss

      January 2025
      Hair loss can be managed with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes to prevent loss and encourage growth.