Why is Minoxidil not enough for hair loss? (No fin)
    12/15/2024

    From the encyclopedia
    Minoxidil β†’

    Vasodilator used on the scalp and, at low doses, as a tablet

    Finasteride β†’

    Popular 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT, taken as a pill or used topically

    At a glance
    In this question or advice post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    πŸ’§ Minoxidil (topical)
    πŸ’§ Finasteride (topical) 3 weeks
    the tone is 😐 neutral.

    Other terms

    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.
    View this post in the Community β†’

    Similar Community Posts Join

    6 / 6 results

      community 5 years post hair transplant, 3 months on minoxidil only

       326 upvotes 9 months ago
      The user had a hair transplant five years ago and started using minoxidil three months ago. Commenters recommend adding finasteride or other DHT blockers to prevent further hair loss and maintain results.

      community DHT Harms Scalp Microbiome: DHT Itch is REAL

       413 upvotes 1 year ago
      Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.

      community Experience with only Minoxidil and Nizoral

      in Minoxidil  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      Minoxidil and Nizoral alone are unlikely to stop hair loss effectively, as they do not address the root cause, which is often DHT. Many users suggest incorporating a 5AR inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride for better results, despite concerns about potential side effects.

      community Not everyone should immediately go on Fin if they are starting to bald

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  21 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation suggests that people should consult a dermatologist to understand their type of hair loss before starting treatments like finasteride or dutasteride, especially if they have autoimmune issues or low DHT. Some participants believe in starting treatment like finasteride immediately if hair loss is due to DHT, while others recommend ruling out other causes and considering minoxidil first, especially for younger individuals.

    Related Research

    6 / 6 results

      research Androgenetic alopecia - a literature review

      June 2025 in “Journal of Education Health and Sport”
      This review highlights that while finasteride and minoxidil effectively treat androgenetic alopecia, emerging options like dutasteride, mesotherapy, androgen blockers, and red LED therapy show promising results, especially when used in combination, though further research is needed for standardization and safety confirmation.

      research Androgen effects on the skin

      July 2015 in “Cambridge University Press eBooks”
      Androgens like testosterone affect skin health and can lead to conditions such as acne and hair loss, with various treatments available.

      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.