TLDR Topical finasteride effectively and safely improves hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
The study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% over 52 weeks in 146 men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Results showed a significant increase in target area hair count (TAHC) at both the vertex (+22.7 hairs/cm²) and frontotemporal regions (+32.3 hairs/cm²), along with improvements in hair width and the terminal-to-vellus hair ratio. The mean Male Hair Growth Questionnaire (MHGQ) score was 14.7, and the Physician Global Assessment (PGA) was +1.9, indicating positive outcomes. Mild, transient local irritation was reported in 6.2% of patients, with no systemic adverse effects. The findings suggest that topical finasteride is an effective and safe long-term treatment for male AGA, particularly in the frontotemporal regions.
August 2025 in “Drug Design Development and Therapy” Current treatments for androgenetic alopecia are complex and promising, but more research is needed.
July 2025 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Topical finasteride may be safer than oral finasteride, but more research is needed.
March 2025 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Dutasteride and finasteride do not increase mood disorder risk in men with hair loss.
December 2024 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology” Topical finasteride can cause breast enlargement and tenderness in men.
May 2024 in “Journal of cosmetic dermatology” Topical finasteride/minoxidil is effective but not better than oral finasteride for hair loss.
2 citations
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September 2022 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” 2 citations
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March 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Topical finasteride is a safe and effective treatment for pattern hair loss with fewer side effects than oral finasteride.
11 citations
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October 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Topical finasteride is an effective and safer treatment for male hair loss.
145 citations
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November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.
36 citations
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January 1998 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” The questionnaire effectively measures men's perceived hair growth and can distinguish between different treatments and dosages.
