TLDR Minoxidil and finasteride can slow or halt hair loss, but may have side effects.
Male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a common condition that affects up to 80% of men over the age of 70. It is caused by genetic factors and the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair transplantation is an effective but costly and traumatic treatment option. Topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are pharmaceutical treatments that have shown efficacy in slowing or halting hair loss and even producing improvement in some cases. Finasteride, a specific inhibitor of the type II 5α-reductase isozyme, has been shown to lower DHT levels in the scalp and has been approved for use in androgenetic alopecia. However, it may cause adverse effects on sexual function and is contraindicated in pregnant women. As new treatments become available, general practitioners and dermatologists need to be aware of what can be achieved. In some cases, concern about hair loss may require psychologic help.
370 citations
,
September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.
22 citations
,
May 1999 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Hair loss from genetics and hormones can be treated with drugs or surgery.
581 citations
,
October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
138 citations
,
August 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil promotes hair growth in male pattern baldness.
1 citations
,
August 2020 in “Food Research” Plant extracts like Avicennia marina, Boehmeria nipononivea, and Camellia sinensis could potentially treat hair loss with fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.
16 citations
,
June 2021 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” Minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia, but needs more research for better understanding.
January 2026 in “Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Early diagnosis and targeted anti-inflammatory treatments can improve outcomes in androgenetic alopecia with perifollicular inflammation and fibrosis.
June 2023 in “Stem cell reviews and reports” Stem cell therapies could be a promising alternative for hair loss treatment, but more research is needed to understand their full potential and safety.
10 citations
,
June 2019 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Some plant-based chemicals may help with hair growth, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
212 citations
,
September 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Minoxidil and finasteride treat hair loss in men, while minoxidil treats hair loss in women.
