Comparing Minoxidil-Finasteride Mixed Solution With Minoxidil Solution Alone for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

    October 2025 in “ Frontiers in Medicine ”
    Yulong Li, Qianqian Huang, Zhongbao Zhou, Yong Zhang
    Studysummary This meta-analysis found that the combination of topical minoxidil-finasteride was more effective than minoxidil alone in improving hair density, hair diameter, and global photographic assessment for male androgenetic alopecia, though larger standardized trials are needed to confirm long-term outcomes.
    Automatically generated from the study's abstract, not written by a person, and not a review of the full paper. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Read the original study, and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
    Read the full study on frontiersin.org →
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study 20

    1. Randomized Controlled Trial on the Efficacy and Safety of the Combination Therapy of Topical 0.1% Finasteride and 5% Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia Archives of Dermatological Research · 2025
    2. Efficacy of Topical Finasteride 0.25% With Minoxidil 5% Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% Alone in the Treatment of Male Pattern Androgenic Alopecia Journal of Drugs in Dermatology · 2024
    3. Efficacy of Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride Association Compared to Monotherapy in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Assessor-Blinded, 3-Arm, Pilot Trial Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2023
    4. Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update Drugs · 2023
    5. Comparative Efficacy of Topical Finasteride (0.25%) in Combination With Minoxidil (5%) Against 5% Minoxidil or 0.25% Finasteride Alone in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot, Randomized Open-Label Study International Journal of Trichology · 2023
    6. Relative Efficacy of Minoxidil and the 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment of Male Patients JAMA Dermatology · 2022
    7. Efficacy and Safety of Topical Finasteride Spray Solution for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Phase III, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2021
    8. Common Causes of Hair Loss: Clinical Manifestations, Trichoscopy, and Therapy Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2020
    9. The Effectiveness of Combination Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Dermatologic Therapy · 2020
    10. 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia: Shifting Paradigms, Current Concepts, Comparative Efficacy, and Safety Dermatologic Therapy · 2020
    11. Minoxidil 1 mg Oral Versus Minoxidil 5% Topical Solution for the Treatment of Female-Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology · 2019
    12. Minoxidil And Its Use In Hair Disorders: A Review Drug Design Development and Therapy · 2019
    13. A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2018
    14. Hunting the Genes in Male-Pattern Alopecia: How Important Are They, How Close Are We and What Will They Tell Us? Experimental Dermatology · 2016
    15. A New Topical Formulation of Minoxidil and Finasteride Improves Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research · 2015
    16. The Efficacy and Safety of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis and Benefit–Risk Assessment of Finasteride and Dutasteride Journal of Dermatological Treatment · 2013
    17. Efficacy and Safety of 3% Minoxidil Versus Combined 3% Minoxidil / 0.1% Finasteride in Male Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Comparative Study PubMed · 2012
    18. Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts Among Former Users of Finasteride With Persistent Sexual Side Effects The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry · 2012
    19. The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology · 2006
    20. Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth British Journal of Dermatology · 2004

    Related research 9

    1. Oral Finasteride (5 mg and 2 mg) Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% in Female Pattern Hair Loss Clinical Dermatology Review · 2025
    2. Comparative Study of Topical Minoxidil (5%) Plus Finasteride (0.1%) Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Topical Minoxidil (5%) Plus Finasteride (0.1%) in Patients with Androgenic Alopecia Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research · 2024
    3. Controversies in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: The History of Finasteride Dermatologic Therapy · 2018
    4. A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Solution of 0.25% Finasteride Admixed with 3% Minoxidil vs. 3% Minoxidil Solution in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2018
    5. Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology · 2018
    6. The Modern Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Vestnik dermatologii i venerologii · 2017
    7. Topical Minoxidil Fortified with Finasteride: Maintenance of Hair Density After Replacing Oral Finasteride International journal of scientific research · 2016
    8. Combined Treatment with Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized and Comparative Study in Chinese Patients Dermatologic Therapy · 2015
    9. A New Topical Formulation of Minoxidil and Finasteride Improves Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research · 2015