Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a hereditary condition that affects about half of all men by middle age. The first signs of hair loss can be a difficult time for men, as a full head of hair is associated with youth and vitality. Until recently, many men found thinning on top to be a source of shame, although they often hid their feelings rather than openly discussed them.
Male insecurities about appearance might be disguised with jokes and banter, but hair loss can have a real impact on confidence and self-esteem. In our image-conscious age, men with thicker and fuller hair tend to get ahead in the world of dating and careers, and may even experience an all-round better quality of life.
Fortunately, MPB is no longer a problem that men need to resign themselves to. There is a growing awareness that if the condition is treated early, full hair loss can be prevented, and in some cases significant regrowth can occur. Two of the most popular treatments are finasteride and minoxidil.
Both treatments are clinically-proven and are used by millions of men worldwide, but they work in very different ways. Here’s how to decide which is the best option for you.
What is finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription tablet designed to tackle the root cause of male pattern baldness. It works by blocking the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles over time and leads to thinning hair. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride helps prevent further loss and encourages regrowth in many men.
- How it’s taken: Once daily as a tablet.
- Best for: Men with receding hairlines and thinning crowns.
- Results timeline: Typically noticeable after three to six months, with maximum results at around a year.
Finasteride is often seen as the go-to option for tackling the cause of MPB-related hair loss rather than just the symptoms. It is not suitable for treating hair loss caused by other reasons, such as chemotherapy, malnutrition, illness or stress.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a topical solution or foam applied directly to the scalp. Unlike finasteride, it doesn’t target hormones. Instead, minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, which helps strengthen them and extend the hair growth cycle.
- How it’s applied: Twice daily to the scalp.
- Best for: Men experiencing thinning hair across the crown and top of the head.
- Results timeline: Visible improvements in three to six months, with continued use recommended for lasting effects.
Minoxidil is especially helpful for boosting hair density and thickening existing strands.
Which one should you choose?
The answer depends on your needs, lifestyle, and stage of hair loss:
- If you want to stop hair loss at its source: Finasteride is often recommended because it tackles DHT directly.
- If you want to thicken and strengthen existing hair: Minoxidil is a great option that delivers visible improvements.
- If you want maximum impact: A combination of both treatments may give the best outcome.
Consistency is key. With either treatment, results only last as long as you continue to use them.
Can you use them together?
Yes, the good news is that finasteride and minoxidil do not interact negatively, and are often used together for even better results. Since they work in different ways — one tackles the hormonal cause, while the other stimulates and strengthens hair — they complement each other rather than compete.
In fact, many men find that using both leads to faster, fuller, and more noticeable results compared to using either treatment alone.
Are there side effects?
Both treatments are well studied and generally safe. Some men may experience mild side effects, but these are not common.
- Finasteride: Rarely, some men notice reduced libido or other hormonal effects.
- Minoxidil: Possible mild scalp irritation or dryness.
The majority of users tolerate both treatments well, and stopping use usually reverses any side effects.
Regaining your confidence, not just your hair
Hair loss doesn’t just affect appearance: it can impact confidence and self-esteem too. The great thing about both finasteride and minoxidil is that they’re effective and affordable, especially if you opt for cheaper unbranded versions that are available to buy from men’s pharmacies online.
Whether you choose one or combine both, you’re taking a positive step towards not only regrowing hair but also regaining confidence. If you’re unsure where to start, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional. They can help you decide which option suits your lifestyle, hair loss stage, and personal goals.
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