Using Finasteride and minoxidil together for hair loss

Reviewed by Dr Jean Wong

Male pattern baldness affects nearly half of men by the time they’re 60, and for lots of men it’s just a natural part of getting older.  

Some men don’t feel the need to try and slow their hair loss, but if you are thinking about treatment, there are two main clinically proven options available: 

• Finasteride (a prescription-only treatment available in tablet form) 
• Minoxidil (an over-the-counter treatment available in a foam or solution) 

What some people don’t know is that you can actually use both these treatments at the same time. In this article we’re going to look in detail at finasteride and minoxidil (often known by its branded name Regaine) and the potential benefits of using them together.  

What is the difference between Finasteride and minoxidil?

Finasteride is available as a tablet which is taken daily to stop hair loss by blocking DHT. It can also promote hair regrowth.

Minoxidil is available as a foam or liquid. This is applied to your head to help reverse hair loss. It can also help to promote hair growth by improving blood flow to your hair follicles.  

How do Finasteride and minoxidil work together for hair loss? 

To understand how finasteride and minoxidil can work together, it is good to first know what causes hereditary male pattern baldness. It is a result of genetic factors and a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can contribute to hair loss by inducing a change in the hair follicles on the scalp. 

The hairs produced by the affected follicles become progressively smaller in diameter, shorter in length and lighter in colour, leading to thinning, receding hairlines and baldness.  

Finasteride works by reducing the effects of DHT on the follicles. In this sense, it's a “DHT blocker”, though it is not referred to by this name amongst medical professionals. Finasteride doesn't provide a permanent cure for male baldness, so if you stop taking it, hair loss will resume. Finasteride is not thought to have any interactions with minoxidil, so they are sometimes recommended to use together by hair loss specialists. 

Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Regaine for men, works by: 

• Stimulating the shrunken hair follicles 
• Helping increase the blood flow to your scalp, which helps follicles to increase in size and diameter 
• Reinvigorating the hair growth cycle 

Daily routine for using Finasteride and minoxidil 

Finasteride (also branded as Propecia) 

1mg tablet taken orally once a day. 

Minoxidil (also branded as Regaine for Men)

Both the Regaine foam and Regaine solution can be used twice a day. As soon as the treatment is dry, you can style your hair normally.

How long do Finasteride and minoxidil take to work?

Finasteride typically takes three to six months to work. You should take Finasteride every day to see the effects. Minoxidil takes between eight and 16 weeks to work. The exact time will differ from person to person. For the best results you should apply the liquid or foam twice a day. 

The combination of oral finasteride (sometimes known by the brand name Propecia) and topical minoxidil (Regaine) seems to have overall better results than either of those treatments alone. 

How long should I take Finasteride and minoxidil for?

You need to take Finasteride every day to see the results. It’s recommended that you take the treatment for a year to give your body enough time to react. You should continue to take Finasteride for as long as you want the treatment to work. If you stop taking it your hair loss will return. 

Similarly, you should keep using Regaine for as long as you want to keep the effects. If you stop using it your hair will return to how it was when you started. If you don’t see results after a year you should speak to your GP. They may be able to offer alternative treatments.

Finasteride and minoxidil side effects

Like all treatments, Finasteride and minoxidil can cause side effects. Side effects of Finasteride are uncommon; however, they can include:

• A rash
• Lowered sex drive
• Low mood
• Erectile dysfunction
• Nipple tenderness 

Common side effects caused by Regaine can include:

• Headaches
• Itching or skin rash
• Nausea
• Unwanted hair non-scalp hair growth 

Make sure to read the patient information leaflet before starting treatment. If you experience any side effects speak to your doctor.  

Alternative treatments to finasteride and minoxidil 

There are many online and over-the-counter foams, lotions, shampoos and supplements, as well as prescription medications. Other than Finasteride, Propecia and minoxidil, there aren’t many other proven treatments for male pattern baldness.  

People might suggest vitamins for hair loss, but the best way to get the nutrients your hair needs is by eating a healthy balanced diet.  

Which hair loss treatment is right for me? 

If you’re looking for treatment for male pattern baldness, it can be difficult to decide which remedies can work for you. But if you’re considering a prescription treatment, you can go through our online hair loss consultation to see if Finasteride/Propecia is clinically right for you. You can also use our service to order Regaine foam, on its own or request it as part of a bundle with Finasteride. 

If you're using Finasteride or Propecia already, you could also order our over the counter hair loss treatment bundle. The pack contains 5% minoxidil solution, DHT blocking shampoo and biotin tablets. 

References 

https://patient.info/mens-health/male-pattern-baldness
https://www.regaine.co.uk/minoxidil/how-regaine-works
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/791/smpc