Watching your hair thin or recede can affect your confidence and make you feel helpless. But what if you could fight back effectively? Finasteride and minoxidil are two of the most trusted treatments for hair loss. They work in different ways, but together, they can deliver impressive results.
Finasteride reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink. By lowering DHT, finasteride helps preserve existing hair and slow further loss. On the other hand, minoxidil improves blood flow to the scalp, providing essential nutrients that stimulate new hair growth.
But can you combine minoxidil and finasteride?
In this article, you will learn how finasteride and minoxidil combination work, their benefits, possible side effects, and the best ways to use them for maximum results.
| 🔑 Key Takeaways ➤ Clinical studies show that combining these treatments—either orally or topically—leads to better hair growth results compared to using either one alone. ➤ Even after stopping oral finasteride, switching to a topical combination of finasteride and minoxidil helps maintain hair density and can even improve regrowth after a break. ➤ Side effects are usually mild and temporary, including skin irritation from minoxidil and, in rare cases, sexual side effects from finasteride. Topical finasteride has a lower risk of systemic side effects than the oral form. ➤ For best results, apply topical minoxidil twice a day and take a daily dose of oral finasteride, or use a topical combination product that includes both. ➤ Minoxidil and finasteride do not work for all types of hair loss. They are effective for hormone-related hair loss but won’t help with conditions like alopecia areata, traction alopecia, or hair loss caused by illness or nutrient deficiencies. ➤ Alternatives like hair transplants, microneedling, red light therapy, and PRP treatments may be useful for those who can’t or don’t want to use finasteride and minoxidil. |
How Finasteride and Minoxidil Work for Hair Loss
While both finasteride and minoxidil target hair loss, they work in entirely different ways.
Finasteride
Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme called type II 5α-reductase. Normally, this enzyme changes testosterone into DHT. When finasteride blocks this process, less DHT is produced.
Lower levels of DHT help prevent hair follicles from shrinking. This slows down hair loss. Simply put, finasteride stops this conversion and keeps your hair follicles healthy and strong.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil works differently. It helps widen blood vessels in your scalp, making it easier for blood to flow. When blood flow improves, your hair follicles get more oxygen and nutrients. These nutrients help your hair grow better.
Minoxidil also extends the anagen phase, which is the active growth stage of hair. The longer hair stays in this growth phase, the thicker and healthier it can become.
Clinical Evidence
Research has examined their impact through topical solutions, oral medications, and maintenance treatments after discontinuing oral therapy. The findings provide strong evidence that combining these treatments often yields the best results.
Topical Combination Therapy
A six-month study tested three different treatments to see which improved hair density and quality the most. Participants were randomly placed into three groups:
- Group A received 5% minoxidil (without propylene glycol) plus 0.25% topical finasteride.
- Group B used topical finasteride alone.
- Group C used only 5% minoxidil.
Researchers checked hair density using trichoscopy, a method to closely examine hair and scalp. They also assessed results using photos scored with a global assessment scale (GPAS).
The combination treatment in Group A showed clearly better results. The hair counts improved much more in this group compared to using either minoxidil or finasteride alone.
Combined Oral Therapy
Another study reviewed patients who used an All-in-One oral treatment combining low-dose minoxidil (2.5 mg) with finasteride (1 mg). Researchers tracked their progress for one year.
They measured the results on a 7-point scale for hair loss. After 12 months, they noticed significant improvements in hair density. In severe cases, the improvements were strong and clear.
But the researchers faced a small challenge. Different clinicians scoring the results sometimes had different opinions, leading to some variation. Still, despite this slight difference, the overall improvement from the oral combination was clear and significant.
Topical Maintenance Therapy after Oral Finasteride
In a separate study, patients started treatment with oral finasteride and minoxidil. After two years, they switched from oral finasteride to a topical solution containing 5% minoxidil and 0.1% finasteride.
Researchers reviewed patient records and photographs to check if patients maintained their hair improvements after switching treatments. The results were promising. Most patients kept the hair density they gained from the oral treatment.
Interestingly, patients who paused treatment for 8 to 12 months improved again once they restarted using the topical combination. This suggests the topical treatment not only keeps hair gains stable but can also increase hair density after a break.
| ✂️ In Short The combination of minoxidil and finasteride is highly effective. Studies show it improves hair growth more than using either alone. Oral and topical treatments both work well, and even after stopping oral therapy, switching to a topical version helps maintain results. If you want the best outcome, using both together is the best choice. |
Side Effects
Combining these treatments gives you benefits from both, but you should be aware of possible side effects. What kinds of side effects might occur?
In one study, researchers found that serious side effects from finasteride were uncommon but still possible. Around 450 people took part, and about 1.5% reported sexual side effects. These included:
- Decreased sex drive
- Sexual issues
- Testicular discomfort
In the same study, about 6% of people using topical minoxidil alone experienced skin irritation known as contact dermatitis.
Another study focused on male patients with pattern hair loss. It found that about 6% of participants experienced skin irritation from using topical minoxidil. When finasteride is used on the skin instead of taken as a pill, much less enters your bloodstream. In fact, the amount entering the blood is nearly nine times lower. This lower absorption means there’s likely less chance of serious side effects.
A more recent study from 2023 compared using minoxidil and finasteride separately versus together. They noticed side effects like:
- Initial hair shedding
- Skin dryness
- Itching
- Headaches
Some participants also had a scaly scalp. These effects were usually mild and temporary.
Overall, combining treatments can lead to minor side effects, especially in the beginning. Most issues, however, are mild and improve with time. If you notice any changes or side effects, always discuss them with your doctor.
How to Properly Apply Combined Treatments
Two main approaches have been clinically tested and found safe and effective. We have:
- Topical Minoxidil and Topical Finasteride
- Oral Finasteride and Topical Minoxidil
Note that not every combination has undergone extensive testing. For example, taking oral Minoxidil with oral Finasteride sounds convenient but hasn’t been thoroughly studied. Both medications, when taken orally, carry higher risks of side effects since they enter your bloodstream fully. Until more research confirms safety, it’s safer to stick to clinically tested combinations.
For proper application, here’s how you can properly apply combined treatments:
- When using topical solutions, experts suggest applying about 1 ml (approximately one or two sprays) directly onto clean, dry, thinning areas of your scalp twice daily. Consistent use is crucial to achieving optimal results.
- If combining oral Finasteride with topical Minoxidil, take a 1 mg Finasteride tablet daily and apply Minoxidil topically twice a day. This regimen has demonstrated excellent outcomes in clinical studies.
Several products conveniently combine Minoxidil and Finasteride into a single formula. Brands like Keeps and Hims offer topical gels, sprays, and foams containing approximately 5-6% Minoxidil and 0.25-0.3% topical Finasteride.
These pre-mixed treatments are less messy, easy to apply, and formulated at safe levels proven in research.
| 🩺 Doctor’s Note If you’re hesitant about mixing treatments or concerned about potential side effects, remember that combining Minoxidil and Finasteride isn’t your only option. Alternatives like hair transplants, microneedling, red-light therapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments may complement your regimen or serve as effective standalone treatments. Discussing these options with a hair specialist can help you find the right solution tailored to your needs. |
Conditions Minoxidil and Finasteride do not work for
Minoxidil and Finasteride are popular hair growth treatments, but they’re not effective for every type of hair loss.
- First, if you have alopecia areata, Minoxidil might help slightly, but Finasteride won’t help at all. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss, and treatments targeting hormones (like Finasteride) simply don’t make a difference.
- Another condition is traction alopecia, which happens when hairstyles pull too tightly on your hair. Usually, traction alopecia improves by itself once you stop the tight hairstyles. While Minoxidil might speed up recovery a bit, Finasteride has no benefit here since hormones aren’t causing the issue.
- Next, telogen effluvium—often triggered by stress, illness, or major life events—generally resolves on its own within months. Minoxidil might slightly boost regrowth, but Finasteride won’t provide any noticeable benefit because telogen effluvium isn’t related to hormones like male pattern baldness.
- Conditions known as scarring alopecias, such as lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia, cause permanent hair follicle damage. Neither Minoxidil or Finasteride can reverse this damage, as these medications can’t restore scarred follicles.
- Hair loss linked to systemic illnesses, like thyroid disorders or lupus, also won’t benefit from Finasteride. Minoxidil could support healthier hair growth, but your hair won’t truly improve until the underlying illness is treated properly.
- Lastly, hair loss due to a vitamin deficiency needs nutritional correction. While Minoxidil might help your hair grow faster once nutrition improves, Finasteride has absolutely no effect here, as hormonal factors aren’t the cause.
Final Words
Hair loss can be discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With the right approach, you can slow it down, maintain the hair you have, and even encourage new growth. Finasteride and minoxidil, when used together, offer a powerful solution by addressing both hormonal and circulatory factors.
Some people may see faster results, while others may need patience. Consistency is key. Stopping treatment can reverse progress, so committing to a routine matters. While side effects are possible, they are usually mild and manageable.
If you want the best chance at keeping your hair, using both treatments together is a smart choice. Science supports their effectiveness, and countless people have seen real results. The sooner you start, the better your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results?
Hair growth treatments take time. Most people see results in 3–6 months, with full benefits after a year of consistent use.
What happens if I stop using Minoxidil or Finasteride?
Hair loss will resume if you stop using them. Minoxidil users may experience shedding before returning to their baseline hair loss.
Is a hair transplant permanent?
Yes! A hair transplant moves healthy hair follicles to thinning areas, and the transplanted hair should last a lifetime.
Are there alternatives to Minoxidil and Finasteride?
Yes! PRP therapy, microneedling, red light therapy, and hair transplants are other effective options.
Does Finasteride work for all types of hair loss?
No. Finasteride only works for hormone-related hair loss, like male pattern baldness. It won’t help with alopecia areata or hair loss from illness.
Sources
- Rossi, A., & Caro, G. (2023). Efficacy of the association of topical minoxidil and topical finasteride compared to their use in monotherapy in men with androgenetic alopecia: A prospective, randomized, controlled, assessor blinded, 3-arm, pilot trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15953
- Johnson, H., Huang, D., Clift, A. K., Bersch-Ferreira, Â., & Guimarães, G. A. (2025). Effectiveness of combined oral minoxidil and finasteride in male androgenetic alopecia: A retrospective service evaluation. Cureus, 17(1), e77549. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.77549
- Chandrashekar, B. S., Nandhini, T., Vasanth, V., Sriram, R., & Navale, S. (2015). Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 6(1), 17–20. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.148925
- Hu, R., Xu, F., Sheng, Y., Qi, S., Han, Y., Miao, Y., Rui, W., & Yang, Q. (2015). Combined treatment with oral finasteride and topical minoxidil in male androgenetic alopecia: A randomized and comparative study in Chinese patients. Dermatologic Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12246
- Suchonwanit, P., Srisuwanwattana, P., Chalermroj, N., & Khunkhet, S. (2018). 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. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15171
- Bharadwaj, A. V., Mendiratta, V., Rehan, H. S., & Tripathi, S. (2023). 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, 15(2), 56–62. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_72_22