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Medically reviewed by Katelyn Hagerty, FNP. Last updated 8/16/2021
Finasteride vs. Minoxidil: How Are They Different?
There are two readily available options for your hair loss: Minoxidil and Finasteride. There are other more natural solutions possible, but Minoxidil and Finasteride are the only two FDA-approved hair loss options.
Both hair loss treatments have the same general effect: treating male pattern baldness. But how do they differ?
Finasteride and Minoxidil are the two most common hair loss treatments on the market, but they are used differently and have a different biological effect.
What is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil can help stop hair loss and regrow hair on your scalp. This medication is applied topically, most commonly in the form of a shampoo.
Minoxidil initially entered the market as an oral preparation for the treatment of high blood pressure, but it was associated with severe side effects.
It later became a popular treatment for hair loss because it commonly caused hypertrichosis (excess hair growth) as a side effect.
Even though scientists have proven that Minoxidil does work as a hair loss treatment, the scientific community has not come to a consensus on exactly how it works.
Don’t worry, though. The FDA has approved Minoxidil, and is perfectly safe at a 5% foam preparation.