Is Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil the Best Combination

Topical Finasteride and minoxidil are combined hair loss medications used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). This topical treatment works by preventing further hair loss from occurring and promoting hair regrowth. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about topical Finasteride and minoxidil, including its efficacy, side effects, and cost.

Have You Heard About The Recent Breakthrough In Hair Loss Treatments?

If you’re experiencing male-pattern hair loss symptoms, you have probably heard of treatments like Finasteride and topical minoxidil. Hair loss specialists around the world prescribe these two medications to help people combat hair thinning and receding hairlines.

Until recently, these hair loss treatments have been prescribed individually. Usually, a patient will first be recommended topical minoxidil, a foam-like substance that a person massages onto their scalp. If, after 3 months, minoxidil does not appear to work, a patient is then recommended oral finasteride, a 1mg tablet that the patient must take once a day.

However, recent clinical trials have shown that minoxidil and finasteride are incredibly effective at treating hair loss in men when used in combination. As such, combo treatments like topical finasteride and minoxidil are extremely popular! But what are they?

What is Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil?

Put simply, a topical finasteride and minoxidil combo is a hair loss treatment that combines two active ingredients (Finasteride and Minoxidil) into a single topical solution or foam that can be applied directly to the scalp. Patients taking this prescription medication use it to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

The aim of taking a Minoxidil and Finasteride combo spray is to combat male hair loss and maintain hair density in the hairline and crown. This is done by increasing blood flow to the scalp (Minoxidil) and preventing the DHT molecule from binding with hair follicle receptors (Finasteride).

Recent clinical trials have shown the topical minoxidil and finasteride combo to be extremely effective at preventing hair loss for patients with androgenetic alopecia. Furthermore, initial evidence also suggests the combo to be more effective than using one treatment at a time (i.e. oral finasteride tablets or topical minoxidil).

What Do Minoxidil and Finasteride Treat?

Taking Finasteride and Minoxidil helps to slow down hereditary hair loss, helping patients maintain hair density along the hairlines and on their crowns. Both treatments are most effective at treating early-to-mid stages of male pattern baldness. They are also recommended to hair transplant patients to prevent further hair loss after surgery.

Minoxidil and Finasteride can not be used to treat cases such as traction alopecia or alopecia areata. This is because these hair loss conditions are not genetic or caused by the hormone DHT. But more on DHT and hair loss later!

Why Choose a Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Combo?

Choosing a topical minoxidil and finasteride combo is preferable to alternative hair loss treatments for two main reasons. First, scientific evidence suggests that the combined solution is more effective than taking individual hair loss medications. Second, the topical combination produces a much lower rate of side effects when compared to medications like oral finasteride tablets.

So, to summarise:

Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride Combo is Highly Effective at Treating Hair Loss
Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride Combo Has a Low Risk of Side Effects
Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride Combo is Cheaper Than Alternative Hair Loss Treatments

How Does Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Work?

The topical Minoxidil and Finasteride combination spray performs two separate functions to combat hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth. Minoxidil targets the blood vessels on the scalp, increasing blood flow and circulation to the hair follicles. Finasteride targets the 5a-reductase receptors on hair follicles to prevent the DHT hormone from binding.

Hair Loss Science: How Finasteride Works

Topical Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR), which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main hormone responsible for hair loss, causing miniaturisation of hair follicles. If a person has androgenetic alopecia, they are genetically predisposed to hair loss caused by DHT.

By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, topical Finasteride preserves hair follicles and slows down hair loss to promote regrowth. Where topical Finasteride differs from oral finasteride tablets is that it is applied directly to the scalp, which significantly reduces the amount of the drug that enters the bloodstream.

By concentrating the Finasteride to a localised area (the scalp), topical Finasteride minimises chances of systemic side effect, like such as reduced libido or erectile dysfunction, which are sometimes associated with the oral form.

Hair Loss Science: How Topical Minoxidil Works

Minoxidil foam works by stimulating hair growth and prolonging the hair growth cycle for your hair follicles. This makes Minoxidil an effective treatment for male and female pattern baldness. It is suitable for use by both men and women (It is recommended women don’t take Finasteride)!

When applied to the scalp, minoxidil widens blood vessels and increases blood flow to hair follicles , ensuring they receive more oxygen and nutrients. This improved circulation helps revitalise living hair follicles and promote stronger, thicker hair growth.

Minoxidil also extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle while shortening the telogen (resting) phase. This shift means that more hairs remain in the active growth stage for longer. In turn, this helps reduce excessive shedding.

As Minoxidil does not target DHT receptors in the body, it can be used for several hair loss conditions. These include, but are not limited to: temporary hair loss (stress, dietary deficiencies), post partum hair loss, autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata, alopecia barbae).

What Are The Side Effects of Taking Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride?

Compared to other hair loss medications like oral finasteride tablets and oral minoxidil, the topical combo spray poses far fewer side effects. However, like with any medication, side effects can happen, and it is important to know what to look out for.

Stop taking your topical Minoxidil and Finasteride combo spray if you experience any of the following side effects:

Scalp irritation – this can manifest in a couple of ways but comes in the form of flaky skin, skin redness, or a dry scalp.
Itchy rash – sometimes, the addition of chemicals can upset the balance of fats and microbes on the skin. If you experience itchiness, consult with your GP.
Greasy residue – After applying the topical combo, some patients may find their hair a little greasy. To counteract this, apply the treatment before you go to bed. This way, the solution can fully soak into the scalp.

Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride: Can I Take It After a Hair Transplant?

Yes, you can take topical Minoxidil and Finasteride after a hair transplant. In fact, Dr Kalra actually recommend it to most of our male patients if they are at risk of developing further hair loss. Taking this combo treatment can help preserve the result of a DHI or FUE hair transplant for many years into the future!

When Should I Apply Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil After a Hair Transplant?

Timing is absolutely crucial when it comes to taking topical Minoxidil and Finasteride. As this is a topical medication, it is important not to apply the treatment if you are still going through your initial recovery period. This is because your transplanted grafts are very delicate, and they are at risk of being dislodged if touched.

You can apply your topical combo treatment around 4 weeks after your hair transplant. Your scalp should have fully healed by this point and your new grafts should be going through their first hair growth cycle.

It is important not to confuse oral Finasteride with topical Finasteride. If you have been given oral finasteride, you can start taking it from the day after your surgery.

FAQs

The only way to determine which medication you are allergic to is by a process of elimination. Contact your clinic/GP to discuss which isolated medication you should trial first. It may also be that the carrying agent (e.g. trichosol, propylene glycol) may be causing a reaction.

The risk of hormonal or sexual side effects from topical Finasteride is significantly lower than with oral Finasteride, but it is not completely eliminated. Since topical Finasteride is applied directly to the scalp, it targets local DHT levels while minimising systemic absorption into the bloodstream. So, you are much less likely to encounter sexual side effects with the topical combo than the oral Finasteride.

Yes, Finasteride can affect male fertility, but the impact varies from person to person and depends on the dosage and duration of use. The effects on a man’s fertility are generally reversible once you stop taking the treatment. If you are trying for a baby, then you should consult with your GP and hair loss clinic. That way, you can determine the best pathway forward for you!

Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride is usually applied once a day, depending on the formula you receive. We generally recommend that you apply this solution at night. Once you have massages the solution into the scalp, wear a shower cap and use an old, clean pillow case.

No, you do not need to wash off the topical minoxidil and finasteride combo once it has soaked into your scalp. For the medication to work effectively, it needs time to be absorbed into the skin and hair follicles. Washing it off too soon can reduce its effectiveness. So, that’s why we recommend you apply it at night. In the morning, you can shower and shampoo your hair as normal without the fear that you are reducing the effectiveness of your treatment.

It is generally recommended that you take the treatment indefinitely. You will begin seeing an improvement to your hair density around 3-6 months after taking your treatment. However, you should continue to take the medication over a long-term period as this will help prevent further hair loss.

Yes, if you stop using topical minoxidil and Finasteride, hair loss will likely start happening again. Both medications work by slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth, but their effects are only temporary while you’re using them. Once you stop taking topical Minoxidil and Finasteride, your hair will start falling out at the same rate you were losing hair before you started taking your medication.

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