What Hair Loss Medication Do I Need?: All About Finasteride (Propecia), Minoxidil (Rogaine), + More

Hair loss isn’t just a cosmetic problem. It’s often a medical condition that can be treated with the right medication. Many pills and topical solutions have been clinically proven to treat male pattern baldness. In other words, they really work!

The best prescription hair loss solution for you depends on the type of hair loss you’re experiencing and how early you’re starting to treat it. Read on to learn about potential treatment options for male pattern baldness. (For a breakdown of prescription hair loss medications formulated and approved for women, click here!)

Finasteride for Hairline Hair Loss

Did you know Propecia is just a brand name, not the name of a medication? Propecia’s key ingredient is finasteride, a prescription medication and DHT hormone blocker that is FDA-approved and clinically proven to treat male pattern baldness. It’s for use by men only and should not be used by women or children. It’s ideal to treat hair loss on and around the hairline as well as on the entire scalp. 

Oral finasteride or generic Propecia is traditionally ingested orally as a pill. It can also be applied topically to skin as a liquid, serum, cream, or gel. Both forms require a prescription. 

Many clinical studies have shown that finasteride yields great results in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth in men:

• A study encompassing two one-year trials found that taking 1 mg of oral finasteride a day both slowed the progression of hair loss and increased hair growth in men with male pattern hair loss.
• A 2022 study found that topical finasteride significantly improved hair count with similar effects as oral finasteride.
• This summary of many clinical studies concluded that oral finasteride was an effective treatment for men with androgenetic alopecia, at an optimal dose of 1 mg/day.
• In another study, 83% of men using a combination of topical finasteride and minoxidil were found to “demonstrate good hair growth and maintenance.”

If you’re a man who’s started losing your hair, finasteride could help you prevent and reverse signs of hair loss. Get a prescription for finasteride online from BosleyRx and get the treatment you need shipped right to your door.

Minoxidil for Crown Hair Loss

Like Propecia, Rogaine is actually a brand name, not the name of the medication. Rogaine’s signature product is minoxidil, an FDA-approved medication that has been clinically proven to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women. Over time, it promotes hair regrowth on the entire scalp and is especially effective if you’ve started to notice hair loss at the crown of your head.

Topical minoxidil, or generic Rogaine, is a leave-in treatment available without a prescription. It’s FDA-approved to treat androgenetic alopecia and male pattern hair loss and can be applied as a foam, dropper, or spray. Oral minoxidil utilizes the same well-known, clinically proven, FDA-approved ingredient to help combat hair loss with a convenient, once-a-day pill. Oral minoxidil is a prescription medication. 

Many clinical studies have reinforced minoxidil’s effectiveness in treating hair loss:

• In one year-long observational study, topical minoxidil was effective for hair regrowth in 84% of eligible patients.
• In a four-month surveillance study, 93.8% of men who used topical minoxidil judged it to be moderately effective or better in stimulating new hair growth. 13.9% reported results in the first month, 52.3% during the second month, and 33.8% during the third month.
• A 2020 study found that taking 5 mg of oral minoxidil daily increased hair growth in male patients with androgenetic alopecia and had a good safety profile in healthy subjects. 

Topical minoxidil is available for purchase online without a prescription. If you’re eligible, you can get a prescription for oral minoxidil online from BosleyRx and get it shipped straight to your door.

Topical or Oral Hair Loss Medication?

Both finasteride and minoxidil are available as topical or oral medications. They’ve been found to yield the same great hair regrowth taken either way. However, FDA approvals, dosage, application, and applicable side effects can all vary depending on the type you choose.

Oral Finasteride vs Topical Finasteride

Here’s a quick breakdown of how oral finasteride and topical finasteride compare.

Oral Finasteride

• Taken as a once-daily pill
• FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness
• Prescription required
• Rare side effects including decreased sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, ejaculation disorder, and skin rash occurring in around 2% of individuals
• More precise dosage

Topical Finasteride

• Applied as a liquid, serum, cream, or gel
• Off-label – commonly prescribed at a doctor’s discretion to treat male pattern baldness with demonstrated results, but not FDA-approved for that purpose
• Prescription required
• Milder side effects associated with irritation at the application area

We typically recommend starting with oral finasteride since it is FDA-approved and clinically proven to treat male pattern baldness. However, those concerned about its rare side effects or those who would prefer a topical solution can still benefit from a topical finasteride solution

Topical Minoxidil vs Oral Minoxidil

Here’s a quick breakdown of how topical minoxidil and oral minoxidil compare.

Topical Minoxidil

• Applied as a foam, dropper, or spray
• FDA-approved to treat hair loss
• No prescription required – available over-the-counter
• Mild side effects associated with irritation or itchiness on the scalp
  

Oral Minoxidil

• Taken as a once-daily pill
• Off-label – commonly prescribed at a doctor’s discretion to treat hair loss with demonstrated results, but not FDA-approved for that purpose
• Prescription required
• Mild side effects including possible lightheadedness, low blood pressure, increased facial hair, and fluid retention
• More precise dosage

We typically recommend starting with topical minoxidil since it is FDA-approved and clinically proven to treat hair loss. However, those who would prefer the precision and convenience of taking a once-daily pill will likely still find oral minoxidil to be just as effective in stimulating hair growth.

Finasteride + Minoxidil Compounds

Can’t decide between finasteride and minoxidil? Choose an oral or topical compound that includes both finasteride and minoxidil as ingredients to get the best of both worlds. They work great together to fight hair loss all over the scalp. 

BosleyRx’s HiGrowth Hair Formula 2.0 is a prescription hair loss topical that combines finasteride, minoxidil, tretinoin, and hydrocortisone, all of which stimulate hair growth. BosleyRx now also offers 2-in-1 finasteride + minoxidil capsules, compounded into a single once-daily pill.

Permanent Solutions for Advanced Hair Loss 

Countless studies have shown that minoxidil and finasteride are effective at treating hair loss. They can help reverse the effects of male pattern baldness and stimulate hair regrowth. However, effects are gradual and they do require continued use to see results.

A Bosley hair transplant offers the most permanent solution and the most dramatic results in treating hair loss. If your hair loss is advanced or you’re looking for the absolute best way to get your real hair back, schedule a free consultation to discuss surgical hair restoration solutions. 

So, Which Hair Loss Solution is Right For Me?

If you’re primarily concerned about hair loss at your hairline, look into oral finasteride, or a topical finasteride compound if you’re at all concerned about side effects.

If you’re primarily concerned about hair loss at the crown of your head, look into topical minoxidil, or oral minoxidil if you’d rather take a convenient once-daily pill.

BosleyRx offers fast, affordable prescription hair loss meds, starting at just $17.50 a month. Plus, you can get your first month free with select medications. Visit www.bosleyrx.com to explore prescription hair loss medications and determine the best solution for your needs.

If you’re interested in discussing ALL Bosley hair loss solutions, including surgical options available to you, schedule a free consultation with a hair restoration expert. They’ll help you determine which hair loss solution is right for you.

Sources:

1. Kaufman, KD et al. (1998) Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023
2. Piraccini, PN et al. (2022) Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution for male androgenetic alopecia: a phase III, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023
3. Shapiro, Jerry (2003) Use of Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Hair Loss). Accessed 16 Nov. 2023
4. Rai, Priyam Baskar et al. (2018) Comparing the therapeutic efficacy of topical minoxidil and finasteride with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride in androgenetic alopecia: a randomized trial. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023
5. Rundegren, Jae (2004) A one-year observational study with minoxidil 5% solution in Germany: results of independent efficacy evaluation by physicians and patients. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023
6. ISHRS. Effectiveness of Minoxidil in treating male pattern hair loss. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023
7. Panchaprateep, Ratchathorn (2020) Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment. Accessed 16 Nov. 2023