Compound Physician required

Hair Loss Treatment

Finasteride and minoxidil. The most effective interventions for androgenic hair loss.

Approved Verified 27 August 2026

What it does

Androgenic hair loss responds to two well-evidenced interventions — finasteride (blocks DHT, halts loss) and minoxidil (promotes growth). The combination outperforms either alone, and starting early matters: holding hair is far easier than regrowing it.

Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha reductase, reducing DHT — the androgen driving follicle miniaturization. Minoxidil prolongs the anagen growth phase and increases follicle size.

  • DHT
  • hair follicle preservation

What the evidence shows

Overall evidence strength: High certainty

Who it's for, who should skip

Androgenic hair loss, ideally treated early. Not safe in pregnancy or for women of childbearing age. "Natural DHT blockers" have far weaker evidence than finasteride.

Skip it if

  • pregnancy — Finasteride is teratogenic — not safe in pregnancy. hard block
  • women of childbearing age — Finasteride is contraindicated for women of childbearing age. hard block

Running it

Dose
daily
Titration
finasteride ~1 mg/day oral; minoxidil 5% topical 2x/day or oral 1.25–2.5 mg/day; combination outperforms monotherapy

Safety

  • finasteride: sexual side effects (libido, erectile function, mood) in a minority, generally reversible uncommon
  • minoxidil: scalp irritation, initial shedding

Access & cost

Prescription or clinician order — typically via dermatology or primary care.

Last reviewed 27 August 2026. Regulatory status verified 27 August 2026.