Finasteride & Minoxidil
Complete Medical Hair Loss Guide
Finasteride and Minoxidil are the two most clinically proven medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia. This guide explains how they work, when to use them and how they fit alongside a hair transplant.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil —
Full Comparison
| Factor | Finasteride (Propecia) | Minoxidil (Rogaine) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks 5-alpha reductase — reduces DHT by ~70% | Widens blood vessels, extends anagen growth phase |
| Form | Daily oral tablet (1mg) or topical | Topical foam/solution (5%) or oral |
| Best for | Stopping / slowing recession — front + top | Crown and vertex density |
| Effectiveness | Stops loss in 90% of men | Partial regrowth — 60% of users |
| Time to results | 3–6 months to see stabilisation | 4–6 months to see density change |
| Side effects | Possible in 2–3% (libido, mood) | Scalp irritation, initial shedding |
| If stopped? | Loss resumes within 6–12 months | Gains lost within 3–6 months |
| Available to women? | No — not recommended | Yes — FDA approved for women |
| Combined use? | Both together: most effective medical protocol | |
Medical First, Surgery
When Needed
Dr. Arslan recommends medical treatment at every stage — not as an alternative to surgery, but as a lifelong strategy to protect remaining native hair both before and after any transplant procedure.
- Norwood I–II: Finasteride + Minoxidil — may avoid or delay surgery
- Norwood III+: Continue medical therapy post-transplant to protect native hair
- All stages: Medical treatment slows future loss progression
- Post-transplant: Finasteride recommended indefinitely
- Women: Minoxidil is the primary medical option — Finasteride not recommended
"A hair transplant restores what you have lost. Finasteride protects what you still have. Without it, you may transplant today and continue losing tomorrow. I recommend it to every patient unless there is a medical reason not to."
Medical Treatment Results
Real patients treated with Finasteride and Minoxidil at Hairmedico
Medical Treatment
Common Questions
Use the graft calculator to estimate costs, or send photos to Dr. Arslan for a free personalised assessment.
Ask Dr. Arslanor Proceed to Surgery?
Send photos of your hair via WhatsApp. Dr. Arslan will assess your hair loss, recommend the right treatment and provide your personalised all-inclusive quote within 24 hours.