Most studies seem to say the vast majority of increase in hair count occurs in the first 12 weeks, why does everyone say you need to wait years to know whether fin/dut are working? Finasteride/Dutasteride 8/30/2025
Finasteride and dutasteride can show initial hair count increases within 12 weeks, but visible improvements often take longer, with many users reporting noticeable changes after a year or more. While early results may be seen under a microscope, significant cosmetic improvements typically require more time for hair to thicken and become visibly denser.
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6 / 1000+ resultscommunity COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men
Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.
community Serious question, is there nothing that can be done if Dutasteride doesn’t help to stop my hair loss?
A 25 year old male who has been using finasteride and dutasteride for two years to treat his hair loss, with no success. Other treatments such as oral minoxidil, topical anti-androgens, RU58841, latanoprost, topical estrogen, CB 03 01, microneedling, keto 2% shampoo, vitamin D, Omega 3, B vitamins and probiotics were discussed.
community Please can someone explain all the Dutasteride horror stories on here
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss yields mixed results, with some users experiencing improvements and others facing worsening conditions or side effects like shedding. Patience is advised as dutasteride may take longer to show results, and combining treatments is suggested by some users.
community Topical Dutasteride Seems to Work
Topical dutasteride, particularly at 0.05%, shows greater hair density improvement than oral finasteride over 24 weeks, though hair thickness gains are similar. Some users report side effects with topical treatments, but others find them effective for maintaining hair without significant systemic absorption.
community 7 months évolution of finasteride / zinc / vitamin D/ minoxidil / microneedling treatment
User experienced hair loss improvement after 7 months using finasteride, zinc, vitamin D, minoxidil, and microneedling. Others praised the progress and discussed the importance of zinc and vitamin D in hair health.
community 1ish year on fin and no improvement
The user has been using finasteride for over a year without improvement and recently started oral minoxidil. Suggestions include trying dutasteride and continuing minoxidil for potential regrowth.
Related Research
6 / 1000+ results
research Efficacy and safety of combined microneedling therapy for androgenic alopecia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Microneedling combined with other treatments significantly improves hair growth in people with hair loss and is safe.
research Hair Restoration—Nonsurgical and Surgical Approaches
Hair restoration can be achieved through non-surgical treatments like minoxidil, antiandrogens, phototherapy, and PRP procedures, or through surgical methods like hair transplantation. Continued treatment is needed to maintain results, and full results are visible after 12-18 months.
research DUTASTERIDE AS AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT IN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA – A LITERATURE REVIEW
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for hair loss, but more research is needed on safety and dosing.
research Effect of dutasteride 0.5 mg/d in men with androgenetic alopecia recalcitrant to finasteride
Dutasteride helps hair growth in those unresponsive to finasteride, but may cause more sexual dysfunction.
research Effectiveness and Safety of Intralesional Dutasteride in Patients With Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Intralesional dutasteride improves hair growth in androgenic alopecia with minimal side effects.
research Platelet‐rich plasma with low dose oral minoxidil (1.25mg versus 2.5mg) along with trichoscopic pre‐ and post‐treatment evaluation
Combining platelet-rich plasma therapy with low dose oral minoxidil improved hair growth in men with hair loss, with slightly higher satisfaction at the higher minoxidil dose.