Topical finasteride absorption starts almost instantly, but the exact time needed for full absorption is unclear. Users suggest it may not need to stay on all day.
Taking dutasteride daily with finasteride is more effective in reducing hair loss and itching than taking dutasteride four times a week. The combination reduces shedding and anxiety.
The user is using a topical solution containing 1% finasteride and 5% minoxidil for hair loss, with water, glycerin, and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil as carrier agents. They are questioning if these ingredients are effective carriers after using the solution for three months.
Dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels in hair follicles, potentially more effectively than previously thought. The discussion highlights differences in DHT measurements and the impact on hair loss treatment.
Finasteride is effective for DHT/AR-driven hair loss but not for chromosome 20-driven cases, where treatments like minoxidil, prostaglandin analogs, and low-level laser therapy may be more beneficial. Genetic testing can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss to tailor treatment effectively.
A 24-year-old male experienced increased hair shedding after switching to a new topical finasteride and minoxidil solution with a better carrier. He is concerned whether this shedding indicates progress or a setback in his hair loss treatment.
A user is experiencing increased hair shedding after using a homemade topical finasteride mixture with stemoxydine for six weeks. They are concerned about whether the low dose could cause shedding so early.
Finasteride may help users look younger by suppressing DHT, affecting skin and hair. Users also emphasize skincare, sunscreen, and lifestyle for maintaining a youthful appearance.
Finasteride, minoxidil, and sometimes dutasteride were used for hair loss with varying success. Some experienced side effects, while others maintained or regrew hair, considering hair transplants as a future option.
Topical dutasteride is considered more effective for hair regrowth with fewer side effects than oral finasteride. Users have mixed experiences, with some preferring topical applications for reduced side effects.
Finasteride can help maintain hair and slow hair loss, but its effectiveness varies by individual. Some may switch to dutasteride or add minoxidil for better results, though side effects are a concern.
Oral Dutasteride and topical Finasteride may have similar effects on scalp DHT, but topical Dutasteride might be less effective due to poor absorption. Combining oral Dutasteride with topical Finasteride could potentially enhance results by blocking DHT in both the scalp and serum.
The conversation discusses adjusting the isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and water ratios in a topical finasteride solution for better scalp comfort and less dandruff. The user considers using 20ml IPA, 25ml PG, and 15ml water in a 60ml bottle, moving away from mixing finasteride with topical minoxidil.
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.
After 13 years on finasteride, OP is experiencing reduced effectiveness and has started taking 0.5 mg of dutasteride weekly, noticing nipple sensitivity as a side effect. OP plans to increase the dutasteride dosage and retest hormone levels, while others suggest adjusting the dosage or trying different forms of dutasteride.
A user is discussing making a DIY topical finasteride solution using ingredients like water, alcohol, propylene glycol, ethanol, and glycerin, and is concerned about the stability of the mixture. Other users suggest that the solution will work and discuss the importance of propylene glycol for drug dissolution and factors like temperature and light affecting finasteride stability.
A 20-year-old with no signs of hair loss is considering finasteride or dutasteride due to family history of baldness. Advice given is to monitor hair and start treatment only if thinning occurs.
A user experienced significant hair shedding after three years on finasteride, possibly due to stress or whey protein, and sought advice. Others suggested it might be a temporary shed, recommended monitoring for deficiencies, and mentioned adding dutasteride if needed.
Finasteride changed the user's hair texture from wavy to curly, reverting after stopping. Minoxidil was more effective for temple hair regrowth than finasteride.
Finasteride helped maintain hair density and prevent further hair loss over 4.5 years, with no major side effects except mild gynecomastia. Consistency and regular health checks are recommended, and the user experienced stable hair density with occasional shedding.
The conversation is about a user's experience with hair loss treatments, specifically using finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and ketoconazole shampoo. The user reports improvements after almost nine months, with no side effects, and discusses the shedding process and expectations for results.
Some users experienced side effects like low libido and erectile dysfunction with finasteride but found relief and hair regrowth with dutasteride. Others reported no issues with either drug, while some preferred dutasteride for long-term hair maintenance.
The user experienced hair improvement using 1mg finasteride daily for six months, managing seborrheic dermatitis with rosemary and eucalyptus oil. They are considering switching to dutasteride for potentially better results.
Individuals discussing hair loss treatments, including finasteride and minoxidil, express mixed results and concerns about effectiveness after two years. Some consider switching to dutasteride or exploring other options like hair transplants.
A 34-year-old man plans to reduce his finasteride dose from 1 mg to 0.5 mg due to negative side effects like hormonal imbalances and seeks advice on managing these effects and potential alternatives. Suggestions include considering dutasteride as an alternative and noting that a new equilibrium with a reduced dose may take about two weeks.
People on finasteride or dutasteride cannot donate blood due to the risk of birth defects if the blood is given to a pregnant woman. It's advised to stop finasteride for a month and dutasteride for six months before donating.
The user has been using finasteride for 8 months to address hair loss and plans to add minoxidil in January if needed. They are experiencing mixed results and are hopeful for improvement, while others in the conversation discuss similar experiences and the effectiveness of combining treatments.
The user started taking 1mg of oral finasteride daily on May 7, 2025, and recently began using Nizoral Shampoo to address hair thinning. They shared progress photos from May 30 and August 18, 2025, noting a desire to grow their hair longer without it appearing thin.
Long-term finasteride users report that the drug may lose effectiveness over time, with some considering switching to dutasteride or adding minoxidil to their regimen. Many users suggest hair transplants or adjusting treatments to manage hair loss progression.
A 25-year-old is experiencing hair thinning despite using 0.5mg oral dutasteride, 0.3% topical finasteride, and 6% topical minoxidil daily for a year. They are considering increasing dutasteride dosage and exploring other treatments like microneedling and KX 826, while seeking further medical opinions on their condition.