Finasteride can cause initial hair shedding, which may indicate effectiveness, with improvements seen after 12-24 months. Some users enhance results by combining it with minoxidil and dermarolling.
A new topical treatment, PP405, shows promising results for hair regrowth, potentially outperforming existing treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. However, it may still need to be combined with DHT blockers for optimal results, and its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain.
The user is using testosterone and finasteride to prevent hair loss and is considering adding Primobolan or Masteron, which are DHT-derivatives. They are seeking advice on their genetic risk for male pattern baldness and whether they can safely use these compounds without significant hair loss.
Clascoterone is a topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia, showing modest to moderate hair regrowth, and may be available by 2027-2028. It is considered safer than finasteride, with discussions on its effectiveness compared to RU58841 and pyrilutamide.
Androgenic alopecia (AGA) might have evolved to reduce prostate cancer risk by increasing UV exposure to the scalp, but this theory is debated. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are used for AGA, though the exact causes and evolutionary reasons for hair loss are unclear.
Bee venom at 0.001% concentration was more effective than 2% minoxidil in promoting hair growth in mice, possibly due to increased growth factors and reduced inflammation. Caution is advised due to potential allergic reactions and the reliance on animal data.
A user shared their 16-year hair loss journey using finasteride and minoxidil, noting slow hair thinning despite a family history of severe balding. They switched from topical to oral minoxidil but stopped for personal reasons, experiencing no significant side effects from finasteride.
A user switched from finasteride to dutasteride due to side effects and saw significant hair improvement after 7 months, with no side effects from dutasteride. They also switched from topical to oral minoxidil, which may have contributed to the positive results.
The person experienced worsening hair loss despite using minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride. They are considering increasing dutasteride dosage, trying microneedling, RU58841, and oral minoxidil, and are advised to consult a trichologist.
A 36-year-old experienced slow, diffuse hair thinning over 15 years and saw significant improvement using 5% topical minoxidil alone for 3 months, without finasteride or microneedling. The user is pleased with the results, noting increased hair density and no visible scalp, and plans to continue monitoring progress without using hormone-affecting treatments.
The user experienced side effects from finasteride and found improved mood and performance with DHT, but it worsened hair loss. They are considering options like TRT, HCG, and topical treatments like Saw Palmetto, but struggle with balancing hair preservation and functionality.
The user experienced significant hair loss after stopping a treatment of 5% Minoxidil and 0.1% Finasteride, which they had used from December 2021 to January 2024. They resumed the treatment in April 2025, hoping for regrowth, and are considering additional treatments like transplants and steroid injections.
PP405 significantly improves hair density, outperforming finasteride, with 31% of users seeing over 20% improvement in four weeks. Concerns exist about its availability, cost, and long-term effects.
The user is experiencing severe side effects from finasteride, including sleep issues, depression, and gynecomastia, and is considering stopping the medication. They are exploring other treatments like RU58841 and dutasteride but are hesitant due to potential side effects.
A 30-year-old male experienced hair shedding while using Minoxidil and Finasteride, with concerns about whether this is a normal shedding phase. Despite drastic hair loss, he continues the treatment, hoping for regrowth, and receives advice to maintain the regimen and consider lifestyle changes.
Creatine does not increase DHT levels or cause hair loss. Personal experiences vary, but scientific evidence shows no link between creatine and hair loss.
A person is struggling with hair loss despite using finasteride and minoxidil, considering dutasteride and magnesium supplements. They are advised to be patient, consider a hair transplant, and check for thyroid issues.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.
An 18-year-old started taking 1mg of finasteride daily to address receding temples and is concerned about whether they will need to increase the dose or switch to dutasteride in the future. Users discuss that finasteride can slow hair loss for many years, but it is not a permanent solution, and individual responses vary.
Finasteride and a hair transplant were used to reverse hair loss, leading to thicker hair and increased confidence. The user received compliments on their improved appearance.
A 21-year-old shared his successful hair recovery journey using topical Minoxidil and Finasteride, along with derma rolling, a high-protein diet, regular exercise, and ketoconazole shampoo. He reported significant hair regrowth over 1.5 years, attributing his success to consistent use of these treatments.
A user discussed using finasteride for six months to treat hair loss, noting minimal side effects and uncertain hair regrowth. They mentioned not using minoxidil and considering future options like hair transplants.
KX-826 is undergoing Phase III trials in China as a potential treatment for male pattern baldness, with some users considering it as an alternative or addition to finasteride and dutasteride. Opinions on its effectiveness vary, with some users reporting positive results and others finding it expensive and ineffective.
A 24-year-old tried minoxidil, finasteride, keto shampoo, and derma-rolling for hair loss but saw no improvement and is now at Norwood 5. They feel there's nothing more they can do and are considering going bald despite not liking the look.
Topical dutasteride is suggested as a low side-effect treatment for hair loss, with a proposed dose of 0.025% 1ml/day. It is considered better than finasteride due to its even inhibition of DHT isoforms and lower systemic absorption.
Peptides like TB500, KPV, GHK-CU, and BPC-157 are overhyped for hair growth with limited proven effectiveness in humans. Combining peptides with delivery methods like iontophoresis and sonophoresis shows promise, but many claims remain unproven.
A user discusses their habit of analyzing others' hair due to their own hair thinning at 18. Another user mentions starting finasteride in 2010 and still having a full head of hair.
A user has been using finasteride and minoxidil for six months and is concerned about hair loss. Replies suggest continuing the treatment for at least a year, as initial shedding can indicate the treatment is working.
A user shared a 6-month progress picture showing improvement in hair loss using biotin and minoxidil. They also mentioned dealing with stress, diet issues, and seborrheic dermatitis.