Comparing the effectiveness and side effects of topical finasteride versus oral finasteride, with people sharing their experiences using both treatments to manage hair loss.
This conversation is about a user who has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 6 months and has seen great results, with some side effects. Others have shared their progress and advice on how to further maximize the effectiveness of the treatments.
User suggests a DIY zix formula for hair loss treatment and shares personal success with it. Another user disagrees, calling zix a "snake oil potion" and advises finding a real treatment instead.
Topical spironolactone is gaining attention as an alternative hair loss treatment, but it's not as effective as other options like finasteride. Oral spironolactone can cause side effects in men, and there are better topical alternatives like RU, Pyril, and CB.
How little the average person knows about hair loss and how it can be an unfairly stigmatized issue, even by people with little knowledge of it themselves. Some specific treatments that were discussed include finasteride, RU58841, dutasteride, minoxidil, pyritinol, dermarolling, and diet/lifestyle changes.
Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.
A user's regimen to help with their diffuse thinning, which includes taking Pyrilutamide BID, 1mg finasteride daily, 2.5mg oral minoxidil daily, topical minoxidil since August 2021, LLLT every two days, topical fin, progesterone, melatonin, minoxidil (started one week ago), pumpkin seed oil and not dermarolling; other commenters suggested Nizoral for dandruff control and caution when using pre-mixed products with Pyrilutamide.
A user's experience with hair loss treatments such as finasteride, ketoconazole, and oral minoxidil that have not yielded any results; other users suggest shaving the head or getting a wig, while others offer additional advice such as seeing a dermatologist, checking thyroid levels, switching to dutasteride and adding needling, and trying stemoxydine.
A user's experience using dutasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, vitamin D, scalp massage, exercise, and avoiding vaping and 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner to treat hair loss; they also discussed the side effects of finasteride.
The user has been using finasteride, nizoral, microneedling, and recently added 3% peppermint oil to their hair loss treatment, experiencing regrowth similar to minoxidil. They suggest peppermint oil as a potentially effective, low-cost alternative or addition to minoxidil, with the added benefit of a pleasant smell and ease of use.
MinoxidilMax is now selling a product called Ruderma, which contains RU58841, a chemical used for hair loss treatment. Some users question the legitimacy of the company, while others discuss the standard concentration of RU58841 and mention that both men and women use finasteride for hair loss.
Topical melatonin may help reduce hair loss and increase hair thickness in people with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with some studies showing positive results. It can be mixed with minoxidil for application, and its effectiveness might be enhanced when used with micro-needling, but results may vary among individuals.
A female user's six-month progress with only minoxidil and ketoconazole, including their experiences before and after using the treatments. They also discussed the differences between male and female hair loss and suggested that meds may offer more progress, though some results can be had without them.
Long-term finasteride use typically slows hair loss, with some users experiencing side effects like sexual dysfunction and depression. Many users also use minoxidil and dutasteride for improved results, though individual responses vary.
The conversation covers aggressive hair regrowth treatments like Dutasteride, Minoxidil (oral and topical), RU58841, microneedling, and ketoconazole shampoo. It also mentions PRP, laser therapy, GHK-Cu injections, and hormone therapy for maximum regrowth.
Joel McHale had four hair transplants and likely uses finasteride to maintain his hair. The discussion included personal experiences and side effects of hair loss treatments.
A user shared their positive experience with hair regrowth after 3 months using finasteride, minoxidil, and vitamins such as biotin, B5, B6, and C. They took 1.1 mg of oral finasteride, experienced a shedding period initially, and emphasized the importance of consistency.
The user is treating hair loss with a regimen including Dutasteride, oral and topical Minoxidil, microneedling, and various supplements for overall health. They are considering adding tretinoin, stemoxydine/RU, DIM, Boron, and Fadogia Agretis to their routine.
The user shared a one-year progress of hair regrowth using topical minoxidil and dutasteride, along with microneedling and scalp massages. They experienced significant hair growth without side effects.
A user experienced significant hair regrowth using minoxidil for four months and recently started finasteride. Suggestions include continuing treatment, possibly shaving for a better look, and adding microneedling to enhance results.
A user is concerned about hair loss and is hesitant to use medications like finasteride and minoxidil due to side effects, and is seeking natural alternatives such as garlic, biotin, and scalp massages. Suggestions include dermarolling, essential oils, and lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to improve blood circulation and block DHT.
The user experienced hair growth using 5% topical Minoxidil foam twice daily from October 2024 to February 2025, without using finasteride due to family history of side effects. The user is considering other treatments like topical finasteride and received positive feedback on their progress.
A user shared a 60-day progress update on hair regrowth using only 5% Minoxidil foam once daily. Others suggested adding finasteride to address the underlying cause of hair loss and maintain long-term results.
Dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil are considered the top hair loss treatments. Other suggested treatments include Nizoral shampoo, tretinoin, pyrilutamide, zinc, biotin, and low light laser therapy, though opinions on their effectiveness vary.
A user shared a 1.5-year hair loss treatment progress using 1mg Finasteride and 5% Minoxidil, planning to switch to oral Minoxidil and considering adding RU58841. They saw gradual improvement, suspecting Finasteride as the main contributor since they might not respond to topical Minoxidil.
The user has been dealing with hair loss for 10 years, worsened by psoriasis, and uses minoxidil and finasteride. They seek advice on managing psoriasis and hair loss, with suggestions to see a dermatologist, try different shampoos, and be patient.
PP405 (Everychem 3HP) may help with hair regrowth, with mixed user experiences. Users often combine it with minoxidil and finasteride, but there are concerns about its efficacy and side effects.