Considering a switch from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss treatment, and the use of minoxidil as a last resort due to its effects on hair texture.
A 16-year-old noticed hair thinning on the crown and sides of the head, with minimal temple thinning. After using Minoxidil for 6 months, some areas improved, but the crown worsened, and they seek advice on the irregular hair loss and treatment options.
User shared progress pictures after 9 months of using minoxidil, finasteride, spironolactone, and estradiol for hair loss. Significant regrowth was noted, especially after starting estradiol.
The user started taking dutasteride a month ago and is seeking advice on whether to wait for a year before getting a hair transplant, as it could potentially strengthen the donor-zone and require fewer grafts, or to get a transplant immediately, extracting only the "strong hairs" not affected by dutasteride. The user is unsure which approach is correct.
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 user with early-stage diffuse hair thinning asked for long-term success stories using treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841. One person regained most of their hair after 22 months on finasteride and minoxidil, while another saw significant improvement with oral minoxidil after trying various treatments over many years.
The conversation discusses using retinol to enhance minoxidil's effectiveness for hair loss, with a user considering The Ordinary's 0.5% retinol and seeking advice on azelaic acid concentration. Other users suggest using tretinoin instead and consider pre-formulated products combining minoxidil, tretinoin, and azelaic acid, but the original poster has not seen improvement from dermarolling.
A user reported that after experiencing hair thinning, they started using finasteride in 2024 and later began GHK-Cu peptide injections in March 2026, which they believe stopped their hair loss and made their hair feel thicker. The user shared their experience despite receiving criticism for not solely endorsing finasteride.
Asian dermatologists are more open to prescribing finasteride, while in some regions, medications like finasteride and minoxidil can be obtained without a prescription. In Europe, particularly France, there are stricter regulations requiring patients to acknowledge potential side effects, but many people find ways to obtain these treatments through various means.
Many people are switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride for hair loss treatment, believing Dutasteride to be more effective and sometimes experiencing fewer side effects. Some users report initial shedding with Dutasteride but suggest it may lead to better long-term results, while others experience side effects or choose to combine treatments like Minoxidil.
A 35-year-old shared a 2-month update on their hair transplant of 3153 grafts, noting redness, itching, and some pimples, while using finasteride for over 12 years to maintain hair. Users discussed the effectiveness and timing of starting finasteride, with some suggesting consulting a doctor for young individuals considering the treatment.
The user experienced a panic attack after adding 5% topical minoxidil to their routine, which already included oral finasteride and minoxidil, and microneedling. They are seeking advice on whether microneedling increased absorption and if the anxiety attacks will subside.
A 19-year-old is struggling with hair loss despite using minoxidil and finasteride, feeling depressed and lacking confidence. Suggestions include trying dutasteride, topical treatments, hair transplants, or accepting baldness.
Using finasteride and peptides, including GHK-Cu, improved hair thickness and regrowth. The user also used a KLOW blend and CJC/IPA for better sleep and recovery.
A 47-year-old has been using finasteride for 25 years for hair loss, but it's less effective now. Suggestions include switching to dutasteride, stopping anastrozole, and trying minoxidil, microneedling, and possibly TRT.
The conversation discusses hair regrowth results using dutasteride, minoxidil, and dermarolling over six months. OP reports significant improvement, especially in the temples, by derma-rolling frequently and applying minoxidil afterward.
An 18-year-old is frustrated with a dermatologist who prescribed shampoos and Betnovate instead of Minoxidil and Finasteride for hair loss and seborrheic dermatitis. The user feels misled and is considering giving up on dermatologists.
A user shares their hair regrowth journey using finasteride and minoxidil, highlighting lifestyle changes to enhance results. Another user reports negative side effects from finasteride and plans to try ketoconazole shampoo and natural oils.
Minoxidil alone is not effective for hair regrowth; adding a DHT blocker like finasteride or dutasteride is recommended. Dermastamping and micro-needling can enhance results, and some users suggest trying oral minoxidil or natural DHT blockers.
A 20-year-old male experienced early hair thinning due to male pattern baldness and successfully thickened his hair using oral finasteride and topical minoxidil. The conversation highlights the importance of early action and overcoming fear of medication side effects.
A woman experienced increased body hair and acne with minimal hair improvement after switching from topical to oral minoxidil. Suggestions included reducing the oral dose, trying spironolactone, returning to topical minoxidil, or considering laser treatment for body hair.
The user is considering switching from finasteride and minoxidil to dutasteride for better hair regrowth results, as they are experiencing thinning and shedding despite current treatments. They have also tried microneedling, Clobetasol, and salicylic acid to manage scalp issues and inflammation.
A 26-year-old African American male is experiencing hairline recession and thinning despite using 0.5mg finasteride daily and topical minoxidil. He is considering increasing finasteride dosage, returning to twice-daily minoxidil, or switching to dutasteride for better results.
Young people are using hair loss treatments like finasteride and dutasteride without having hair loss, influenced by social media trends. Concerns are raised about the potential long-term effects of taking these medications at a young age.
The user achieved significant hair regrowth in 2.5 months using 2.5mg oral minoxidil, 1mg finasteride, weekly microneedling, and ketoconazole shampoo. Microneedling with a derma stamp was particularly effective, and the user also uses topical minoxidil at night.
High prolactin levels may contribute to hair loss, and some users suggest supplements like mucuna pruriens, vitamin B6, vitamin E, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, DIM, and Zinc to lower prolactin. Lifestyle changes to increase dopamine, such as reducing screen time and stress, are also recommended.
Hair loss is often linked to inflammation and DHT, with treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil being effective for many. Natural remedies like turmeric and oils are discussed, but medications are generally seen as more reliable for managing genetic hair loss.
The user is frustrated with hair loss, having switched from topical minoxidil and finasteride to dutasteride and oral minoxidil without seeing improvements. They are considering a hair transplant and are advised to continue the current treatment and explore therapy or lifestyle changes.
Derek has maintained his hair for over a decade using dutasteride, keto shampoo, and previously minoxidil, despite early hair loss and family history of baldness. Other users discuss their own hair loss treatments, including combinations of oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, RU58841, nizoral, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy.
A 31-year-old woman shared her 9-month progress using 5% minoxidil foam for hair loss, noting significant improvement after initial shedding and seeing regrowth by month 4. She also used ketoconazole shampoo and has been on spironolactone for acne, but did not use finasteride.