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.
A user accidentally discovered that applying vitamin E oil to their scalp significantly reduced their hair shedding for about 1.5 weeks. They reported improved hair quality and a drastic decrease in hair loss after treatment.
The conversation is about the frequency of applying peppermint oil and rosemary for hair loss and what carrier oil is best to use. People are sharing their results from using these treatments.
The user is trying topical melatonin for hair loss and reports feeling tired and unmotivated, considering using it only at night due to restlessness. No hair regrowth noticed after 4 days.
This user has been using a combination of topical Minoxidil and Finasteride, oils, biotin, vitamins D and K, and derma-rolling for 3 months to help reduce hair loss. They have experienced some progress but are still looking for more recommendations from others.
User reported hair regrowth and thicker hair after using rosemary oil, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and a better diet. They believe rosemary oil contributed the most to the improvement.
The conversation discusses various hair loss treatments, with some users avoiding finasteride due to potential side effects and opting for alternatives like dermarolling, minoxidil, peppermint oil, and other natural remedies. Despite trying different supplements and oils, many users report limited success, with some eventually considering or using finasteride, dutasteride, or topical treatments for better results.
Rosemary oil is claimed to slow hair loss and improve hair thickness, but its effectiveness is debated, with some users preferring proven treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Lifestyle factors and consistent use are suggested to enhance results, though skepticism about natural remedies remains.
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.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, specifically using topical finasteride and minoxidil combined with microneedling, along with supplements like collagen, vitamin C/D, and saw palmetto. The user also mentions using a DHT-blocking shampoo and experimenting with cold showers and contrast therapy for hair health.
Rosemary essential oil, particularly cineole, is considered by some to be beneficial for hair growth, though its effectiveness compared to minoxidil is debated. Finasteride, minoxidil, and ketoconazole shampoo are recommended treatments, while oils like rosemary and peppermint are seen as supplementary for scalp health.
Natural remedies like rosemary oil, coconut oil, and onion juice are generally seen as less effective compared to medical treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling. Some users believe natural oils can help, but modern medicine is often more reliable.
Switching from topical to oral minoxidil resolved issues like watery eyes and ear itchiness. Users report oral minoxidil is better for sensitive skin, though some are concerned about side effects like hair growth everywhere.
The user shared their 5-year progress using finasteride and topical minoxidil for hair growth, noting initial success but recent thinning and side effects. They plan to switch to dutasteride and oral minoxidil, addressing low iron levels and monitoring potential side effects.
The user experienced positive hair regrowth using 5% topical minoxidil daily and 1mg finasteride daily but had to stop finasteride due to side effects like depression, anxiety, and gynecomastia. They are considering alternatives like topical finasteride or dutasteride and are currently using only topical minoxidil.
The user is considering stopping topical minoxidil due to lack of improvement in hair growth and is exploring alternatives like oral minoxidil, topical finasteride, and tretinoin. They are hesitant about oral finasteride and dutasteride, and are open to trying oral minoxidil if available, despite concerns about potential heart-related side effects.
The user is considering switching from topical to oral finasteride due to lack of progress with their current hair loss treatment, which includes topical fin/min, microneedling, Nizoral shampoo, oral minoxidil, biotin, collagen, tretinoin, and hair masks. A suggestion was made to try oral finasteride for potentially better results and to monitor progress over 6-12 months.
A user experienced significant hair regrowth after 4 months using topical finasteride and minoxidil, along with dermastamping and biotin supplements, without side effects. They are not considering a hair transplant due to the success of this regimen.
A new topical finasteride has been approved in France, providing an alternative to oral finasteride with potentially fewer side effects. Users discuss the pros and cons of topical versus oral treatments, with some opting to create their own solutions to save money.
Stopping saw palmetto and rosemary oil led to significant hair loss for a long-term finasteride user. Resuming saw palmetto caused side effects, and there is debate about its effectiveness and the potential impact of oxycodone on hair loss.
The user experienced hair loss after Covid and started using topical minoxidil, then switched to oral minoxidil, along with Nizoral shampoo, ketoconazole shampoo, clobetasol propionate, and clindamycin ointment, which significantly reduced hair loss and scalp issues. Other users suggested trying finasteride for better results.
The conversation discusses a hair loss treatment routine involving daily minoxidil, finasteride, micro-needling, rosemary oil, and biotin supplements. The user shares personal experiences, noting no side effects from finasteride and emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing hair loss.
A 36-year-old man is using topical 5% Minoxidil for hair thinning and is considering adding 3mg Minoxidil pills as recommended by a dermatologist. He is concerned about potential side effects and increased shedding but cannot access Finasteride due to strict regulations.
A user shared their positive experience with hair regrowth using topical finasteride and minoxidil, despite initial side effects. They are transitioning to oral finasteride and minoxidil for convenience and are optimistic about continued progress.
The user is already using topical finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss and is considering adding topical caffeine. They are seeking opinions on the effectiveness of topical caffeine.
A user asked if microneedling, massages, and essential oils can prevent further hair loss in the crown area without using drugs. The response indicated that without a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, hair loss will likely continue.
A user is creating a custom topical hair regrowth serum using minoxidil, bimatoprost, tretinoin, castor oil, and hyaluronic acid. They are also using dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and castor oil in their current regimen.
Rosemary extract showed high inhibitory activity against DHT, similar to finasteride and dutasteride, but the conversation includes skepticism about its effectiveness in humans since the study was done on mice and rosemary oil is often considered ineffective based on personal experiences. Some suggest trying rosemary oil alongside other treatments, while others emphasize the difference between the extract used in the study and the oil.