Finasteride for Hair Loss

Finasteride is used to treat men with male pattern hair loss. It is most effective on the crown of the scalp and, although it will increase the number of scalp hairs, it will not increase the amount of body hair.

Based in Glasgow, Dr Bonaros specialises in advanced hair restoration, including the use of finasteride for hair loss.

Book a Zoom consultation with Dr Bonaros to find out how this medication can be used to treat hair loss for your unique case.

Finasteride for Hair Growth - Frequently Asked Questions

Male pattern baldness is related to your sex hormones and genes. Hormonal changes, genetics, or ageing can cause a receding hairline, as well as a pattern of hair thinning on the crown.

What is finasteride, and how can it help with this? Finasteride is a prescription drug used to treat male hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness, and promote scalp hair growth. Finasteride, however, does not promote beard growth in most cases.

As a hair loss treatment, finasteride is perhaps the most extensively studied medication for male pattern baldness. Finasteride is also used as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate), although the dose is typically higher. It has also been studied for its prevention of low-grade prostate cancer.

In this article, we discuss the use, dosage, mechanism of action and side effects of finasteride, so you have a better understanding of its uses as a common male pattern baldness treatment.

How does finasteride work?

FDA-approved and approved in the UK, finasteride prevents the androgen-dependent miniaturisation of hair follicles. It does this by blocking the type II 5 alpha reductase enzyme, thereby preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is an androgen produced from testosterone. It is the hormone responsible for male pattern hair loss. In men susceptible to male pattern hair loss, DHT can bind to receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually die. Taking oral finasteride in 1mg doses can lower serum and scalp DHT levels by 60%.

Is finasteride effective for hair loss?

The first questions many of our patients have are, “Does finasteride stop hair loss?” or “How effective is finasteride for hair loss?”

For most patients, the answer is yes — when using finasteride for hair loss, a comparison will show distinct results. However, finasteride’s long-term results can vary between patients.

Finasteride medication is proven to prevent further hair loss in over 95% of men who take it. Clinical studies have shown that for 83% of participants with crown balding, the finasteride results after 2 years of treatment included a complete halt in hair loss.

In addition to this, a 10-year follow-up study examining finasteride’s long-term efficacy suggests significant lasting increases in hair growth after long-term finasteride use.

A finasteride hair treatment is most effective on the vertex scalp, less on the frontal scalp, and least effective on the temporal regions. This means that if you are using finasteride for your crown, the results are more likely to be positive than if you use finasteride for a hairline that’s receding.

Alongside improved hair counts, finasteride can lead to increased hair thickness. This extra thickness can give the impression of a fuller head of hair, resulting in a more satisfactory finasteride before and after comparison.

Will finasteride regrow hair?

Yes, for most patients. Baldness results from your hair follicles slowly shrinking over time, creating finer, wispier hair. Eventually, hair follicles will not grow new hair. That being said, as long as the follicle remains intact, patients can grow new, thicker hair when using finasteride for hair growth.

Hair regrowth from finasteride may be possible in some patients. As finasteride is most effective on the vertex scalp, finasteride crown regrowth is more commonly seen than that of the temporal regions or frontal scalp.

A total of 66% of patients will achieve moderate finasteride hair regrowth, and 5% will achieve marked finasteride regrowth.

How long does it take
for finasteride to work?

Many male patients exploring solutions for their hair loss ask Dr Bonaros questions like “How long does finasteride take to work?” and “When does finasteride start working?”

Patients should continue finasteride hair loss treatments for at least 1 year so the finasteride results can be assessed effectively. Long-term studies have found that the patient’s finasteride results after 1 year may predict its effectiveness going forward. Patients who fail to respond within the first 12 months are likely to be non-responders in the long term, too.

It is important to note that finasteride needs to be continued indefinitely to maintain efficiency. The medication has a short half-life and only works while it is used.

Who can take finasteride?

This medication is suitable for men over the age of 18. It’s important only to take finasteride under a doctor’s instructions. It is not usually recommended for women .

What is the recommended finasteride dosage for hair loss?

You can only get finasteride with a prescription in the UK. The typical dose prescribed by doctors for the treatment of male pattern hair loss is 1mg/day.

How should a finasteride tablet be taken?

A finasteride tablet may be orally administered with or without meals, as the absorption is not affected by food. However, your doses should ideally be taken at the same time each day.

What are the side effects of finasteride?

Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, but there are some side effects to be aware of.

Side effects associated with finasteride can include sexual dysfunction, such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculatory volume and temporary reduction in sperm count. These sexual side effects typically resolve with finasteride discontinuation.

Men taking finasteride may also experience:

Testicular pain
Gynecomastia (overdevelopment of breast tissue in men)
Mood disturbances, such as an unusually low mood or depression.
Rare cases: breast cancer.

Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) has been a recently reported issue. This term refers to the continuation of adverse effects despite the discontinuation of therapy. Further investigational studies of PFS are currently underway.

Can finasteride cause hair loss initially?

Some patients experience temporary shedding when they start taking finasteride. However, initial hair shedding on finasteride is completely normal and only short-term.

So, when asking “Does finasteride cause shedding?” It is key to remember that any shedding is simply the result of the reactivation of dormant hair follicles and is actually a positive sign that finasteride works.

How long does finasteride shedding last?

Typically, the oral or topical finasteride shedding phase will subside within a few months as hair regrowth becomes more evident. The finasteride hair shedding and regrowth cycle is a normal part of the treatment process that your doctor will walk you through.

Contact us at info@drbonaros.com to learn more about finasteride and how it can help with your hair loss restoration journey.

Can you still go bald on finasteride?

Studies suggest that patients who showed improvement after the first year of finasteride treatment are more likely to improve or maintain their hair growth after 10 years.

Patients who do not see improvement or continue to lose hair after the first year are less likely to experience improvement in hair growth at 10 years and can be considered non-responsive to long-term therapy. If this is the case, your doctor can work with you to discuss alternative options.

What is the difference between Propecia and finasteride tablets?

Finasteride tablets are available under the brand name Propecia or as a generic option. The generic version of Propecia contains the same active ingredient (finasteride). One film-coated tablet of Propecia contains 1mg of finasteride.

Which is better, minoxidil or finasteride?

Besides finasteride, there are also other medicines and alternative hair loss treatments that patients can consider. A finasteride alternative is minoxidil (also sold as Rogaine and Regaine).

Both oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are safe, commonly used treatments for mild to severe male androgenetic alopecia. However, finasteride appears to be more effective.

Should I use minoxidil with finasteride?

The mechanisms of action of minoxidil and finasteride treatments are different. Finasteride blocks DHT, while minoxidil seems to work partly by increasing blood flow on the scalp. Thus, a combination of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride is possible and can be considered for greater efficacy in carefully selected patients.

Clinical studies have suggested that a combined treatment with finasteride 1mg and 5% minoxidil topical solution may lead to better improvement than monotherapies when prescribed under a qualified doctor’s supervision. In most cases, the two drugs are safe to use simultaneously.

What is topical finasteride?

Topical administration of finasteride offers the potential to reduce systemic effects related to the finasteride mechanism of action by preferentially inhibiting 5-alpha reductase in the scalp.

Only a limited number of randomised controlled trials look at finasteride as a topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia. However, the data from those studies show promising results and non-inferiority compared to systemic delivery (finasteride tablets).

Men who are uncomfortable with oral finasteride in a 1mg tablet form may find topical finasteride to be a good alternative.

Is topical finasteride effective and safe?

Dr Bonaros is often asked, “Does topical finasteride work?” along with, “Is topical finasteride safe?”

Topical finasteride results in significantly improved hair count compared to a placebo and is well-tolerated. Its effect is similar to oral finasteride but with markedly lower systemic exposure and less impact on serum DHT concentrations.

Several topical finasteride studies found an overall decrease in the rate of hair loss. Finasteride as a topical treatment may work to increase your total and terminal hair counts.

Oral vs topical finasteride

When having this discussion with your doctor, it is important to first know the answer to the question, “How does topical finasteride work?”

Generally speaking, when compared to a finasteride tablet prescription, topical finasteride only decreases scalp DHT levels in a localised area rather than affecting serum DHT levels in the body.

Due to its localised treatment, studies have indicated a potential decrease in the systemic side effects of topical finasteride. Side effects reported by patients are still the same as that of finasteride tablets, but may be less likely.

The conversation of topical vs oral finasteride is best had on a case-by-case basis because the right hair loss treatment will differ for each patient.

Can you use topical finasteride with minoxidil?

Currently, topical finasteride and minoxidil are treatments commonly used for hair loss. Some versions of topical finasteride and minoxidil can be applied as one solution from a dropper bottle. Various formulations that combine topical minoxidil and finasteride also exist.

How do you apply topical finasteride?

Typically, it is recommended to apply up to 1 ml of the solution onto balding areas in the morning and at night.

If this is the right treatment for you and a topical finasteride prescription is warranted, Dr Bonaros will advise you on how to apply topical finasteride for your specific treatment areas, including the frequency and method of use.

Can I use finasteride after a hair transplant?

Yes. If you are a man who has decided on hair transplant surgery, it is important to think about the long-term maintenance of the procedure. Even though the transplanted new hair grows permanently, there is always the chance that you will continue losing your native hair.

Taking finasteride after a hair transplant surgery is a good way to prevent future hair loss and regrow any thinning hair. For this reason, as a long-term hair loss treatment, the results of finasteride may be promising for many men.

Book an online consultation with Dr Bonaros to find out more about our male hair loss treatment options and to take the first step in regaining your hair and your confidence.

Dr Bonaros: Male Hair Loss Specialist in the UK

At our clinic in Glasgow, we offer a full spectrum of male hair loss treatment solutions to suit your needs, preferences and budget. This includes hair transplants and medical treatment with finasteride.

In your first hair loss consultation, Dr Bonaros will discuss the benefits and possible side effects of finasteride for hair loss with you and advise whether it is a suitable option for you.

If you’re ready to find a solution to your hair-thinning problem, contact our clinic in Glasgow or book an online consultation below. Alternatively, fill out our free online assessment form and get advice directly into your inbox.

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Dr Bonaros Glasgow Hair Transplant Clinic Reviews

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Jackie Lambert

Dr Bonaros is an incredibly talent doctor in his field and has provided me with a wonderful hair transplant result. Finding information and pictures for female hair transplants was really hard. Hair is such a defining part of us all that is not realised until you start to lose your hair.
I suffered female pattern balding and hair thinning due to menopause and became very self conscious. I was worried about the treatment (as many on line photos looked so horrific), pain, recovery time, would it work, results etc. I also didn't want to lose more hair over the coming years, but also didn't want to have my head shaved at the back for the transplant.
Dr Bonaros answered all my questions and was such a knowledgeable and calming person that I knew he was the doctor for me and I was in safe hands.
On the day of the transplant, he and his team were amazing and so very kind and took great care of me. The aftercare and regular check ups were great.
I have just celebrated by first hair transplant birthday and the result are fantastic. I have consented for Dr Bonaros to share all of my journey photos with any other women out there contemplating this treatment. I cannot recommend highly enough. My hair is thicker and fuller and I even have a full fringe now.

Peter Walker

Can't thank the Dr and the team enough for such great work on my hair. It's been a year and I'm delighted with the results of my 4000 graft procedure.

The team were kind, professional and patient during the consultation stage. They answered all my questions and made me feel at ease.

During the operation every step was explained and the experience was made as comfortable as possible over the two days of my 4000 graft procedure. It's a morning of extractions from the donor area and an afternoon of inserting them into the recipient area with lunch provided. I brought some in-ear headphones for a podcast to pass the time and it does fly by. Dr Bonaros was present at all times performing the extractions and graft placement. They worked non-stop during this time.

The post operation care package you get home and the follow up emails and appointments to ask questions really made the whole post care process easy at what is a sensitive time.

Fully recovered and seeing the results, it's gave me a lot of confidence and looking back at old photographs I really do not regret having it done, I wish I did it sooner.

Really appreciate what the clinic has done for me. Thank you Dr Bonaros and Team!

graham jardine

Can’t thank dr Bonaros and the team enough,

I found them to be extremely professional, reassuring and kind.

I work an operating theatre environment so I guess I was a bit of a tough customer however I was very impressed with my hair transplant from first consultation to the operation itself.

I’m now 4 months out and have loads of hair growth, my confidence has been renewed massively and my only regret is not having the treatment sooner!

Thanks again

Kind regards

Graham

Response from the owner:Dear Graham, Thank you for your wonderful review of Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're delighted to hear that you found our team professional, reassuring, and kind throughout your experience. It means a lot coming from someone with your background in an operating theatre environment. We're thrilled that you're already seeing significant hair growth and that your confidence has been renewed. It's always rewarding to know our efforts have had such a positive impact. We appreciate your kind words and for entrusting us with your care. Kind regards, Dr Bonaros' Team

Cayden

I had a 2000 graft hair transplant with Dr Bonaros just over a year ago. It was painless, very easy on my part (I just had to lie in different positions and amuse myself) and Dr Bonaros and his team were super informative and happily answered all of my questions both during our initial consult and the procedure itself.

I was seen at 8:50am and we finished up I believe around 4pm, with an hour lunch break (the surgery provided a hot lunch, and were very accommodating with my dietary needs)

Aftercare was very well explained and I was given all the necessary equipment and care instructions for my recovery.

I had no complications during or after the transplant, and healing with a lot easier than I expected. Patience and time are the main factors for the months after your transplant.

I am over the moon with my results, I am so much more confident and my self-esteem has come on in leaps and bounds.

Thank you so much for giving me a new lease on life!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. We're thrilled to hear that you had a painless and smooth procedure with Dr. Bonaros and his team. It's wonderful to know that you felt well-informed and cared for throughout your journey with us. We're delighted that you're happy with your results and that they have positively impacted your confidence and self-esteem. Thank you for choosing our clinic, and for your kind words. We're here for you if you need any further assistance. Warm regards, Dr Bonaros' Team

Brucr Petrie

Just reached the 1 year point of my transplant. I have to say i'm more than delighted with the results.Had a 2 day proceedure which went very smoothly.i was made to feel relaxed and reassured from start to finish.Dr benaros and Kat are so down to earth and totally proffesional. I am so happy to have chosen them and definitely made the right decision.i wouldnt hesitate to reccomend them .if your contemplating taking the plunge,go for it!you wont regret it.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're delighted to hear that you are more than satisfied with the results of your hair transplant at our Glasgow hair transplant clinic. At Dr Bonaros' Clinic, we aim to foster a welcoming and professional environment for all our patients, and your kind words genuinely affirm our dedication. We’re thrilled that you chose us for your hair restoration journey and that you feel you made the right decision. Thank you for your recommendation, and for those contemplating addressing their hair loss, we are here to help you take that step with confidence. Best regards, The Team at Dr. Bonaros' Clinic

Theodora Kotorou

I can’t recommend Dr Bonaros enough! After struggling with hair loss for years, I finally found a doctor who provided me with an efficient and cost-effective solution that truly worked. From the first consultation, he took the time to understand my concerns, explain all my options, and tailor a treatment plan that suited my needs.

The results have been incredible, and I feel more confident with my current hair situation. He is professional, welcoming, and always available for any follow-up questions. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable hair loss specialist, look no further than Dr Bonaros.

Would highly recommend to anyone dealing with hair loss. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you very much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear about your positive experience at our Glasgow hair transplant and hair treatments clinic. Our aim is to provide efficient and affordable solutions for hair loss, and we’re pleased to know you’ve found a treatment plan that suits you. Your increased confidence is exactly why we do what we do. Dr. Bonaros and the entire team are dedicated to understanding each patient’s unique needs and making them feel welcome and supported throughout their hair restoration journey. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We're here to help anyone dealing with hair loss, and we appreciate your trust in us! Best wishes, The Team at Dr Bonaros' Clinic

carlo celindano

I had a hair transplant over 4 years ago with him and I'm still happy today he truly is amazing 🥳 if you are thinking of getting one please use him 🙏 he does the whole procedure from start to finish. If you do your research it has amazing reviews and the great profile. 3 of my friends have used him as well and they're very happy with the results 😁 please don't choose the cheapest price to get the procedure 🤦 just pay once and get it done properly. You really do get what you pay for with hair transplants. Thank you again for a life changing experience 😁

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review! We're thrilled to hear that you're still happy with your results and that your experience was life-changing. It's fantastic to know that you and your friends have had positive experiences with Dr Bonaros. At Dr Bonaros hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive care from start to finish, ensuring that each procedure meets the highest standards of quality and patient satisfaction. If you ever have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for your kind words and support.

Connor T

From the very beginning, the entire experience was fantastic. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and explained every step of the process in great detail

The procedure was surprisingly comfortable, with minimal discomfort during and after the surgery. The recovery went well, and I was provided with clear instructions and a goody bag to take away to aid my recovery.

I highly recommend that everyone consult with Dr. Bonaro and his staff before making a final decision. You won't regret it!

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We’re delighted to hear about your good experience at our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow. It’s great that you found the procedure comfortable and our staff informative. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated. If you need further assistance, we’re here to help!

susan taylor

Visited Dr Bonaros regarding hair thinning. Found him to be very professional and had my best interests at heart. No hard sell or trying to sell unneeded products. If anyone needs advice regarding hair loss or hair thinning I cannot recommend this doctor enough.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Dr. Bonaros provided professional care with your best interests in mind. At our hair transplant clinic in Glasgow, we pride ourselves on offering honest advice without any pressure. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated!

Nathan Ryde

Dr Bonaros is a true professional putting the customers needs first. His patient centred approach and knowledge gives you the best results possible from the procedure with a keen attention to prevention and maintenance as hair loss is ongoing. I travelled up to his clinic for my 12 month review to personally thank him and his partner at the clinic. Both wonderful people who truly want the best for you. The results I have had are outstanding and exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a hair transplant with fine precision and a doctor who is certified with a great reputation in this field I urge you to look no further as he delivers spectacular results !

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for your kind words. We're thrilled to know that you are delighted with the results and had a positive experience at our Glasgow hair transplant clinic. Our team, including Dr. Bonaros, is committed to providing patient-centered care with a focus on prevention and maintenance. We are proud to have exceeded your expectations and appreciate your trust in us. Thank you for recommending our clinic!

Finasteride for Hair Loss

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