What is Topical Finoxidil? Can it Promote Hair Growth?

As a common concern, male pattern baldness affects 30 to 50% of men by the age of 50. Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this is a genetic condition that affects the crown and hairline.

Luckily, plenty of treatments are available to slow the rate of hair loss while also encouraging regrowth, including minoxidil and finasteride. These clinically proven medications are available in oral or topical form, either over the counter or through prescription.

A newer solution that you may not have heard of, however, is topical finoxidil, which combines the two treatments – but does it offer greater benefits than using them alone? Keep reading to discover how finoxidil can help regrow hair and whether it’s the right topical treatment for you.

What is Finoxidil?

Finoxidil describes a topical formula that blends two clinically-proven hair loss medications: finasteride and minoxidil.

This hair regrowth treatment is designed to treat male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, which is experienced by up to 1 in every 2 men over 40 years old.

Finoxidil is most commonly found as a topical solution that can be applied directly to the scalp, either in spray or gel form.

What Ingredients Does Topical Finoxidil Contain?

Both active ingredients found in finoxidil are FDA-approved as hair loss treatments, meaning that they are safe and effective. Here’s how they work:

Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription medication that’s been FDA-approved to treat hair loss for men since 1997.

Oral finasteride is the most common form of the drug, which is sold under the brand names Proscar or Propecia. While Proscar treats the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), Propecia is used for male pattern hair loss.

Finasteride works by stopping the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) DHT is a sex hormone, or androgen, which triggers hair loss by shrinking hair follicles.

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By counteracting the effects of DHT, finasteride therefore stops hair fall and stimulates regrowth in areas of thinning. In a study of over 2,500 men, almost 90% of patients observed hair growth without any long-term safety problems.

While some studies show that a topical finasteride treatment can reduce DHT levels by 68 to 75%, compared to 62 to 72% for oral finasteride, the effects depend on at which stage patients are starting treatment. Early treatment of hair loss with a topical solution is generally more effective, since there are more viable follicles to support hair regrowth.

However, topical finasteride is most often not available as a stand-alone treatment; instead, it’s typically combined with minoxidil to form finoxidil for hair regrowth.

Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is the active ingredient found in Rogaine, a branded over-the-counter hair loss treatment available in 2% and 5% concentrations.

Originally made as an oral medication for high blood pressure in the 1970s, hair growth was quickly noted as a side effect, which led to its current status as a male pattern hair loss solution.

Topical minoxidil treatments are applied on thinning or balding areas of the scalp in foam or liquid spray form. They act as vasodilators, a type of medication that widens blood vessels and increases oxygen flow, allowing more nutrients to reach your hair follicles.

Studies show that minoxidil solution can also lengthen the anagen stage of the hair cycle when your follicles are actively growing.

How to Use Finoxidil

Finoxodil is a non-greasy, quick-drying treatment that should be used twice per day. Apply 30 drops to your scalp in areas that are at risk of or are already thinning.

Ensure enhanced penetration by leaving at least three hours before swimming, showering, or participating in strenuous exercise. Always read the instructions on the packaging before use.

Children and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid handling finoxidil. Always speak to a doctor before applying the topical formulation, particularly if you have any existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Does a Finasteride and Minoxidil Solution Have Any Side Effects?

Some rare, yet potential side effects associated with finoxidil include:

• Skin irritation
• Flaking
• Itching or burning scalp
• Scalp redness

However, combined finasteride and minoxidil treatments trigger fewer side effects than the stand-alone medications. Finoxidil research finds that the drug is well tolerated by most users and adverse reactions are rare.

This makes it a great alternative for those who have or are worried about experiencing side effects with finasteride and minoxidil products alone. As a DHT inhibitor, finasteride may cause sexual dysfunction and sore or enlarged breasts, for instance.

Do Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride Treatments Effectively Stimulate Hair Growth?

While minoxidil boosts hair regrowth for those already experiencing hair loss, topical finasteride mainly prevents further hair loss. By combining topical finasteride and minoxidil, finoxidil targets both issues for men with pattern hair loss, therefore creating a more effective treatment.

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In one study, forty men aged 18 to 60 years with androgenetic alopecia received 24 weeks of treatment with a minoxidil solution or a combined finasteride/minoxidil treatment.

Results showed that the combined treatment was significantly superior for improvements in hair density and diameter, with 90% of patients seeing a moderate to marked improvement. Patients also experienced a 5% reduction in DHT levels.

This is because minoxidil enlarges the blood vessels within your scalp, which may improve finasteride absorption into scalp hair follicles.

How to Get Finoxidil

While topical minoxidil is available over the counter, oral minoxidil and finasteride medications can only be accessed with a doctor’s prescription.

With a 100% online model and unlimited access to qualified GPs, Hairy Hair offers a convenient and discreet solution.  The Hairy Hair daily pill combines clinically proven ingredients to enhance hair loss prevention.

Enjoy a long-term, subscription-based solution that’s medically backed to promote hair regrowth – and with no need to visit clinics, you can tackle hair loss from home.

Final Thoughts

Finoxidil is an effective solution for those hoping to reduce hair loss with minimal side effects. Clinical studies show that the combined treatment offers better results than using topical finasteride or minoxidil alone, allowing you to simplify your hair care routine.

Topical finoxidil treatments can also be delivered straight to your door through a subscription-based service like Hairy Hair, which offers unlimited consultations with Australian GPS and free ongoing professional support. Learn more by checking our website!