Minoxidil vs Finasteride For Hair Restoration Comparison Summary

Minoxidil and finasteride are designed to be taken in the long term, but their costs can differ. They are both widely available and are sold under many brand names. Minoxidil can be purchased over the counter but is more expensive. Prescription minoxidil can also be acquired from your doctor at a lower cost. 

Finasteride is only available as a prescription, which can be provided by a doctor through a virtual consultation and can be delivered straight to your door. Minoxidil results may be visible faster compared to finasteride. With minoxidil, you can start to see results as early as eight weeks into treatment, while finasteride results can be observed usually after 3 months. 

Minoxidil side effects are more likely to cause physical side effects such as headaches, rashes, hypertrichosis and temporary increased hair loss. Finasteride is more associated with systemic side effects related to sexual dysfunction, such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems. 

Finasteride vs Minoxidil For Hair Loss User Guidance

When it comes to finasteride vs minoxidil efficacy, minoxidil can provide faster results, but finasteride can be more effective in the long run. Studies have shown that finasteride worked on almost 100% of people after 10 years of use. 

Finasteride doesn’t have any initial hair shedding associated with taking the medication, while minoxidil can cause telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding). This is just an initial reaction to a new chemical entering your body, and hair regrowth will improve shortly after. 

If you want a topical solution minoxidil is a more appropriate choice while finasteride is a better oral solution. Topical finasteride in Australia is also available, however. Minoxidil and finasteride topical solutions can be combined for more effective results than taking either alone.