Topical Finasteride: Is It Effective?

Topical finasteride has been available for around 10 years, and several studies have compared it to the oral version.

After reviewing more than 30 studies, the conclusion is clear: Topical finasteride is almost as effective as oral finasteride.

Let’s dive into a recent study for more detail.

One of the latest studies, conducted by Pirritano and colleagues, compared:

• 1 mg oral finasteride
• 0.25% topical finasteride spray
• Placebo

The study included 456 participants over a period of 6 months.

Results:

• By 12 and 24 weeks, oral finasteride showed slightly better hair growth than topical finasteride.
• However, the difference wasn’t statistically significant.
• Both oral and topical finasteride outperformed the placebo.

Conclusion: Topical finasteride was found to be just as effective as oral finasteride in promoting hair growth.

Downsides of Topical Finasteride

The main selling point of topical finasteride is its potential to avoid the systemic side effects of oral finasteride.

But here’s the catch:
Studies show that topical finasteride reduces both scalp and plasma DHT levels, just like the oral version.

This means:

• Topical finasteride still gets absorbed into the bloodstream.
• If too much is absorbed, it can cause the same side effects as oral finasteride.

For example, the 0.25% concentration in the study mentioned earlier had a similar effect on reducing DHT levels in the blood as taking a 1 mg oral pill.

So, why bother with a topical solution if it carries similar risks?

It all comes down to finding the right concentration to balance effectiveness and safety.

The Right Dose of Topical Finasteride

One advantage of topical finasteride is that it builds up in the skin over time, meaning even low concentrations can significantly reduce scalp DHT levels.

In one study, researchers tested concentrations ranging from 0.025% to 0.1%.

Key findings:

• 0.1% concentration: Reduced scalp DHT by 54.3% and plasma DHT by 47.7%.
• 0.025% concentration: Reduced scalp DHT by 52.3% but only lowered plasma DHT by 24.4%.

Takeaway:
Even the lowest concentration, 0.025%, can cut scalp DHT levels in half while having a much smaller impact on blood DHT levels.

For those concerned about side effects, starting with a lower concentration like 0.025% could be a safer choice. You can gradually increase the dose if necessary, under medical supervision.

My Recommendation

For most people, I recommend sticking with a full or custom dose of oral finasteride.

Here’s why:

• Consistency: Oral finasteride provides more consistent results, as topical formulations and their absorption can vary.
• Ease of Use: Taking a pill is generally easier to remember than applying a topical solution daily.
• Side Effects: Topical solutions can cause local side effects like itching, irritation, or residue on the scalp.
• Availability: Topical finasteride isn’t as widely available and might be harder to find.

Given these factors, oral finasteride is often the more practical and reliable choice for most people.

Lastly, for Women

If you’re a woman considering finasteride, it’s crucial to know that it’s classified as a Category X drug.

This means:

• Finasteride, whether oral or topical, can cause birth defects in male fetuses.
• Even at low concentrations, topical finasteride can still pose risks during pregnancy.

My advice for women:

• Never use finasteride during pregnancy.
• Avoid self-medicating and always consult your doctor before starting any DHT blocker.
• Use reliable contraception if you’re of childbearing age and on finasteride.

Always prioritize safety by using any medication under strict medical supervision.

Conclusion

Topical finasteride can be an effective alternative to oral finasteride, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Finding the right concentration and using it consistently under medical supervision is key to balancing effectiveness and safety.

For more personalized advice and support, visit Hair Loss Immersion. Let’s find the right solution for your hair loss journey together.