Minoxidil vs Finasteride: Can You Use Both?
Short answer: Yes, and you probably should. Minoxidil and finasteride work through completely different mechanisms, making them complementary rather than competing treatments. Here's everything you need to know about using them together.
The Bottom Line
Using minoxidil and finasteride together is the gold standard for treating male pattern hair loss. Studies show combination therapy achieves 92%+ success rates—significantly better than either treatment alone.
There are no drug interactions between them, and they attack hair loss from two different angles.
How They Work Differently
Understanding why these treatments complement each other requires knowing how they work:
Finasteride: The Defense
Mechanism: Blocks the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT
Result: Reduces scalp DHT by 60-70%
Primary effect: STOPS hair loss by preventing follicle miniaturization
Think of it as: Removing the cause of the problem
Minoxidil: The Offense
Mechanism: Vasodilator that increases blood flow to follicles; prolongs anagen (growth) phase
Result: More nutrients reach hair follicles; longer growth cycles
Primary effect: STIMULATES new hair growth
Think of it as: Encouraging growth regardless of the cause
This is why they work so well together: finasteride stops the damage while minoxidil promotes recovery and growth. It's like putting out a fire (finasteride) while also rebuilding (minoxidil).
Complete Comparison
| Factor | Finasteride | Minoxidil |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Prescription | OTC (topical) / Rx (oral) |
| How taken | 1mg pill daily | Topical 2x/day or oral 1x/day |
| Primary action | Blocks DHT production | Increases blood flow to follicles |
| Best for | Stopping hair loss | Stimulating new growth |
| Where it works | Crown + hairline | Best on crown; moderate on hairline |
| Effectiveness alone | 80-90% stop loss; 65% regrow | 60-70% see improvement |
| Time to results | 3-6 months | 4-6 months |
| Side effects | Sexual (1-2%) | Scalp irritation; body hair (oral) |
| Works for women | No (not FDA-approved) | Yes |
| Cost | $16-40/month | $15-35/month |
Why Combination Therapy Works Better
The evidence for using both treatments together is compelling:
Study Results: Combination vs Single Treatment
- 2025 study (502 men): 92%+ achieved stable or improved hair with combination therapy
- Regrowth: 57% showed marked improvement (vs ~30% with either alone)
- 12-month study: 80.5% improved with finasteride vs 59% with minoxidil—but combination beat both
- Long-term: Combination maintains results better over 2+ years
The math is simple: attacking hair loss from two angles produces better results than one. Since the mechanisms don't overlap, you get additive benefits without increased risk.
How to Use Them Together
Recommended Protocol
- Finasteride: 1mg pill, once daily (morning or night)
- Minoxidil topical: Apply 1ml (5% solution) to scalp twice daily
- Minoxidil oral: 2.5-5mg once daily (if prescribed instead of topical)
- Timing: No need to separate them—take finasteride whenever, apply minoxidil to dry scalp
✓ DO
- • Apply minoxidil to dry scalp
- • Be consistent with both treatments
- • Wait 4+ hours after minoxidil before washing hair
- • Take progress photos monthly
- • Commit to at least 6-12 months
✗ DON'T
- • Panic during initial shedding (normal)
- • Skip doses regularly
- • Expect overnight results
- • Stop if you see improvement (results reverse)
- • Double up if you miss a dose
Side Effects When Combined
Using both doesn't increase side effect risk—you're just potentially exposed to side effects from each:
| Finasteride Side Effects | Minoxidil Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Decreased libido (1.8%) | Scalp irritation/itching (topical) |
| Erectile dysfunction (1.3%) | Increased body/facial hair (oral, 15%) |
| Ejaculation issues (1.2%) | Dizziness/lightheadedness (oral) |
| Depression/mood changes (rare) | Fluid retention (oral, rare) |
There's no known interaction between finasteride and minoxidil. They can be safely taken together.
Get Both Treatments Online
Many telehealth platforms offer combination packages at a discount.
Which Should You Start First?
If you're going to use both (recommended), start them together. However, if you want to start with just one:
Start with Finasteride If:
- • You're mainly concerned with stopping hair loss
- • You want the most impactful single treatment
- • You don't want to apply topical solutions daily
- • You're comfortable with prescription medication
Start with Minoxidil If:
- • You want to try OTC first before prescription
- • You're concerned about finasteride's potential side effects
- • You're a woman (finasteride isn't approved for women)
- • You mainly want to stimulate growth in a specific area
What If One Alone Isn't Working?
This is the most common reason men add a second treatment:
- •On finasteride only, still thinning? Add minoxidil for growth stimulation
- •On minoxidil only, still losing ground? Add finasteride to address the DHT cause
- •On both but want more? Consider oral minoxidil instead of topical, or add ketoconazole shampoo
Key Takeaways
- 1. Yes, you can (and should) use both — they work through different mechanisms
- 2. Combination therapy is the gold standard — 92%+ success rate
- 3. Finasteride stops hair loss; minoxidil stimulates new growth
- 4. No interaction between them — safe to use together
- 5. Side effects don't stack — each has its own profile
- 6. Results take 6-12 months — commit to the timeline
- 7. Must continue both long-term — stopping reverses gains
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Finasteride is a prescription medication with potential side effects. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any hair loss treatment.