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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Finasteride (topical) vs Minoxidil (oral & topical): they're closely matched on evidence (6.5 vs 5.5/10); they're alternatives for hair growth & thickness — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Finasteride (topical) and Minoxidil (oral & topical) are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Finasteride (topical) and Minoxidil (oral & topical) have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
Apply finasteride 0.25% topical solution to the scalp once daily. Lower applied volumes reduce serum DHT less while still cutting scalp DHT substantially.
evening
Finasteride 0.25% topical solution
Topical 2–5% solution or 5% foam applied to the scalp (men: 5% twice daily or once-daily foam; women: 2% twice daily or 5% foam once daily). Low-dose ORAL minoxidil is off-label and clinician-titrated, typically 0.25–5 mg once daily. A drug — not an approved supplement regimen.
anytime
Topical 5% foam/solution (OTC) for most; low-dose oral minoxidil under a clinician for poor topical responders
immediate
24 weeks
24 weeks
1 week
3–6 months
3–6 months
Weeks to months
Throughout use
Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution for male androgenetic alopecia: a phase III, randomized, controlled clinical trial
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol (2022) · Rct · n=458
The pivotal trial: phase III, double-blind, DOUBLE-DUMMY, so it compares topical against placebo AND against oral finasteride in the same study.
Effects of a novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution on scalp and serum dihydrotestosterone in healthy men with androgenetic alopecia
Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther (2016) · Rct · n=50
⚠️ THE CAVEAT THAT MATTERS: serum DHT fell 60-70%. "Topical avoids systemic exposure" is not what this study shows at the higher doses.
Comparing the therapeutic effects of finasteride gel and tablet in treatment of the androgenetic alopecia
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol (2009) · Rct · n=45
A direct head-to-head of gel against tablet, double-blind and double-dummy, six months.
A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2002) · Rct · n=393
48-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter RCT in 393 men with androgenetic alopecia
A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2007) · Rct · n=352
16-week double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT of 5% minoxidil foam in 352 men (52-week open-label safety extension)
Efficacy and Safety of Once-Daily Minoxidil Foam 5% Versus Twice-Daily Minoxidil Solution 2% in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Phase III, Randomized, Investigator-Blinded Study.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (2016) · Rct · n=322
Phase III randomized, investigator-blinded trial in 322 women with female pattern hair loss
Both Finasteride (topical) and Minoxidil (oral & topical) are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For hair growth & thickness, Minoxidil (oral & topical) has a higher relevance score (88 vs 84).
No known interactions between Finasteride (topical) and Minoxidil (oral & topical) have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.