Topical finasteride works by counteracting the enzyme that is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and causing hair loss. Clinical studies found that men with androgenetic alopecia (aka, male pattern baldness) who used the medication saw a significant increase in total hair counts, a decrease in hair loss and were pleased with their hair growth. Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor that prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT, mixed with minoxidil, a vasodilator that improves blood flow to follicles and promotes hair regrowth, is a topical formulation shown to effectively treat male pattern baldness. Plus, unlike hair transplants or oral medications, topical finasteride is non-invasive and easy to use.

Topical finasteride is available by prescription through some healthcare providers. Through hims, you can connect with a medical provider and be evaluated for prescription topical finasteride & minoxidil solution online. If approved, you get your topical medication delivered straight to your door. It is important to note that no licensed version of either topical finasteride or topical finasteride & minoxidil in combination is currently available. The hims topical finasteride with minoxidil solution is a compounded product that is manufactured in a fully regulated UK compounding pharmacy and is only available if prescribed by a registered clinician after an online consultation.

While oral finasteride has been shown in robust clinical trials to have therapeutic effects in treating hair loss, some men worry about the risk of side effects. Clinical studies suggest that topical finasteride has a lower risk of systemic side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, because it is applied topically to your scalp rather than taken orally. If you are concerned about sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction, talk to a provider to see if a topical solution could be a good choice for your hair restoration.

Using the dropper provided, apply up to 1mL of the solution directly to the scalp in the areas affected by hair loss, twice daily, with at least eight hours between the two applications. A good way to apply the solution is in small droplets to the affected area. This helps spread the solution around and also prevents it from running down your head. Rubbing the solution in is not necessary, although some guys use their fingers or the dropper to spread the solution around the affected area of the scalp.

Clinical studies have shown that topical finasteride is generally well-tolerated by most men who use it to treat male pattern baldness. However, it is important to keep in mind that the use of topical finasteride to treat hair loss has not been as comprehensively studied as oral finasteride. Like all medications, there is a risk of side effects with topical finasteride. Even though it is applied to the skin, topical finasteride may have a systemic impact. A 2018 study, found that serum DHT levels decreased while using topical finasteride, an indication that the medication can travel through the body. Having said that, systemic side effects typically associated with oral finasteride (e.g., erectile dysfunction, low libido) were not reported in the studies of topical finasteride. However, additional research studies are required to better understand the systemic risks. The common side effects of topical finasteride were found to be localized to the site of medication application (scalp) and include: itching, irritation, burning sensation, flaking of the scalp, and redness. These side effects are typically mild in nature and resolve without intervention. If you do experience side effects with this medication, message a medical provider through the Hims platform. If you are allergic or have a hypersensitivity to topical finasteride or minoxidil, you may experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face. Seek emergency medical attention for an allergic reaction.

If you are taking oral finasteride or dutasteride, a medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you should not use topical finasteride, as combining the medications could increase chances of side effects.