Hair Loss Blog
Welcome to the myhair blog — your source for everything you want to know about hair. If you're trying to find out more about a new hair loss treatment, interested in learning more about certain hair care products, or just want some hairstyle advice, you've come to the right place. All of our content is created, fact-checked, and reviewed by our expert editorial team and qualified medical professionals.
Finasteride vs. dutasteride
Finasteride, also known Propecia®, and dutasteride, commonly called Avodart™, are both androgenic alopecia treatments. These pills are also both dihydrotestosterone blockers. However, this is where most of their similarities end. Dutasteride is much stronger than finasteride, and only finasteride is FDA-approved as a hair loss treatment in the USA.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Finasteride is an oral medication used to treat androgenic alopecia. Most people need to take this drug for at least 3 months before they start seeing results. This delay is due to the time the hair growth cycle takes. If you take finasteride irregularly or in lower doses, it will likely take even longer to see results.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome
Post-finasteride syndrome is a cluster of side effects that affect people taking DHT blocking medications like finasteride and dutasteride. These side effects are quite serious, ranging from mental health problems to erectile dysfunction. Post finasteride syndrome is thought to affect less than one percent of people taking DHT-blocking drugs.
Minoxidil vs. Finasteride
Minoxidil and finasteride are both FDA-approved treatments for hair loss, but they work in completely different ways. Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp, while finasteride works as a hormone blocker. The way you take these medications is also different: Minoxidil is a topical solution, while finasteride is a pill you take once a day.
What is minoxidil shedding?
Hair shedding can be a sign of hair loss, but it’s not always cause for concern. Minoxidil shedding is a short-term version of hair fall. This side effect occurs when people first start using this drug. It stops after a month or two of use.
What is a laser cap for hair loss (and should I buy one)?
Laser caps are a type of low level laser therapy (LLLT) device. Although you might be more familiar with FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, light therapy devices like laser caps can also help counteract hair loss symptoms and regrow hair.
Choosing a hair regrowth treatment
Choosing a hair regrowth treatment can be daunting. The good news is that there are both natural solutions and FDA-approved hair loss treatments available. All of the FDA-approved treatments have undergone extensive testing and completed countless clinical trials.
Why minoxidil is one of the best hair loss treatments
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for androgenic alopecia. It’s available as a foam or liquid in concentrations of both 2 and 5 percent. Other minoxidil products are also available, but have yet to be FDA-approved. Currently, the 5 percent serum is the most effective product men can use.
Laser hair growth treatments for androgenic alopecia
Laser hair growth treatments, also known as low level laser therapy treatments or LLLT, are a type of light therapy. They can help stop the progression of androgenic alopecia, allowing people to improve hair quality and regrow hair. LLLT devices are the only tool that the FDA has cleared for the treatment of pattern hair loss.