What’s the difference between finasteride and minoxidil pills?

Finasteride and minoxidil pills are both treatments for hair loss, specifically for conditions like male androgenetic alopecia. However, they have different ways of working.

Finasteride:

• Finasteride works by blocking a hormone that causes hair loss. This hormone is called DHT, which can shrink hair follicles. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps to prevent further hair loss.

Minoxidil:

• Minoxidil helps hair growth by improving blood flow to the hair follicles. This increased blood flow can help hair follicles get the nutrients they need to grow stronger and thicker hair.

Both medications are taken orally in pill form, but they target hair loss through different mechanisms. It's important to understand these differences when considering treatment options, and discussing with a healthcare provider can help determine the best option for individual needs.