Hair Loss Medications Guide
Everything you need to know about hair loss medications — how they work, what they cost, side effects, and where to get them.
Finasteride
genericFinasteride — 1mg oral tablet taken once daily
Men experiencing early to moderate androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) who want a once-daily oral treatment that targets the root hormonal cause of thinning.
$8–$27/mo
See quoted unit
Minoxidil (Topical)
otcMinoxidil — 5% foam or solution applied to the scalp twice daily
Men and women looking for an accessible, no-prescription-needed treatment to support hair regrowth and slow thinning — especially those who prefer to avoid systemic medications.
$8–$20/mo
See quoted unit
Dutasteride
genericDutasteride — 0.5mg oral capsule taken once daily
Men who have not responded adequately to finasteride and are looking for a more potent DHT-blocking option, with the understanding that dutasteride is prescribed off-label for hair loss.
$10–$59/mo
See quoted unit
Oral Minoxidil (Low-Dose)
genericMinoxidil — 2.5mg oral tablet taken once daily (typical low-dose protocol)
Men and women who find topical minoxidil inconvenient, irritating, or ineffective and are looking for a potentially more consistent systemic alternative — under the guidance of a prescribing provider.
$10–$22/mo
See quoted unit
Topical Finasteride + Minoxidil
compoundedFinasteride/Minoxidil (compounded topical) — Follow the exact prescription and dispensing instructions; concentration, amount per application, and frequency differ.
A clinician assessing the cause of hair loss and whether a compounded prescription is appropriate
Quote required
See quoted unit
Medication Comparisons
Finasteride vs. Minoxidil: Which Hair Loss Treatment May Be Right for You?
Finasteride and minoxidil are the two most well-known and widely used hair loss treatments available today — and they work in fundamentally different ways. Finasteride is an oral prescription medication that targets DHT, the hormone behind follicle miniaturization, while minoxidil is a topical OTC treatment that may improve blood flow to the scalp and support follicle health. Many providers recommend using both together for a complementary approach, but if you are considering starting with one, understanding their differences can help you make a more informed decision.
Read Comparison »Oral vs. Topical Hair Loss Treatments: Evidence, Side Effects and Who Each Suits
In the US, only two medicines are FDA-approved to treat pattern hair loss: oral finasteride 1 mg (Propecia and generics, for men only) and topical minoxidil (OTC foam or solution, with separate men's and women's labeling). Everything else in the oral vs. topical debate, including low-dose oral minoxidil, oral dutasteride and compounded topical finasteride sprays, is off-label or not FDA-approved, so the real choice is between a stronger evidence base and the tradeoffs of each route, not simply a pill vs. a scalp product. Below, each option is matched to what its label or trial actually shows, so you can take specific questions to a clinician.
Read Comparison »