Finasteride is one of the most successful treatments for male pattern baldness, stopping hair loss in up to 83% of men after 2 years of use [1]. But you don’t need to wait this long to see results — many men see improvements in their hair loss after just 3 months of finasteride use [2-3].
That said, not all men get results this early, either. So how long does it take for finasteride to work, and when can most users see noticeable hair regrowth? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
What is finasteride and how does it work?
Finasteride is a drug that helps to block production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT binds to receptors in your hair follicles, causing them to shrink. This miniaturisation process ultimately prevents your follicles from producing hair, leading to thinning patches and the development of a receding hairline or crown balding.
It takes several months for the cumulative effect of a daily finasteride tablet to translate to visible hair regrowth, particularly in the later stages of male pattern baldness. That’s why finasteride-induced hair growth isn’t instant, and why it takes longer for some people to see results than others.
How long does finasteride take to work?
It takes around 3-6 months of consistent finasteride use for most men to see a visible difference in their hair. This usually consists of a reduction in hair shedding in the shower or on their pillow.
Visible regrowth is more likely to occur around 6-12 months after starting finasteride. One study found that almost 92% of men who took 1 mg finasteride daily saw improvement within 4 months [2].
The time it takes finasteride to work for you depends on several factors, including:
- Finasteride dose — Most men take a 1 mg dose of finasteride each day to tackle hair loss.
- Consistency — Skipping doses or halving tablets will prolong the amount of time it takes for finasteride to work.
- Hair growth cycle length — It may take longer for people with naturally longer shedding or resting phases to see results.
- Finasteride shedding duration — Temporary hair shedding is a normal response to finasteride treatment, and can last up to a month. Regrowth will start when shedding finishes.
Can you speed up finasteride results?
Keen for rapid regrowth? While speeding up hair regrowth with finasteride isn’t always possible, some treatments will give you a better chance of faster growth and/or thicker hair density. Here are 3 ways to boost hair growth when using finasteride.
1. Use minoxidil and finasteride together
Combining oral finasteride with minoxidil is a good way to enhance hair growth. In fact, studies have shown that this hair loss treatment combination is more effective than either treatment in isolation [6-7].
You’re likely to see results from combined finasteride and minoxidil treatment between 3-6 months, as your body and hair will still need to go through the same processes to make way for new growth. But you may still see results sooner than with either treatment individually.
You can take oral finasteride alongside topical minoxidil, or use a topical finasteride + minoxidil solution. A topical-only formula can help reduce the risk of systemic side effects.
Recommended
Finasteride (1mg) + Minoxidil 5% (60ml)
Inhibit DHT production to halt hair loss and promote hair growth.
2. Massage your scalp to increase blood flow
A regular scalp massage can help stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles, helping to deliver extra nutrients and oxygen that promote hair growth. Research suggests you can achieve greater regrowth by massaging your scalp for 11-20 minutes a day [8].
3. Use a derma roller
Derma rollers create tiny wounds in the scalp, promoting collagen production as the wounds heal. Studies suggest that this process can increase hair count [9].
Using a derma roller alongside topical minoxidil + finasteride formulas (or even minoxidil alone) can increase absorption of the active ingredients, helping to promote better hair growth [10].
Does finasteride maintain hair growth in the long-term?
Yes. Several studies have shown that taking finasteride long-term can maintain and even improve results [2,4].
One study found that more than 87% of subjects increased hair growth to some degree after 3.5 years of treatment [2]. A 10-year study found that 91.5% of patients saw improved hair growth and 99.1% saw no further hair loss [4].
You’ll need to continue taking finasteride throughout this time to see continued results. However, some recent research suggests that you may be able to switch to topical finasteride and maintain much of your new growth [5]. This may be desirable if you’re experiencing finasteride side effects.
Take our 1-minute finasteride assessment
DrHair is the UK’s leading finasteride supplier to online retailers and pharmacies — and now you can buy direct from us, too. Our unique position means we can offer customers the best prices on finasteride and minoxidil hair loss treatments.
Take our 1-minute finasteride assessment to discover if you’re eligible for this treatment. Order today for fast, discreet delivery and start tackling your hair loss.
FAQs
Learn more about when and how to use finasteride for best results in these FAQs.
Many people who use combined finasteride and minoxidil see results within 3-6 months of use.
DrHair’s rapid assessment process enables you to check your eligibility for finasteride in under a minute. Just complete the online questionnaire and get approval from one of our licensed pharmacists. You’ll also get free, fast delivery in discreet packaging.
Provided you’re not experiencing serious or unmanageable side effects, we advise that you continue taking finasteride for at least 6 months. Not all men see results within 3 months, but that doesn’t mean the medication isn’t working. Other factors can influence how long finasteride takes to work, so the benefits may not become clear until around 6 to 12 months after starting treatment.
