Hair comparison
Finasteride vs Minoxidil: which works better for hair loss?
Reviewed by the FaroRx clinical team · Updated September 2026
The short answer
Finasteride slows hair loss by blocking DHT, the hormone that shrinks follicles. Minoxidil regrows hair by extending the growth phase and improving blood flow to the follicle. They do different jobs, and the strongest results come from using both. On FaroRx, finasteride starts at $35/mo, minoxidil at $39/mo, and the 4-in-1 hair spray combines both plus tretinoin and fluocinolone at $119/mo.
What each one does
| Finasteride | Minoxidil | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Stops further loss (blocks DHT) | Regrows and thickens hair |
| Form | Oral tablet or topical | Oral tablet or topical |
| First visible change | 3–6 months | 2–4 months (after initial shedding) |
| FaroRx price | From $35/mo | From $39/mo |
| Best for | Receding hairline and crown thinning | Crown density and overall thickness |
Why the combination wins
Finasteride removes the cause; minoxidil stimulates regrowth. Using only minoxidil means you are regrowing hair while DHT keeps shrinking follicles underneath. Using only finasteride means you hold your ground but regrow less. Studies of combined therapy consistently show better density than either alone, which is why our 4-in-1 spray puts minoxidil, finasteride, tretinoin and fluocinolone in one nightly application.
Side effects, plainly
- Finasteride: a small percentage report reduced libido or sexual side effects, usually reversible on stopping.
- Topical minoxidil: scalp dryness, itching, unwanted facial hair if it migrates.
- Oral minoxidil: ankle swelling, increased heart rate, extra body hair.
- Both: an initial shed in the first 4–8 weeks is normal and a sign the cycle is resetting.
The FaroRx safety note
FaroRx medications are prescription-only. A licensed provider reviews your intake, medical history and medication list before anything is prescribed, and can decline if a treatment is not appropriate for you. Nothing here is medical advice.
Common questions
Should I use finasteride or minoxidil first?
If you are actively losing hair, finasteride addresses the cause. Most people get the best result using both together.
Can I use both at the same time?
Yes — combination therapy is standard and is exactly what the FaroRx 4-in-1 hair spray delivers in one step.
What happens if I stop?
Hair maintained by treatment is gradually lost over 6–12 months after stopping, because the underlying process resumes.
Build your hair plan
Complete a short online visit and a licensed provider will review whether treatment is right for you.
This guide is for information only and is not medical advice. Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed U.S. pharmacy and are not FDA-approved products.