Finasteride for Hair Loss: How it Works

If you’re considering taking finasteride for hair loss, you probably have some questions.

How does it work? What's up with this "finasteride shedding" I keep hearing about? And, most importantly, when will I see results?

In this article, we'll answer all your burning questions about finasteride for hair loss. We’ll cover how finasteride works, when you can expect to see results, and what finasteride shedding is.

How Does Finasteride Work?

When using finasteride for hair loss, two key processes occur in your body:

• Reduction in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels
• Alteration of the hair growth cycle ¹

Both mechanisms contribute to hair regrowth. Let’s dive into how they work.

Reduction in DHT

The culprit behind receding hairlines and thinning crowns is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone causes hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the hair growth cycle. In fact, research shows that balding areas on the scalp have higher levels of DHT compared to areas with hair. ¹

DHT originates from regular old testosterone. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase transforms testosterone into DHT. So, if you can block this enzyme, you can halt the conversion process and stop DHT production. ¹

That's exactly how finasteride for hair loss works. It inhibits 5-alpha reductase, reducing DHT levels throughout the body. With less DHT on your scalp, hair follicles can return to normal size and restart their growth cycles. ¹

Finasteride and the Hair Growth Cycle

To understand how finasteride increases hair growth, it helps to know a little bit about the hair growth cycle.

Essentially, your hair is cycling through four main stages:

• Anagen: In this phase, new hair is actively growing.

• Catagen: In this transition phase, hair detaches from the follicle and stops growing.

• Telogen: During this resting phase, existing hairs stay in place while new hairs form beneath them.

• Exogen: The resting hair falls out, making way for new hair to enter the anagen phase. ²

When taking finasteride for hair loss, the medication speeds up this cycle by pushing more resting follicles into the anagen growth phase. This jumpstarts growth but can initially lead to increased shedding of hairs in the telogen phase, which is the dreaded “finasteride shedding” some men report. ³

However, by shifting more follicles into active growth, finasteride results in visibly thicker, healthier hair over time. More hairs in the anagen phase means denser hair growth and better quality than inactive hairs in the telogen phase. So, while finasteride shedding can be concerning at first, it's a sign the med is working. ¹

When Should I Start Taking Finasteride for Hair Loss?

Finasteride for hair loss is most effective when treatment is started in the early stages of male pattern baldness. Men who begin taking it as soon as they notice thinning typically see better results than those who wait until they are nearly bald. ⁴

Once the hair follicles stop working, the only option to restore your hair is hair transplant surgery. During this procedure, hair follicles are taken from areas of the scalp with healthy hair growth and grafted onto balding areas. It can produce natural-looking results but is expensive and invasive. ⁴

What is Finasteride Shedding?

When you begin taking finasteride, you may notice more hair shedding than usual. This temporary increase in hair loss, known as finasteride shedding, is a normal part of the process and a sign that the med is working. ³

Here's what's happening behind the scenes:

Finasteride works by speeding up the hair growth cycle, encouraging the hair follicles to move from the resting phase to the active growing phase more quickly. However, before new hair can grow, the old hair first needs to shed. So, finasteride shedding is simply the loss of these resting hairs to make way for new growth. ³

However, if excessive shedding persists beyond the first few months, make sure to consult your doctor. Ongoing increased hair loss could indicate an issue that needs evaluation. But in most cases, finasteride shedding is temporary and will resolve as your hair adjusts to the new growth cycle. 

When Will I See Results?

As soon as finasteride enters your system, it gets to work blocking the production of DHT. In fact, finasteride reduces DHT levels by 65% in just 24 hours. ¹ However, regrowing a lush, full head of hair is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency.

According to clinical trials approved by the FDA, you can expect to notice the first signs of new hair growth after taking finasteride daily for at least three months. But the most significant results happen over the long run with continued use. ¹

So, if you recently started finasteride for hair loss, don't get discouraged if you're not seeing dramatic changes yet or are experiencing temporary finasteride shedding. The key is to remain patient and stick with it.

How Long Do I Need to Take Finasteride for Hair Loss?

Finasteride can lead to hair regrowth in as little as 3 months. And within a year, you will likely see dramatic changes in your hair thickness and coverage. ¹ However, once you achieve the results you want, can you stop taking finasteride?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

Finasteride is meant to be a long-term treatment for hair loss. After discontinuing finasteride, your DHT levels will return to normal, and any hair regrowth will reverse within 12 months. ¹

The good news is that research has shown finasteride remains effective and safe over the long term. In one 5-year study, 1,215 men took 1 mg of finasteride daily. Researchers found that the men experienced steady improvement in their scalp hair over the 5 years. Even better, no side effects emerged with long-term finasteride use. ⁵

So, while finasteride for hair loss isn't a permanent cure, it is an excellent long-term treatment option. As long as you keep taking it, you can maintain your results.

Conclusion

Finasteride for hair loss has been used successfully for decades. By blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, finasteride targets the root cause of hair loss in most men.

However, consistency and patience are key to experiencing the benefits of finasteride. While "finasteride shedding" may occur when you first start the medication, this is a sign that it's working, and your hair follicles are restarting their growth cycles. 

It is also crucial to remember that finasteride is a treatment, not a cure, for hair loss. Finasteride will only work to regrow and maintain hair as long as you continue taking it.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.