Finasteride Dose for Hair Loss

Key Takeaways

• Oral finasteride is a prescription drug in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which work by preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

• It’s sold as Propecia^® for male pattern baldness and Proscar^® for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). 

• Oral finasteride is FDA-approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia), typically at a daily dosage of finasteride 1mg.

• The topical form is not yet FDA-approved, but can be just as effective.  

Oral finasteride is a popular hair loss treatment. Finasteride is sold for BPH under the brand name Proscar^® and for male pattern baldness as Propecia^®. Doctors typically prescribe it as a once-daily FDA-approved oral tablet, with the standard dose being 1 milligram (mg).

There are also topical versions of this drug — sprays and serums — that some providers prescribe off-label to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). While not yet FDA-approved, they may be an option if you prefer to apply the product directly to your scalp. 

Finasteride blocks an enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Lowering DHT can help slow or even reverse hair thinning over time.

A dermatologist or healthcare professional can help you find the right dose and form for your needs. Curious about the finasteride dose for hair loss? Let’s get into it.

Oral finasteride is available through prescription only. There is not yet an over-the-counter version of the medication. Generic oral finasteride and the brand medication (Propecia) are sold in 1 mg tablets for hair loss.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the recommended oral finasteride dose for hair loss is 1 milligram. For best results, you should take finasteride tablets at about the same time every day, with or without food.

Your doctor may prescribe a finasteride 5 mg tablet for BHP, but this dose isn’t recommended for treating hair loss. 

Topical vs. Oral Finasteride

Topical finasteride products include sprays and serums that are worked into the scalp to stimulate new hair growth in existing hair follicles. One study found that a 0.25 percent topical solution of finasteride applied just once a day improved hair count compared to a placebo, and was well-tolerated.

Topical finasteride is especially effective when combined with topical minoxidil, another hair loss medication that helps restore hair loss due to inherited male pattern baldness. For people who don’t like taking pills, topical finasteride may be a better option.

You should apply topical finasteride in small amounts to the scalp follicles experiencing hair loss. You don’t need to apply more, especially in areas with healthy hair growth. 

Choosing oral or topical finasteride may come down to personal preference. A 2022 study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that individuals who took oral finasteride saw similar hair growth compared with those who used the topical version.

“If you miss a dose of finasteride every now and then, don’t stress — it happens. Just skip it and take your next dose at the usual time," says board-certified dermatologist Knox Beasley, MD. "Doubling up isn’t a good idea, since taking too much can lead to side effects, especially those that affect things like sexual performance.”

Oral finasteride is generally well-tolerated by most people. You may be able to take it safely for months or years and experience robust hair growth without any problems. 

However, new hair growth after you start finasteride may be lost within a year or so after stopping the medication.

And like any powerful medication, finasteride can cause some potentially serious side effects, such as:

• Decreased libido

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Ejaculatory dysfunction

• Gynecomastia

• Depression, and/or anxiety

Less common adverse events can include hives, redness, or other skin rashes.

The sexual side effects of finasteride, like erectile dysfunction, a reduced sex drive, and less ejaculation volume, often fade as your body gets used to the medication. 

“I always discuss the potential side effects of finasteride; however, the risk of sexual side effects is very low,” says Dr. Beasley.

Some drug interactions involving oral finasteride and other prescription medications or supplements are possible, so be sure to consult your healthcare provider or a pharmacist to avoid any adverse effects or complications.

It’s always smart to keep your doctor updated with all the medications and supplements you take and, of course, to stick to the finasteride dosage you’ve been prescribed.

Why Your Doctor Might Recommend A Lower Dose

While there is little research on the topic, you may find that taking a lower dose may still restore hair growth while reducing the severity of side effects.

If you experience adverse effects with oral finasteride, you may want to try the topical version. Research suggests that men who make this switch still experience the desired improvements in hair density without the side effects. Using a combination of finasteride and minoxidil has been shown to be especially helpful with hair regrowth.

While it can be very effective, oral finasteride isn’t an overnight solution for hair regrowth. For many guys, the effects of finasteride may take three or four months to produce noticeable results, though everyone’s hair growth timeline can vary.

If you don’t see results within 12 months, this may indicate that the medication isn’t right for you. It may be time to discuss discontinuation and other hair restoration options with your provider.

Here’s what to remember:

• A 1 mg dose of oral finasteride daily is FDA-approved for treating male pattern baldness and is effective for many guys.

• Topical finasteride may offer similar results, but it’s not FDA-approved for hair loss.

• Side effects are possible, including skin irritation, sexual side effects, and mental health effects. You should also be aware that taking or being exposed to finasteride while pregnant can cause birth defects.

Finding the right finasteride dose can make a big difference in your hair regrowth journey. Whether you choose oral or topical treatment, the goal is to block DHT effectively while minimizing side effects.

Need help? Start by taking our free online hair quiz and checking out our men’s hair care resources.