Topical Finasteride 101: Your Complete Guide

You might think of finasteride as a medication taken as tablets, but did you know there’s also a topical form of finasteride?

Topical finasteride can be applied to the scalp directly to encourage hair growth. It comes in forms such as liquid solutions, serums, gels, and sprays.

We sell topical finasteride, combined with another clinically backed ingredient (minoxidil) to help increase hair count and slow down thinning.

With Hims topical finasteride & minoxidil spray, the right application technique and routine will help you on your way to achieving optimal hair regrowth results.

We’ll go over everything you need to know about our topical finasteride spray, including how it works, how to apply it for best results, and what its potential side effects are.

This product combines the power of two effective hair loss treatments, topical minoxidil and finasteride, to help minimize hair shedding, prevent a receding hairline, and restore healthy hair.

Before we outline the best way to apply it, let’s break down how it works to regrow hair.

Originally only sold under the name Rogaine^®, minoxidil has been FDA-approved since the 1980s for treating genetic hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia — also referred to as male pattern baldness or male pattern hair loss.

It’s thought to work by opening tiny channels in blood vessel walls to improve blood flow. On your scalp, this helps hair follicles stay in the growth phase (anagen) of the hair growth cycle longer.

Oral finasteride has been FDA-approved for treating pattern hair loss since 1997. Finasteride works to reduce levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. Depending on the form it comes in, this medication also lowers serum DHT in blood.

Finasteride comes in two forms, oral and topical.

The oral form was initially sold under the brand name Propecia^® until a generic version became available.

Finasteride falls into a group of medications called alpha reductase inhibitors that achieve these effects by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5AR) that converts testosterone to DHT.

Another example of a medication in this class is dutasteride (Proscar^®), which is currently only FDA-approved for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

DHT is the male sex hormone responsible for genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Elevated scalp DHT levels can cause hair follicles — the small structures in the scalp that produce hair — to shrink. Over time, this can result in thinner, shorter hairs and eventually lead to visible hair thinning or baldness.

Topical formulations of finasteride aren’t FDA-approved, but research and clinical studies look promising.

But, as with our topical finasteride spray, it can be prescribed off-label in topical form. Off-label means a licensed healthcare provider prescribes a medication outside its FDA-approved form and intended use.

Here’s how to use Hims topical finasteride & minoxidil spray for optimal hair regrowth.

1. Apply the Spray to Target Areas Once a Day

Part your hair to expose your scalp, then hold the bottle two to three inches away.

When spraying, target the main zones of hair loss, such as:

• The crown of your head

• The top of your head

• Each side of the front of your head (often the first place where hair begins to recede)

There’s no need to soak your scalp in the product. Just aim for light, even coverage.

Some people spray it over their whole scalp with the hopes of preventing future hair loss. However, it’s usually best to focus on the spots where hair loss happens most (like those listed above).

While it may seem like you need more spritzes, the formula is designed to restore hair health without the need to fully saturate your head.

2. Rub and Repeat

After each spritz, use your fingers to gently massage the hair regrowth solution into your scalp. Then move on to the next area and repeat.

Tilt your head slightly to prevent dripping, especially near your forehead. If any drips down your neck or onto your face, wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.

3. Let It Dry Fully, and Wash Your Hands

Allow the spray to dry completely before putting on a hat or going to bed.

If you apply Hims finasteride spray at night, it’s OK to wash your hair in the morning since the treatment will have had enough time on your scalp to be effective.

Always make sure to wash your hands after applying topical finasteride or minoxidil. That way, you won’t get any residue on areas where you don’t want hair growth.

4. Be Patient

Consistency is key, so use the product daily as directed. Most people start seeing visible results in three to six months. An early sign of success is often reduced shedding.

If your hair looks the same after three months of using topical finasteride, consider it a success, as that means your hair loss hasn’t gotten worse.

Here are a few things to keep in mind throughout your treatment with Hims finasteride hair growth spray:

• Don’t overuse the spray. Applying more of the product than directed (or applying it more often than needed) won’t boost the results and may cause side effects like itching or scalp irritation.

• Stick to a consistent hair care routine. Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo (or one formulated for your hair type), use styling products sparingly to avoid buildup. Hims Dandruff Detox shampoo can help if you notice flakes or dryness.

• Shedding may happen early on. That’s normal. It’s part of the hair regrowth cycle. The inclusion of minoxidil in the formula helps promote new hair growth by making room for healthy new strands.

Important note: Finasteride isn’t safe for people who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Avoid direct contact or sharing pillows with someone who’s pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon.

All medications have potential risks, and finasteride is no exception. Our topical solution is generally well-tolerated. However, mild side effects, like scalp itching and dryness, can happen.

If any adverse effects get worse the longer you use the spray, reach out to your prescribing healthcare provider or a dermatologist.

When you use topical finasteride, the amount that reaches your bloodstream generally seems to be lower than with the oral form. But it’s still possible to experience systemic side effects, meaning not localized to the treatment area.

Although rare, some people report sexual side effects, such as:

• Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Decreased libido (sex drive)

• Problems with ejaculation

• Reduced semen volume

Another potential side effect is dermatitis, which may appear as a rash, usually around the area you sprayed. These rashes usually go away on their own, but if they persist, talk to your provider or a dermatology specialist.

For complete safety info and a comprehensive list of possible side effects, check out our guide to topical finasteride & minoxidil spray.

Although finasteride is more commonly taken as an oral medication, a topical treatment is also available. Hims minoxidil & finasteride spray makes your at-home treatment plan simple and stress-free.

Here’s a recap of how the treatment works and how to apply topical finasteride and minoxidil:

• Apply the spray to all affected areas of your scalp. Targeting all areas of hair loss when you use the product can prevent further hair loss and improve hair density. Once a day, spritz it onto the four zones of hair loss (the crown of the head, the top of the head, and each side of a receding hairline). 

• Don’t apply more than you need. More isn’t better, and with this type of hair loss medication, too much of the solution can increase your risk of side effects like itching and irritation.

• Take care of your hair. A solid hair care routine will ensure your scalp and hair follicles are primed for new, healthy hair growth. Other products, like saw palmetto hair thickening shampoo and biotin supplements, can help on your path to healthier, fuller hair.

• Know that it can take time to see results. Hims finasteride spray won’t produce instant hair growth, but with a little patience, you’ll likely see a visible difference.

Hims offers a range of prescription and over-the-counter hair loss treatment options to address multiple types of hair loss, thinning, and scalp issues.