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Around 50% of people, regardless of gender, will experience hair loss. Hair loss medication can encourage hair growth and make the hair feel thicker and fuller. Here, we discuss the most effective types of medication and where to buy them.
Although treatment for androgenetic alopecia — which refers to hair loss with close links to genetic factors — is unnecessary, some people may wish to reduce their hair loss by using hair loss medication.
If hair loss is due to a health condition such as alopecia areata, polycystic ovary syndrome, or scalp infection, a person can seek treatment for any underlying conditions.
All prices come from Optum Perks, a free search engine that provides coupons to reduce the cost of medication.
Minoxidil
- Price: from $26.49
- Type: nonprescription topical
- Brand name: Rogaine
Minoxidil is a topical product that people apply to their scalp. It is available over the counter.
Doctors originally prescribed minoxidil for severe high blood pressure but found it caused excessive hair growth in its oral form in
Minoxidil has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. However, scientists do not fully understand how it works. Experts believe it shortens the hair’s resting phase — called the telogen phase — and extends the growth phase, called the anagen phase.
Side effects and warnings
A person may notice results within 8 weeks. However, there are several side effects a person should be aware of. These can include:
- skin irritation
- scaly skin
- itchy skin
- making seborrheic dermatitis worse
- allergic contact dermatitis
- unwanted excessive hair growth
It is also not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding people. A person should not use minoxidil if they do not know the cause of their hair loss.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states that people need to use minoxidil once or twice per day but warns that hair loss will return if they stop using it.
Minoxidil may be more effective if a person combines it with other hair loss treatments. For instance, older research found that females who took
Pros
- can produce results in 8 weeks
- available over the counter
- might be more effective in combination with other hair-loss medications
Cons
- not safe during pregnancy or while nursing
- can cause a range of side effects, including excessive hair growth
- hair loss will return if treatment stops
Spironolactone
- Price: from $3.92
- Form: prescription oral tablet
- Brand name: Aldactone
This medication is FDA-approved to
The British Association of Dermatologists states that spironolactone may take up to 6 months to produce results.
Some research has revealed positive results for spironolactone for FPHL. Research from 2015 found almost 75% of study participants with FPHL experienced improvements in their hair loss or stabilized hair loss.
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Side effects and warnings
The AAD advises that people avoid using spironolactone if they are pregnant, as it can cause birth abnormalities. A person needs to use birth control to prevent pregnancy if they want to take spironolactone.
The side effects spironolactone may cause include:
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal females
- drowsiness
- increased growth of body hair
Pros
- may work well alongside minoxidil
- some research concluded spironolactone is effective for FPHL
Cons
- may take 6 months to produce results
- unsafe during pregnancy and while nursing
- it is not FDA-approved as a treatment for FPHL
- will not work for male pattern hair loss (MPHL)
- may cause side effects
Dutasteride
- Price: from $8.50
- Type: prescription oral tablet
- Brand name: Avodart
Dutasteride is an oral medication that doctors prescribe for people with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The FDA has not approved it as a treatment for hair loss, but a doctor may prescribe it for this purpose.
It may take 3 to 6 months for people to start noticing results.
An
In another 2017 study, researchers reviewed the effects of dutasteride and finasteride in men with androgenetic alopecia. They found that dutasteride was more effective, but its adverse effects were similar to finasteride. However, this study used a small sample size and had a short duration, so more research is necessary to confirm its results in the wider population.
A larger
Side effects and warnings
Dutasteride can cause side effects, including:
- difficulty maintaining an erection
- decreased libido
- ejaculation issues
- increased risk of high grade prostate cancer
Pros
- some research found dutasteride to be effective against MPHL
- may have increased efficacy compared to finasteride
Cons
- may cause a range of sexual-related side effects
- may increase a person’s risk of prostate cancer
- FDA has not approved it for use in hair loss
Finasteride
- Price: from $3.93
- Type: prescription topical or oral tablet
- Brand name: Proscar, Propecia
Finasteride is an
It works by binding to the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and stopping it from converting testosterone into DHT. This can slow hair loss but will not completely stop it.
According to the AAD, a person needs to take one finasteride pill daily. It can take up to 4 months to produce results.
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Side effects and warnings
Finasteride is unsafe for people who are pregnant or nursing, females of childbearing age, or children.
Moreover, finasteride may cause side effects, including:
- erectile dysfunction
- decreased libido
- decreased ejaculatory volume
- gynecomastia, increased breast tissue in males
Pros
- FDA-approved for hair loss
- evidence-based effectiveness
Cons
- may take 4 months to produce results
- unsafe during pregnancy and while nursing
- can cause sexual dysfunction
- slows but does not stop hair loss
The following table compares the hair loss medications in this article on their form, effectiveness, and more.
| Minoxidil | Spironolactone | Dutasteride | Finasteride | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form | topical | oral | oral | oral and topical |
| How to use or take | apply to scalp once or twice daily | swallow 1 tablet a day with or without food | swallow 1 capsule a day with or without food | swallow 1 tablet a day with or without food |
| Time until results | 8 weeks | 6 months | 3–6 months | 4 months |
| Common side effects | • itchy scalp • dryness • scaling • excessive hair growth | • breast tenderness • enlarged breasts • irregular periods | • erectile dysfunction • decreased libido | • enlarged breasts • erectile dysfunction • decreased libido |
| Price | from $26.49 | from $3.92 | from $8.50 | from $3.93 |
Several telehealth companies offer hair loss medications. We rounded up the most reputable companies that have passed our vigorous vetting process.
A person should consider the following factors when looking for hair loss medication:
- Safety: The
FDA has approved two drugs for hair loss: topical minoxidil and finasteride. A person needs to exercise caution when buying hair loss treatments that use other ingredients, as their safety or effectiveness may not have undergone evaluation. - Side effects: Some hair loss treatments can cause side effects. A person needs to read prescribing information and product labeling to understand what side effects may occur when using the product. Individuals should stop using any hair loss medication that causes side effects and seek medical advice.
- Pregnancy: Many hair loss medications are not safe during pregnancy or while nursing. A person needs to speak with a doctor before trying hair loss medication.
- Price: Some hair loss medications can be expensive. A person needs to consider the cost-effectiveness of their chosen medication as they will typically need to use it daily. They also need to research customer reviews and whether the manufacturer’s claims include scientific evidence before purchasing.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that it is usual for people to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, it recommends consulting a doctor if people experience the following:
- sudden hair loss
- hair coming out in clumps
- bald patches
- itchy or burning scalp
- hair loss that affects their mental health
These symptoms may be a sign of a health condition.
Below are answers to some of the top questions about hair loss medications.
Research suggests that the majority of FDA-approved hair loss medication — and some off-label medications for hair loss — produce promising results. However, hair loss will return if a person stops treatment in many cases.
There is no best treatment for hair loss. The type of medication that will provide the best results will depend on each person and any characteristics or health conditions they may have. For example, many medications are unsuitable for people who are pregnant.
A doctor will work with each person to find the most effective and best treatment for hair loss.
Finasteride is one of the best oral medications for hair loss. This tablet has FDA approval for use in hair thinning and loss and can provide noticeable results.
The AAD states that dermatologists can recommend OTC and prescription medication for hair loss, including minoxidil. They may also suggest alternative treatments such as microneedling, laser caps or combs, or more invasive treatments, including corticosteroid injections, hair transplants, and certain blood treatments.
Hair loss medications come as tablets, solutions, and foams. Some are available over the counter, while others require a doctor’s prescription.
Research is promising regarding the effectiveness of popular hair loss medications. However, more research is necessary overall, particularly on the long-term effects of using hair loss treatments.
There are also various telehealth companies offering hair loss medication a person can consider. A person should always discuss hair loss with a doctor before trying a new treatment.