The best topical finasteride brands for hair loss, per experts

Noticing a receding hairline? You’re not alone — and thanks to years of research, effective treatments are within reach.Male hair loss can be caused by a variety of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, and it’s far from uncommon.According to the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 85% of men will experience some degree of hair loss by age 50.Today, there’s no shortage of options for men looking to regrow hair or preserve what’s left — from LED light therapy and microneedling treatments to $15,000 hair transplants and a vast array of supplements.

But many of these solutions focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.Hair growth is closely linked to hormones, and finasteride is one of the few prescription treatments that directly targets the hormonal imbalances — specifically elevated DHT levels — which can contribute to hair loss and lead to male pattern baldness.Finasteride can be taken as a pill; however, this oral form may cause systemic side effects, such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.Topical finasteride, on the other hand, is generally well-tolerated, besides occasional redness or itchiness to the scalp.

The solution can be applied directly to the affected area of the scalp.For men looking to begin finasteride treatment, there are several options from trusted men’s health brands like Ulo, Happy Head, and hims.Many of these companies offer finasteride products that are also combined with Minoxidil, which is said to work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulating growth.To explore the science behind finasteride and the safety precautions for users, the Post consulted board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi.Saedi explained that finasteride is an FDA-approved oral medication used to treat male pattern hair loss.

It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which normally converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair follicle m...