male using either a Minoxidil and Finasteride dropper in front of the mirror

HAIR LOSS SOLUTION WITH TOPICAL HAIR MEDICINE: MINOXIDIL AND FINASTERIDE

Hair loss is a common, widespread issue affecting 50% of men by the age of 50 and 40% of women; unfortunately, many suffer in silence. The experience of thinning hair or getting bald spots can have a profound impact on self-esteem and confidence.

Fortunately, there are a number of medical solutions available to help slow the process of hair loss and even encourage hair growth and thickening, including topical solutions.

Norwood scale for male pattern baldness
Ludwig scale for female pattern baldness

In this blog, we will explore two of the most popular hair loss treatment ingredients: Minoxidil and Finasteride, their benefits both individually and combined, how to use them effectively, and how to get started on your hair restoration journey.

Key Ingredients in Hair Loss Treatments: Minoxidil and Finasteride

Benefits of finasteride and minoxidil

Minoxidil and Finasteride are two of the most widely prescribed treatments for hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness, a common condition that affects millions of men. These medications work through complementary therapies, making them highly effective when used together.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which widens the blood vessels. When applied to the scalp, it improves blood flow, ensuring that hair follicles receive more oxygen and nutrients. This helps the follicles to produce stronger, healthier strands of hair. The result is visibly thicker hair and improved hair density. However, Minoxidil alone does not address the underlying hormonal causes of hair loss.

Finasteride, on the other hand, is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It tackles the root cause of male pattern baldness—an excess of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone and is the main hormone that causes hair loss. High levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles, causing them to produce thinner hairs until the follicles eventually stop working altogether. By blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, Finasteride helps prevent further hair loss and allows the follicles to recover and encourage them to grow hair again.

Studies show that combining Minoxidil and Finasteride provides better, more sustained results than using either medication on its own as they target hair loss in two different ways. While Minoxidil promotes healthy hair growth, Finasteride works to address the hormonal cause of hair loss, making this duo particularly effective for those battling androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

How Droppers Work: The Power of Topical Hair Medicine

an illustration of how minoxidil and finasteride works

The great thing about combining Minoxidil and Finasteride in a topical solution lies in their complementary benefits. Finasteride is often taken as an oral pill, but recent advances have allowed it to be formulated into topical solutions, reducing the risk of systemic side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, which can occur with oral Finasteride.

One thing to note is that although Finasteride is a great agent to treat hair loss, it is not recommended for pregnancy age women and males trying to conceive.

In a topical solution, Minoxidil helps stimulate hair follicles by increasing blood flow, while Finasteride reduces the amount of DHT at the scalp, targeting the hormonal aspect of hair loss locally. These "droppers" are applied directly to the affected areas, making it a simple, convenient way to tackle hair loss at its source.

How to Use Hair Loss Droppers Effectively

Female pattern baldness using minoxidil dropper

Using a topical hair loss treatment is a straightforward process, but consistency is key to achieving results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean your scalp: Ensure your scalp is clean and dry before applying the solution.

2. Apply the dropper solution: Use the dropper provided to apply the recommended dose of the topical solution to areas of thinning hair. At Clinique de Paris, you will be asked to apply 1/2 to 1/3 of a pipette and rub into the SCALP, not the hair.

3. Massage the solution: Gently massage the product into your scalp with your fingertips to ensure even distribution and absorption.

4. Apply twice a day: Repeat the same process a second time throughout the day.

With regular use, results may begin to show in as little as 6 to 12 months, but patience is essential—hair restoration is a gradual process.

How to Get Started: Assessment and Prescription

Before starting any hair loss treatment, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, and not all types may respond to topical solutions such as Minoxidil and Finasteride. For example, alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition) or hair loss due to vitamin deficiencies won't benefit from these treatments.

Here at Clinique de Paris, we provide individualized assessments and treatment packages to suit every patient’s unique case. Our hair experts are ready to help you start your hair health journey. You may submit a hair loss assessment form or book a consultation with us.

Looking for Something Faster to Restore Your Hair?

Minoxidil and Finasteride before and afters

While Minoxidil and Finasteride are among the most effective treatments for male pattern baldness, they aren’t the only solutions available. If your genetics for hair loss is stronger than the hair serums, other options at Clinique de Paris include:

Platelet Mesotherapy: A regenerative treatment that harnesses the restorative properties of your platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen production, improve skin quality. On the scalp, it promotes scalp nutrient flow & increases keratin production – leading to thicker & stronger hair.

Direct Hair Implantation (DHI): Considered the most advanced method in the hair transplant industry, providing maximum density and ultra- natural looking results. It is a minimally invasive method with reduced downtime. DHI has the highest survival rate in the industry at above 95%.

Alopecia Areata Treatment: Intradermal injections with a localized steroid to block the process of hair loss. Reassessment is done every 4 weeks prior to the next injection to determine the response to treatment.

Scalp Micropigmentation: An advanced method of cosmetic pigmentation which simulates fuller and thicker hair through the application of non-toxic pigments.

For those suffering from non-hormonal forms of hair loss, addressing the underlying condition, whether it be a vitamin deficiency or an autoimmune issue, will be key to regrowing hair.

Early Treatments with Permanent Results

Clinique de Paris lounge

Hair loss is an inevitable challenge, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to slow down or even reverse the process. Here at Clinique de Paris, we pride ourselves in providing our patients the treatments they need, and help them achieve optimum results with their hair.

Minoxidil and Finasteride are proven solutions that, when used together, target hair loss from two angles: improving blood flow to the scalp and blocking the hormones responsible for follicle shrinkage. When declared suitable for this treatment, Clinique de Paris prescribes a hair solution that combines both Minoxidil and Finasteride.

To better understand your hair concerns, you may schedule a consultation with us so we can customize a suitable treatment for you. Clinique de Paris has several hair solutions available, each patient having a tailored treatment package that will provide them the results they want.

Begin your journey to smoother skin and thicker hair! Book your consultations and treatments through our contact us page.

We offer virtual consultations for patients residing outside Metro Manila, Philippines.

To know more about how we can help you address your hair loss, you may book a FREE consultation today with Clinique de Paris.