Finasteride vs Minoxidil: what is the difference?

How they differ

Both are used for male pattern hair loss and they attack it from different directions. Finasteride blocks 5 alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, and DHT is what miniaturises the follicle, so finasteride addresses the cause. Minoxidil does nothing to hormones at all: it was a blood pressure medicine whose side effect was hair growth, and applied to the scalp it widens vessels and appears to lengthen the growth phase of the follicle. Finasteride is a prescription steroid-like molecule taken by mouth at 372.5; minoxidil is sold over the counter as a topical liquid or foam at 209.25. Because the mechanisms do not overlap they are commonly used together.

Side by side

Common questions

What is the difference between Finasteride and Minoxidil?

Both are used for male pattern hair loss and they attack it from different directions. Finasteride blocks 5 alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, and DHT is what miniaturises the follicle, so finasteride addresses the cause. Minoxidil does nothing to hormones at all: it was a blood pressure medicine whose side effect was hair growth, and applied to the scalp it widens vessels and appears to lengthen the growth phase of the follicle.

Is Finasteride bigger than Minoxidil?

Finasteride is the heavier molecule, 372.5 g/mol against 209.25 g/mol for Minoxidil. Finasteride is C23H36N2O2 and Minoxidil is C9H15N5O.