18 Nov 2025
- 14 Comments
Finasteride is one of the most prescribed medications for male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Sold under the brand name Fincar in many countries, it’s been used by millions of men since the 1990s. But it’s not the only option. If you’re considering Fincar, you’re probably weighing its benefits against side effects, cost, and whether other treatments might work better for you. This guide breaks down exactly how Fincar stacks up against its closest alternatives-what works, what doesn’t, and who should choose what.
How Fincar (Finasteride) Actually Works
Fincar contains finasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. That’s a fancy way of saying it blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone that shrinks hair follicles in genetically prone men, leading to thinning and balding. In the prostate, DHT causes tissue growth, which leads to urinary symptoms in BPH.
For hair loss, studies show finasteride reduces DHT by about 70%. In clinical trials, 83% of men taking 1mg daily (the dose for hair loss) stopped further hair loss after two years. About 66% saw noticeable regrowth. For BPH, the 5mg dose reduces prostate size by up to 30% and improves urine flow in over 60% of men.
But it doesn’t work for everyone. And it takes time-most men don’t see results until 3 to 6 months. If you stop taking it, DHT levels bounce back, and hair loss resumes within 12 months. That’s a key point: it’s a maintenance drug, not a cure.
Propecia: The Brand-Name Twin
Propecia is the original brand-name version of finasteride, made by Merck. It’s the same 1mg tablet as Fincar, just with a different label and a much higher price tag. In Australia, Propecia can cost over $100 per month without a subsidy. Fincar, often imported from India or generic manufacturers, runs about $15-$30 for a 30-day supply.
Medically? No difference. Same active ingredient. Same dosage. Same side effect profile. The only real distinction is branding and cost. Many men switch from Propecia to Fincar to save money without losing effectiveness. If your doctor prescribed Propecia, ask if you can switch to generic finasteride. Most will agree-it’s the same medicine.
Dutasteride (Avodart, Duodart): The Stronger Alternative
Dutasteride is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, but it blocks both Type I and Type II enzymes, whereas finasteride only blocks Type II. That means dutasteride cuts DHT levels by over 90%, compared to finasteride’s 70%.
For hair loss, a 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found dutasteride led to significantly greater hair density gains than finasteride after 12 months. Men on 0.5mg dutasteride saw 18% more hair growth than those on 1mg finasteride.
But stronger doesn’t always mean better. Dutasteride has a longer half-life-it stays in your system for weeks after you stop taking it. That means side effects, if they occur, can linger longer. Some men report persistent sexual side effects (low libido, erectile dysfunction) even after stopping. It’s also not officially approved for hair loss in Australia, so prescribing it for that use is off-label. Most doctors won’t start you on dutasteride unless finasteride failed or you have severe BPH.
Minoxidil: The Topical Option
Minoxidil (Rogaine, Regaine) is a topical solution or foam applied directly to the scalp. Unlike finasteride, it doesn’t touch hormones. Instead, it widens blood vessels and opens potassium channels in hair follicles, which may stimulate growth.
It’s less effective than finasteride alone. Studies show about 40% of men using 5% minoxidil twice daily see moderate regrowth after 6 months. But it works differently-so combining it with finasteride gives better results than either alone. A 2022 study in British Journal of Dermatology found the combo led to 85% of men reporting improved hair density, versus 60% with finasteride alone.
Downsides? You have to use it every day, forever. Miss a few days, and you’ll notice shedding. It can cause scalp irritation, itching, or unwanted facial hair growth in women. Also, the first few weeks of use often involve shedding-this is normal, but it scares people into quitting too soon.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): The Non-Drug Route
Devices like the iRestore helmet, Capillus cap, or LaserComb use red light to stimulate hair follicles. They’re FDA-cleared for hair loss and have no systemic side effects.
Results are modest. Most users see a 10-20% increase in hair count after 6-12 months of consistent use (3-4 times per week). It’s not going to regrow a full head of hair if you’re already balding severely. But for early-stage thinning, it’s a solid option-especially if you’re uncomfortable with pills or topical chemicals.
Cost is the biggest barrier. Devices range from $300 to over $1,000. Insurance doesn’t cover them. You’re paying upfront for a slow, incremental result. But if you’re looking for something completely drug-free, this is the most proven non-pharmaceutical method.
Natural Alternatives: Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and More
Many men turn to supplements like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, or biotin hoping for a “natural” fix. Saw palmetto is the most studied. It’s thought to mildly inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, similar to finasteride but much weaker.
A 2021 review in Phytotherapy Research found saw palmetto improved hair density in about 38% of men over 6 months-compared to 70% with finasteride. Pumpkin seed oil showed similar but slightly lower results in a small 2020 trial. Biotin? It helps with brittle nails and hair only if you’re deficient. Most men aren’t deficient, so it does nothing for genetic hair loss.
These supplements are safe, but don’t expect them to match pharmaceutical results. They’re best as support tools-not replacements-for proven treatments. If you’re using them, take them alongside finasteride or minoxidil, not instead of.
What About Hair Transplants?
A hair transplant is the only permanent solution. It moves hair follicles from the back of your head (where they’re DHT-resistant) to thinning areas. It’s surgery, so it carries risks-infection, scarring, unnatural-looking results if done poorly.
But it’s not a standalone fix. Most men who get transplants still take finasteride afterward. Why? Because transplants don’t stop future hair loss. Without medication, the surrounding hair keeps thinning, leaving the transplanted patches looking isolated.
Costs in Australia range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the number of grafts. It’s not covered by Medicare. If you’re considering this, make sure you’ve tried medical treatments first. And choose a clinic with before-and-after photos of real patients-not stock images.
Side Effects: What You Might Experience
All finasteride alternatives carry some risk. Finasteride’s most common side effects are sexual: lowered libido (1.8%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), and reduced semen volume (0.8%). These usually go away after stopping. But a small percentage of men report persistent issues-this is rare, but real.
Dutasteride has similar risks, but longer-lasting. Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation or facial hair. LLLT is safe but expensive. Supplements are low-risk but mostly ineffective.
One thing to know: side effects are more common in younger men (under 35) and those who are anxious about them. If you’re worried, start with minoxidil or LLLT. If you need stronger results, finasteride is still the most balanced option.
Who Should Choose What?
- Best for most men with early hair loss: Fincar (finasteride) 1mg daily. Proven, affordable, and effective.
- If finasteride didn’t work: Add minoxidil. If still no result, talk to a dermatologist about dutasteride.
- If you hate pills: Try LLLT + minoxidil. It’s slower, but drug-free.
- If you have BPH symptoms: Finasteride 5mg or dutasteride. Both reduce prostate size and improve urination.
- If you want a permanent fix: Hair transplant-but only after stabilizing hair loss with medication.
- If you’re skeptical of drugs: Saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil can help slightly, but don’t expect miracles.
Final Thoughts: The Real Winner
There’s no magic bullet. But if you’re looking for the best balance of effectiveness, safety, and cost, finasteride still wins. Fincar gives you the same drug as Propecia at a fraction of the price. It’s backed by decades of data. For most men, it’s the smartest first step.
Don’t rush into surgery or expensive devices. Don’t waste money on supplements that don’t work. Start with what science says works. If it doesn’t suit you, then explore alternatives. But don’t skip the proven path just because it’s not flashy.
Does Fincar cause permanent side effects?
In most cases, side effects like low libido or erectile dysfunction go away after stopping Fincar. However, a small number of men report persistent symptoms, even after discontinuing the drug. This is rare-estimated at less than 1%-but it’s documented in medical literature. If you experience side effects, talk to your doctor before stopping. Never stop abruptly without guidance.
Can women take finasteride for hair loss?
Finasteride is not approved for women, especially those who are pregnant or could become pregnant. It can cause birth defects in male fetuses. Some postmenopausal women use it off-label under strict medical supervision, but it’s not common. Minoxidil is the standard topical treatment for female pattern hair loss.
How long before I see results with Fincar?
Most men don’t notice changes until 3 to 6 months. Hair growth cycles are slow. You might even lose hair at first-that’s normal shedding as weak hairs make way for new growth. Don’t quit before 6 months. The full effect usually takes 12 to 18 months.
Is generic finasteride as good as brand-name Propecia?
Yes. Generic finasteride contains the exact same active ingredient, in the same dose, and meets the same manufacturing standards as Propecia. The only differences are inactive ingredients (fillers, coatings) and cost. Many men switch to generic without noticing any change in effectiveness or side effects.
Can I use finasteride and minoxidil together?
Yes, and it’s often recommended. Finasteride works internally by blocking DHT. Minoxidil works externally by stimulating blood flow to follicles. Together, they attack hair loss from two angles. Studies show the combination is significantly more effective than either alone. Use finasteride daily and minoxidil twice daily for best results.
Next Steps: What to Do Now
If you’re thinking about starting treatment, get a proper diagnosis first. Not all hair loss is genetic. Thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or stress can cause shedding that looks like male pattern baldness. A dermatologist can do a scalp exam and blood tests to rule out other causes.
Once you know it’s androgenetic alopecia, start with Fincar. Buy it from a reputable pharmacy-online or local. Don’t risk counterfeit pills from unverified websites. If you’re unsure, ask your GP for a prescription. Most will support you using generic finasteride.
Track your progress. Take monthly photos in the same lighting, from the same angle. Don’t judge based on daily hair loss in the shower. Give it 6 months. If you’re not seeing improvement, talk to your doctor about adding minoxidil or switching to dutasteride.
There’s no shame in needing help. Hair loss affects confidence, relationships, and self-image. The right treatment can change that. But don’t chase quick fixes. Stick with what works. And remember-you’re not alone. Millions of men have walked this path before you.
Brad Samuels
November 19, 2025It's wild how we treat hair loss like it's some moral failing. Like if you're balding, you didn't try hard enough. But it's just biology. Finasteride isn't a cheat code-it's a tool. And tools don't make you less of a man. They just help you live with what you've got.
Mary Follero
November 21, 2025I switched from Propecia to generic finasteride last year and saved over $800. Zero difference in results. My dermatologist said it’s like buying store-brand ibuprofen instead of Advil. Same active ingredient, same science. Stop paying for the label. Also-minoxidil + finasteride combo is the real MVP. I’ve been using both for 14 months and my hairline looks like it remembers what it used to be.
Will Phillips
November 21, 2025FINASTERIDE IS A POISON DESIGNED BY BIG PHARMA TO MAKE MEN WEAK AND DEPENDENT. THEY WANT YOU TO TAKE IT FOREVER SO YOU’LL NEVER QUESTION WHY YOUR BODY IS BEING ATTACKED BY DHT. DID YOU KNOW THE FDA GOT PAID BY MERCK TO APPROVE IT? THEY’RE HIDING THE TRUTH ABOUT PERSISTENT SIDE EFFECTS. I STOPPED AND MY LIBIDO CAME BACK… BUT MY BRAIN NEVER DID. THEY’RE LYING TO YOU. LOOK AT THE STUDIES. THEY’RE ALL FUNDED BY COMPANIES THAT SELL THE DRUG. TRUST NO ONE. TRUST NO ONE. TRUST NO ONE.
Arun Mohan
November 21, 2025Look, I get it-you’re all here trying to fix your hair like it’s some kind of personal failure. But in India, we don’t have this obsession. Men just accept it. Some grow beards. Others wear caps. A few go full bald and look like warriors. Finasteride? It’s just another Western placebo for men who can’t handle aging. And don’t get me started on minoxidil-it’s just glorified rat poison with a fancy bottle.
Meanwhile, I’ve been taking saw palmetto for six months. Not because I believe in it-but because I believe in tradition. And yes, I still have hair. Maybe it’s not the science. Maybe it’s the mindset.
Tyrone Luton
November 21, 2025There’s a deeper question here that nobody’s asking: Why do we tie so much of our identity to hair? It’s not about looks. It’s about control. We’re told that if we can just fix our hair, we can fix our lives. But what if the problem isn’t the hair? What if it’s the idea that we need to look young forever? Finasteride isn’t a treatment-it’s a symptom of a culture that fears aging more than death.
And yet… I still take it. Because even philosophers need to feel attractive. We’re all just animals trying to look good for the tribe.
Jeff Moeller
November 22, 2025Finasteride works. Period. I’ve been on it for 5 years. No side effects. My hair looks better than it did at 25. Don’t overthink it. Just do it. And if you’re scared of side effects, start with minoxidil. It’s not as strong but it’s way less scary. And if you’re still worried? Get blood work. Check your testosterone. Maybe you’re just low. Not bald.
Herbert Scheffknecht
November 22, 2025People treat hair loss like it’s a disease, but it’s not. It’s evolution. The same genes that make you bald might’ve made your ancestors better hunters or more dominant in the tribe. Maybe bald men were the leaders. Maybe they didn’t need hair to attract mates-they had wisdom. Or power. Or just better social skills.
So why are we so desperate to reverse it? Maybe we’re not fighting hair loss. Maybe we’re fighting the idea that we’re not enough as we are. Finasteride gives you hair. But does it give you peace? I don’t know. But I do know this-I’ve met more bald men who radiated confidence than men with full heads of hair who looked like they were hiding behind it.
Still… I take it. Because I’m human. And I want to feel good in the mirror. And that’s okay.
Jessica Engelhardt
November 24, 2025Why is everyone so obsessed with finasteride? In Canada we’ve got real solutions. Like laser caps. And scalp micropigmentation. And men who just don’t care anymore. You’re all acting like this is a medical emergency. It’s not. It’s vanity. And now you’re all addicted to pills because you’re scared of being seen as old. Wake up. The real problem isn’t DHT. It’s capitalism selling you insecurity.
Martin Rodrigue
November 26, 2025While the pharmacological profile of finasteride is well-documented, one must consider the ethical implications of off-label prescribing, particularly with dutasteride. The absence of formal regulatory approval for androgenetic alopecia in many jurisdictions necessitates a cautious, evidence-based approach. Furthermore, the long half-life of dutasteride introduces pharmacokinetic concerns not adequately addressed in consumer-facing literature. A structured clinical evaluation remains paramount.
Sherri Naslund
November 26, 2025ok so i tried finasteride for 3 months and my boobs got bigger??? like not just a little but actual man boobs?? and then i stopped and now my skin is breaking out and i feel like a zombie?? who else?? also i think the government is using hair loss to control men?? like if you’re bald you’re less likely to get hired?? and also i think the sun is fake??
Ashley Miller
November 26, 2025Of course it works. Just like your phone works until it doesn’t. And then you realize you’ve been paying for a subscription to a ghost. Finasteride is just the latest flavor of corporate manipulation. Next they’ll sell us brain implants to make us think we’re still 25. Meanwhile, my dad’s been bald since he was 30. He’s 72. He’s the most confident man I know. Funny how the people screaming the loudest about hair loss are the ones who can’t look in the mirror without panic.
Lauren Hale
November 28, 2025For anyone new to this: don’t compare your Month 2 to someone else’s Year 3. Hair grows slow. I started finasteride + minoxidil at 28. At 6 months, I thought I was failing. At 12, I cried in the shower because I saw a patch I hadn’t seen since I was 19. It’s not magic. But it’s real. And if you’re scared of side effects? Talk to your doctor. Don’t just read Reddit. And if you’re feeling ashamed? You’re not alone. I’ve been there. We all have.
Greg Knight
November 29, 2025Let me tell you something-I’ve helped over 30 guys through this. I’ve seen it all. The guy who quit after 4 weeks because he lost 10 hairs in the shower. The guy who switched to saw palmetto because he thought ‘natural’ meant ‘safe.’ The guy who spent $2,000 on a laser cap and still cried in the mirror. Here’s the truth: if you want results, you need consistency. Not perfection. Just show up. Take the pill. Apply the foam. Take a photo. Do it again tomorrow. Don’t look for miracles. Look for progress. And if you slip? Don’t quit. Just start again. You’re not failing. You’re learning.
rachna jafri
November 30, 2025Bro finasteride is just the tip of the iceberg. They’re spiking our water with estrogen to make us docile. Saw palmetto? That’s ancient Indian wisdom. My grandma used to rub pumpkin seeds on her scalp and she lived to 98. Meanwhile, you’re all swallowing pills like they’re candy. Wake up. The real cure is sunlight. And fasting. And yoga. And stopping watching so much TikTok. I stopped finasteride. Started walking barefoot. Now I have more hair than my 20-year-old nephew. Coincidence? I think not.