Finasteride Alternatives: What to Use Instead

8 Finasteride Alternatives You Should Try

If Finasteride is not for you, don’t worry. There are other ways to address hair loss. Below are options with notes on typical use and considerations sometimes shared by hair specialists.

1. Batana Oil

Batana oil comes from the American palm tree (Elaeis oleifera) and has long been used in parts of Honduras. You’ll find it described as nutrient rich and traditional in some wellness circles.

Dr. Sebi praised batana oil for topical care and general wellness. Palm-derived oils contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Vitamin E can help hydrate, soften, and nourish skin. While not a proven regrowth treatment, it may leave hair feeling healthier.

2. Minoxidil

This over-the-counter lotion delivers active ingredients to the scalp to extend growth phases and prevent thinning. It improves blood flow and nutrients for men and women, including formulations like Regaine for Men and Regaine for Women, which differ from Finasteride.

Many users note the solution regrows over time if applied to thinning areas as directed, which may slow or sometimes reverse thinning without a prescription. Most people tolerate minoxidil well.

Discuss concentrations from 2% for maintenance to 5% for maximum regrowth with a pharmacist or dermatologist. I’ve seen consistent twice daily use make shed hairs less noticeable by month two.

3. Dutasteride

Beyond standard prescription tablets is Dutasteride, which appears more potent in some studies. Early data suggests lower doses can help limit thinning over time based on lab and clinical work, including a comparison with Finasteride.

Keep in mind the side effect profile can be similar, including sexual or mood effects for some users. While research supports its ability to counter miniaturization, long term data remains limited beyond five years, so you should weigh risks and benefits with your clinician.

4. Herbal Supplements

Some supplements contain plant extracts that may influence hormones linked to thinning. These include saw palmetto, oils from South American trees, and green tea. DHT can drive hair loss in people with a genetic tendency, and some products aim to reduce its impact.

Choose reputable brands that list exact amounts. You should check with your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you take other medications.

5. Microneedling

Microneedling uses a dermaroller with very small needles on the scalp. The needles are under one millimeter long, so most people describe brief, mild discomfort.

Tiny controlled injuries draw blood and oxygen to the area as skin repairs itself. That response may encourage follicles to cycle. You should clean tools carefully and follow timing advice if you try it.

Much of the research on microneedling for hair loss looks at use with a topical product like minoxidil. In one study, people who used a weekly dermaroller and twice daily minoxidil saw thicker hair than minoxidil alone, with benefits noted eight months later. I’ve watched friends do better when they scheduled it weekly rather than sporadically.

6. Biotin Supplements

Biotin is popular for hair, yet it is not always needed. The National Institutes of Health notes that severe deficiency in healthy people eating a normal mixed diet has not been reported.

If you follow a very restrictive diet or have biotinidase deficiency, you might not get enough. Your doctor can confirm this with a blood test.

Your provider can also check iron and zinc, since these deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

7. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto comes from the fruit of Serenoa repens. Like Finasteride and Dutasteride, it is a DHT-blocker.

A trial comparing 320 mg of saw palmetto vs. 1 mg of Finasteride found that saw palmetto improved growth in 38% of users, while Finasteride improved growth in 68%. In another study, a topical saw palmetto serum led to a 4.9% increase in total hair count after 24 weeks.

While saw palmetto appears helpful in some cases, it is generally less potent than Finasteride. It is often well tolerated, with occasional mild effects like headaches reported.

8. Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) can be used topically or as a supplement. It is believed to help due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may influence DHT, though more research is needed.

In one trial of 76 men with mild to moderate loss, 400 mg daily for 24 weeks led to a 40% increase in hair count. In an animal study, topical PSO countered testosterone effects and encouraged regrowth after three weeks, though it was not as effective as minoxidil.

Overall, PSO shows promise as a natural aid, but it is not as established as conventional options.

Choose a Balanced Plan This Week

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