Verbatim response from Claude
Finasteride vs. Minoxidil: Which to Start With
Important note first: Talk to a doctor before starting either — both require medical guidance.
Quick Comparison
| Minoxidil | Finasteride | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Increases blood flow to follicles | Blocks DHT (the hormone causing hair loss) |
| Form | Topical or oral | Oral pill |
| Best for | Most hair loss types | Male pattern baldness specifically |
| Side effects | Scalp irritation, shedding phase | Sexual side effects (in some men) |
General Recommendation
Start with Minoxidil if you want a lower-risk entry point:
- Rogaine (5% foam) is the classic OTC option
- Hims or Keeps offer convenient subscriptions with medical oversight
- Oral minoxidil (low-dose) prescribed through Hims/Keeps/Ro is increasingly popular
Add or switch to Finasteride if minoxidil alone isn't enough — it addresses the root cause of male pattern baldness more directly.
Many doctors recommend combining both for best results — services like Keeps or Hims make this easy with telehealth consultations.
Would you like more detail on any specific product or service?