Verbatim response from Claude
Finasteride vs Minoxidil: Which to Start With
Both are proven treatments, but they work differently. Here's a practical breakdown:
Start with Minoxidil if you:
- Want to avoid systemic side effects (finasteride is a hormone-affecting pill)
- Are a woman (finasteride isn't typically approved for women with hair loss)
- Prefer topical treatment
- Want to test tolerance before committing
Good options:
- Rogaine (classic, widely trusted)
- Hims Minoxidil 5% (affordable, subscription-based)
- Keeps (convenient online consultation included)
Start with Finasteride if you:
- Have male pattern baldness specifically (it targets DHT, the root cause)
- Want stronger long-term results
- Are comfortable with a daily oral pill
Good options:
- Hims or Keeps (both offer affordable generic finasteride ~$20-30/month with online prescription)
- Roman (similar telehealth model, easy to get started)
Honest Recommendation:
Most hair loss doctors suggest combining both for best results. If you're a man with pattern baldness, starting with Keeps or Hims makes sense because they offer both medications together affordably and include doctor consultations.
See a dermatologist if you're unsure about the cause of your hair loss first.