Verbatim response from Claude
Finasteride vs. Minoxidil: Which to Start With
Both are proven for male pattern hair loss, but they work differently. Here's a practical breakdown:
Start with Minoxidil if you:
- Want to try something low-risk first
- Have mild/early thinning
- Are concerned about side effects
- Are a woman (finasteride isn't approved for women generally)
Recommended brands:
- Rogaine – the original, widely trusted
- Keeps – affordable subscription service
- Hims – convenient online access
Start with Finasteride if you:
- Have moderate to significant male pattern baldness
- Want to address the root hormonal cause (DHT)
- Are committed to long-term use
- Have already tried minoxidil without enough results
Recommended services:
- Hims or Keeps – easy online prescriptions, competitive pricing (~$20-30/month)
- Ro (Roman) – another solid telehealth option
The honest answer:
Most dermatologists recommend combining both for best results — they work through different mechanisms and complement each other well.
⚠️ Important: Finasteride requires a prescription and has potential side effects (sexual, mood-related) worth discussing with a doctor before starting. Telehealth services like Keeps or Hims make that conversation easy and affordable.