Once you’ve decided that enough is enough and want to do something about the hair thinning or loss you’ve noticed, you’ll likely get in touch with a reputable company with expert knowledge on the subject of hair loss.
Finasteride is one of the medications you’ll possibly be prescribed to fight the effects of hair loss, but knowing how it works and how long it can take for your hair to be in good condition again should be understood. Let’s examine the timeframe and what to expect along the way.
How Will I Know If Finasteride is Working?
If you are suffering from androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) and have been taking Finasteride consistently, as directed, for a prolonged period, your hair will likely react positively to the treatment. More than 80% of men report thicker hair after one year of taking Finasteride, such is the effectiveness of the medication.
The effects of Finasteride take a while to appear – often around three months for the initial changes to become apparent. Many men confuse the shedding that happens within these first few months with unwanted side effects of the hair loss treatment, but don’t be alarmed because this is precisely how the medication works. Your scalp needs to rid itself of the older strands with less vitality so newer, thicker hair can grow.
The Finasteride Timeline
Remember, you need to take Finasteride every day for the oral tablet to work. Forgetting to take it one day is unlikely to derail your progress, but regularly skipping days means the likelihood of strong growth isn’t as high. Never take more Finasteride than your prescriber suggests as the treatment has been designed to work optimally at the prescribed dosage.
As we’ve mentioned, you might not notice anything occurring within the first three months of consuming oral Finasteride, but maintain consumption and you are likely to see the benefits.
After six months of regular use, the chances are that more significant changes will be visible in the form of more voluminous hair. Then, at nine or twelve months, it’s likely the full effects of the treatment are there for all to see. We advise you to take a photo when you first start taking the treatment, then another after a year under the same lighting conditions so you can compare the progress.
The Bottom Line on Finasteride
Patience is key when fighting hair loss. Unfortunately, you can’t expect results overnight, but after some months you’ll likely notice how much better your hair is than it once was. Taking photos of your hair, inspecting your scalp periodically, and checking your pillow or the shower floor every morning can give you a better idea of how well the treatment is working.
Finasteride is very effective, working for most men who take the oral tablet. However, you can state your preference during a consultation if you’d prefer a topical application.
