Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss can have many causes, but the most common in men is hereditary pattern hair loss.

👨 Male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) — The number one cause of hair loss in men. Driven by DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a male hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles. Hair becomes thinner, shorter, and eventually stops growing. Typically starts with a receding hairline and thinning on the crown.

😰 Other causes — Stress (Telogen Effluvium) causing temporary excessive shedding / nutritional deficiencies, especially iron, zinc, and vitamin D / thyroid problems / medication side effects / scalp skin conditions

Identifying the cause correctly is crucial, as treatments differ. Finasteride is most effective for hereditary pattern hair loss.

Finasteride is an FDA-approved oral hair loss medication for treating male pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia).

It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II, which converts Testosterone into DHT. By lowering DHT levels, shrunken hair follicles can gradually recover, hair loss stops, and new hair begins to grow.

📊 What to expect — Stops further hair loss in approximately 90% of users / stimulates visible regrowth in approximately 65% / noticeable results typically appear within 3-6 months / best results after 12+ months of continuous use

At Intimo Life, we offer three Finasteride brands. All contain the same active ingredient: Finasteride 1 mg.

Propecia — The original brand — The world's first Finasteride hair loss medication, manufactured by MSD (Merck). The most recognised name in hair loss treatment globally. Ideal if you want the confidence of the original brand.

Firide — Quality at great value — Same active ingredient as Propecia at a more accessible price. Ideal for long-term continuous use without budget concerns.

Finasteride — Most affordable — Generic Finasteride at the lowest price point. Ideal if you're just starting out and want to see how your body responds.

In short: Same drug, same effectiveness, different brands and prices. Choose based on your budget and preference.

💊 Dosing — Take one tablet (Finasteride 1 mg) daily, with or without food. Take at the same time each day for consistent levels.

📅 Timeline — Results don't appear overnight. Reduced hair shedding within 3 months / visible thickening within 6-12 months / best results after 12+ months of continuous use / if you stop, hair loss resumes within 6-12 months

⚡ Key point — Consistency is everything. Missing a day or two won't cause harm, but stopping for extended periods will undo your progress.

💊 Dosing — Take one tablet (Finasteride 1 mg) daily, with or without food. Take at the same time each day for consistent levels.

📅 Timeline — Results don't appear overnight. Reduced hair shedding within 3 months / visible thickening within 6-12 months / best results after 12+ months of continuous use / if you stop, hair loss resumes within 6-12 months

⚡ Key point — Consistency is everything. Missing a day or two won't cause harm, but stopping for extended periods will undo your progress.

Finasteride has a strong safety profile, but some side effects should be noted.

Possible side effects (uncommon, occurring in roughly 2-4% of users) — Decreased libido / erectile difficulties (treatable) / reduced semen volume

What to know — These side effects are uncommon and typically resolve upon stopping the medication / the vast majority of users (96-98%) experience no side effects at all / if side effects occur, consult a pharmacist to assess whether to continue or stop

Two FDA-approved medications exist for male pattern hair loss.

Finasteride (oral tablet) — Reduces DHT internally, stopping hair loss and promoting regrowth. Take once daily. Available at Intimo Life as Propecia, Firide, and Finasteride.

Minoxidil (topical solution) — Stimulates blood flow to the scalp, improving nutrient delivery to hair follicles. Applied once or twice daily.

Best results come from using both together — Finasteride and Minoxidil work through different mechanisms. When combined, results are significantly better than either alone. Many dermatologists recommend using both simultaneously.

❌ No — Finasteride 1 mg for hair loss is approved for men only.

Critical warning — Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy must not even touch broken tablets, as Finasteride can cause birth defects in male foetuses.

Women experiencing hair loss have other options, including Minoxidil and Spironolactone. See our Female Hair Loss Treatment collection for details.

The short answer: the sooner, the better.

🕐 Why early matters — Finasteride works best while hair follicles are still alive but shrinking. Shrunken follicles can recover; dead follicles cannot. The medication cannot create new follicles — it can only rescue existing ones.

Signs you should start treatment — Hairline starting to recede / thinning visible on the crown / noticeably more hair on your pillow each morning / excessive hair shedding in the shower / family history of baldness

Don't wait until significant hair is lost. The more follicles you have left, the more you can save.

If you stop, DHT levels return to normal, and hair loss resumes naturally within 6-12 months. The progress you've made will gradually be lost.

This is why continuous use is essential. No medication permanently "cures" hereditary hair loss, because it's driven by hormones that are always present. Taking Finasteride continuously keeps those hormones in check.

In addition to medication, several other approaches can complement your treatment.

💉 PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) — Injecting concentrated plasma from your own blood into the scalp to stimulate follicles. Evidence suggests it helps when combined with medication.

🔴 Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) — Using low-level laser light to stimulate hair follicles. Various at-home devices are available.

🥗 Nutritional support — Supplementing iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin if deficient. However, supplementation doesn't help if you're not actually deficient.

🏥 Hair transplant — For those with significant hair loss. Highly effective, but even after a transplant, continuing Finasteride is recommended to protect remaining natural hair.