Compare Finax (Finasteride) with Alternatives for Hair Loss

When you start noticing your hairline thinning or your crown getting more visible, it’s not just about looks-it’s about confidence. Finax, which contains finasteride, is one of the most common pills prescribed for male pattern baldness. But it’s not the only option. And for many people, it’s not the right fit. Whether you’re worried about side effects, cost, or just want to explore other paths, knowing what else is out there can make all the difference.

What Finax (Finasteride) Actually Does

Finax is a brand name for finasteride, a medication approved by health authorities like the TGA and FDA to treat androgenetic alopecia-the medical term for male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, leading to thinner hair and eventually no growth at all. By lowering DHT levels by about 70%, finasteride helps stop further hair loss and, in many cases, encourages regrowth.

Studies show that after one year of daily use, about 66% of men experience visible hair regrowth. After two years, that number climbs to nearly 80%. But here’s the catch: you have to keep taking it. If you stop, DHT levels rise again, and hair loss resumes within 6 to 12 months. Most users start seeing results after 3 to 6 months, with full effects taking up to 18 months.

Common Side Effects of Finax

Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, but side effects do happen. About 1.8% of users report sexual side effects like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased semen volume. These are usually mild and reversible after stopping the drug. However, a small percentage of men report persistent symptoms even after discontinuation-a condition sometimes called Post-Finasteride Syndrome, though it’s still debated in the medical community.

Other less common side effects include breast tenderness, mood changes, and, rarely, allergic reactions. If you’ve had liver problems or are taking other medications that affect hormone levels, you should talk to your doctor before starting Finax.

Alternative #1: Dutasteride (Avodart, Zagaro)

Dutasteride is similar to finasteride but stronger. It blocks both types of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes (Type I and Type II), while finasteride only blocks Type II. This means dutasteride reduces DHT by up to 90%, compared to finasteride’s 70%. Many men who don’t respond well to finasteride see better results with dutasteride.

Studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology show dutasteride leads to greater hair count increases over 2 years compared to finasteride. But it also comes with a higher chance of side effects-especially sexual ones. It’s not officially approved for hair loss in Australia or the U.S., so it’s used off-label. That means your doctor can prescribe it, but insurance won’t cover it. Cost-wise, it’s usually more expensive than Finax.

Alternative #2: Minoxidil (Rogaine, Regaine)

Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss in both men and women. Unlike finasteride, which works internally, minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp. It’s available as a 2% or 5% solution or foam. The 5% version is more effective for men.

How it works isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to widen blood vessels around hair follicles, giving them more nutrients and extending the growth phase. Results take longer-typically 4 to 6 months-and you need to use it twice daily, every day, for life. If you stop, you lose the gains.

Some users report scalp irritation, itching, or unwanted facial hair growth. But it has no known sexual side effects, which makes it a popular choice for men who want to avoid hormonal changes. Many doctors recommend using minoxidil alongside finasteride for better results.

Alternative #3: Natural and Herbal Options

If you’re looking for non-pharmaceutical options, several natural supplements claim to help with hair loss. Saw palmetto is the most studied. It’s thought to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase like finasteride, but much more weakly. A 2012 trial found saw palmetto improved hair density in 60% of users after 6 months-less than finasteride’s 80%, but with virtually no side effects.

Other options include pumpkin seed oil, biotin, zinc, and green tea extract. Some small studies suggest pumpkin seed oil may increase hair count by 40% over 24 weeks. But none of these have the same level of scientific backing as finasteride or minoxidil. They’re not regulated like drugs, so quality varies wildly between brands.

These options work best as supportive measures-not replacements-for proven treatments. They’re worth trying if you’re looking to reduce chemical exposure, but don’t expect dramatic results.

Alternative #4: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Devices like the Capillus laser cap or the iRestore helmet use red light to stimulate hair follicles. The theory is that photons boost cellular energy in the scalp, helping dormant follicles wake up. These devices are FDA-cleared for hair loss and are safe to use at home.

Studies show about 70% of users see some improvement after 16 to 26 weeks of consistent use (3-4 times per week). Results are modest-usually thicker hair in thinning areas, not full regrowth. It’s expensive upfront (costs $300-$1,000), but no ongoing medication costs. No side effects reported. It’s a good option for people who want a drug-free approach, but it requires discipline and patience.

Alternative #5: Hair Transplants

If you’ve lost a lot of hair and want permanent results, a hair transplant might be the answer. Two main techniques exist: FUT (strip harvesting) and FUE (follicular unit extraction). FUE is more common today because it leaves no linear scar.

A typical session transplants 1,500-3,000 grafts. Results are natural-looking and permanent because the transplanted hair comes from areas resistant to DHT. But it’s expensive-$4,000 to $15,000 depending on the clinic and number of grafts. Recovery takes a few weeks. It’s not a cure for ongoing hair loss-you still need to manage DHT with medication afterward to protect your remaining hair.

Many men combine transplants with finasteride or minoxidil to maintain the results long-term.

Comparison Table: Finax vs Alternatives

Who Should Try What?

If you’re young, with early thinning and no major concerns about side effects, Finax is still the gold standard. It’s affordable, effective, and backed by decades of research.

If you’ve tried finasteride and didn’t see results-or had side effects-dutasteride is worth discussing with your doctor. It’s stronger and may work where finasteride didn’t.

If you want zero hormonal side effects, minoxidil is your best bet. It’s safe for women too, and you can combine it with finasteride for better outcomes.

If you’re looking for a natural path, try saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil alongside lifestyle changes: reduce stress, eat more protein and zinc, and avoid smoking. They won’t reverse advanced balding, but they can slow it down.

If you’ve lost most of your hair and want a permanent fix, consider a transplant-but only after stabilizing your hair loss with medication. Otherwise, you’ll keep losing hair around the transplanted area.

For those who hate pills and creams, LLLT devices are a quiet, non-invasive option. They’re not magic, but they’re safe and easy to stick with.

What to Avoid

Don’t fall for miracle creams or shampoos claiming to regrow hair with herbal extracts. Most contain minoxidil or finasteride anyway, but at ineffective doses. Others are pure marketing.

Don’t stop taking finasteride just because you don’t see results in 3 months. It takes time. Most men give up too early.

Don’t buy finasteride or dutasteride from unregulated online pharmacies. Counterfeit pills are common. They may contain wrong doses, fillers, or even toxic substances.

And don’t assume natural means safe. Some herbal supplements can interact with medications or affect liver function. Always check with your doctor before starting anything new.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single best treatment for hair loss. What works for your friend might not work for you. Finax (finasteride) is the most effective drug, but it’s not the only option. Many people do better combining treatments-like minoxidil with LLLT, or saw palmetto with a healthy diet.

The key is to start early, be patient, and choose based on your goals, budget, and tolerance for side effects. Hair loss isn’t a race. It’s a long-term game. The goal isn’t to look like you did at 20-it’s to look like the best version of yourself now.