Finasteride works for men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) who still have active hair follicles capable of responding to DHT reduction. It does not work for every type of hair loss, and results depend on your current Norwood stage, age, and how long you have been losing hair.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal Candidates
The strongest responders to finasteride share several characteristics:
- Diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia: This is the DHT-driven pattern baldness measured on the Norwood Scale. Finasteride blocks the enzyme that creates DHT, so it only treats DHT-related loss.
- Norwood stages 2 through 5: Men with early to moderate loss (N2: 800-1,500 grafts equivalent, N3: 1,500-2,200, N4: 2,500-3,500, N5: 3,000-4,500) have the most follicles still capable of recovery.
- Age 18 to 50: Clinical trials show peak efficacy in this range. Men under 40 tend to respond best. Finasteride is FDA-approved for men aged 18 and older.
- Recent onset hair loss: Men who have been losing hair for fewer than 5 years typically have more recoverable follicles than those with long-standing loss.
- Visible miniaturization without complete baldness: If you can see thinning but still have fine hairs present, those follicles may respond to treatment.
Who Should Not Take Finasteride?
Finasteride is not appropriate for everyone:
- Women who are or may become pregnant: Finasteride can cause birth defects. Women should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
- Men with non-androgenetic hair loss: Alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, and scarring alopecias involve different mechanisms. Finasteride will not help these conditions.
- Advanced Norwood 6-7 with long-term baldness: At N6 (4,000-6,000 grafts) or N7 (5,500-7,500 grafts) with years of complete baldness, most follicles are no longer viable for medication-based recovery. A hair transplant is typically the primary recommendation at these stages.
- Men with liver disease: Finasteride is metabolized by the liver. Liver conditions may affect drug processing and should be discussed with a physician.
What Results Can You Expect?
| Candidate Profile | Halt Loss | Regrowth | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2-3, under 35 | 85-90% | 65-75% | 6-12 months |
| Norwood 3-4, 35-50 | 80-88% | 55-65% | 6-12 months |
| Norwood 4-5, over 50 | 70-80% | 35-50% | 6-18 months |
| Norwood 6-7, any age | 60-70% | 15-25% | Limited regrowth expected |
Overall clinical data shows finasteride halts further loss in 80-90% of men and produces measurable regrowth in approximately 65%. Side effects (sexual side effects in 2-4% of users) are reversible upon discontinuation.
How to Determine If You Are a Candidate
Step 1: Identify Your Hair Loss Type
Not all thinning is pattern baldness. Diffuse thinning, patchy loss, and receding that follows non-typical patterns may indicate other conditions. A dermatologist or trichologist can confirm the diagnosis.
Step 2: Assess Your Norwood Stage
Understanding your current stage helps predict how well finasteride will work for you. Use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to get an instant Norwood classification based on your photos.
Step 3: Consult a Doctor
Finasteride requires a prescription. Your doctor will evaluate your health history, discuss potential side effects, and confirm that finasteride is appropriate for your situation. Be prepared to discuss family history of hair loss, any medications you currently take, and your treatment goals.
When Finasteride Alone Is Not Enough
For men at Norwood 4 and above, finasteride alone may not restore the density they want. In these cases, combining finasteride with a hair transplant (FUE recovery: 7-10 days, graft survival: 90-95%) provides both restoration of lost areas and protection of remaining native hair. Finasteride serves as the maintenance layer while the transplant addresses areas beyond medication's reach.
Find out where you stand. Get your free Norwood stage assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to see if finasteride fits your treatment plan.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Finasteride is a prescription medication. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any hair loss treatment.