India has over 50 million men with androgenetic alopecia, and Finpecia (generic Finasteride 1mg) is the most commonly prescribed treatment by Indian dermatologists. Tracking your density response gives you objective data to evaluate whether your prescription is working, regardless of which Indian Finasteride brand you are taking.
Finasteride Brands Available in India
Indian pharmaceutical companies manufacture Finasteride under multiple brand names, all containing the same active ingredient:
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Dose | Approximate Cost (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finpecia | Cipla | 1mg | 150 to 250 |
| Finax | Dr. Reddy's | 1mg | 200 to 300 |
| Fincar | Cipla | 5mg (split for hair loss) | 100 to 180 |
| Finalo | Intas | 1mg | 150 to 250 |
| Finast | Dr. Reddy's | 5mg (split for hair loss) | 120 to 200 |
| Propecia (branded) | MSD | 1mg | 1,500 to 2,500 |
All 1mg generic formulations are bioequivalent to branded Propecia. Your tracking data should show identical results regardless of the brand. If your dermatologist prescribes a 5mg tablet (Fincar, Finast) to be split into quarters, the effective dose per quarter is 1.25mg, which is clinically equivalent to 1mg.
Step 1: Get Your Prescription and Take a Baseline
Finasteride requires a prescription in India. Visit a dermatologist or trichologist for a diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia before starting treatment. During that appointment, ask about:
- Your current Norwood stage
- Recommended dose (1mg daily is standard)
- Expected timeline for results
- Side effect monitoring plan
Before taking your first dose, scan with myhairline.ai. Capture baseline density at three zones:
- Frontal hairline: Where recession is most visible
- Mid-scalp: The most responsive zone to Finasteride
- Crown: Where vertex thinning occurs in Norwood 3V and above
Record your Norwood stage, the brand prescribed, and your start date in the tracking notes.
Step 2: Scan Every 4 Weeks for the First Year
Monthly scans create the density trend line that shows whether Finasteride is working. Indian patients often visit their dermatologist every 3 to 6 months, which means months of data go unrecorded between appointments. Self-tracking fills this gap.
Here is the expected timeline for Indian Finasteride users:
| Month | Expected Observation |
|---|---|
| Month 1 to 2 | No visible change; DHT suppression is occurring internally |
| Month 3 to 4 | Possible temporary shedding (normal, indicates follicle cycling) |
| Month 4 to 6 | Density decline should stop; trend line flattens |
| Month 6 to 9 | Early regrowth in responders (65% of users) |
| Month 9 to 12 | Regrowth becomes visible; density increases by 5 to 15% |
| Month 12 to 24 | Peak response achieved; density plateaus at new level |
If your density is still declining at month 9, flag this in your next dermatology appointment. The standard response assessment period in India is 12 months, but your tracking data can identify non-responders earlier.
Step 3: Account for Indian Hair Characteristics
Indian (South Asian) hair has specific characteristics that affect density measurements:
| Characteristic | Indian Hair Average | Impact on Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Hair diameter | 70 to 100 micrometers | Thicker than Caucasian; provides better coverage per follicle |
| Follicular units per cm2 | 140 to 200 | Slightly lower than Caucasian average |
| Hair color | Dark brown to black | Higher contrast makes density assessment easier |
| Growth rate | 1.2cm per month | Standard rate; aligns with global averages |
| Hair shape | Straight to wavy | Lower curl means more predictable density readings |
The dark color of Indian hair against lighter skin creates strong contrast in scan images, which actually improves the accuracy of AI density estimation. Your myhairline.ai scans may produce more consistent readings than those from patients with blonde or light brown hair.
Step 4: Track Alongside Common Indian Combination Treatments
Indian dermatologists frequently prescribe Finasteride alongside other treatments. Track each treatment's start date so you can correlate density changes with specific interventions:
Common Indian combination protocols:
- Finpecia + Minoxidil 5%: The most common combination. Minoxidil adds 40 to 60% moderate regrowth through a separate mechanism.
- Finpecia + PRP: Platelet-rich plasma sessions cost INR 3,000 to 8,000 per session in India. Results show 30 to 40% density increase when combined with Finasteride.
- Finpecia + Biotin supplements: Commonly prescribed but weak evidence. Track to verify whether biotin adds measurable density beyond Finasteride alone.
- Finpecia + ketoconazole shampoo: Anti-fungal shampoo with mild anti-androgen properties. Used 2 to 3 times per week.
Log each treatment with its start date. When your density trend changes, you can identify which addition caused the improvement.
Step 5: Prepare Reports for Your Dermatologist
Indian dermatology consultations are often brief, typically 10 to 15 minutes. Having a prepared report saves time and ensures your doctor sees objective data.
Export your myhairline.ai report before each appointment. Include:
- Density trend graph covering the period since your last visit
- Zone-by-zone comparison (hairline, mid-scalp, crown)
- Side-by-side comparison photos
- Treatment compliance notes (any missed doses)
- Side effects log (if applicable)
Indian dermatologists are familiar with trichoscopy and follicular unit density measurements. Your report uses the same metrics they use clinically, making it immediately useful in the consultation.
Step 6: Understand Cost Considerations for Long-Term Tracking
Finasteride is a long-term commitment. Discontinuing the medication causes density to return to pre-treatment levels within 6 to 12 months. Indian patients benefit from the low cost of generic Finasteride (as low as INR 5 per day), making long-term use financially sustainable.
Your tracking data becomes more valuable over time:
- Year 1 data confirms whether you are a responder
- Year 2 to 3 data shows the maintenance trajectory
- Year 5+ data documents long-term stability
If you decide to add a hair transplant later, Indian clinics (FUE costs INR 25 to 75 per graft, approximately $0.50 to $1.50 USD) will want to see your Finasteride response data to plan graft count and predict long-term results.
When to Consider Alternatives
Your tracking data may show that Finasteride alone is insufficient. In India, the following alternatives are available:
- Dutasteride 0.5mg: For non-responders to Finasteride, blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase
- Topical Finasteride: Emerging option with potentially fewer systemic side effects
- Hair transplant (FUE/FUT): India offers some of the most affordable procedures globally at $0.50 to $1.50 per graft
Your tracking data is the evidence base for switching treatments. A flat or declining density trend at month 12 on Finasteride, documented in your myhairline.ai reports, gives your dermatologist the data to recommend the next step.
Start Your Finpecia Tracking Today
Take your baseline scan at myhairline.ai/analyze before your next dose. Whether you are starting Finpecia for the first time or have been taking it for months without tracking, today's scan becomes your reference point for measuring progress over the next 12 months.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Finasteride is a prescription medication. Consult a qualified dermatologist in India for diagnosis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Side effects including sexual dysfunction occur in 2 to 4% of users. myhairline.ai is a tracking tool, not a diagnostic or treatment platform.