Does Finasteride Regrow Hair?

Finasteride works by lowering levels of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp. DHT is the main hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink in men with male-pattern hair loss.

By reducing DHT, finasteride helps slow down further hair loss and can allow weakened hair follicles to recover and grow thicker again.

It does not create new hair follicles, but it can help protect the hair you still have and improve hair density over time, especially on the crown and mid-scalp.

If your hair follicles are dead, for example, if you are completely bald, or you have a shiny patch on your scalp, regrowth with Finasteride is highly unlikely.

Further reading: Does finasteride work?

Data from clinical trials saw many men experience hair regrowth with finasteride.

• After 12 months: 48% of men had visible hair regrowth
• After 2 years: 66% of men had regrowth
• After 5 years: 48% still showed increased hair growth compared to baseline

In regard to slowing further hair loss, data from clinical trials demonstrated that finasteride can slow the progression of hair loss, even if hair regrowth is limited.

• After 1 year: only 14% of men on finasteride continued to lose hair (vs 58% on placebo)
• After 2 years: 17% continued to lose hair (vs 72% on placebo)
• After 5 years: 35% lost more hair (vs 100% on placebo)

• First 1–3 months:
  You may notice less hair shedding. Some men even see a temporary increase in finasteride shedding at first, this is normal and usually a sign that weaker hairs are being replaced by stronger ones.
• 3–6 months:
  Hair loss continues to slow down, and early signs of thickening may appear. Changes are subtle at this stage.
• 6–12 months:
  This is when visible regrowth or fuller-looking hair is most likely to appear. Many men start to see real improvement during this period.
• 12–24 months:
  Results usually peak in this window. Hair may continue to get thicker and denser, but at a slower pace.

Further reading: Finasteride results

Finasteride is suitable for men who are starting to notice hair loss or want to stop it getting worse.

It may be a good option if you:

• Have early to moderate male pattern hair loss
• Are noticing thinning at the crown or a receding hairline
• Want to slow hair loss and keep the hair you still have
• Are happy to take a daily treatment long term

Finasteride works best when hair follicles are still active, so starting earlier usually gives better results.

It may be less helpful if hair loss is advanced and areas are already completely bald, as those follicles may not grow back.

If you’re unsure whether finasteride is right for you, our team can help assess your hair loss and discuss your options.