Finasteride Before and After

Finasteride is a prescription hair loss treatment that multiple studies show has an undeniable ability to stop hair loss and regrow hair. But results don’t come overnight, so knowing what to expect and when to expect it can help keep you on the right track.

That’s why we’ve collected these examples of hair loss patients who have had success with oral finasteride, sometimes known by the brand name Propecia. These images will give you a rough idea of what your hair recovery journey might look like at different points in the process.

Bear in mind that no two patients have identical experiences. You may find that your hair grows back more or less quickly than the men in these examples. But you will most likely find that it will grow back. Any hair follicles that have gone dormant but have not yet died will almost certainly revive themselves in the presence of finasteride.

If you’re curious about finasteride or other hair loss solutions, you should check out our guide to the best hair loss treatments to learn more.

Studies indicate that finasteride’s greatest strength is reinvigorating the hairline, but it can also produce hair regrowth at the crown and vertex of the head. Some examples will clearly show its ability to reclaim scalp lost to a receding hairline. Here’s a great example of a hairline that’s begun to grow back toward the front of the scalp:

And while finasteride doesn’t have the same stellar track record at the vertex and crown as minoxidil, studies and plenty of examples attest to the fact that it can provide significant benefit there, as well.

Notice in the image below how much fuller the hair has become after using finasteride for two years:

While it takes the better part of a year for finasteride’s effects to be in full swing, the medication starts working immediately to curb your hair loss. You’ll likely start seeing some results after 3-4 months. Here’s a look at some patients who saw relatively fast results using finasteride between 4 and 6 months.

Ready to consider finasteride? Based on our research in 2023, the lowest price for convenient finasteride by itself is available at Keeps. You can also get an additional 50% off your first three months.

If you're trying finasteride for the first time, however, there are distinct advantages to trying it with Hims. We recommend Hims as your go-to when trying finasteride because follow-up consultations with a Hims doctor are free of charge. This provides real value when you're starting with a brand-new prescription like finasteride, which does cause some side effects for a small percentage of men.

Either way, your initial consultation is totally online and free of charge – no in-person visits necessary – and your medication arrives discreetly in the mail.

Any hair loss treatment takes time. Most finasteride users will notice a cessation of hair loss within the first 1-3 months, followed by a protracted period of regrowth that can take a year or more to recover any available hair follicles. Variables like genetics and the degree of hair loss at the time of treatment will all play a part.

Here’s a series of before and after photographs that reflect the progress many men make after one year of daily finasteride administration.

If you’re ready to start this journey, we recommend you head to Hims.

For finasteride to work, you have to keep taking it. As soon as you stop, your hair loss will begin anew. The good news is that many men continue to regrow their hair more than a year after starting their finasteride regimen.

Here’s a look at some long-term successes in men who have taken finasteride for more than one year.

After 16 months

After two or more years

While most people consume finasteride in its pill form, a topical form of finasteride is also available. You can get topical finasteride from Hims and learn more about that company’s offering in our complete Hims review.

For now, here are some images that illustrate topical finasteride’s potential after only 4-6 months of use:

Studies into the efficacy of a combined approach — putting finasteride and minoxidil (Rogaine) together — show impressive results. It seems that the drugs work well together, with no contraindications and significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some before and after photos of finasteride and minoxidil combined, showing how well they can work together. Some of these images represent minoxidil combined with topical finasteride, while others represent minoxidil combined with oral finasteride.

Before and after: one year or less

Our testing team has tried all of the best hair loss treatment services available, and right now in 2023, Keeps is the most affordable and convenient way to get prescription finasteride (in pill form) and minoxidil together – no in-person doctor’s visits necessary. Also worth noting: Keeps sells minoxidil as either a solution or a foam – your choice.

After more than one year

To pursue a combination of finasteride pills and minoxidil, you can visit Keeps now, learn more at our full review of the company, or see how prices and services compare by consulting our guide to hair loss treatments.

If a combination of topical finasteride and minoxidil is what you want, your best option is Hims. And it gets better: Hims gives our readers one free month of this combination.

Finasteride is not the only option men have to stop hair loss and regrow their hair. And for 2-3% of users, it may cause potentially serious sexual side effects. Minoxidil, nanoxidil, laser caps, botanicals like saw palmetto, and hair restoration surgery are just a few of the viable therapies on the market.

If you’re curious about finasteride or its viable alternatives, be sure to read our comprehensive guide to the best hair loss treatments available.