Struggling with the side effects of finasteride? You're not alone. While finasteride is a popular treatment for hair loss, its potential side effects drive many to seek safer, more affordable alternatives.
In this article, we explore 11 effective finasteride alternatives—ranging from natural remedies to medical treatments and holistic approaches—that can help combat hair loss without compromising your well-being.
Whether you're looking for gentler solutions or advanced therapies, these options offer promising results and greater peace of mind.
Table of content
11 alternatives to Finasteride: Quick overview
| Treatment Option | Type | Suitable For | Key Benefits | Possible Side Effects | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine | Non-invasive treatment | Men and Women | Promotes hair growth with natural ingredients | Minor scalp irritation | Includes serum, shampoo, and conditioner |
| Saw Palmetto | Natural Supplement | Men and Women | Natural DHT blocker | Stomach issues, headache | No prescription needed |
| Ecklonia Cava | Herbal Remedy | Men and Women | Supports hair growth and health | Mild allergic reactions | Derived from seaweed |
| Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) | Non-invasive treatment | Men and Women | Stimulates hair growth | No direct side effects | Requires regular sessions |
| Hair transplant | Surgical | Men and Women | Permanent hair restoration | Scarring, infection | Requires surgery |
| Topical minoxidil | Drug | Men and Women | Stimulates hair growth | Scalp irritation | Over-the-counter |
| Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Nutrient Tablets | Natural Supplement | Men and Women | Nourishes follicles | No direct side effects | Ethically sourced ingredients |
| Natural DHT blockers | Natural Treatment | Men and Women | Inhibits DHT production | Mild digestive issues | Derived from plants |
| Rosemary oil | Natural Treatment | Men and Women | Improves scalp circulation | Allergic reactions | Topical application |
| Derma rolling | Non-invasive treatment | Men and Women | Enhances absorption of treatments | Skin irritation | Requires regular use |
| Combining different treatments | Comprehensive approach | Men and Women | Maximizes hair growth | Varies by treatment | Consult professional before combining |
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What to look for in a finasteride alternative?
Choose products with minimal side effects and natural ingredients when seeking a finasteride alternative. Look for clinically proven ingredients backed by research. Prioritize brands with transparent, science-supported communication and be skeptical of instant growth claims.
#1: Zero or minimal side effects
#2: Clinically proven active ingredients
#3: Transparent communication backed by science
Beware of hair growth brands making outsized claims without scientific evidence.
Products promising unrealistic results within days are often too good to be true.
Authentic regrowth takes time, so companies should have research validating any dramatic benefits.
If science doesn't back the claims, view them skeptically. Real solutions require patience, not overnight miracles.
Why should you consider avoiding Finasteride?
There are several reasons to seek alternatives to Finasteride for treating hair loss:
- Not effective for your hair loss condition: Finasteride may not be effective for conditions like telogen effluvium or alopecia areata.
- Finasteride is not generally recommended for women: It’s not suitable for female pattern hair loss due to its mechanism of action on testosterone and DHT.
- Side effects: Users may experience sexual dysfunction (including lowered libido and erectile dysfunction), gynecomastia, mental health conditions (including depression), and post-Finasteride syndrome.
11 most effective alternatives to finasteride
These are the 11 most effective finasteride alternatives for treating hair loss:
- Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine
- Saw Palmetto
- Ecklonia Cava
- Natural DHT blockers
- Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Nutrient Tablets
- Rosemary oil
- Topical minoxidil
- Hair transplant
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
- Derma rolling
- Combining different treatments
Natural Remedies:
1. Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine
For those concerned about finasteride's adverse effects, Scandinavian Biolabs offers a more natural alternative backed by clinical studies.
Our three-step hair growth system contains key ingredients shown in studies to awaken dormant hair follicles. This helps lengthen the anagen phase (hair growth phase) and encourage hair growth.
Other key ingredients like biotin, amino acids, and niacinamide nourish the scalp and follicles for optimal growth.
This multi-faceted approach targets multiple causes of hair loss, ensuring that it has no choice but to grow.
Our Bio-Pilixin is an effective yet gentle formula that's not only free from harmful side effects, but also shown these results in a third-party clinical study:
- 97% experience less hair loss
- 93% had a clinically tested reduction in hair loss
- 73% had a clinically tested increase in hair density
Those wary of side effects now have an evidence-based option to that can help regrow hair safely and quickly.
2. Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto works by blocking 5-alpha reductase and offers key benefits like thickening of hair with minimal side effects. Though it is often taken as a continuing solution following hair transplant surgery and not as an option to start on its own.
3. Ecklonia Cava
Ecklonia Cava has been utilized as an alternative to both topical finasteride and minoxidil with scientists seeing an increase in depth, size, and length of hair follicles utilizing natural ingredients, however, it also has side effects our other two alternatives do not have, putting it lower on our list.
4. Natural DHT blockers
Several plant compounds such as saw palmetto, stinging nettle, and pumpkin seed oil contain fatty acids and phytosterols that act as natural DHT inhibitors. DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss by shrinking follicles over time.
Small clinical studies have shown saw palmetto supplements can improve hair count, hair weight, and other measures compared to placebo. Additional research indicates nettle and pumpkin seed extracts applied topically and orally can reduce DHT levels, increase thickness, and stimulate regrowth.
These natural DHT blockers provide a risk-free alternative to finasteride for impeding DHT production and its hair loss effects.
5. Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Nutrient Tablets
Research on supplements like saw palmetto, biotin, and zinc for hair loss is limited, with some studies showing no benefit over placebo.
However, Scandinavian Biolabs' Hair Nutrient Tablets contain a blend of natural ingredients like biotin and zinc designed to nourish follicles for healthy hair growth.
Made with high-quality, ethically-sourced ingredients without additives, they offer a safe and effective alternative.
6. Rosemary oil
Multiple studies have demonstrated rosemary oil's ability to stimulate cellular activity and increase blood circulation in the scalp when applied topically.
One randomized controlled trial found subjects using rosemary oil had significant improvement in hair count compared to placebo over a 6 month period.
The increased blood flow induced by rosemary provides vital nutrients to hair follicles, activates metabolism, and reverses miniaturization to revive growth.
Its antiseptic and antioxidant properties also support a healthy scalp environment.
Thanks to this solid body of research, rosemary oil is a great natural treatment for inhibiting DHT and promoting growth.
Medical Treatments:
7. Topical minoxidil
If you have been to a healthcare provider, they'd probably tell you about oral minoxidil as another pattern hair loss treatment option.
It works by increasing blood flow to your scalp, which encourages hair follicle growth.
According to a meta-analysis of 47 randomized controlled trials, minoxidil was found to be effective in promoting hair growth and improving hair density in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia.
8. Hair transplant
A hair transplant is probably the first thing anyone thinks of when thinking about hair restoration.
Hair implantation is nothing more than a surgery in which follicles are extracted from areas where hair still exists and implanted in those where it has disappeared in the hope that in a few months, they will grow.
In short, the surgeon takes hair from one area to transplant it to another.
9. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
It is a non-invasive treatment for hair loss based on medical-grade laser light to stimulate capillary blood circulation. The red light passes through the skin surface with regenerative effects and biological reactions on the scalp tissues.
Studies have shown that LLLT can be effective in promoting hair growth in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia. For example, a randomized controlled trial of 120 men with male pattern baldness found that LLLT significantly improved hair density and thickness after 26 weeks of treatment.
10. Derma rolling
Derma rolling utilizes tiny needles to create micro-punctures in the scalp, spurring increased collagen production, growth factors, and circulation.
Studies show derma rolling improves absorption of topical minoxidil by up to 100 times when done before application.
Clinical trials display its efficacy - one found derma rolling combined with minoxidil grew over 400 more hairs per square inch than minoxidil alone after 12 weeks.
Another saw nearly 80% increase in hair count using derma rolling with stem cell therapy.
The research supports derma rolling as a safe way to optimize topical treatments and natural growth factors for significantly better hair recovery without taking oral medication.
Holistic Approach:
11. Combining different treatments
Combining certain treatments like minoxidil and finasteride may have a synergistic effect, slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth better than a single treatment alone.
Other natural combinations like minoxidil and low-level laser therapy or oral supplements show promise too.
However, consult a professional before combining treatments, as not all options are safe or effective for everyone.
FAQs
What can I use instead of finasteride?
The best alternatives to finasteride include:
- Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine
- Saw Palmetto
- Ecklonia Cava
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
- Hair transplant
- Topical minoxidil
- Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Nutrient Tablets
- Dutasteride.
What are natural alternatives to finasteride?
Some natural alternatives to finasteride include:
- Saw Palmetto: Derived from the berries of the saw palmetto plant, it has been shown to inhibit DHT production and help with hair loss.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil: Rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, it may help block DHT and promote hair growth.
- Green Tea Extract: Contains polyphenols and EGCG, which may help reduce DHT levels and promote hair growth.
- Stinging Nettle Root: Contains compounds that may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.
What are alternatives to finasteride for BPH?
Alternatives to finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include:
- Alpha-blockers: Medications like tamsulosin or terazosin that relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow.
- Dutasteride: Similar to finasteride, it inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT, but it's more potent and may be more effective for BPH.
- Tadalafil: A medication primarily used for erectile dysfunction that can also help relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder, improving urinary symptoms.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Options like UroLift or Rezūm can help relieve BPH symptoms without the need for medication.
How long does it take for natural alternatives to finasteride to show results?
The time it takes to see results from natural alternatives to finasteride can vary depending on the individual and the specific treatment used. Generally, it may take several months of consistent use before noticeable improvements in hair growth or reduced hair loss are observed. It's important to be patient and continue using the treatment as directed for the best results.
Are there any side effects to using natural alternatives to finasteride?
Natural alternatives to finasteride may have fewer or less severe side effects compared to the medication, but some individuals may still experience mild side effects. These can vary depending on the specific alternative used, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
Can minoxidil replace finasteride?
Minoxidil can be considered as an alternative to Finasteride. It is available as a topical or oral treatment and works by widening the blood vessels in the scalp. This allows more nutrients to reach the hair follicles, thereby stimulating hair growth.
Read more:
- Signs of Balding at 20? The Shocking Truth and How to Avoid It
- Minoxidil Results: What To Expect
- Minoxidil Foam vs. Liquid: Pick Your Match
Reference:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24252083/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19090946/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26380504/
