Finasteride Shedding: What Is It, Why It Happens, and How Long it Lasts

Medically reviewed by Dr. Amy Revene M.B.B.S.
Written by Our Editorial Team
Last updated

Have you ever heard of finasteride shedding? Many men who take finasteride to treat androgenetic alopecia find this very frustrating. Finasteride shedding is common among people who take the drug to treat hair loss or an enlarged prostate.

This article dives into finasteride shedding, why it happens, and how long it lasts. So, if you are going through finasteride shedding or are considering taking the drug, keep reading to find out more.

Summary

Finasteride shedding is a common side effect of taking the medication and can last several weeks or more. While it may seem daunting to experience hair loss, it is important to remember that this is a temporary side effect that will eventually subside.

To help manage the effects of finasteride shedding, it is important to use a hair care routine that is designed to support healthier hair growth and reduce the severity of the shedding.

The Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine provides a comprehensive, natural solution that can help you get back to enjoying healthy hair growth. Try it out today and experience the benefits of a healthier head of hair.

What is finasteride and how does it work?

finasteride shedding

Finasteride is a prescription medication for treating androgenetic alopecia, or common male pattern baldness. It blocks the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is believed to be responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing hair loss. By blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, finasteride is thought to reduce the amount of DHT in the scalp and slow or prevent hair loss. In addition, it also helps stimulate new hair growth in some cases.

Although finasteride is a powerful medication for hair loss, it is essential to understand that it must be taken as prescribed and at the recommended dosage to treat hair loss effectively. Finasteride is used regularly to stop hair loss and make new hair grow.

If you are experiencing hair loss, talk to your doctor about whether finasteride is right for you. With the proper treatment, you can regain your confidence and return to being yourself again! 

Why finasteride causes hair shedding?

finasteride cause hair shedding, hair loss medication

Finasteride is a medication used to treat hair loss in men. It works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

While finasteride can help reduce levels of DHT and ultimately promote hair regrowth, it can also cause a temporary phase of increased hair shedding. This is because the medicine can mess up the natural hair growth cycle, causing follicles to enter the anagen, or growth, phase.

As the follicles start to grow again and are replaced by new ones, the hairs that are already there can be pushed out of the scalp. This can cause a period of more hair loss.

Luckily, this usually only lasts a short time and goes away as the body gets used to the medicine.

What are the common finasteride shedding cycles?

male pattern hair loss

Let's explore the typical finasteride shedding cycles:

  • Shedding after two weeks: Although it is possible to experience shedding after two weeks, it is not as common.
  • Shedding after two months: Shedding is normally expected after two months of use; be prepared to notice some hair loss at this stage.
  • Shedding after three months: After three months, you will recognize the most common phase of shedding while simultaneously noting new growth. Don't worry; soon enough, that bald spot on your head will be filled with time and nourishment.
  • Shedding after eight months: After eight months of taking the prescription, hair loss should cease. You may recognize that the new growth is stronger and healthier than before.
  • Shedding after eighteen months: After 18 months, you should notice a marked decrease in hair loss due to the medicine. Additionally, there will be an evident increase in new hair growth.

What finasteride alternatives don't result in hair shedding?

Many alternative treatments to finasteride don't cause hair shedding. The most popular ones are discussed below:

Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine

sustained hair growth

The Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine is an ideal alternative to Finasteride, as it offers the same benefits with no risk of side effects. It does not contain any drugs and has been tested in a clinical setting. 

Our Bio-Pilixin® formula has been shown to work in clinical trials, and it is made with ingredients that come from plants or that are made to have the same molecular structure as their natural counterparts.

With the 150-day money-back guarantee, you can trust that our products will provide safe and effective results. Our hair growth routine will help reduce hair loss and improve hair growth while making hair stronger and thicker.

This is the perfect choice for those looking for an alternative to finasteride.

Hair Growth Routine | For Men
Hair Growth Routine | For Men
Helps cleansing, hydrating and supports reduced hair loss in 3 easy steps.

Hair Growth Routine | For Women
Hair Growth Routine | For Women
Helps cleansing, hydrating and supports reduced hair loss in 3 easy steps.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an effective alternative to finasteride for treating hair loss. It works by stimulating the follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp, which helps promote healthy hair growth and reduce inflammation.

Minoxidil can be used on both men and women to help improve their receding hairlines. Unlike finasteride, minoxidil does not cause any temporary hair shedding. It is a risk-free and effective treatment for both male and female pattern baldness.

Minoxidil can also be bought without a prescription, which makes it easier to get than Finasteride. In the end, minoxidil is a good option for people who want to treat hair loss without causing temporary hair loss.

Read this: The 7 Best Natural and Drug Alternatives To Minoxidil

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in the comfort of your own home. The process involves using small needles to create tiny punctures in the scalp.

These punctures stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help promote hair growth and increase hair density, strength, and thickness. Microneedling can also help improve scalp health by increasing blood flow and removing dead skin cells.

While this procedure does not result in hair shedding, it may cause some redness and irritation. However, these side effects usually fade after a few days. It is important to follow all safety instructions and seek professional guidance if needed.

With the right care, microneedling can be an effective and safe alternative to finasteride for hair regrowth.

Read this: Microneedling For Hair Loss: Should You Do It At Home?

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is an extract that comes from a type of palm tree. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a remedy for a range of conditions, including hair loss. It works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

This can help reduce DHT levels, slow down the progression of hair loss, and promote new hair growth in some cases.

Unlike finasteride, which can cause a temporary increase in hair shedding, saw palmetto does not result in additional shedding. Instead, it can help promote thicker, healthier hair growth over time.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma therapy)

PRP therapy, which stands for platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a non-invasive, drug-free way to treat hair loss. It uses the growth factors in a person's own blood to help hair grow back.

The procedure involves taking some of the patient's blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp, where it can stimulate new hair growth.

Low-level laser light therapy

Low-level laser light therapy is an effective, non-invasive alternative to finasteride for treating hair loss. It utilizes a low-level laser to penetrate the scalp, stimulating cells and promoting hair growth.

It is effective in treating male-pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss, and it does not result in the temporary shedding of hair like finasteride can.

Hair transplantation

Hair transplantation is a surgical technique involving transferring hair from one part of the scalp to another. It is used to treat baldness, thinning hair, and other forms of hair loss.

The procedure is done by a skilled surgeon who carefully harvests healthy follicles from the donor area and transplants them into the recipient site.

The end result is a fuller, thicker head of hair that looks natural and is often permanent.

Read this: The 12 Best Natural and Drug Hair Transplant Alternatives

How long does finasteride shedding last?

Finasteride shedding is a temporary period of hair loss after taking finasteride medications. It typically lasts three to six months, but sometimes it can extend up to a year.

During this time, the patient will experience hair loss as the medication stops the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Although this period can be daunting, the good news is that finasteride shedding does not typically lead to long-term hair loss, and whatever hair was lost due to finasteride use will likely grow back.

To reduce the amount of shedding, patients should practice good habits like eating a balanced diet and using medicated shampoos and conditioners.

If the shedding persists for more than a year, it's important to speak to a doctor, who can recommend different treatments and adjust the amount of finasteride taken.

Read this: 6 Most Effective Alternatives To Finasteride

How can you improve your results from finasteride?

Finasteride is a powerful hair loss treatment, but it can be even more effective when combined with other treatments and healthy habits. Here are some tips to get the most out of your finasteride treatment:

By following these tips, you can improve the efficacy of finasteride and get better overall results. With dedication and consistency, your finasteride treatment will be more successful in promoting hair growth.

Do finasteride results last forever?

resting phase

Finasteride is an effective drug for treating hair loss and can result in noticeable improvement in as little as three months. Generally, the effects of finasteride can last up to five years or even longer with sustained treatment.

However, it is important to understand that finasteride is not a permanent cure and that the effects of treatment can begin to diminish over time if it is stopped.

Additionally, finasteride may not work for everyone, so it is important to consult your doctor to determine if finasteride treatment is right for you.

Proper guidance from a healthcare professional can help ensure that you get the best possible results from finasteride treatment.

Conclusion

Finasteride shedding is a common side effect of taking the medication and can last several weeks or more. While it may seem daunting to experience hair loss, it is important to remember that this is a temporary side effect that will eventually subside.

To help manage the effects of finasteride shedding, it is important to use a hair care routine that is designed to support healthier hair growth and reduce the severity of the shedding.

The Scandinavian Biolabs Hair Growth Routine provides a comprehensive, natural solution that can help you get back to enjoying healthy hair growth. Try it out today and experience the benefits of a healthier head of hair.

Read more:

Dr Amy Revene M.B.B.S. graduated from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. She is currently working as a General Physician at New Hope Medical Center. Amy has a passion for research and offers her expertise and opinions to help people in their quest to lead healthy, happy lives.