Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase type II inhibitor. At 1mg/day it reduces scalp DHT by ~60%, halting miniaturization in most men and producing modest regrowth.
Satisfied
n=412
₹300–600/mo
Monthly cost
63
Peer-reviewed studies
What it helps with
Heuristic guide based on active-ingredient evidence — not a substitute for a clinician's assessment. Match your pattern below; if you're unsure, see “When to consult a doctor.”
Norwood II–III · temples + frontal recession
Top of scalp, no clear hairline drop
Vertex / spiral pattern at the back
Preserving native + transplanted hair after surgery
Evidence · what we looked at
63
Peer-reviewed
18,900
Consumer reports
Key findings
How it works
Blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT (the hormone that shrinks scalp follicles). Peak serum inhibition reached within 24 hours; effect on hair follicle cycle requires 3–6 months to manifest.
Dosage: 1 tablet (1mg) once daily, with or without food
Where to buy
Affiliate disclosure. The Hair Library earns a commission when you purchase via these links. Pricing and ranking are not influenced by commission rate — cheapest retailer is labeled, period. Verify final price at checkout.
1mg
349
per pack
Requires prescription upload
Buy on 1mgPharmeasy
389
per pack
Apollo Pharmacy
420
per pack
In-store + online
Buy on Apollo PharmacyPrices are updated monthly · verify at checkout
Safety · side effects
Decreased libido
CommonMildUsually reversible on discontinuation
Erectile difficulty
UncommonModerateBreast tenderness / enlargement
UncommonMildMood changes / depression
UncommonModeratePost-finasteride syndrome (persistent)
RareSeriousOngoing research · inform your doctor
Safety notes
Formulation
Finasteride
Active · 5α-reductase type II inhibitor
1mg
Lactose monohydrate
Excipient
—
Magnesium stearate
Lubricant
—
Patient reviews
4.0
Avg rating · n=2
50%
Would use again
78%
Full cohort satisfaction · n=412
Halted my loss. Five years in.
Started at 28 when Norwood II was becoming Norwood III. Five years later: no further recession, possibly slight regrowth at the temples. No side effects I can attribute to it.
Worked — but libido hit
Density improvement was real at 6 months. But libido dropped noticeably and didn't bounce back until a month after stopping. Going to try topical finasteride instead.
Real-world journey mentions
Anonymized cohort timelines where Finasteride 1mg was part of the patient's documented regimen. Linkage is patient-disclosed, not inferred from purchases.
We don't fabricate product-journey linkages. Once our first cohort of patient journeys is published, this section will show real timelines that explicitly used this product as part of their documented regimen.
How journeys get verifiedWhen to consult a doctor
The Hair Library is research-first, not a replacement for clinical judgment. A dermatologist or trichologist can rule out medical causes in a single visit — and that visit often saves months of inappropriate treatment.
Hair loss started suddenly or in patches.
Sudden onset or coin-shaped bald patches suggest alopecia areata or telogen effluvium — both medical, neither helped by topical minoxidil alone.
You're under 21 or over 60.
Outcomes and side-effect profiles change at the edges of the age range. A clinician should rule out hormonal or systemic causes.
You have visible scalp inflammation, sores, or scaling.
Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scarring alopecia and scalp infections need treatment first — products won't help and may worsen them.
No visible improvement after 6 months of consistent use.
If you've been compliant for 24+ weeks with no change, it's time to re-evaluate the diagnosis — not just switch products.
You're considering DHT inhibitors (finasteride / dutasteride).
These need a prescription and a clinician to assess sexual side-effect risk, baseline hormone profile, and whether you're a candidate at all.
If this doesn't fit
Oral · Avodart
Stronger than finasteride. Off-label for AGA; physician-supervised only.
₹900–1,800/mo
Monthly
74%
Satisfied · n=156
Topical · Generic
The most-studied topical. Works; requires daily commitment.
₹400–800/mo
Monthly
72%
Satisfied · n=380
The Hair Library is an independent aggregator. Content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Results vary by patient, technique, and clinician. Always consult a qualified hair-restoration physician before making treatment decisions. Review counts and audit dates are disclosed on every clinic page.
