Treatments and supplements · Finasteride and dutasteride

Do finasteride and dutasteride work for hair loss?

What we can tell you today: how thoroughly this has been studied.

Well studied

7 studies, including 2 that bring together the results of several trials in people.

5 Repeated evidence 2 studies

3 Small study in people 5 studies

This says how thoroughly something has been studied — not whether it works for you. What each study actually found is in the study itself, and in the plain-language write-ups we are adding.

Appears under: Hair and nails

The studies

5 Repeated evidence Risk of Depression Associated With Finasteride Treatment.
2021 · Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
5 Repeated evidence Dutasteride in the treatment of frontal fibrosing alopecia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
2024 · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Vene · 366 participants
3 Small study in people Efficacy of Topical Combination of 0.25% Finasteride and 3% Minoxidil Versus 3% Minoxidil Solution in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study.
2019 · American journal of clinical dermatology
3 Small study in people Evaluating the combined efficacy of oral isotretinoin and topical tacrolimus versus oral finasteride and topical tacrolimus in frontal fibrosing alopecia-A randomized controlled trial.
2023 · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 16 participants
3 Small study in people Intermittent low-dose finasteride is as effective as daily administration for the treatment of hirsute women.
2004 · Fertility and sterility · 38 participants
3 Small study in people A prospective randomized trial comparing finasteride to spironolactone in the treatment of hirsute women.
1995 · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 9 participants
3 Small study in people Lack of effect of topical finasteride suggests an endocrine role for dihydrotestosterone.
2000 · Fertility and sterility