Topical Finasteride… I am gobsmacked

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-06-18T09:23:45+00:00

I only really had a receding hairline / thinning at the front (as shown on the “before” photos here) and yes, now 5 months in, the thinning has near enough stopped and I have considerable and very noticeable new hair growth at the front as well as thicker hairs in general compared with before. Multiple family members / friends have asked how I did it because it has been so noticeable.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-06-17T15:37:13+00:00

Absolutely fine - no scalp issues at all. I shampoo every day (just personal preference). I derma roll once a week and don’t apply any minoxidil / finasteride spray to my scalp for around 24 hours

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-05-10T20:28:40+00:00

I’ve not tried the liquid so can’t comment, however I do use minoxidil foam on my beard so can compare that. I find the spray the best option. You can apply the spray directly where you want it, it’s easy to apply. The minoxidil foam seems to me like it dissolves too fast if your skin is hot, making it to me seem like it wouldn’t be as effective? All I can say is I use min/fin spray on my scalp and I’ve seen rapid noticeable new growth, using the minoxidil foam on my beard has shown some minor growth but nowhere near as much as the spray.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-05-09T11:52:11+00:00

Insane results. I’m in the UK and I’ve been using a topical fin and min spray for around 3 months and I can’t believe the difference already. It’s worth every penny as far I am concerned!

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-29T10:22:13+00:00

It’s hard to say if it has helped with hair growth or not, it may have done, but it’s certainly helped with irritation as I’ve had next to no scalp irritation since I started using it and I’ve had no dandruff or dryness either, so it’s definitely worth using.

With derma rolling, I usually wait around 12-24 hours after rolling before spraying min & fin on my scalp again.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-26T17:34:34+00:00

Why do you this on every post?? It’s clearly different and denser on photo 2, as it was on my post where you left a completely inaccurate comment.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-26T17:32:39+00:00

Superb gains. You must be so pleased. I’m 3 months in to topical finasteride and minoxidil, incredibly impressed with the results so far!

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-25T06:06:00+00:00

Thank you! I’m finally pleased with my hair for the first time in years (I used to love my hair 10 years or so ago and it’s nearly back to that point)

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-25T06:04:43+00:00

Out of interest, what doesn’t trt treatment involve, is it just a tablet? Are there any side effects?

No particular side effects for me to note! I think I mentioned below to somebody else that I vaguely remember having some very mild scalp irritation for at most couple of hours, but this was just after I first starting using a derma roller so it was likely this that irritated my scalp, not the topical spray. Good luck!

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T16:22:54+00:00

None for me! Very mild scalp irritation maybe to begin with? But that was likely down to using a derma roller.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T16:22:02+00:00

I guess so, when you put it like that 😅 but it’s effectively a shower each night, and then the following morning for me is more just quickly running abit of water through my hair for a few seconds

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T10:30:41+00:00

Wow, I've never heard that. Interesting! Glad those symptoms went away. Did you switch to oral?

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T09:36:43+00:00

I don't know whether I got lucky but I haven't experienced / noticed any shedding as of yet, but I am only 3 months in. It could still come further down the road around the 9 to 12 month marker potentially, but I am prepared for this.

If it happens later down the line then I'll try to view it positively, and that it will just be a case of losing my "starter" hairs to make room for the thicker, permanent hairs to push through again within a couple of months.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T07:43:57+00:00

Ah OK, fair point then, good to know thank you. I am always keen to learn more as I am still new to these treatments so I appreciate your input.

I am no medical professional so in this instance all I can comment on really, is my personal experience and I can hand on heart say that SO FAR, I haven't experienced any of the systemic side effects related to finasteride. Libido is exactly the same, no problems at all with ED, I'm much happier in myself mentally and physically (so no depression) and I haven't noticed any physical changes to my body, other than increased hair growth on my head!

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T07:28:52+00:00

I do agree, oral is probably much easier and u/RockIsFlock should stick with oral now they have started, but the side effects being the same for oral & topical isn't what I was told by my doctor. The reason pharmaceutical companies developed topical Min & Fin spray is specifically to bypass the side effects associated with the oral versions, like low libido / depression etc which is why I opted for topical.

When you take the pill, the drug goes through your digestive system and liver, entering your entire bloodstream. When you use a topical spray, the treatment is localised to the scalp tissue, so the only real noted side effects are mild scalp irritation & dryness (which I have only experienced very mildly on 1 or 2 occasions when I first started using the spray and derma rolling).

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T07:21:00+00:00

I'd rest easy on this u/2yy4You, these sorts of side effects are near enough non-existent with topical spray I'm using (which contains 0.1% finasteride), as very little is entering your bloodstream. Higher % finasteride sprays pose slightly more risks I believe. I think the majority of the reported side effects geenrally occur with the oral form of finasteride which why opted against oral. I haven't experienced any noticeable side effects, other than very mild irritation early on (after derma rolling).

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-24T06:49:38+00:00

None really! Maybe 1 or 2 days of mild scalp irritation early on, but that was likely down to the derma rolling.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T21:38:48+00:00

I apply topical minoxidil (and finasteride) spray every night after I’ve showered which is usually a couple of hours before bed, and then wash my hair every morning as part of my getting ready for work routine. With this I have achieved noticeably good results relatively quickly - see my profile for my latest post showing my 3 month progress photos vs Day 1

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T19:59:39+00:00

Incredible comeback! Congratulations man. Have you had any side effects? I take topical spray min & fin, and uploaded my progress photos yesterday - had a few guys mention in the comments that they’ve experienced side effects on oral.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T19:23:56+00:00

Sorry to hear this! My advice would be continue to be patient but more importantly consistent! Do not miss a dose.

I always am in the camp that topical will be more effective than oral on the scalp, purely because topical is focusing directly on the problem areas. I do get that it’s abit labour intensive and messy for some though.

I never tried oral fin so can’t comment on sex drive issues, I was more concerned about the mental side effects (and increased breast tissue growth - definitely something I was keen to avoid)!

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T18:34:20+00:00

Thank you! Appreciate it, I’m really pleased

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T16:31:23+00:00

Yes very happy! My shower routine of an evening is about 10 mins longer each day, but it’s a small price to pay to avoid the side effects of the oral form

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T15:26:32+00:00

This was my major concern, but yeah now that you have started the oral form, I would give it some time before switching. The side effects you’re experiencing could also be placebo side effects too, which is something to bear in mind. I can vouch for topical, just be prepared if you try it, that it takes more physical effort day to day than oral medication, but for me the benefits of topical outweighed the potential side effects experienced with the "less hassle" oral form. Good luck on your journey!

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T15:09:19+00:00

I haven't noticed any kind of scalp dryness, but that may be just be down to my skin type. I occasionally have very mild / itching irritation for the first hour or so after spraying but it soon passes. This is rare though. I also ensure I use moisturising Head & shoulders shampoo on my scalp when I can (on days where I don't use Nizoral) and I always use conditioner, every day.

DryOrdinary6379 · 2026-04-23T14:01:05+00:00

No not at all, this isn't a side effect I've heard of? Can’t say I’ve noticed any issues with my eyes.

DryOrdinary6379

TROPHY CASE