Hi
@Toppman89 , a combination of minoxidil and finasteride is a good combo for your hair, especially as the working mechanism are very different, as a result you are attacking hair loss from two angles.
The cause of male pattern hair loss is the production of DHT in the body, Dihydrotestosterone triggers the androgen receptors, or the male pattern hair loss gene which affects hair follicles over the top of the scalp. The hair loss gene is inherited from family members, paternal and maternal sides. Using finasteride will help to block the DHT from binding to the venerable hair follicles.
Minoxidil is different, it acts as a stimulant as it dilates the small blood vessels over the top of the scalp. When hair loss starts the hair cycle is interrupted, with the growth phase becomes shorter, the resting phase gets longer as a result, you have less hair actively growing, and the hair follicle starts to atrophy, move away from the blood circulation. Minoxidil dilates the blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to the dying hair follicles, and provides the nutrients to keep it growing. If you respond well you can partially reverse the hair cycle and more hair back on your head again, making areas thicker and stronger.
A prescription is needed for finasteride, some sites will ask a few medical questions, they can be found combined in a topical spray for ease of use, often a Minoxidil 10% + Finasteride 0.1% + Azelaic Acid. Use as prescribed for the best results, and give it 9-12 months before really judging how effective they have been. While the odd missed application is not going to make a difference really try to keep it up otherwise you cannot honestly judge the result.
