18 Male, Crown is balding and rest of hair is thinning. Is it okay to use topical minoxidil without taking finasteride?

Question

Hi, i have been losing hair for about 2 years now. I have been using hair oils to help but it hasnt done much. Recently i got a blood test done and found out that my vitamin d is 12 nmol, ferritin is 48 ug/l and b12 is 278 pmol/L. Could these be possible factors for my hair loss. If these do not help then my last option is to go to minoxidl. Regarding that, is it fine to use topical minoxidil without taking finasterride due to the side effects that possibly come with it. Could i please get some advice

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing all of this — I know how stressful hair changes can feel, especially at your age, and you’re definitely not alone in what you’re experiencing.

To answer your first question: yes, your lab results can play a role.

Low vitamin D can contribute to increased shedding.

Ferritin of 48 is on the lower side for optimal hair growth — most dermatologists prefer levels above ~70 for strong regrowth support.

B12 of 278 is within normal range but still on the lower end, and improving it may help overall hair health.

Correcting these deficiencies is important because they may be amplifying your hair loss or making the thinning appear worse.

As for treatment:
Yes — you can absolutely use topical minoxidil on its own. Many patients choose to start with minoxidil only, especially if they prefer to avoid finasteride due to potential side effects. Minoxidil is safe, widely used, and can slow shedding while improving density over time. Just keep in mind that consistency is key, and results take several months.

Finasteride isn’t mandatory. It can be helpful, but it’s completely reasonable to focus on correcting your deficiencies and using topical minoxidil first. Many young men respond well to that combination alone.

I hope this gives you some clarity — and some reassurance that you’re taking all the right steps. Let me know if you need more guidance on how to apply the minoxidil or how long to expect before seeing improvement.

18 Male, Crown is balding and rest of hair is thinning. Is it okay to use topical minoxidil without taking finasteride?

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