Does shaving your head improve the results of propecia and minoxidil?

Question

I've been using minoxidil for 1 year now and propecia for 3 months.

Stephen Giordano, DO · Answer

In short, hair length should have nothing to do with the mechanism of action for Propecia (finasteride).  Minoxidil's success rate is quite marginal to begin with all things considered, but it is my opinion as a physician and a former user of Minoxidil that as long as you massage it into the scalp, hair length should not affect it's efficacy.   Best of luck,  Dr. Giordano

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

having shorthair will allow the minoxidil to penetrate and observe via your scalp lot more effectively versus if you have longer hair. Outside of that, the length of hair does not impact minoxidil nor topical finasteride.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

This is a great question. Good studies have not been done to answer your question so one is relying entirely on clinical experience and rationale thinking. For finasteride, it is unlikely that shaving would have any benefit at all given that this is an oral medication. For minoxidil, shaving is also unlikely to give a difference in effect. However, one must be aware that the medication only works once it hits the scalp. So individuals with longer hair do require much greater care to ensure the appropriate amounts reach the scalp and not the hair. Otherwise, for someone not willing to apply diligently - shaving in this case will likely produce better results.

Sean Behnam, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

It's very unlikely. As long as you're able to properly apply the Minoxidil to the scalp (assuming you are using it topically) the length of hair shouldn't affect how effective the medications are.

Does shaving your head improve the results of propecia and minoxidil?

Answers (4)

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