Hair Loss Medication: What Actually Works and What to Avoid

When it comes to hair loss medication, drugs approved by health authorities to slow or reverse thinning hair. Also known as anti-androgenic treatments, they’re the only non-surgical options with real, proven results for most people. Not all hair loss is the same—about 95% of cases in men and a big chunk in women come from androgenetic alopecia, a genetic condition where hormones shrink hair follicles over time. This isn’t just stress or shampoo. It’s biology. And if you’re seeing more hair in your brush or a widening part, you’re not alone. Millions turn to medication because it’s the most reliable way to stop the decline.

The two most common hair loss medication, FDA-approved treatments that have been studied for decades. Also known as topical and oral therapies, they work in very different ways. Minoxidil, a topical solution applied directly to the scalp. Also known as Rogaine, it’s the go-to for both men and women because it doesn’t require a prescription. It doesn’t fix the root cause, but it wakes up dormant follicles. Results show up after 3–6 months, and you have to keep using it—or the hair falls out again. Then there’s finasteride, an oral pill that blocks the hormone responsible for shrinking follicles. Also known as Propecia, it’s only approved for men. Studies show it stops hair loss in 80% of users and thickens hair in half. But it’s not for everyone—side effects like low libido are rare but real, and you need a doctor to prescribe it.

What you won’t find in the science? Biotin gummies, scalp massages, or expensive shampoos claiming to "regrow" hair. Those might make you feel better, but they don’t change the course of genetic hair loss. The real options are limited: minoxidil, finasteride, or nothing. Some people combine them. Others try laser caps or platelet-rich plasma, but those are extras—not replacements. If you’re serious about keeping your hair, start with the two proven meds. Talk to a doctor about finasteride. Try minoxidil on your own. Track progress with photos every 90 days. And remember: these aren’t quick fixes. They’re long-term tools. The posts below break down exactly how each one works, what to expect, how to use them safely, and what alternatives people actually try. No hype. Just what you need to know before you start.