Finasteride Tablets are one of the most commonly used and effective treatments available for male pattern hair loss. They can, help slow stop, and in some cases even reverse hair loss by directly targeting its root cause.
Evidence suggests that finasteride can actually have a different effect across different regions of the scalp, with the crown responding particularly well to treatment.
Here's what the research shows, which can help you understand what to expect from treating your own hair loss with finasteride.
How does finasteride work?
First, a quick run-down of how finasteride actually works.
Finasteride is one of only two medications licensed to treat male pattern baldness, alongside Minoxidil.
It works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for male pattern hair loss. In men who are genetically susceptible, DHT gradually shrinks hair follicles over time.
This process, known as miniaturisation, causes hair follicles to produce thinner and shorter hairs with each growth cycle. Eventually, affected follicles can stop growing any hair at all.
By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps protect hair follicles from further damage. The earlier treatment is started, the more hair follicles are likely to remain healthy and active.
Can finasteride regrow hair?
Finasteride's primary job is to stop ongoing hair loss, but that's not always where its benefits end.
By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can halt the miniaturisation process and help preserve existing hair. In some men, it can also allow partially miniaturised follicles to recover, leading to visible regrowth.
Research consistently shows that finasteride can stabilise hair loss in 9 out of 10 men when used as directed by their pharmacist or doctor. In several studies, some participants actually grew more hair than they had at the start of treatment, demonstrating that regrowth is possible when follicles are still active.
However, finasteride cannot so easily cannot revive follicles that have been inactive for a long time. That's why treatment timing matters so much – starting early means less miniaturised hair follicles, which improves your chances of regaining density.
Does finasteride work better at the crown?
Yes, the evidence from a clinical trial suggests that best results in terms of regrowth were seen at the crown in men aged 18-65, though increases in hair growth were still seen in other parts of the scalp.
In the trial, researchers examined the four areas commonly affected by male pattern baldness: the crown (vertex), frontal (hairline), temples and mid-scalp. Researchers found that finasteride improved hair growth in all four regions over 24 months compared with placebo, and only 6% of men aged 18-41 and 1% of men aged 41-60 continued to lose hair at the crown after 24 months.
The largest improvements in regrowth were seen in the crown and mid-scalp areas, with the temples proving the most resistant to regrowth.
This evidence suggests that the crown may respond particularly well to treatment. But that doesn't mean finasteride only works there. Studies show it can help slow or stop hair loss across all areas affected by male pattern baldness, including the hairline and temples.
Why might the crown respond better?
Researchers don't know for certain, but there are a few possible explanations.
Male pattern baldness usually follows a predictable pattern, the stages of hair loss are categorised on a scale known as the Norwood Scale.
For many men, thinning starts around the temples and hairline before becoming noticeable at the crown. As hair loss progresses, these areas of thinning may eventually join together.
Because the crown often starts thinning later than the hairline, hair follicles in this area may sometimes be less miniaturised when treatment begins. Healthier follicles generally have a better chance of responding to treatment and producing thicker hair again.
However, everyone's pattern of hair loss is different. Some men notice crown thinning first, while others experience changes mainly at the front of the scalp.
That's why it is difficult to predict exactly where you'll see the biggest improvements.
The most important factor is starting early
While there may be differences in how various areas of the scalp respond to treatment, one factor which affects results is always the same. How early you start treatment.
Finasteride is generally better at maintaining existing hair than restoring hair that has been lost for many years. The sooner you begin treatment, the more hair follicles are likely to still be healthy and responsibe to treatment. Keeping the hair you have is often easier than bringing back hair that's already gone.
Whether your thinning is concentrated at the crown, hairline, or across the scalp, starting treatment sooner gives you the best chance of achieving long-term results.
If you'd like personalised recommendations based on your stage of hair loss, you can take our free consultation to find out which treatment options may be suitable for you.
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
