By 2025, over 50% of men in the UK will notice thinning hair by age 40. For many, Proscare (the brand name for finasteride) is the first name that comes up when searching for a solution. But it’s not the only option-and it’s not right for everyone. Some people stop taking it because of side effects. Others can’t get a prescription. And some just want to know what else might work. This isn’t about pushing one product. It’s about giving you real, clear comparisons so you can decide what fits your life, body, and goals.
How Proscare (Finasteride) Actually Works
Proscare contains finasteride, a pill that blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main hormone that shrinks hair follicles in people genetically prone to male pattern baldness. By lowering DHT levels by up to 70%, finasteride slows or stops hair loss in about 83% of users, according to long-term studies from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. About 65% see some regrowth after two years.
But it only works while you’re taking it. Stop the pill, and DHT levels rise again. Hair loss typically resumes within 6 to 12 months. It’s not a cure. It’s maintenance. You need to take one 1mg tablet daily. Results start showing around 3 to 6 months. Most people see the clearest improvement after 12 to 18 months.
Side effects? Around 1-2% of users report reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased semen volume. These usually go away after stopping the drug. Rarely, they persist-what some call Post-Finasteride Syndrome. That’s why it’s not for everyone. If you’re young, planning a family, or sensitive to hormonal changes, you might want to look elsewhere.
Minoxidil: The Topical Alternative
Minoxidil (sold as Rogaine, Regaine, or generic solutions) is the only other FDA-approved treatment for hair loss that’s been around as long as finasteride. It comes as a liquid or foam you apply directly to the scalp twice a day. Unlike finasteride, it doesn’t affect hormones. Instead, it widens blood vessels around hair follicles, potentially extending the growth phase of hair.
Studies show about 40% of men see moderate regrowth after 4 to 6 months. It works best on the crown, not the hairline. It’s less effective than finasteride at stopping hair loss overall, but it’s safer for people who can’t take oral meds. No systemic side effects. Some users report scalp irritation, dryness, or unwanted facial hair if the product runs down the neck.
It’s also not permanent. Stop using it, and you lose the gains within months. Many people use it with finasteride-studies show combining both gives better results than either alone. If you’re hesitant about pills, minoxidil is the easiest place to start.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Light for Hair
Devices like the iRestore, Capillus, or LaserCap use red light at specific wavelengths (around 650-670nm) to stimulate hair follicles. The theory is that light energy boosts cellular activity in the scalp, helping follicles stay in the growth phase longer.
A 2024 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reviewed 11 clinical trials and found LLLT led to a 39% increase in hair density after 26 weeks. Results are slower than pills-expect 3 to 6 months before noticing anything. You need to use the device 2 to 3 times a week for 15 to 30 minutes. It’s not a miracle, but it’s non-invasive, has zero known serious side effects, and works well for people who want to avoid chemicals.
Cost is a barrier. Home devices range from £200 to £600. Clinical sessions at clinics cost £50 to £100 per visit. But if you’re consistent, you can get results without touching a pill. Some users pair LLLT with minoxidil for a chemical-free combo approach.
Spironolactone: For Women and Some Men
Spironolactone is a diuretic and anti-androgen used primarily for women with female pattern hair loss or hormonal acne. It blocks androgen receptors, reducing the effect of DHT on follicles. It’s not FDA-approved for hair loss, but dermatologists prescribe it off-label-especially for women over 35 with signs of hormonal imbalance.
Studies show women using 100-200mg daily saw improved hair density after 6 to 12 months. Side effects include menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, and fatigue. It’s not recommended for men because it can cause gynecomastia (breast growth) and lower testosterone too much. In rare cases, men with very high estrogen levels or certain genetic profiles may use low doses under strict supervision.
If you’re a woman and finasteride isn’t an option (it’s not approved for women in the UK), spironolactone is one of the most researched alternatives. Always get blood work done before starting.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Injections for Hair
PRP therapy draws your own blood, spins it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, then injects the plasma into your scalp. Platelets release growth factors that may stimulate follicles, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.
A 2023 review in Dermatologic Therapy found PRP improved hair count and thickness in 70% of men with androgenetic alopecia after 3 to 6 monthly sessions. Results vary widely. Some see noticeable thickening; others notice little change. It’s not a replacement for finasteride in severe cases, but it can slow progression in early stages.
Cost? Around £300 to £600 per session. Most people need 3 to 6 sessions to start seeing results, then maintenance every 6 to 12 months. It’s invasive, not covered by the NHS, and requires a trained practitioner. But if you’re open to injections and want to avoid daily pills or topicals, it’s a legitimate option.
Natural Alternatives: Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and More
There’s a booming market for herbal and natural hair loss remedies. Saw palmetto extract is the most studied. It’s believed to mildly inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, similar to finasteride but much weaker. One 2022 trial showed saw palmetto (320mg daily) improved hair density in 60% of men after 6 months-about half the effectiveness of finasteride.
Pumpkin seed oil has shown promise in small studies. A 2014 trial in Korea found men taking 400mg daily for 24 weeks had a 40% increase in hair count. Other options like green tea extract, biotin, or zinc are often marketed-but there’s little to no proof they reverse hair loss in people with genetic balding. They might help if you’re deficient, but not if your follicles are dying from DHT.
These aren’t magic. They’re mild supporters. If you want to avoid pharmaceuticals, they’re a low-risk starting point. But don’t expect them to match finasteride’s results. And always check with your doctor. Some herbs interact with blood thinners or blood pressure meds.
What’s the Best Choice? It Depends on You
There’s no single winner. It’s about matching the treatment to your priorities.
- If you want maximum effectiveness and don’t mind daily pills: Proscare (finasteride) is still the gold standard.
- If you’re afraid of side effects or can’t take oral meds: minoxidil is your safest bet.
- If you want zero chemicals and don’t mind spending money: LLLT devices are worth trying.
- If you’re a woman with hormonal hair loss: spironolactone is often the top choice.
- If you’re open to injections and have the budget: PRP can boost results alongside other treatments.
- If you prefer natural and want to experiment: saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil are low-risk options.
Many people combine two: finasteride + minoxidil is common. LLLT + PRP is rising in popularity. Even minoxidil + saw palmetto works for some. The key is consistency. No treatment works if you stop after 2 months.
What Not to Do
Don’t buy random “miracle” shampoos that claim to regrow hair. Most contain minoxidil in tiny, ineffective doses-or nothing at all. Don’t trust YouTube influencers selling $200 bottles of “natural DHT blockers.” If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Don’t skip a dermatologist visit. Hair loss can be caused by thyroid issues, iron deficiency, stress, or medications. You need a proper diagnosis before starting anything. A blood test for ferritin, vitamin D, and thyroid hormones takes 10 minutes and can save you months of wasted effort.
Don’t assume finasteride is the only option just because it’s the most talked about. It’s effective-but not the only path forward.
Final Thoughts
Proscare (finasteride) is powerful. But it’s not the only tool in the box. The best treatment is the one you’ll stick with. If side effects scare you, try minoxidil first. If you hate pills, go with laser therapy. If you want to go natural, start with saw palmetto and track progress for 6 months.
What matters most isn’t the name on the bottle-it’s whether you’re making a choice you understand, can maintain, and feel good about. Hair loss isn’t a race. It’s a long-term adjustment. Pick your path, stick with it, and give it time.
Is Proscare better than minoxidil?
Proscare (finasteride) is more effective at stopping hair loss overall-around 83% of users see results versus 40% with minoxidil. But minoxidil has fewer systemic side effects and works well for the crown. Many people use both together for the best outcome.
Can women take finasteride?
Finasteride is not approved for women in the UK and should be avoided, especially if pregnant or planning pregnancy. It can cause birth defects. Women with hair loss should consider minoxidil, spironolactone, or PRP instead.
How long before I see results with any treatment?
Most treatments take 3 to 6 months to show any visible change. Finasteride and minoxidil typically need 12 to 18 months for full results. LLLT and PRP require consistent use over 6 months. Patience is essential-hair grows slowly.
Do natural remedies like saw palmetto really work?
Saw palmetto has mild DHT-blocking effects and helped 60% of men in one study, but it’s only about half as effective as finasteride. Pumpkin seed oil showed promise in a small trial. They’re safe but shouldn’t be expected to match pharmaceutical results.
Can I stop finasteride after a year and keep the results?
No. Finasteride only works while you’re taking it. Stopping leads to DHT levels rising again, and hair loss typically resumes within 6 to 12 months. It’s a maintenance treatment, not a cure.
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