Finasteride vs Minoxidil: The Complete Hair Loss Treatment Guide for Europe (2026)
Male and female pattern hair loss affects 85% of men and 50% of women by age 50. Finasteride and minoxidil are the only evidence-based pharmacological treatments. This guide compares them and explains how to use both for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding Hair Loss: AGA and Mechanisms
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) — pattern baldness — is caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) binding to androgen receptors in hair follicles on the scalp. This progressively miniaturises follicles, shortening the hair growth cycle until the follicle stops producing visible hair. The enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to DHT. Finasteride blocks this enzyme. Minoxidil works through a different pathway: it is a potassium channel opener that increases blood flow to follicles and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase.
Finasteride: Efficacy and Dosing
Finasteride 1 mg/day (Propecia) reduces scalp DHT by 60–70% within 2 weeks. Clinical trials show 83% of men maintained hair count after 2 years, with 48% experiencing visible regrowth. It is highly effective for vertex (crown) and mid-scalp thinning; less effective for the hairline. Onset: visible results at 6–12 months; maximum benefit at 2 years. Must be used continuously — hair loss resumes within 6–12 months of stopping. Women of childbearing potential must not use finasteride due to risk of foetal feminisation. Post-menopausal women may use 2.5–5 mg finasteride with good evidence for efficacy.
Minoxidil: Topical vs Oral
Topical minoxidil 2% (women) and 5% (men) applied once or twice daily is the standard first-line treatment and available OTC across Europe. Rogaine/Regaine is the branded version. Oral minoxidil 0.25–5 mg daily has recently gained popularity as a more convenient alternative with superior efficacy — a 2022 meta-analysis showed oral outperforming topical for hair density. Side effects of oral minoxidil include hypertrichosis (unwanted body hair), fluid retention, and rarely hypotension. Start at the lowest dose (0.25–0.5 mg) and titrate slowly.
Combination Therapy: The Gold Standard
Finasteride + minoxidil combination is significantly more effective than either alone. A 2021 RCT in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed 94% of patients using combination therapy maintained or improved hair density at 12 months vs 80% with finasteride alone. The combination addresses both mechanisms: DHT suppression (finasteride) and follicle stimulation (minoxidil). Most European dermatologists now recommend starting both simultaneously for the most significant results.
Where to Buy Finasteride and Minoxidil in Europe
PharmaForce stocks Finasteride 1 mg (Propecia/Proscar), Minoxidil 5% topical solution, Minoxidil oral tablets, and comprehensive hair growth kits for delivery across 30+ European countries. Products are pharmaceutical grade from verified manufacturers. Delivery to Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and all major EU markets. 3–8 business day delivery. Discreet packaging. Free shipping on orders over €150.
Geschrieben von
Dr. Sophie Laurent
Dermatologist, MD