Is using 5% minoxidil + 0.1% topical finasteride once daily almost as effective as twice daily?

General Basic Questions
1

Hi everyone,

I’m in my late 20’s male with early Norwood 3 hair loss (receding temples and slight crown thinning). I recently started using 5% minoxidil + 0.1% finasteride topical solution.

Right now, I’m applying 1 mL twice a day, which means I’m applying about 2 mg/day of topical finasteride.

My main concern is systemic absorption of finasteride. From what I’ve read, many dermatologists prescribe topical finasteride once daily, and minoxidil has a long enough scalp residence time that once-daily use may still be effective.

For those who have experience with this:

  • Did you notice any difference in results when switching from twice daily to once daily?

  • Is once-daily 1 mL enough to maintain good results, especially when using a combination of minoxidil and finasteride?

  • Has anyone switched to once daily specifically to reduce systemic exposure while still getting good regrowth?

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who’ve used the same 5% minoxidil + 0.1% finasteride combination for 6–12 months.

Thanks!

2

Once daily use of 5% min + 0.1% topical fin might be enough for some people, thanks to topical fin’s local action and min’s long scalp residence time. Everyone responds differently though, so it’s something you’d notice over several months of use. Applying once daily could reduce systemic absorption but might not work as well for everyone, especially if you’re switching from twice daily. Give it some time to see how it goes.