Topical finasteride + Minoxidil can now be purchased via www.HiHappyhead.com.
Real before & after photo testimonial of topical finasteride and minoxidil solution. This case study using the brand Happy Head shows that when topical finasteride is used twice a day, the thinning hair regrows again. The before photo shows lots of thinning, see through and wispy weak hair. After six months of use, the hairs are thicker, stronger and the color is darker. (please se my channel for more topical finasteride testimonial). There are studies that compare topical finasteride to other hair loss products, such as minoxidil, Rogaine, oral finasteride and Propecia. I have briefly summarized some of the current clinical studies in the literature to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical finasteride.
The compounded formula Happy Head is based on evidenced-based medicine and clinical studies. In a systematic review of 119 studies involving topical finasteride studies, authors concluded that topical finasteride showed a significant decrease in the rate of hair loss, increase in total and terminal hair counts, and positive hair growth assessment. No changes in serum testosterone were noted (Reference: A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women.Lee SW, et al.; J Drugs Dermatol. 2018 Apr 1;17(4):457-463.)
In another study comparing minoxidil 3% vs Minoxidil 3% fortified with topical finasteride, the authors stated that global photographic assessment showed significantly greater improvement in the group where minoxidil was fortified with finasteride compared to minoxidil alone by itself. More importantly, at 24 weeks, the authors concluded that using topical .1% finasteride did not show any sexual side effects. (Reference: Efficacy and safety of 3% minoxidil versus combined 3% minoxidil / 0.1% finasteride in male pattern hair loss: a randomized, double-blind, comparative study. Tanglertsampan C1 et al: Thai. 2012 Oct;95(10):1312-6.)
The gold standard for hair loss has always been oral finasteride, also known as Propecia. However, over the last several years, many physicians have stopped prescribing oral finasteride due to the risks of sexual side effects, which occur in 1.8 to 3.78% of patients and may be permanent in some cases. Doctors have started to look into other alternatives to oral finasteride and this is why the popularity of topical finasteride has surged in the last 4 years.
Topical Finasteride has clinically proven, evidence-based, scientific data to show its efficacy in growing hair while lowering the risk of systemic side effects since it is not taken orally. Topical Finasteride is a compounded medication that is prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes it is used alone by itself or it can be fortified with other medications such as Minoxidil, Retinoic Acid etc. to boost efficacy. Not all formula are the same. Happy Head uses a unique base vehicle that minimizes the irritation from the prescription strength minoxidil.
Please remember. Just like any drug, results vary. Also, although some studies suggest that no sexual side effects were observed, this does not mean the side effects can't happen. The take away from these studies are that 1. topical finasteride can be effective in hair growth and 2. since it is used topically, it minimizes or lowers the side effects profile when used in the right amount, but may not completely eliminate them.
About Dr. Ben Behnam:
An innovator, Dr. Ben Behnam MD, U.S. Leading Dermatologist, is a board certified dermatologist recognized nationally by Newsweek as one of the top 10 Physicians and Surgeons in the US, with appearances on The Doctors Show, FOX Good Day LA and ABC News.
For more questions, please email Dr. Behnam at dermhair@gmail.com
Note: This is a compounded prescription medication and a physician consultation is required to get this medication. Federal law prohibits the transfer of this drug to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed.
