When you first notice signs of hair loss, it’s normal to feel frustrated and upset. Regardless of when it happens to you, you want a solution to stop hair loss and improve hair growth fast.

Fortunately, there is a solution that can help in preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth: Compounded topical hair loss treatments.

What’s the best topical hair loss treatment? Does it really work? Let’s find out.

What exactly is a compounded hair loss formula?

Before we dive into compounded medications for hair loss, we must understand the nature of compounded drugs in general. Compounded hair loss formulas are typically topical treatments.

These medications are created by blending several ingredients together to make a medication that can efficiently meet patients’ needs. This often makes the treatments more effective than they would be if used in isolation. But please note: Compounded medications are not FDA-approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Keeps offers two different compounded treatment options: a 2-in-1 Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil and a 4-in-1 Minoxidil+ Hair Regrowth Spray.

How can topical finasteride and minoxidil help with hair loss?

So, how does a combined finasteride and minoxidil topical formula really work?

In men, hair loss is often due to androgenetic alopecia—also known as male pattern baldness. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a male hormone that affects hair growth and often leads to hair loss through miniaturization (or “shrinkage”) of hair follicles.

Here’s where the finasteride comes in—finasteride works by blocking the enzyme responsible for transforming testosterone into DHT. When the overall DHT levels in the scalp are lowered, hair loss is curbed, and many men experience some regrowth as well.

Meanwhile, minoxidil helps stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and causing resting follicles to grow hair again—and the result is often thicker hair.

This blend of these two FDA-approved drugs is a win-win. In clinical studies of compounded hair loss treatments that include both finasteride and minoxidil, the majority of participants report successful outcomes such as greater scalp coverage, thicker hair with greater volume, better density, and an improved hair appearance overall.

Can finasteride be applied topically?

Yes, compounded finasteride and minoxidil is a topical treatment that is applied to the scalp. Some studies have shown that there are fewer side effects when finasteride is administered topically versus when it’s taken in pill form.

Does topical finasteride have side effects?

Individuals who use topical finasteride often see similar results as those who take oral finasteride tablets or topical minoxidil as individual treatments. Research suggests that the side effects of topical finasteride are less common than those associated with oral finasteride.

Here’s a list of the side effects generally associated with finasteride:

  • Depression or anxiety**
  • Dizziness, weakness, or feeling faint
  • Headache
  • Inability to urinate
  • Pain in the testicles
  • Runny nose
  • Rash
  • Signs of an allergic reaction like skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • Sexual side effects (more on that below)
  • Swelling in your hands or feet
  • Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the breasts, or fluids leaking from the nipple

Keeps Medical Director, Dr. Peter Young, says that the likelihood of experiencing side effects with topical treatments is generally lower than the likelihood of experiencing side effects with oral medications. That’s because topically applied medications are absorbed less into your system than oral medications. As such, topical medications have less potential to cause systemic side effects.

In fact, several clinical studies have shown that the topical form of finasteride may have a lower risk of sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, than the pill form. If you are particularly concerned about sexual side effects, rest assured that topical finasteride provides the same benefits for your hair loss as the oral version with a lower chance of these side effects.

In rare cases, men may experience localized skin reactions such as itching, burning, dryness or flaking if they are allergic or sensitive to ingredients included in a compounded topical finasteride and minoxidil. These reactions usually resolve shortly after the medication is stopped.

Some men may experience temporary hair shedding during the first two months of treatment. This occurs as a result of the minoxidil stimulating your thinning hairs to fall out and make way for your new, healthier hair. All that increased hair loss is just your “bad” hair making way for your “good” hair.

How can Minoxidil+ help with Hair loss

Minoxidil comes in various forms, including foam, solution, and our convenient Minoxidil+ spray. As noted above, minoxidil helps stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles to create thicker hair – and more of it.

In addition, this light mist spray features a doctor-formulated mixture of minoxidil, caffeine, melatonin, and tretinoin – all working together to maximize hair regrowth. It’s like a supercharged minoxidil.

Melatonin has been shown to facilitate hair growth, particularly in men with androgenetic alopecia.

Caffeine has been shown to improve hair thickness and reduce scalp dryness.

And tretinoin has been shown to enhance your scalp’s ability to absorb minoxidil through gentle exfoliation.

Does Minoxidil+ have side effects?

Although minoxidil is generally safe, like all medicines, it is associated with rare but serious side effects. Contact your doctor or a health care professional immediately if you experience any of the following: - Chest pain or palpitations - Dizziness or fainting - Skin rash, blisters, or itching - Sudden weight gain - Swelling of the hands or feet

The following side effects usually do not require medical attention (although you should report them to your doctor or healthcare provider if they are persistent): - Headache - Redness, irritation and itching at the site of application - Unusual hair growth, on the face, arm, and back - Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to the sun). You should use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors, including your scalp. Protective clothing, including a hat is also recommended.

How long does it take for a compounded topical treatment to show results?

Hair loss treatments take time. Patients usually begin to see results with treatment within four to six months of consistent use. It often takes several months beyond that, as many as six to twelve months, to see full results—overall thicker hair and dramatically reduced baldness and patches.

Of course, as with all medications, the results can vary from person to person. Some may see results earlier, while it may take more time for others.

Is a compounded hair treatment right for me?

A compounded topical treatmenr option provides an effective all-in-one formula for men suffering from hair loss. If you’re looking to grow your mane using multiple clinically-backed ingredients at once, compounded products can be a great way to go. It all depends on your goals and preferences, so we recommend you work with a provider to find what’s right for you.


The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality.

Important drug safety and benefits information on Topical Finasteride 0.25% & Minoxidil 5% Gel can be found here. Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Gel, Rx only, is a compound medicine to treat male pattern baldness. Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Gel may cause side effects including some form of sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. If you would like to learn more about Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Gel, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Individual results may vary. Important drug safety and benefits information on Minoxidil+ Hair Regrowth Spray (minoxidil 5%, 0.2% caffeine, 0.1% melatonin, 0.01% tretinoin), an Rx only compound drug, can be found here. Minoxidil+ Hair Regrowth Spray has not been FDA-approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality but can be used to treat male pattern baldness, and may cause side effects including chest pain or palpitations, dizziness, skin rash, blisters or itching, sudden weight gain and swelling of hands and feet. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

** If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are contemplating suicide, call 911 or call/text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. These services are available 24/7.

Photo by SURABHI via Unsplash

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