How should I use Minoxidil and Finasteride Before and After Hair Transplantation?

How Should I Use Minoxidil and Finasteride Before and After Hair Transplantation?

If you are facing hair loss or looking for treatment in order to get rid of it, as a solution you’ve possibly heard the names of these 2 non-surgical treatments — Minoxidil and Finasteride. They are often prescribed to prevent, slow down or stimulate thinning hair. Furthermore, they are among the most popular treatments and can be used both before and after a hair transplant. A significant difference can be noticed when used correctly and regularly. They strengthen both existing hair and transplanted hair. This naturally raises an important question for patients: ‘How exactly should I use Minoxidil and Finasteride before and after my hair transplant?’

Minoxidil is a vasodilator medicine suitable for both men and women. It is a topical (solution or foam) treatment. When used regularly, it helps widen the blood vessels, improves circulation, and delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. It helps keep the follicles in their active growth phase for longer, making hair stronger and occasionally triggering new growth.

Finasteride, on the other hand, is an oral medication that must be taken with a proper medical prescription. It functions internally by targeting the male hormones that cause hair loss. Finasteride blocks testosterone from turning into DHT — the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and causes male pattern baldness. By lowering DHT levels, it protects existing hair, prevents further thinning, and helps maintain overall density.

Minoxidil and Finasteride Before and After Hair Transplant

Before a hair transplant, Minoxidil and Finasteride can be used to slow down, stop, or revive hair loss. After a hair transplant, Finasteride can be used to support existing hair and help transplanted follicles grow stronger. However, their use is not mandatory. These medications serve as supplementary solutions before or after a hair transplant. Nevertheless, hair transplantation remains the most effective and permanent solution with minimal side effects.

Proper Usage

• Finasteride: Usually taken as a 1 mg tablet once a day. It can be used until 1–2 months before surgery but should be stopped at least one week prior. After a hair transplant, Finasteride can generally be resumed immediately at the same dose (1 mg daily), since it does not irritate the scalp. Consistency is key — skipping doses reduces effectiveness.
• Minoxidil: Should be stopped 2–3 weeks before the transplant, as it increases blood flow and can make the scalp more sensitive, raising the risk of bleeding. After transplantation, Minoxidil can be resumed 2–3 weeks post-surgery, once the scalp has healed and grafts are secured. It is usually applied twice daily to transplanted and thinning areas.

Side Effects and Important Notes

Once treatment starts, it must be continued regularly without skipping doses. Even short lapses can trigger renewed hair loss. If discontinuation of Minoxidil is necessary, the dose should be tapered gradually rather than stopped abruptly.