Topical Finasteride Effective for Male Pattern Hair Loss: Study
Researchers have found in a new study that topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy was well tolerated and significantly improved hair density, hair thickness, and the terminal-to-vellus hair ratio in men with androgenetic alopecia over 52 weeks. The study was published in the Clinical and Experimental Dermatology journal by Giuseppe G. and colleagues.
To assess the clinical performance and safety of topical finasteride in actual dermatological settings, researchers examined the medical records of the Dermatology Unit of the University of Turin for male patients that underwent treatment from April 2022 to November 2025. In the current analysis, the sample population consisted of 123 male adults who were diagnosed with AGA and treated with monotherapy using topical finasteride 0.25% over 52 weeks.
Assessments were done at the beginning of the study (T0) and after 52 consecutive weeks of administration (T52), and involved the use of standard clinical photography together with videodermoscopy with the VIDIX system to compare baseline to endpoint results of the same patient. The efficacy criteria included Total Hair Number (THN) per square centimeter. The secondary criteria involved Hair Shaft Thickness (HST), ratios of terminal to vellus hair, PGA, and adverse events.
Key findings:
- This trial involved 123 male patients who had a mean age of 32.4 ± 8.1 years, and the treatment period lasted 52 weeks.
- Significant rises in THN occurred at 52 weeks, specifically in the vertex area (+21.8 hairs/cm2; P < 0.001), and in the temporal area (+29.4 hairs/cm2; P < 0.001).
- Statistical gains were achieved at secondary outcomes measures, which include hair shaft thickness and the terminal/vellus hair ratio.
- Topical treatment was well-tolerated, with 7.3% (9 out of 123) mild and transient skin reactions on scalp.
- None of the participants experienced any adverse systemic effects involving mood and sexual function.
Topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy provides a long-term clinically relevant benefit with significant follicular increase and excellent safety record during 52 weeks of clinical practice. As a result, this preparation can be recognized as highly effective and safe therapy by providing a statistically relevant increase in vertex and temporal hair growth without any negative effects on sexual life or mood disorder. The findings provide strong confirmation of the topical finasteride 0.25% usage as an optimal therapy for men suffering from androgenetic alopecia.
Reference:
Giuseppe Gallo, Luca Mastorino, Pietro Quaglino, Simone Ribero, Long-term effectiveness and safety of topical finasteride 0.25% monotherapy in male androgenetic alopecia: a 52-week real-world retrospective study, Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2026;, llag333, https://doi.org/10.1093/ced/llag333
