Do you shed on finasteride? The truth about initial hair shedding

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Up to 300 strands of hair can be shed daily during the initial stages of finasteride treatment, far exceeding the normal 50 to 100 hairs. While this may be concerning, the answer to Do you shed on finasteride? is a temporary yes, and this phase is often a sign the medication is working as intended.

Quick Summary

Finasteride can cause temporary hair shedding as it resets the hair growth cycle by lowering DHT levels. This phase typically occurs within the first few months and is a positive sign that healthier hair is on the way.

Key Points

Temporary Phase: Finasteride shedding is a temporary phase that can last several months and is a sign that the medication is working by resetting the hair growth cycle.
Mechanism of Action: Finasteride lowers DHT levels, a hormone that causes hair follicle miniaturization in male pattern baldness. This action forces weaker, older hairs to shed to make way for new, healthier ones.
Timeline: Shedding often peaks between 2 and 3 months after starting treatment and should subside by 6 months, with new growth becoming more apparent.
Coping Strategies: Remaining consistent with medication is vital. Tracking progress with photos and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage anxiety during this phase.
Combination Therapy: Combining finasteride with minoxidil can enhance results, though it may also intensify the initial shedding experience.
When to Consult a Doctor: If shedding persists past 6 months, appears patchy, or is not followed by noticeable regrowth after a year, a medical consultation is recommended.

The Science Behind Finasteride Shedding

Finasteride is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by targeting the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can shrink hair follicles in individuals with a genetic predisposition, leading to thinner hair. Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT, thus lowering DHT levels.

The Hair Growth Cycle Reset

Hair growth occurs in cycles: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). High DHT levels disrupt this cycle, shortening the growth phase and lengthening the resting phase. By lowering DHT, finasteride helps to reset this cycle. This reset can cause older, weaker hairs to shed prematurely, clearing the way for new, healthier hair growth.

Timeline of the Shedding Phase

The finasteride shedding phase is typically temporary, though individual experiences may vary.

What to Expect in the First Few Months

Initial shedding may begin subtly in the first month. The shedding often peaks between months 2 and 3. By months 3 to 6, shedding should decrease, and signs of improvement in hair density may become visible. After 6 months, new hair growth often surpasses the initial shedding, and daily hair loss returns to a normal level.

Comparison: Finasteride Shedding vs. Normal and True Hair Loss


Feature	Finasteride Shedding	Normal Hair Loss	True Hair Loss
Cause	Medication-induced reset of the hair growth cycle.	Natural progression of the hair growth cycle.	Underlying medical condition or ongoing DHT damage.
Duration	Temporary, typically 2-6 months.	Continuous, day-to-day cycle.	Permanent and progressive without treatment.
Significance	A positive sign that the medication is working.	A normal, healthy biological process.	A medical concern that indicates the treatment isn't effective or is a different issue.
Hairs Shed	May exceed 100 hairs per day during peak shedding.	Around 50-100 hairs per day.	Continued excessive shedding beyond the initial phase.

Coping with Finasteride Shedding

The shedding phase can be concerning, but it's important to remember it's often a sign of progress. Consistency with medication is key. Tracking your progress with photos can provide motivation. Supporting overall hair health through a balanced diet, stress management, and gentle hair care can also be beneficial.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While finasteride shedding is expected, consult a dermatologist if excessive shedding lasts beyond 6 months, if you notice patchy hair loss (as finasteride shedding is usually diffuse), or if there's no noticeable improvement after a year of consistent use. These could indicate other issues or that the treatment needs adjustment.

Enhancing Your Hair Regrowth Journey

Combining finasteride with other treatments like topical minoxidil can enhance results; one study showed nearly 94% improvement with the combination. Be aware that starting both together may intensify initial shedding. Adjunctive therapies such as ketoconazole shampoo for scalp health or nutritional supplements (biotin, zinc, vitamin D) can also support your treatment, but supplements alone won't prevent male pattern baldness.

Conclusion

Experiencing hair shedding when starting finasteride is a common and often positive indication that the medication is working to reset your hair growth cycle. While it can be distressing, understanding this temporary phase and maintaining consistent treatment is crucial for long-term results. Patience is essential as new, healthier hair replaces the shed strands. If excessive shedding persists beyond six months, seeking professional medical advice is recommended to rule out other causes. [^ncbi-finasteride]

[^ncbi-finasteride]: Finasteride - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf

Frequently Asked Questions

Finasteride shedding is typically temporary, lasting for a few months. For most users, shedding peaks around 2-3 months and begins to stabilize by the 6-month mark as new hair growth becomes visible.

Yes, in most cases, initial finasteride shedding is a positive sign that the medication is working. It indicates that the hair follicles are resetting their growth cycle, pushing out older, weaker hairs to be replaced by stronger ones.

Shedding occurs because finasteride reduces DHT levels, prompting dormant or resting hair follicles to enter the active growth phase. To begin a new, healthier growth cycle, the old, miniaturized hairs must first be shed.

Signs that finasteride is working include a decrease in hair shedding, thicker hair texture, and visible regrowth in previously thinning areas. These improvements typically become apparent after 3–6 months of consistent use.

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent the temporary shedding phase, as it is a normal part of the process for some users. The best course of action is to stay consistent with your medication and be patient.

Stopping the medication will cause your DHT levels to return to their pre-treatment state. This will reverse any potential gains and restart the miniaturization of hair follicles, leading to renewed hair loss.

If significant hair loss continues beyond one year of consistent finasteride use, it may indicate a different type of hair loss, an incorrect dosage, or that the medication is not as effective for your specific case. Consulting a dermatologist is recommended to explore other options.