Hair Loss Treatment Comparison Tool
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Treatments Compared
| Treatment | Effectiveness | Side Effects | Monthly Cost | Prescription Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proscare (Finasteride 1mg) |
|
1.8% | $15–$30 | Yes | Stopping hair loss long-term |
| Minoxidil 5% (Rogaine) |
|
Common | $25–$45 | No | Non-pill users |
| Dutasteride (off-label) |
|
Higher risk | $40–$70 | Yes | Severe hair loss |
| PRP Therapy |
|
Minimal | $500–$1,500/session | Yes | Drug-free option |
| Low-Level Laser Therapy |
|
None | $150–$600 (one-time) | No | Natural approach |
| Natural Supplements (Saw Palmetto) |
|
Minimal | $10–$25 | No | Low-risk approach |
Your Recommended Treatment
Proscare is just one name for finasteride, a drug used to treat male pattern hair loss. It’s been on the market for decades, and millions of men use it to slow down thinning hair. But it’s not the only option. Many people wonder: is there something better? Safer? Cheaper? Or maybe just less likely to cause side effects? This isn’t about marketing. It’s about real results, real trade-offs, and what actually works for your body.
How Proscare (Finasteride) Actually Works
Proscare contains finasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. That’s a fancy way of saying it blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in men genetically prone to hair loss. By lowering DHT levels by about 70%, finasteride stops the process in its tracks.
Studies show that after one year of daily use, about 83% of men stop losing hair. Around 65% see noticeable regrowth. These numbers aren’t hype-they come from clinical trials published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. But here’s the catch: you have to take it every day, forever. Stop taking it, and DHT levels bounce back. Hair loss resumes within 6 to 12 months.
Top Alternatives to Proscare
If you’re looking at other options, you’ve got a few solid choices. Each has different mechanisms, effectiveness, and risks. Here’s what’s out there.
Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss in both men and women. Unlike finasteride, it doesn’t touch hormones. Instead, it widens blood vessels around hair follicles, boosting nutrient flow and extending the growth phase of hair.
It’s applied directly to the scalp twice a day. Results take 3 to 6 months. About 40% of men see moderate regrowth after one year. The rest see slower loss or no change. It’s messy. You need to be consistent. And it doesn’t stop the root cause-DHT-so it works best when combined with something like finasteride.
Dutasteride (Avodart)
Dutasteride is similar to finasteride but stronger. It blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, cutting DHT by over 90%. It’s approved for enlarged prostates, but many doctors prescribe it off-label for hair loss.
A 2021 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found dutasteride led to significantly more hair growth than finasteride after 12 months. But side effects-like sexual dysfunction, depression, and breast tenderness-may be more common. It’s not FDA-approved for hair loss, and long-term safety data is limited.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP involves drawing your own blood, spinning it to concentrate platelets, then injecting it into the scalp. The theory? Platelets release growth factors that wake up dormant follicles.
Results vary. Some men see noticeable thickening after 3 to 4 sessions spaced a month apart. Others see nothing. It’s expensive-$500 to $1,500 per session-and not covered by insurance. There’s no guarantee. But for men who want to avoid pills or topical gels, it’s a non-drug option with minimal side effects.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Devices like the Capillus cap or iRestore helmet use red light to stimulate hair follicles. The mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to increase cellular energy in follicles.
Studies show modest improvement. A 2019 meta-analysis in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine found LLLT improved hair density in about 55% of users after 26 weeks. It’s safe, non-invasive, and has no systemic side effects. But you need to use it 3 times a week for months. It’s not a miracle. It’s maintenance.
Natural Supplements (Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil)
Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement that may mildly inhibit 5-alpha-reductase. One small 2012 trial found it improved hair count similarly to finasteride-but the study had only 100 participants and lasted 24 weeks.
Pumpkin seed oil showed promise in a 2014 study: men taking 400mg daily saw a 40% increase in hair count after 24 weeks. But these are tiny studies. No long-term data. No regulation. Supplements aren’t held to the same standards as drugs. You might get lucky. Or you might waste money.
Side Effects: What You Won’t Hear on the Website
Most ads for Proscare say “mild side effects.” That’s misleading. About 1.8% of men report sexual side effects like lowered libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced semen volume. For most, it’s temporary. But a small group-less than 1%, but still real-experience persistent side effects even after stopping the drug.
The FDA added a warning in 2021 about possible long-term sexual dysfunction. It’s rare, but it’s documented. If you’re young, healthy, and just starting to thin, ask yourself: is this worth it?
Alternatives like minoxidil have different risks. Scalp irritation, itching, or unwanted facial hair growth are common. PRP can cause temporary swelling or bruising. LLLT? Nothing serious. Supplements? Unclear safety profiles.
Cost Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay
Here’s what you’re looking at in Australia, as of 2025:
| Treatment | Monthly Cost (AUD) | Prescription Required? | Insurance Coverage (PBS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proscare (Finasteride 1mg) | $15-$30 | Yes | Yes (if eligible) |
| Minoxidil 5% (Rogaine) | $25-$45 | No | No |
| Dutasteride (off-label) | $40-$70 | Yes | No |
| PRP Therapy | $500-$1,500 | Yes | No |
| LLLT Device (one-time) | $150-$600 (amortized) | No | No |
| Saw Palmetto (high-dose) | $10-$25 | No | No |
Finasteride is the cheapest long-term option if you qualify for PBS subsidies. Minoxidil is accessible over the counter. PRP and LLLT are investments. Supplements are low-risk but low-reward.
Who Should Choose What?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to decide based on your situation.
- Best for fast, proven results: Finasteride (Proscare). It’s the gold standard. If you’re okay with daily pills and potential side effects, this is your best shot.
- Best for non-pill users: Minoxidil. Apply it, don’t swallow it. Works well alone or paired with finasteride.
- Best for severe hair loss: Dutasteride. Only if finasteride didn’t work and you’re willing to accept higher risk.
- Best for natural approach: LLLT or saw palmetto. Low risk, low payoff. Good for early thinning or as maintenance.
- Best for those wanting to avoid drugs entirely: PRP. Expensive, but no systemic effects. Worth trying if you’ve tried everything else.
What Doesn’t Work (And Why)
There’s a lot of noise out there. Hair growth shampoos? They clean your scalp. They don’t reverse genetic hair loss. Biotin supplements? Only help if you’re deficient-and most men aren’t. Hair transplants? They work, but they’re surgery. They move existing hair. They don’t grow new follicles.
Don’t fall for “miracle cures.” If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Stick to science-backed options. And remember: no treatment brings back a completely bald scalp. The goal is to stop loss and improve density-not recreate your teenage hairline.
Real Talk: When to Stop
Some men use Proscare for years without issue. Others stop after 3 months because of side effects. There’s no shame in that. Hair loss isn’t life-threatening. Your quality of life matters more than a few extra hairs.
If you’re on finasteride and feel off-low mood, low sex drive, brain fog-talk to your doctor. Don’t just power through. Try switching to minoxidil. Or go natural. Or accept the change. You don’t owe anyone a full head of hair.
Men in their 20s and 30s often feel pressured to fix hair loss. But by 50, most men have thinning. It’s normal. The real question isn’t whether you can regrow hair. It’s whether you want to spend your time, money, and mental energy trying.
Is Proscare better than minoxidil?
Proscare (finasteride) works better for stopping hair loss long-term because it targets the root cause-DHT. Minoxidil improves blood flow to follicles and can help regrow hair, but it doesn’t stop the underlying hormonal process. Most men get the best results using both together.
Can I use dutasteride instead of Proscare?
Yes, but only under medical supervision. Dutasteride is stronger and cuts more DHT, which can lead to better hair growth. But it also increases the risk of side effects like sexual dysfunction and depression. It’s not approved for hair loss in Australia, so it’s an off-label use. Talk to your doctor before switching.
Do hair loss supplements really work?
Some, like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil, show mild promise in small studies. But they’re not as effective as finasteride or minoxidil. Supplements aren’t regulated, so potency and purity vary. They’re safe to try if you want a natural approach, but don’t expect dramatic results.
How long before I see results from Proscare?
It takes 3 to 6 months to notice less shedding. Visible regrowth usually takes 9 to 12 months. Most men stop taking it too early because they don’t see changes in the first few months. Be patient. Consistency is everything.
What happens if I stop taking Proscare?
Hair loss resumes within 6 to 12 months. The hair you gained will gradually fall out. Finasteride only works as long as you take it. There’s no permanent effect. If you want to keep results, you need to keep using it-or switch to another treatment like minoxidil.
Final Advice: Start Small, Stay Smart
Don’t jump into finasteride without understanding the risks. Don’t waste money on unproven products. Start with minoxidil if you’re unsure. Get blood work done to rule out other causes of hair loss-thyroid issues, iron deficiency, stress. Talk to a dermatologist who specializes in hair.
There’s no perfect solution. But there are smart ones. Proscare is effective. But it’s not the only path. Your hair, your choice.