Does Finasteride Really Work?
Finasteride — a medication originally developed to treat prostate enlargement — has become one of the most widely used drugs for male pattern baldness. Known commercially as Propecia in its 1 mg form, it works by reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for androgenic alopecia.
But despite years of clinical research showing its effectiveness, many people still ask: Does Finasteride really work? To find out, we looked beyond clinical trials and into real-world experiences shared by users on Reddit’s r/tressless, a large online community devoted to hair loss solutions.
Here’s what people who’ve actually taken Finasteride have to say — the good, the bad, and the in-between.
What Reddit Users Say About Finasteride Effectiveness?
Across Reddit, one theme repeats consistently: Finasteride works for most users — but results vary widely depending on genetics, timing, and consistency.
One user summarized the general consensus simply:
"The science says it works to halt hair loss in virtually everyone. The only reason you see so many posts here is because people with bad results are more likely to post. Most users just take Finasteride and move on."
Another long-term user echoed that sentiment after over a decade on the drug:
"I've been on it over 12 years and haven't lost any hair since I started. NW2 then, NW2 now. At this point, I don't think it will ever stop working."
While some Redditors report complete maintenance or even regrowth, others mention partial results — stabilisation without dramatic changes:
"I’ve taken Finasteride for 16 years. Started at 21, I’m 37 now. No side effects, and my hairline is the same as when I started. Maybe a tad better actually."
Still, not everyone experiences such success. Some users find the drug helps slow hair loss, but doesn’t stop it entirely:
"Been on Fin for 10 years. Hairline hasn’t really changed, but density is definitely getting worse. I guess Fin just slows down hair loss — doesn’t stop it in its tracks."
How Long It Takes to See Results?
One of the biggest frustrations new users report is the timeline for seeing results. Clinical studies suggest it can take three to six months before any noticeable improvement — and up to a year or more for visible changes.
A user shared:
"It took me about 6–8 months before I saw any real improvement. I had a bad shed early on and almost quit, but things got better after that."
Another added a note of patience and realism:
"It took 26 months of Finasteride to see an improvement. People who expect results in the first few months are just desperate — this stuff takes time."
Interestingly, many users report going through a shedding phase before regrowth, which can be alarming but is often a sign that older, weaker hairs are being replaced by newer, thicker ones.
As one Redditor explained:
"Things have to get worse before they get better. Finasteride is working the whole time; it just takes about a year to appreciate the effects."
Long-Term Users Maintenance or Miracle?
Perhaps the most striking stories on Reddit come from users who’ve been on Finasteride for 10 to 20+ years.
"Been on Fin for well over 20 years. Started in my mid-20s and now I’m 50. Still have a full head of hair (knock on wood). Early sexual side effects went away. Overall happy."
Another shared:
"I started in 1998. I’m 46 now. Mostly kept all the hair I had when I started. Recently I’ve noticed mild thinning, but I’ve had no real sexual sides and no regrets."
A 15-year user put it even more bluntly:
"No side effects and haven’t lost any of my hairline since. Wish I would’ve started sooner."
These long-term reports align with scientific studies showing that Finasteride can maintain hair density for 10 years or more in many men — though it may lose some potency over time for a minority.
Side Effects: The Good, the Bad, and the Rare
No discussion about Finasteride is complete without addressing its potential side effects.
While the majority of users report little to no issues, a small percentage experience sexual side effects such as reduced libido or erectile dysfunction, as well as rare cases of brain fog or anxiety.
One Redditor’s candid experience:
"I have completely lost morning wood. I never thought about it until I realized this is unhealthy. I’m only 21 but I can’t accept balding — anyone have advice?"
Others, however, say side effects were temporary or minimal:
"First year I had some testicular aches and bad dandruff, but those went away. We had a baby while I was still on Fin — no problems at all."
"I had early sexual side effects (first 6 months), but they disappeared completely. Been married with a family for years."
A few users also mentioned psychological effects:
"I stopped after 23 years because I developed insomnia, trouble concentrating, and mild ED. All improved after stopping — but I lost about 20% of my hair already."
Overall, Reddit experiences reflect what research indicates: serious side effects are uncommon, but they can happen. It’s crucial to consult a doctor, start with the standard 1 mg dose, and monitor changes over time.
Why Some Avoid Finasteride
Even with strong evidence and countless success stories, many people hesitate to try Finasteride. Common reasons include:
- Fear of side effects
- Having mild or late-stage hair loss
- Distrust of hormone-related medications
- Lack of awareness
One commenter explained:
"Some men just don’t care about balding. Others are scared of side effects or don’t know Fin exists. You don’t see it marketed like Rogaine, so many guys just think there’s no option."
Another added:
"It’s not a miracle cure. Maintenance is the best you can hope for — and it’s a lifelong commitment. Once you stop, the hair you kept will start to fall again."
The Science Backs the Anecdotes
Clinical studies have shown that Finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels by around 60–70%, which is significant enough to halt or slow male pattern hair loss in the majority of users.
According to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, over 80% of men maintained or improved hair density after 12 months of consistent Finasteride use.
Reddit users’ long-term experiences largely mirror these findings — most people who start early and stay consistent can expect to keep their hair for many years.
However, expectations matter. Finasteride is not a cure; it’s a management tool. It works best for those in the early stages of balding and often performs even better when combined with other treatments like Minoxidil or microneedling.
Final Thoughts Does Finasteride Really Work
Based on hundreds of firsthand Reddit experiences, the verdict is clear: Finasteride works for most people — but not everyone.
If you start early, stay consistent, and manage your expectations, Finasteride can dramatically slow or stop hair loss and even regrow some hair.
But it’s not without its caveats — results vary, side effects are possible, and patience is essential. As one long-time user wisely put it:
"Don’t expect miracles, expect maintenance. Finasteride gave me peace of mind knowing I did everything I could to fight hair loss."