Minoxidil 5% topical or minoxidil + finasteride 5%? which among both is better

The topical application of minoxidil is effective against hair loss in men and women.
It is a safe medicine and has been approved by the FDA for use as a topical medication to reduce hair loss.
Minoxidil, when applied on the scalp, promotes hair growth.
It is known to increase blood circulation to the hair follicle and prevent the hair fall stage, thus slowing balding.
It is more effective in individuals aged below 40 and if their hair loss is recent.
Minoxidil can increase the density and thickness of the hair. The hair that grows back after the use of minoxidil is known to be healthier.

• The use of minoxidil and finasteride together is considered an effective treatment for hair loss.
• It is safe to use the two medicines together to fight baldness.
• If you are comparing topical vs oral finasteride, note that the two are almost equally effective but the side effects of topical finasteride are considerably lesser than those of oral finasteride.
• The combination therapy of minoxidil and finasteride works best in the initial stages of male pattern baldness and for males aged between 18 and 40.
• DHT, a male hormone causes hair loss on the scalp. Finasteride is a DHT blocker, meaning it fights against  the effects of DHT on the hair follicles, which is causing the hair to decrease in size and density. Minoxidil works by triggering the growth of shrunken hair follicles. It also improves blood circulation in the scalp, leading to an increase in the size and diameter of the hair follicles, causing the hair to be thicker.
• DHT affects the hair follicles on the scalp only, which are hormone-dependent, and hence, finasteride does not have any effect on facial hair. Finasteride is not used as a treatment for beard loss and has been proven to be effective in combating scalp hair loss.
• Minoxidil can be used to treat beard loss but more research would be required to conclude if it is really effective on facial hair growth. Although effective to treat scalp hair loss, minoxidil may not be as effective for beard growth.
• The working mechanisms of finasteride and minoxidil do not interfere with each other and hence they are safe when used together.
• A combination of these two medicines leads to reduced hair loss, improved hair growth, and effective results in healthier hair.