Dutasteride for hair loss

What makes it stronger

Where finasteride hits only the type 2 enzyme, dutasteride blocks type 1 and type 2 both, driving DHT down about 98% against roughly 71% for finasteride.

More hair?

Usually. A recent network meta-analysis rated dutasteride 0.5 mg/day the most effective single drug for male-pattern loss, and direct comparisons show it edging out finasteride on count and caliber.

The fine print

• In the US it's off-label for hair (a handful of countries approve it for AGA specifically).
• Its longer half-life and deeper DHT suppression can raise side-effect odds for some men.
• Prescription-only, and off-limits for women who may become pregnant.

Many people begin on finasteride and only move to dutasteride if things plateau — a physician can balance the benefit against the risk.