Male pattern baldness affects approximately 85% of men at some point in life [1]. While some can manage this condition with hair growth treatments, others require a permanent hair transplant to treat their hair loss. However, surgical hair restoration is not the first or final step of this process. The 2025 International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) Practice Census shows that 72.3% of interviewed surgeons frequently prescribe Finasteride before and/or after a hair transplant [2].
Finasteride is one of the most widely prescribed hair growth medications, used to curb hair loss in androgenetic alopecia [3]. Most surgeons agree that using Finasteride after a hair transplant can stabilise native hair loss and help the patient achieve long-lasting hair fullness and health.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about using Finasteride after your hair transplant. You will discover whether this medication is mandatory for achieving good results, the benefits it can bring and the side effects you might experience when using it. Moreover, our experienced surgeons will share information about the optimal duration of post-transplant Finasteide treatment and the types of patients who may not benefit from this medication. Finally, should you decide that Finasteride is not the best option for you, we will present safe and effective treatment alternatives.
Key takeaways
Finasteride is one of two FDA-approved hair loss medications out there (alongside Minoxidil). It is available both as a topical and oral treatment, but the oral variety is most often prescribed. Oral Finasteride is available in both 1 mg and 5 mg doses. However, the 1 mg formulation is normally prescribed for hair growth (often under the brand name Propecia), while Finasteride 5 mg is used to treat benign prostate enlargement under the brand name Proscar [4].
Finasteride works by reducing the production of a male hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to androgen receptors in the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop growing hair [3]. The resulting condition is called androgenetic alopecia (commonly known as male or female pattern baldness).
Multiple studies have found Finasteride highly effective at stopping and even reversing hair loss [3][5][6]. That is why it is often prescribed to stabilise patient alopecia for at least 6 months before their hair transplant.
Unlike Minoxidil, the other hair loss treatment commonly used before and after surgical hair restoration, Finasteride is not suitable for premenopausal women. Nor is it FDA or MHRA-approved for female pattern baldness, so it is not normally recommended after female hair transplants.
Using Finasteride after a hair transplant is not mandatory, as it does not directly affect the success of the procedure itself. It does not increase graft survival rates or help your transplanted hair grow fuller.
However, the results of the 2025 ISHRS Practice Census [2] reveal that 72.3% of responding surgeons prescribe Finasteride to their male patients before and after a hair transplant. That is because it can bring numerous benefits.
Many surgeons recommend using Finasteride as a hair growth adjuvant both before and after the transplant process for men with male pattern baldness. The Wimpole Clinic’s experienced surgeon, Dr Chirag Gadhia, explains this:
Finasteride plays an important role in protecting native hairs and has been shown to increase the number of hairs in the growth (anagen) phase. As a result, it may create the visual impression that the transplanted hairs are growing in sooner, although it has no direct effect on the transplanted grafts themselves.
Although research on the effectiveness of Finasteride-assisted hair transplant recovery is limited, initial results indicate there are three main advantages:
Here are some of the most important ways Finasteride use can help you achieve optimal hair transplant results with minimal shedding:
While a hair transplant can have significantly transformative effects, men with male pattern baldness will continue to experience hair loss after their hair transplant surgery. It is unlikely that the transplanted hair will shed, since it is less sensitive to DHT. However, native hair in areas such as the crown, hairline, and temples remains vulnerable to further balding. Therefore, hair loss will continue if left untreated. This progressive balding can leave the transplanted hair surrounded by balding areas, leading to an unnatural, patchy appearance.
Initial studies into Finasteride-aided hair transplant recovery are promising. One 2005 study examined 79 men with androgenetic alopecia who were treated with either a placebo or 1 mg Finasteride following a hair transplant. The results were evaluated by a dermatologist at 24 and 28 weeks postop, and while the patients with the transplant and placebo saw a 67% increase in visible hair, those treated with Finasteride saw, on average, a 94% increase [7].
Based on these results, Finasteride is a commonly recommended medication following a hair transplant for patients suffering from androgenic alopecia. Failing to treat future hair loss is one of the main reasons people may require a second hair transplant.
A study conducted in 2000 investigated the effect of a 1 mg dose of Finasteride on the hair growth cycle over a 48-week period [8]. The results showed that Finasteride had a dual impact: it not only increased the total number of hairs but also enhanced the number of hairs in the growth (anagen) phase. Having more hairs in the growing phase than the resting phase (telogen phase) would result in the patient experiencing greater and faster hair production.
While Finasteride does not affect the transplanted hair, this enhanced growth phase can help patients see results sooner after a transplant procedure. Most traditional FUT and FUE hair transplant procedures require the donor area to be shaved, making the hair transplant conspicuous. However, faster hair regrowth can help patients return to their normal appearance sooner.
After a hair transplant procedure, the majority of patients experience a period of hair shedding that typically occurs within 2-4 weeks [9]. This type of alopecia is a form of telogen effluvium commonly known as “hair transplant shock loss,” and it is temporary.
This condition occurs when the shock of the hair transplantation causes both the newly transplanted hairs and neighbouring existing hairs to fall out, leaving the hair follicle roots securely embedded in the scalp. In the weeks and months that follow, these hairs will regrow.
However, using Finasteride after hair transplant surgery is believed to reduce the risk of shock loss as well as encourage a faster recovery when effluvium does occur [10]. Studies are yet to examine this definitively, but multiple medical reviews indicate that this understanding is widely spread across the hair transplant community [11].
Here is what you can expect when it comes to Finasteride use before, during and after your hair restoration surgery:
If you are using oral Finasteride, consensus among surgeons is that you don’t need to pause treatment before your procedure or during your hair transplant recovery [12]. The medication does not interfere with surgery in any way, and taking it continuously is beneficial to your hair fullness and density.
However, if you are using topical Finasteride, you will need to pause treatment for about 7 days after your hair transplant, so your scalp is fully healed. Upon resuming, you need to be very gentle in applying the topical Finasteride to your scalp until your grafts are fully secure (usually about 10 days after your hair transplant).
If you are experiencing male pattern baldness, you would normally start taking Finasteride at least 6 months before your hair transplant [9]. This allows your alopecia to stabilise. However, if you haven’t used this treatment pre-procedure, it is usually safe to start taking this medication as soon as the evening of your surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with all the necessary instructions about how and when to use this medication and will prescribe the right dose for your specific needs.
Some patients choose to take Finasteride until they see the final results of their procedure. Others continue treatment for another few months or years. However, unless your surgeon recommends otherwise, it is ideal to keep taking Finasteride throughout your life (or for as long as you want to maintain your native hair density). This medication prevents your male pattern baldness from progressing around your transplanted hair. Dr Peter Thomas, an excellent member of the Wimpole Clinic surgical staff, confirms this recommendation:
I suggest long-term use with Finasteride for the best response and remind patients that these medications only work while taking them.
If you decide to cease Finasteride treatment, your hair loss will resume in a matter of weeks or months [9]. While the transplanted hair is no longer affected by male pattern baldness, the native hair in between your grafts and in the areas around them will still be thinning. This can make your transplanted hair appear thinner, as the native hair in between the grafts starts to fall out. As your alopecia progresses, it can also create an island effect, where the healthy transplanted hair is surrounded by bald areas.
In a nutshell, ceasing Finasteride treatment will not make your transplanted grafts fall out, but it can give your hair an unnatural, thin or patchy appearance overall.
The ideal way to take Finasteride after your hair transplant is exactly as prescribed by your surgeon. They are familiar with your health history and your hair and scalp needs, so they are the most competent to recommend the right treatment for you.
However, here are some of the most common recommendations for post-transplant Finasteride treatment.
Both oral and topical Finasteride are similarly effective. While topical Finasteride is considered safer, as it has a much lower chance of producing systemic side effects, it is not yet FDA and MHRA-approved for hair loss.
According to the ISHRS [2], most surgeons recommend the FDA and MHRA-approved oral Finasteride. However, you are free to opt for the topical variety instead. The only issue you will be facing is that you should pause treatment for at least a week after your hair transplant, as your scalp heals. It is not a good idea to apply the topical medication on open wounds or on fragile, unsecured grafts.
Most surgeons prescribe the standard Finasteride dose for hair loss, which is a 1 mg tablet per day. You can choose to take your Finasteride in the morning or at night, as fits most comfortably in your daily routine.
If you are using topical Finasteride, simply follow the dosage recommended by your surgeon or written on the package/instruction leaflet. Since there are several product forms (e.g. gel, spray, solution) and concentrations, it is difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all dosage estimation.
To correctly apply topical Finasteride, place the required amount of product on your scalp using the provided bottle nozzle or dropper (follow the instructions on the package to achieve this). Then, spread it out evenly on the affected areas of your scalp by rubbing gently with the flat part of your fingers in a circular motion.
While it is normally a safe and effective medication, some patients can experience Finasteride side effects, which range from mild to severe [13][14][4]. However, most of the more serious side effects are very rare and almost always limited to the oral variety.
The good news is that Finasteride side effects are usually not permanent; they tend to decline and eventually subside completely in most patients within the first year of use. Moreover, they are normally completely reversible with treatment cessation [15].
In the vast majority of cases, Finasteride is safe to use long-term. However, a very small subset of patients (approximately 1 in 1000 [16]) reports a phenomenon called Post-Finasteride syndrome. This condition involves experiencing persistent sexual dysfunction, low mood and/or cognitive problems (e.g. brain fog) even after treatment cessation. These issues have been reported to continue for 40 months or more after the patients have stopped using Finasteride [17].
However, at this time, there is limited scientific evidence of Post-Finasteride Syndrome being a real, clinical condition induced by this medication. An increasing number of anecdotal reports led to the legal obligation of disclosing this risk on Finasteride leaflets in the UK and Sweden. But some researchers believe that this may be a result of the nocebo effect. This occurs when the belief that you will experience a negative side effect tricks your body into actually experiencing it [18].
If you are concerned about experiencing adverse reactions from using this medication, here are 5 effective ways to reduce the side effects of Finasteride. Following these tips will allow you to enjoy the full benefits of this treatment without having to fear a significant impact on your health and overall well-being.
Not all patients can benefit from using Finasteride after their hair transplant. Here are some categories of people who should not take this medication unless their surgeon specifically approves it:
Here are some of Dr Peter Thomas’ recommendations regarding patients who wouldn’t benefit from Finasteride use or for whom the risks may outweigh the rewards:
Older patients who have reached stability or have little native hair to work with wouldn’t benefit from Finasteride so much. Avoid Finasteride for females, or male patients during family planning or with a pregnant partner and sexually active. It would be sensible to avoid if a patient has a strong family history of prostate cancer or is concerned about monitoring their risk for prostate cancer more accurately, as Finasteride can affect this.
If, for any reason, you cannot or will not use Finasteride to support your post-transplant hair growth and density, other scientifically-proven treatments can help:
This medication is MHRA and FDA-approved for hair loss and is very effective in both promoting transplanted hair growth and protecting native hair from further thinning [19]. It works by dilating the small blood vessels in your scalp, allowing a larger quantity of oxygen and nutrients to reach your hair follicles. This provides your hair with the resources it needs to grow stronger, thicker and for a longer time.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be very helpful for your hair both during and after your hair restoration surgery. PRP is obtained from a small sample of your own blood. A centrifuge is used to separate it from the other blood fractions.
Research shows that using PRP to store your hair grafts before they are implanted in your scalp can increase hair follicle density per cm2 by 15%, and it can also improve graft survival rates and reduce hair transplant shedding [20]. It can also reduce the time it takes for your transplanted hair to grow and until you can see your FUT and FUE hair transplant results [21].
Getting PRP after your hair transplant is likely to help improve hair graft survival rates and increase hair shaft length and follicular density [22]. Moreover, it can help your scalp heal faster post-surgery, as the PRP contains numerous growth factors. However, you need to wait about 1 month after your hair transplant before you can safely get PRP hair treatment.
Red light therapy for hair growth (also known as low-level laser therapy) involves exposing the scalp to red or near-infrared light. The light is absorbed into the skin, and it helps improve blood flow to your hair follicles. This ensures that your grafts have access to the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive and grow, and it helps your native hair remain healthier. It also improves the activity of your cell mitochondria, promoting hair follicle growth and healing. This means red light therapy may be an effective post-transplant adjuvant [23].
If you want to get a natural-looking hair transplant without having to worry about what comes next, book a free hair transplant consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They will make personalised aftercare recommendations so you can benefit from a hair transplant maintenance plan that works for you.
Our excellent standards of care and unwavering commitment to transparency and patient satisfaction are why the Wimpole Clinic has been voted Hair Transplant Clinic of the Year for 4 years running (2021-2024). Using our services doesn’t only mean getting optimal results. It also means having all your hair restoration questions answered competently by our specialists, so you don’t need to seek information online.
Find out more about using Finasteride after your hair transplant by reading the answers to the following frequently asked questions:
No, Finasteride use does not affect your graft survival rates in any way. While it does provide hair growth benefits, it mostly impacts your native hair, not the transplanted grafts. However, other treatments, such as Minoxidil or PRP, can provide your hair grafts with a better chance of surviving and thriving.
A successful hair transplant means that most of your hair grafts survived and have become securely attached to your scalp, producing new hair. However, most patients still have native hair around and in between the transplanted grafts. This hair can still be affected by progressing male pattern baldness. If it falls out, it will make your hair look thinner and/or leave bald spots around your transplant area. Finasteride can protect your native strands from falling out and provide you with a higher hair density and better overall appearance.
It is a very good idea to combine Finasteride with Minoxidil after your hair transplant. Research shows that using these two medications together provides significantly better results than each of them separately [24]. Moreover, Minoxidil can also support your transplanted hair growth, not only maintain the health of your native hair.
No, if you did not get your hair transplant for androgenetic alopecia and you are not presently experiencing this condition, there is no benefit in taking Finasteride. It is only effective against this particular type of alopecia.
There is no need to taper off Finasteride to safely cease treatment. Presently, no specific side effects have been reported to occur when you stop taking this medication abruptly. However, if you do stop treatment, you should know that your hair loss is likely to return within several weeks or months [9].
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Talk to a specialist
Mr Log Murugesan MBChB, MSc, FRCS(Plast) Consultant Plastic, Cosmetic, Reconstructive and Hair Restoration Surgeon
Mr Murugesan’s expertise in hair restoration surgery is deeply rooted in his background as a fully accredited, UK-trained Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Registered with the General Medical Council (GMC number 6145557), he brings a level of precision and expertise to hair restoration that is shaped by his specialist training in plastic surgery.
His interest in hair restoration began in 2010 while caring for burns patients at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. This passion evolved through his extensive plastic surgery training in London, where he honed his skills both academically and clinically at some of the UK’s most prestigious institutions. Seeking to refine his expertise further, he pursued sub-speciality fellowship training in Aesthetic Surgery under the guidance of highly experienced aesthetic surgeons in London. Additionally, his experience in Reconstructive Microsurgery at two of the world’s top-ranked cancer hospitals, Princess Margaret (UHN) in Toronto and The Royal Marsden in London, further enriched his surgical acumen.
Beyond his clinical work, Mr Murugesan has contributed significantly to medical education and research. He has taught anatomy at St George’s Medical School and earned a distinction for his laboratory work in regenerative biology at the Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics at King’s College London. His commitment to academic excellence also led him to obtain a Master’s degree in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery from University College London. Recognised for his contributions to improving safety in aesthetic surgery, he was awarded the prestigious Hackett Memorial Award by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
With a meticulous and patient-centred approach, Mr Murugesan provides honest and comprehensive consultations, ensuring that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan aligned with their goals. His expertise encompasses hair restoration for all hair types and genders, including scalp, brow, and beard transplantation, as well as hairline-lowering procedures. Utilising both FUE and FUT techniques, he delivers natural and aesthetically refined results. With his advanced surgical knowledge, level of care, attention to detail and precision, patients can feel confident that their hair restoration journey is guided by rigorous standards of safety, skill, and care.
