Dutasteride for hair loss

Why it's stronger

Finasteride only blocks the type 2 enzyme. Dutasteride shuts down both type 1 and type 2, which is why it knocks DHT down by around 98% against roughly 71% for finasteride.

Does that mean more hair?

Frequently, yes. A recent network meta-analysis ranked dutasteride 0.5 mg/day at the top for male-pattern loss, and head-to-head data shows it can outdo finasteride on both count and thickness.

The catch

• In the US it's off-label for hair (a few countries approve it specifically for AGA).
• It lingers in your system longer and suppresses DHT harder, which for some men raises the chance of side effects.
• Prescription-only, and not for women who may become pregnant.

A common route is starting on finasteride and stepping up to dutasteride if progress stalls — a physician can weigh the payoff against the risks.