Finasteride begins reducing DHT levels within hours of the first dose, but visible hair changes take months because hair follicles operate on a slow biological cycle. This timeline covers what to expect at each stage from day one through the 24-month mark, how to track progress objectively, and when to consider adjusting your approach.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The Complete Finasteride Results Timeline
Week 1-4: Biochemical Changes (No Visible Change)
Finasteride reaches steady-state blood levels within about a week of daily 1 mg dosing. By the end of the first month:
- Serum DHT is reduced by approximately 70%
- Scalp DHT levels begin declining at the follicle level
- No visible change in hair density or shedding rate yet
- Some men report a slight initial increase in shedding (a normal response as follicles enter a new cycle)
Month 1-3: Early Stabilization
| Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Reduced shedding | DHT reduction is slowing miniaturization |
| Temporary increased shedding | Normal "adjustment shedding" as follicles reset their growth cycle |
| No visible thickening yet | Follicles need time to produce thicker hair shafts |
| No regrowth yet | New growth takes a full hair cycle to become visible |
This is the phase where most men feel uncertain. The changes happening at the follicle level are real but not yet visible to the eye. Do not stop treatment during this period based on lack of visible results.
Month 3-6: First Visible Changes
At the 3-6 month mark, many men notice:
- Hair fall during washing and brushing decreases noticeably
- Existing hair feels slightly thicker
- Vellus (fine, colorless) hairs may begin appearing in previously thin areas
- Standardized photos taken monthly start showing subtle density improvements
This is when objective tracking becomes valuable. Use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to compare your Norwood classification at the 3 and 6-month marks against your baseline.
Month 6-12: Regrowth Phase
This is the primary window for visible improvement:
- 65% of men experience measurable regrowth
- Hair shaft diameter increases as follicles produce thicker terminal hairs
- Crown and vertex areas often show the most obvious improvement
- Temple regrowth is slower and less predictable
- Overall Norwood stage may improve by half a stage or more
Month 12-24: Peak and Maintenance
The 12-month mark is the standard clinical evaluation point. By this time:
- Full regrowth benefit has been achieved in most cases
- Some men continue seeing gradual improvement through month 18-24
- Results should be compared to baseline photos, not to unrealistic expectations
- Maintenance phase begins: consistent daily dosing preserves what has been gained
How to Track Your Progress
Subjective daily mirror checks are unreliable for tracking slow changes. Use these methods instead:
Method 1: AI Density Analysis
Upload standardized photos to myhairline.ai/analyze at regular intervals:
| Interval | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (baseline) | Establish your starting Norwood stage |
| Month 3 | Check for early density changes |
| Month 6 | First major evaluation point |
| Month 12 | Standard clinical evaluation point |
| Every 6 months after | Long-term monitoring |
Method 2: Standardized Photography
Take photos with these controls:
- Same lighting (overhead or ring light)
- Same angle (front, crown, left temple, right temple)
- Same hair length and styling (ideally slightly damp)
- Same camera distance
Method 3: Shed Counting
Count hairs lost during a standard wash routine once per week. While imprecise, a consistent downward trend in shed count correlates with treatment effect.
What Affects Your Timeline
Not everyone follows the same timeline. Several factors influence how quickly you respond:
Faster response likely if:
- You are at Norwood stage 2-3 (more viable follicles to recover)
- You started treatment within 1-3 years of noticing hair loss
- You have good overall health and nutrition
- You add minoxidil 5% (40-60% see regrowth) to your protocol
Slower or limited response likely if:
- You are at Norwood stage 5+ (many follicles permanently dormant)
- Hair loss has been progressing for 10+ years without treatment
- You are inconsistent with daily dosing
When to Reassess Your Approach
At the 12-month mark, evaluate your results against these benchmarks:
| Outcome | Next Step |
|---|---|
| Norwood stage improved or stable | Continue finasteride; add minoxidil for further gains if desired |
| Minimal improvement but no worsening | Consider adding minoxidil or PRP ($500-$2,000/session); continue finasteride |
| Continued progression despite adherence | Consult a specialist; hair transplant may be needed (FUE: 7-10 days recovery, 90-95% survival) |
If you are at Norwood 4 or above and finasteride has not produced satisfactory density, surgical restoration may be the appropriate next step. Graft requirements range from 2,500-3,500 at stage 4 to 5,500-7,500 at stage 7.
For a complete overview of dosing and side effect management (2-4% incidence), read our complete finasteride guide. For a detailed medication vs surgery analysis, see our finasteride vs hair transplant comparison.
Start Tracking Today
Accurate tracking starts with a baseline. Use the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to determine your current Norwood stage before starting finasteride or at any point during treatment. Save your result and compare it at future checkpoints to measure real progress.
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist before making treatment decisions.