At 6 months, Finasteride users should see density stabilization in at least 75% of cases based on published clinical data. This article explains exactly what your tracking numbers should look like at this checkpoint and what to do if they fall short.
Why Month 6 Is the First Real Checkpoint
Finasteride (1 mg daily) halts further hair loss in 80-90% of users and produces regrowth in roughly 65%. But these results do not appear overnight. The drug works by reducing DHT levels, which slows miniaturization of hair follicles over several hair growth cycles.
Here is what a typical Finasteride timeline looks like:
| Month | Expected Observation |
|---|---|
| 1 | No visible change; DHT levels begin dropping |
| 2-3 | Possible shedding phase as weak hairs are replaced |
| 4-5 | Shedding resolves; early stabilization begins |
| 6 | Density should be at or above baseline |
| 9-12 | Maximum stabilization and potential regrowth |
Month 6 is the earliest point at which you have enough data to confirm whether Finasteride is producing a measurable response.
What Stabilization Looks Like in the Data
A density plateau at month 6 tells you Finasteride is doing its job, even if you have not seen visible thickening in the mirror. Stabilization means:
- Hair count per cm2 holds within 5% of your baseline
- Miniaturized hair ratio stops increasing
- Hairline position remains unchanged from your first measurement
If you are tracking with myhairline.ai, compare your month-6 photo against your day-1 baseline. The AI density mapping will show whether your numbers have held steady, improved, or declined.
How to Read Your Month-6 Numbers
Positive Response (75% of Users)
Your density is at baseline or higher. No further recession is visible. You are a Finasteride responder. Continue at the same dose.
Partial Response (15% of Users)
Density has declined slightly (5-10% below baseline) but the rate of loss has slowed compared to your pre-treatment trend. This is still a positive signal. Most partial responders see full stabilization by month 9.
Non-Response (10% of Users)
Density continues to drop at the same or faster rate as before treatment. If this matches your data, talk to your doctor about:
- Increasing to Dutasteride (0.5 mg daily), which blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase
- Adding topical Minoxidil (5%), which produces moderate regrowth in 40-60% of users
- PRP therapy ($500-$2,000 per session) as an adjunct treatment
The Month 2-3 Shedding Dip
Many users panic when they see a density drop at months 2 to 3. This shedding phase is expected. Finasteride triggers follicles to shed weak, miniaturized hairs and begin producing thicker shafts. The dip is temporary.
If your tracking data shows a dip at months 2-3 followed by a recovery at months 4-5, that pattern is textbook. Do not discontinue treatment during this phase.
What to Do Next
If your month-6 data confirms stabilization:
- Continue Finasteride at 1 mg daily
- Take your next tracking photo at month 9
- Watch for regrowth signals (density rising above baseline)
- Discuss adding Minoxidil if you want faster density improvement
If your month-6 data does not confirm stabilization:
- Consult your prescribing doctor before making any changes
- Rule out other causes (stress, nutrition, thyroid)
- Consider combination therapy based on your specific Norwood stage
Get Your Baseline Data
Tracking works only if you have a clear starting point. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get your current Norwood stage and density baseline for free. No app download, no account, no clinic visit required.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Finasteride is a prescription medication with potential side effects (reported in 2-4% of users). Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.