Finasteride produces a frontal hairline response in roughly 45% of users compared to 83% at the vertex (crown), based on zone-specific clinical trial analysis. This gap means frontal tracking requires different benchmarks, different tools, and different expectations than crown tracking.
Why the Frontal Hairline Responds Differently
The frontal hairline and the vertex are biologically different zones. The vertex has a higher concentration of Type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that Finasteride blocks (1 mg daily). The frontal region has more Type I receptors, which Finasteride does not directly inhibit.
This means:
| Zone | Response Rate | Typical Timeline | Primary Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertex (crown) | ~83% | 4-6 months | Density increase |
| Frontal hairline | ~45% | 6-12 months | Position stabilization |
| Temples | ~40% | 6-12 months | Recession halt |
Understanding this difference prevents you from judging Finasteride as a failure based on frontal data alone. The drug may be working well at your crown while producing a subtler effect at your temples.
How to Track Your Frontal Hairline Response
Step 1: Establish Your Baseline
Before Finasteride has any effect, you need clear starting measurements. Upload a front-facing photo to myhairline.ai/analyze to get:
- Your current Norwood stage (the scale runs from 1 to 7)
- Hairline position relative to your brow ridge
- Temple recession depth on both sides
Save this data. Every future comparison depends on having an accurate day-1 baseline.
Step 2: Measure Monthly for the First 6 Months
Take a new photo from the same angle and lighting conditions each month. Consistency matters more than photo quality. Track these metrics:
- Hairline-to-brow distance: Measured from the center of your hairline to the top of your eyebrow arch. The ideal male forehead height is approximately 6.5 cm.
- Temple point position: The lowest point of recession at each temple. Measure from the outer corner of the eyebrow upward.
- Frontal density: Hair count per square centimeter in the frontal zone, typically 170-230 follicular units per cm2 for Caucasian hair.
Step 3: Identify Your Response Pattern
After 6 months of data, you will fall into one of three categories:
Frontal Responder (45% of users): Hairline position holds steady or advances slightly. Temple density stabilizes or improves. Your frontal zone is responding to DHT reduction.
Crown-Only Responder (35% of users): Vertex density improves but frontal recession continues at a slower rate. Finasteride is working, but its effect is concentrated at the crown.
Minimal Responder (20% of users): Both zones continue to decline. The rate may be slower, but stabilization has not occurred. This pattern warrants a conversation with your doctor.
Step 4: Adjust Your Protocol Based on the Data
If you are a frontal responder, continue with 1 mg Finasteride daily. No changes needed.
If you are a crown-only responder, consider adding one of these to target the frontal zone:
- Topical Minoxidil 5% applied to the temples twice daily (40-60% of users see moderate regrowth)
- Microneedling at 1.0-1.5 mm depth every 2 weeks along the hairline
- PRP injections ($500-$2,000 per session) focused on the frontal zone
If you are a minimal responder, discuss with your doctor:
- Switching to Dutasteride (0.5 mg daily), which blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase
- Combination therapy with Minoxidil
- Evaluation for non-androgenetic causes of loss
Common Frontal Tracking Mistakes
Comparing to the wrong baseline. Always compare to your own day-1 photo, not to someone else or to a period before you started losing hair.
Using inconsistent photo angles. A 10-degree difference in camera tilt can make your hairline appear to have moved by several millimeters. Use the same position every time.
Judging too early. The frontal hairline responds to Finasteride an average of 2 months later than the vertex. Give it at least 9 months before drawing conclusions about your frontal response.
Ignoring miniaturization data. Hairs may be transitioning from miniaturized (thin, short, light) to terminal (thick, long, pigmented) without any change in hairline position. This is a positive sign that shows in density scans but not in the mirror.
What the Data Tells You About Surgical Planning
Frontal hairline tracking data becomes critical if you are considering a hair transplant. Surgeons need to know:
- Whether Finasteride has stabilized your frontal loss
- Where the stable hairline sits (so they can design a graft plan around it)
- Whether further recession is likely (unstabilized patients risk needing a second procedure)
For context, frontal hairline restoration at Norwood 2 typically requires 800-1,500 grafts. At Norwood 3, the range is 1,500-2,200 grafts. These numbers assume a stabilized hairline.
Start Tracking Your Frontal Zone
Upload a front-facing photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to see your current Norwood stage and hairline position. The analysis is free, runs in your browser, and stores nothing on any server. Use it as your baseline and return monthly to track your Finasteride progress tracking guide.
For more information on tracking receding hairline progress tracking, see our dedicated guide.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Finasteride is a prescription medication with side effects reported in 2-4% of users. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting or modifying any treatment plan.