Finasteride (1 mg daily) halts further hair loss in 80-90% of users and produces measurable regrowth in approximately 65%, but these results follow a specific timeline that most patients do not fully understand. Knowing what to expect at each stage prevents premature discontinuation and sets realistic benchmarks for success.
The Complete Finasteride Timeline
Month 1: No Visible Change
DHT levels in the scalp begin to drop within the first week, but this has no visible effect on your hair. Follicles are still in their existing growth cycle. You should take your baseline photo now using myhairline.ai/analyze so you have a reference point for all future comparisons.
Months 2-3: The Shedding Phase
Many users experience increased hair shedding during this period. This is not a sign of failure. Finasteride causes miniaturized (weak, thin) hairs to be shed as the follicle begins producing a thicker replacement shaft. The shedding is temporary.
What to do: Continue taking the medication. Do not adjust your dose. Take a tracking photo but do not compare it to baseline yet.
Months 3-6: Early Stabilization
The shedding slows and density begins to hold. This is when AI density tracking becomes useful. Side-by-side photo comparison may not show a difference, but pixel-level analysis can detect that the rate of loss has slowed or stopped.
| Metric | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Hair count per cm2 | Holding within 5% of baseline |
| Miniaturization ratio | Decreasing (more terminal hairs) |
| Hairline position | No further recession |
Months 6-12: Confirmation Window
This is the most important period. By month 6, 75% of responders show measurable stabilization. By month 12, the full scope of your response is visible:
- Stabilizers (25-30%): Density holds at baseline. No regrowth, but no further loss.
- Regrowers (50-55%): Density increases above baseline. Miniaturized hairs convert to terminal.
- Non-responders (10-20%): Density continues to decline despite treatment.
Months 12-24: Peak Results
Regrowth peaks between month 12 and month 18 for most users. After month 24, further improvement is unlikely. The density you have at the 2-year mark is your new baseline on Finasteride.
Year 2 and Beyond: Maintenance
Finasteride's effect is ongoing as long as you continue taking it. 5-year data shows that users who stay on the drug maintain their results, while those who stop typically return to their pre-treatment trajectory within 6 to 12 months.
Results by Norwood Stage
Your starting stage affects what you can realistically expect.
| Starting Stage | Stabilization Rate | Regrowth Rate | Typical Graft Need if Transplant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | ~90% | ~70% | 800-1,500 grafts |
| Norwood 3 | ~80% | ~55% | 1,500-2,200 grafts |
| Norwood 4 | ~70% | ~45% | 2,500-3,500 grafts |
| Norwood 5 | ~60% | ~35% | 3,000-4,500 grafts |
| Norwood 6+ | ~50% | ~25% | 4,000-6,000+ grafts |
Patients who start Finasteride at earlier stages see better outcomes. At Norwood 2, the stabilization rate exceeds 83%. By Norwood 5 or 6, the drug can still slow loss but is less likely to produce visible recovery.
How to Track Your Timeline
Effective tracking requires consistent data collection at specific intervals.
What to Measure
- Hair density: Follicular units per cm2 in the frontal and vertex zones
- Hairline position: Distance from brow to hairline center
- Miniaturization ratio: Proportion of thin hairs vs thick terminal hairs
- Photos: Same angle, same lighting, same distance every time
When to Measure
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 (Baseline) | Full assessment at myhairline.ai |
| 3 | First check (expect shedding, do not panic) |
| 6 | Primary comparison to baseline |
| 9 | Secondary comparison |
| 12 | Full assessment and response classification |
| 18 | Peak regrowth check |
| 24 | Long-term baseline established |
What to Do With the Data
If your 12-month data shows stabilization or regrowth, continue with 1 mg daily and track annually.
If your 12-month data shows continued decline, consult your doctor about:
- Dutasteride (0.5 mg daily), which blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase
- Combination therapy with Minoxidil (5% topical, twice daily), effective in 40-60% of users
- PRP treatment ($500-$2,000 per session) as an adjunct
- Surgical options: FUE recovery is 7-10 days with 90-95% graft survival
Side Effects and Discontinuation Data
Finasteride side effects (sexual side effects) are reported in 2-4% of users. These effects are reversible upon discontinuation in the vast majority of cases.
If you stop Finasteride, expect:
- Gradual return to your pre-treatment hair loss trajectory over 6-12 months
- Loss of any density gains achieved while on the drug
- No permanent changes to hair growth patterns
Get Your Starting Point
Before you can track progress, you need a baseline. Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get your Norwood stage, density estimate, and graft projection for free. See our complete hair growth timeline and Norwood scale complete guide for more context.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Finasteride is a prescription medication. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, adjusting, or discontinuing any treatment.