Dutasteride for hair loss

Why it hits harder

Finasteride blocks only the type 2 enzyme; dutasteride blocks both type 1 and type 2, pushing DHT down roughly 98% versus about 71% for finasteride.

Better results?

Usually. A recent network meta-analysis put dutasteride 0.5 mg/day at the top for male-pattern loss, and direct comparisons show it beating finasteride on count and caliber.

The caveats

• In the US it's off-label for hair (only a few countries approve it for AGA).
• Its longer half-life and stronger suppression can mean more side-effect risk for some.
• Prescription-only, and off-limits for women who might become pregnant.

Many people start on finasteride and switch up only if results stall — a physician can weigh the upside against the risk.