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Monday, December 2nd
Propecia (the generic brand of the medication finasteride) is designed to combat male pattern baldness. Like many capsule-based hair loss products in our review, Propecia works by decreasing the amount of DHT hormones in your body. This leads to increased hair regrowth. Propecia (or finasteride) was originally developed by the company Merck in 1997.
1 capsule per day dosage
As one of the few products that is FDA-approved on our list, Propecia stands out from the pack. One bottle of Propecia includes a 1-month supply. You take one capsule per day for 30 days, which makes it a low-commitment medication for hair loss. However, it does require a few extra hoops to jump through to get your medication. You will need to get a doctor's approval to start Propecia, and you'll be unable to buy it without a written prescription.
Prices as low as $8.95 per bottle
Depending on where you buy your Propecia, the prices may fluctuate. We found prices as low as $8.95 for a home delivery of a 1-month dose. Shipping was free there too, so you can easily score your Propecia at a lower cost than most hair loss options in our review. If you want to get your Propecia from a local pharmacy, the price will be around $19.96. Regardless of the method, you will need to prove you have a prescription to order Propecia.
Online health services are a great place to buy
You can buy Propecia from any medical site that handles prescriptions. You can also go directly to your doctor to get a prescription written and sent to your local pharmacy. We used Blink Health which allows you to get an online doctor's visit for just $10 and get your Propecia prescription. This way, you can get all aspects of your prescription taken care of in one place. Once you have your Propecia prescription, you can upload it to your profile on Blink Health and repurchase or refill it as long as your prescription is valid.
Some retailers offer price-matching
Satisfaction guarantees will depend on where you ultimately purchase your Propecia. For example, at Blink Health, there is a price match guarantee that promises the lowest prices on generic prescription medications like Propecia. Blink Health will match any price you find that's lower and refund you the difference. However, different retailers or pharmacies will offer different deals. If you're looking for return policies, this will depend on the pharmacy you ultimately choose.
Concerning reports of side effects
While this is a low-cost option, it may not be ideal for you. Reviews for Propecia are few and far between. Further, the original manufacturer of the medication, Merck, has an "NR” rating from the Better Business Bureau. The few third-party reviews we could find showed a 4.7 out of 10 score. Customers complain about a large number of side effects. Men find that they have trouble with intimacy while taking the prescription (and afterward). The list of potential issues mentioned in patient reviews includes erectile dysfunction, reduced or no libido, pressure/headache, and more. Some patients complained about developing other problems like hypothyroidism after using Propecia. Given that this is a medication for men only, it doesn't appear to be handling men very well. Yikes!
Not worth the negative effects
While this product comes at a considerably lower cost than many hair loss products, Propecia doesn't sound safe for most patients. Considering the long list of side effects, the issues experienced by men who take Propecia, and the fact that you have to get a prescription to get started, Propecia falls to the bottom of our list. If you're still interested in Propecia, make sure you consult a doctor.
Hair is a major part of modern fashion. Between cuts, colors, and different styles, your hair can be a huge part of your personality or identity. Hair can be one of the most noticeable features in a first impression, and change how confident you feel when you get dressed up or go out.
So, it's no wonder that fighting hair loss is a growing market. While there are some temporary solutions like wigs or extensions, growing your own hair with an effective hair loss product is the goal. But for many, fighting hair loss medically can be too expensive.
Going to the doctor for a diagnosis requires a lot of cash and jumping through hoops like blood tests, hair-pull tests, possible scalp biopsies, and more. Some patients might get an expensive prescription while others are recommended to have a transplant surgery.
Going a strictly medical route can get pricey fast, especially if you're not insured for it. Luckily for you, there are tons of over-the-counter options (and a few low-cost prescriptions too) for hair loss that are extremely effective. So, you might be able to save some money while you regrow your luscious locks.
Whether your hair loss is hereditary, due to an illness (like lasting effects from Long COVID or a problem with your thyroid), or from high levels of stress, there's a solution out there to help you with your hair loss. Online shopping allows you to browse a wide variety of hair loss solutions from the comfort of your home. Most over-the-counter hair loss products come in shampoos, creams, or oral supplements. Some standouts offer light therapy or other add-ons to help you target your scalp and start growing out your mullet (don't lie; you know you want to try one).
If you're wondering how long these products take to get you from where you're at to booking your next L'Oréal commercial, the average time for hair loss options to start taking effect is 2-4 months. This timeline will change depending on the particular method you choose. We know the waiting period can be the worst part, but once you get started, you're one step closer to your goal. As always, put your health first. Not all solutions will work for everyone, and if you can, still refer to your doctor who can guide you as you target your type of hair loss.
If you feel like you're splitting hairs (pun intended) looking through all the different hair loss products, don't worry. Here are some factors that may help you narrow the field and find the perfect hair loss option for your head:
To help you on your way to new hair growth, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked today's top hair loss options. We hope this helps bring a little excitement to your life in the next few months as you see new growth and healthier hair. You'll be watching new hair styling tutorials before you know it!
Select any 2 Hair Loss Products to compare them head to head