Finast Explained: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects & Alternatives

Finast has become a go‑to name for men dealing with thinning hair, but many still wonder what it actually does and whether it’s right for them. This guide breaks down the basics, explains the science, walks you through safe use, and compares it with other popular treatments. By the end you’ll know if Finast fits your routine and what to watch out for.

What Is Finast? The Basics

Finast is the commercial brand name for a 1mg tablet of finasteride, a prescription drug originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate (BPH). In the early 2000s the dosage was repurposed for androgen‑dependent hair loss, specifically male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved it for this use in 2003, and it’s been on the market ever since.

Unlike over‑the‑counter shampoos that merely mask thinning, Finast works from the inside out by targeting the hormone pathway that shrinks hair follicles. It’s taken as a single daily tablet, usually for at least three months before any noticeable regrowth appears. The brand is popular because it combines a well‑studied ingredient with a convenient, low‑dose tablet that minimizes systemic exposure.

Key facts at a glance:

• Active ingredient: finasteride 1mg
• Indicated for: male pattern baldness (Norwood‑Hamilton stages I‑V)
• Prescription status: NHS‑prescribed in the UK, but also available privately
• Typical price (2025): £28‑£35 for a 28‑day supply

How Finast Works: The Science Behind the Pill

Finasteride belongs to a class called 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors. The enzyme 5‑alpha‑reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen that binds to receptors in scalp hair follicles. In men prone to pattern baldness, DHT attachment triggers a miniaturisation cycle: follicles shrink, produce finer hairs, and eventually stop producing hair altogether.

By blocking about 70% of this conversion, Finast reduces scalp DHT levels enough to halt follicle shrinkage. Existing hairs can thicken, and dormant follicles may re‑enter the growth phase (anagen). The effect is gradual-most users see a stabilisation of hair loss within 3‑6months and measurable regrowth after 9‑12months.

Because the tablet is low‑dose, systemic DHT suppression (which could affect the prostate or libido) is limited. Studies from the Journal of Dermatology (2023) show a mean scalp DHT drop of 68% with less than 10% change in serum DHT, confirming its targeted action.

Using Finast Safely: Dosage, Side Effects, and Who Should Avoid It

The standard regimen is one 1mg tablet taken orally with water, preferably at the same time each day. Consistency matters because the enzyme inhibition builds up over time.

Dosage tips:

1. Start with a single tablet; don’t double‑dose to speed results.
2. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember-unless it’s close to the next dose, then skip the missed one.
3. Continue for a minimum of 12months before judging effectiveness.

Common side effects (reported in <2% of users) include:

• Mild decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction (usually transient)
• Reduced ejaculate volume

Serious adverse events such as breast tenderness or depression are rare but have been documented. If any symptom persists beyond two weeks, contact your GP.

Who should steer clear?

• Women of child‑bearing age (finasteride is teratogenic).
• Men with liver impairment (finasteride is metabolised hepatically).
• Anyone with a known hypersensitivity to finasteride or its excipients.

Pregnant partners should avoid handling broken tablets, as the drug can be absorbed through skin.

Finast vs Alternatives: Choosing the Right Hair‑Loss Solution

Finast isn’t the only option on the market. Below is a quick comparison of the most common treatments available in the UK as of 2025.

**When to pick Finast**: If you prefer a once‑daily pill, have mild‑to‑moderate hair loss, and are comfortable with a prescription. Combine it with minoxidil for synergistic effect-many dermatologists recommend the combo for faster results.

**When to look elsewhere**: If you can’t tolerate oral medication, have a history of sexual dysfunction, or want an OTC solution, start with minoxidil or a laser comb.

**Decision tree** (quick mental cheat‑sheet):

• Need prescription? → Finast or generic finasteride.
• Prefer topical? → Minoxidil 5% foam.
• Avoid pills entirely? → Laser therapy or scalp‑microneedling.
• Worried about cost? → Generic finasteride is cheapest.

Regardless of the route you choose, consistency is the secret sauce. Hair growth cycles are slow, so give any treatment a full year before judging success.

TL;DR - Quick Takeaways

• Finast is a 1mg finasteride tablet approved for male pattern baldness.
• It works by lowering scalp DHT, halting follicle miniaturisation.
• Take one tablet daily; expect visible results after 9‑12months.
• Side‑effects are rare but can include temporary libido changes.
• Compared with minoxidil or laser kits, Finast offers a low‑maintenance oral option with strong clinical backing.

Common Questions About Finast

Can I buy Finast online without a prescription? In the UK, finasteride for hair loss remains prescription‑only. Some foreign pharmacies sell it OTC, but quality and legality can be questionable.

Will Finast stop my hair loss permanently? It maintains results only while you keep taking it. Stopping the medication usually leads to a gradual return to pre‑treatment hair loss rates.

Is Finast safe for long‑term use? Numerous studies spanning over 10years show no increased cancer risk and stable safety profiles when monitored by a clinician.

Can I use Finast if I’m over 40? Yes. Age isn’t a contraindication; many men start in their 30s and continue into their 60s.

What if I miss a dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose-then skip the missed one and continue as normal.

Next Steps & Troubleshooting

If you’re ready to start Finast, book a short appointment with your GP or a dermatology clinic. Bring a list of any current meds, as finasteride can interact with certain antifungals and antibiotics.

Should you experience side‑effects, keep a symptom diary for two weeks and discuss it with your doctor. Often dosage timing adjustments or a temporary pause can resolve mild issues.

For those who find oral medication uncomfortable, consider switching to a topical minoxidil regimen while keeping a low‑dose finasteride under medical supervision-a combination many clinicians find effective.

Finally, track progress with photos every 4weeks. Visual evidence beats “I think it’s better” and helps you and your doctor decide whether to continue, adjust, or explore alternatives.