The best hair loss treatment: Dutasteride vs. Finasteride
Prescription hair loss treatment and convenient continued online care
No video calls necessary
$15 consult–no membership required
Medical review within 3 hours
About half of adult males experience hair loss. Fortunately, prescription treatments can halt the loss and stimulate growth—if you use them regularly. And with Dr. B, a discreet online consultation makes it more convenient than ever to keep that growth going.
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How Dr. B treats hair loss
1
Health assessmentTell us about your condition with a $15 online consultation—no video call necessary.
2
Provider reviewA medical provider will review your information and prescribe treatment, if appropriate.
3
Get your medicationPick up and pay for the medication at the pharmacy of your choice. Or, get it delivered.
How much will it cost?
Dr. B offers online consultations for $15—which is less than most copays. If a hair loss prescription is appropriate, your out-of-pocket medication cost will depend on your insurance and where you decide to get your prescription filled. Dr. B offers a discount card when applicable to help get you the lowest prices for your medications.
* Prices shown for Minoxidil 5 % Topical Foam (60 gram can), a popular treatment for hair loss, using a drug discount card. Prices may be lower with insurance.
$15
Online visit with Dr. B
+
Starting at
$2.52
$9.23
Medication*
Hair loss treatments at Dr. B
Dr. B offers several treatments for hair loss. We’ve highlighted a few of our most popular and affordable options below, but you can choose other brand and generic medications if desired.
Finasteride
Generic Finasteride prescription medication treats male pattern hair loss, especially near the temple area of the scalp. The medication increases testosterone production and decreases DHT (the hormone tied to hair loss in males) to stimulate hair growth.
Prescription length:
90 days, 0 refills
Application:
1 tablet, 1 time per day
What to expect at the pharmacy:
- With insurance: your copay ($10-40 with most plans)
- Without insurance: prices start around $9.29 (coupons may be available)
Medication prices start at
$22.99
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Minoxidil
Topical Minoxidil (the generic version of Rogaine) is used to treat some kinds of hereditary hair loss, including male pattern baldness. It comes as a gel or foam and works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and extending the growth phase of hair follicles.
Prescription length:
30 days, 2 refills
Application:
Apply to the affected area, 2 times per day
What to expect at the pharmacy:
- With insurance: your copay ($10-40 with most plans)
- Without insurance: prices start around $120.90 (coupons may be available)
Check your pharmacy for prices.
Dutasteride
Dutasteride (the generic version of Avodart) is an oral capsule that treats hair loss in males by blocking the buildup of DHT (the hormone responsible for hair loss in males). Dutasteride hair loss improvements may take three to six months.
Prescription length:
90 days, 0 refills
Application:
1 capsule, 1 time per day
What to expect at the pharmacy:
- With insurance: your copay ($10-40 with most plans)
- Without insurance: prices start around $294.29 (coupons may be available)
Medication prices start at
$27.07
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Finasteride
Generic Finasteride prescription medication treats male pattern hair loss, especially near the temple area of the scalp. The medication increases testosterone production and decreases DHT (the hormone tied to hair loss in males) to stimulate hair growth.
Minoxidil
Topical Minoxidil (the generic version of Rogaine) is used to treat some kinds of hereditary hair loss, including male pattern baldness. It comes as a gel or foam and works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and extending the growth phase of hair follicles.
Dutasteride
Dutasteride (the generic version of Avodart) is an oral capsule that treats hair loss in males by blocking the buildup of DHT (the hormone responsible for hair loss in males). Dutasteride hair loss improvements may take three to six months.
Prescription length:
90 days, 0 refills
Prescription length:
30 days, 2 refills
Prescription length:
90 days, 0 refills
Application:
1 tablet, 1 time per day
Application:
Apply to the affected area, 2 times per day
Application:
1 capsule, 1 time per day
What to expect at the pharmacy:
- With insurance: your copay ($10-40 with most plans)
- Without insurance: prices start around $9.29 (coupons may be available)
What to expect at the pharmacy:
- With insurance: your copay ($10-40 with most plans)
- Without insurance: prices start around $120.90 (coupons may be available)
What to expect at the pharmacy:
- With insurance: your copay ($10-40 with most plans)
- Without insurance: prices start around $294.29 (coupons may be available)
Medication prices start at
$22.99
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)Check your pharmacy for prices.
Medication prices start at
$27.07
at Costco, with a drug discount card. (No Costco membership required)More Hair Loss Prescription Treatments
Looking for a different medication? Here are some options.
Not sure which treatment may be best for you?
Complete a confidential virtual health assessment to learn more.
Meet our advisors
Guided by medical expertise
“I love direct contact with patients—it’s why I chose dermatology! With ample time together, I can use my eyes and mind to diagnose their condition, like a sleuth!”
Hair Loss Questions
About Hair Loss
What is hair loss?
Hair loss occurs when hair on the head falls out, and new strands don’t grow back to replace them. In those assigned male at birth (AMAB), most lost hair is caused by male pattern baldness—or androgenic alopecia. This usually begins as a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown of the head. This condition doesn’t affect physical health, but it can cause psychological issues like stress and anxiety.
What causes hair loss?
In people assigned male at birth (AMAB), most hair loss is thought to be caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone shrinks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Other contributing factors include:
- Family history: People with fathers or grandfathers with hair loss are more likely to lose hair.
- Ethnicity: White and Afro-Caribbean people are more likely to experience male pattern baldness. Those of Asian descent have a much lower chance.
- Age: Those AMAB are more likely to experience scalp itching and hair loss as they age. Around 50% of males have some amount of loss by age 50.
- Intense shock: An intense shock can cause hair to fall out. When this happens, it’s called telogen effluvium.
- Other issues: High stress, thyroid issues, chemotherapy treatment or taking certain medications (like blood thinners) can also cause it.
How long does hair loss take?
People assigned male at birth may begin to lose hair as early as their late teenage years. The loss progresses at different rates, and it can take 15-25 years to cause partial or complete baldness. The proper treatment can slow the rate of male pattern baldness and improve hair growth.
Do I have male pattern baldness or alopecia areata?
Alopecia refers to a range of conditions that involve different types of hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune issue that causes hair to fall out in small bald spots. It begins suddenly and may also affect the eyelashes and eyebrows. In most cases, the hair grows back.
Androgenic alopecia—or male pattern baldness—begins as a bald spot or receding hairline and progresses slowly over the years.
Does testosterone cause hair loss?
Hair loss in people assigned male at birth is thought to be caused by a sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While DHT is a byproduct of testosterone, people with hair loss don’t necessarily have higher testosterone levels.
What treatments does Dr. B offers for hair loss?
Dr. B offers Dutasteride (and brand version Avodart), Finasteride (and brand version Propecia) and topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) to treat male pattern hair loss.
Does Dr. B offer hair loss treatments for female pattern baldness?
Dr. B does not currently offer these treatments for those assigned female at birth (AFAB). These medications cannot be used by women or children.
What are PSA levels, and why are they important?
In males, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels help doctors determine the risk for prostate cancer. Dutasteride and Finasteride lower PSA levels and can skew the results of prostate cancer screenings. Let your healthcare provider know if you’re using these medications.
How are hair loss treatments applied?
Dr. B currently offers hair loss treatment taken as a topical foam or pills taken as a capsule or tablet.
What are common hair loss treatment side effects?
Common side effects of Dutasteride and Finasteride include impotence, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculation disorders (decrease in the amount of semen/sperm released during sex), breast disorders (increased breast size, breast tenderness) and testicle pain or swelling. These symptoms are typically mild and may go away over time. Stop taking these medications and see a medical provider right away if you experience testicle pain/swelling, an increase in breast size/tenderness or prolonged sexual dysfunction.
Common side effects of Minoxidil (topical) include redness, itching, dryness, or burning on the scalp, changes in hair texture and a temporary increase in hair loss. Hair growth in unwanted places may also occur because of accidental medication transference. The side effects usually go away with time. If they bother you or don’t get better, Dr. B patients can request a callback from your patient dashboard.
How can I get a hair loss prescription online?
With Dr. B, you can get a prescription hair loss medicine through our convenient online medical service. Fill out a comprehensive health assessment detailing your symptoms and history. A vetted doctor or medical provider will review your assessment. If they recommend a hair loss prescription, they will send it to your pharmacy of choice. Dr. B offers several different brand and generic medications that can help provide results in as little as three months. So get Dutasteride online, Propecia online or Finasteride online today with our accessible, discreet care program!
How much does a hair loss treatment cost?
Consultation: A virtual medical consultation costs $15.00, which is lower than most doctor copays. Currently, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to insurance companies. But you can use health insurance for the prescription itself at your pharmacy.
Medication: Dr. B only charges for the prescription consultation. When medications are prescribed, we let you choose the most affordable or convenient pharmacy to fill the prescription. Your medication prices will vary depending on your insurance coverage and whether the drug is a brand or generic. Dr. B will also provide a Drug Discount Card to help you secure the lowest prescription cost at your local pharmacy.
Do you accept insurance?
Right now, we don’t submit medical consultation claims to health insurance companies. But you can use insurance for any resulting prescription at your pharmacy.
How do refills work?
To receive a prescription refill, you’ll need to take a follow-up consultation with a provider. You can take this consultation as early as 30 days before your refill is due. We’ll send you an email reminder 7 days before the refill date. But if you’re within that 30-day window, you’ll find the consultation listed as an “Action Item” at your patient dashboard.
