Propecia vs. Rogaine
The sun has set in the evenings sky, and after much anticipation and excitement, the time has come. It is time to determine which hair loss treatment is the best- which is king of the hill, so to speak. On one hand we have Rogaine, a topically applied treatment that is relatively invasive and requires a few minutes a day to ensure proper application. On the other we have Propecia, a oral medication that does its magic internally on a hormonal level.
There are man opinions and research studies that lend support to either treatment, and from the perspective of the consumer it is almost impossible to determine which one to choose. Many people simply choose based on randomness, as both treatments are equally applauded and awarded for their success and histories.
No more. We have come to settle the score.
Rogaine
By far the more popular of the two, Rogaine has been around for quite some time. The active ingredient, Minoxidil, is actually applied via topical treatment to the hair and massaged into the scalp. Think of it as applying a form of conditioner or hair gel. Rogaine can be ordered as either a solution or as a foam, both of which have considerable properties and are equally effective. Rogaine does have an extra strength variety if you need it (for whatever reason).
Rogaine’s success rate is approximately 51%, which given the condition that it is treating is actually incredibly high. As you may expect, different levels of success were experienced- some experienced new hair growth, while others experienced a cessation of further hair loss. As with all things, your results may vary.
Propecia
Propecia is not quite as popular simply because it is not as well known. When compared to Rogaine, Propecia is much less invasive: it is an oral treatment that is taken as prescribed. Its active ingredient, Finasteride, works by preventing the distribution of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) into the blood stream. In is technically classified as an inhibitor, and it is not available without a prescription.
Propecia’s success rate currently stands at a reported 75% average, which is quite remarkable. Many tests have been done on the effectiveness of Propecia, and the success rates have averaged out to 75%- very high given the nature of the condition that it is treating. However, Propecia is reported to have more active side effects when compared to Rogaine.
Overall: Rogaine or Propecia?
The reality is that after all of our research we are unable to come to a conclusion. The fact of the matter is that no one solution is the “ideal” solution for every person. Rogaine is very effective, as is Propecia. Rogaine is topical, Propecia is ingested. Both work through different means.
In our opinion, try them both (one after another) and determine which one works for you.