In short: these are scalp solutions that combine minoxidil (usually 5%) with finasteride (usually 0.1%). They're very popular in India because they give two treatments in one application. Small trials suggest the combination works better than minoxidil alone. Because they contain finasteride, they need a prescription.
Prescription medicine. We list brands and prices for comparison only. We don't link to buying them. → Disclaimer
What's in the bottle
| Ingredient | Typical strength | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Minoxidil | 5% | Stimulates growth → Minoxidil |
| Finasteride | 0.1% (some 0.25%) | Lowers DHT in the scalp → Topical finasteride |
| Base | Alcohol, propylene glycol, water (varies) | Helps absorption; can cause itching |
Does it work better than minoxidil alone?
A small randomised trial found that adding topical finasteride to minoxidil improved results compared with minoxidil alone, with low side effects. The evidence is promising, but it comes from small, short studies. Tablet finasteride has much more long-term data.
Who it's for
- Men with male pattern baldness who want finasteride's benefit with less exposure throughout the body than tablets
- Men already using minoxidil who want one product instead of two
Not for women who are or could become pregnant, children, or anyone with a broken or inflamed scalp. Keep it away from partners and children.
How to use it
- 1 ml on a dry scalp, usually once or twice a day as prescribed
- Wash hands afterwards; let it dry before contact with others or your pillow
- Judge results at 6–12 months; early shedding is common
Side effects
- Scalp: itching, dryness, flaking, redness (often from the base)
- Minoxidil effects: early shedding, facial hair if it spreads
- Finasteride effects: sexual or mood side effects are possible, though they appear less common than with tablets → Finasteride side effects · Minoxidil side effects
Brands and prices in India
Prices checked 14 October 2026; a 60 ml bottle lasts about a month at 1 ml twice daily (or 2 months once daily). Comparison only. Source: research/data/minoxidil-prices-2026-10.csv.
| Brand / seller | Minoxidil | Finasteride | Pack | Price | Cost / month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan Aushadhi generic | 5% | 0.1% | 60 ml | MRP ₹230 | ≈ ₹230 |
| Zeelab Minoxil F | 5% | 0.1% | 60 ml | ₹275 | ≈ ₹275 |
| Hair 4U F (Glenmark) | 5% | 0.1% | 60 ml | ₹604 | ≈ ₹604 |
| Traya minoxidil & finasteride (Cheryl Laboratories) | 5% | 0.01% as listed | 60 ml | ₹650 | ≈ ₹650 |
| Adonsidil FM4 (Waidon) | 5% | 0.1% | 60 ml | ₹690 | ≈ ₹690 |
| Hair Growth-F (Dr Nagwani) | 5% | 0.1% | 60 ml | ₹722 | ≈ ₹722 |
| Morr F (Intas) | 5% | 0.1% | 60 ml | ₹748 | ≈ ₹748 |
| Man Matters Minoxifin | 5% | 0.1% | 60 ml | ₹799–999 | ≈ ₹799–999 |
| Tugain F Plus (Cipla) | 10% | 0.1% | 60 ml | ₹808 | ≈ ₹808 |
Minoxidil alone vs the combination
| Minoxidil alone | Minoxidil + finasteride solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Treats DHT | No | Yes, in the scalp |
| Prescription | Yes | |
| Women | Yes | No |
| Evidence | Strong | Promising (small trials) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
FAQs
Can I make my own by crushing finasteride into minoxidil? No. The strength would be unknown, and crushed tablets are a risk to pregnant women.
Is it the same as taking finasteride tablets? No. It lowers DHT in the blood much less, which may mean fewer side effects but also less long-term evidence.
See a doctor soon if you have: round bald patches that appear suddenly · hair coming out in clumps · redness, pain, pus, scaling or scarring on the scalp · hair loss with fever, weight loss, irregular periods, acne or new facial hair · eyebrow or eyelash loss · hair loss in a child.
Sources
- Suchonwanit P, et al. A randomized, double-blind controlled study of the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil vs. 3% minoxidil solution in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32:2257–63.
- Piraccini BM, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36:286–94.
Medical review pending: not yet reviewed by a dermatologist. Medical disclaimer
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