Starting hair loss medication raises many questions — especially when shedding seems to get worse before it gets better, or when patients wonder whether they really need both drugs. In this article based on his Q&A video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — answers four common treatment queries.
Can finasteride be combined with PRP or GFC treatment?
Siva Kalyan asked whether he could take finasteride 3mg per week alongside advanced PRP or Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) therapy.
Dr. Watts confirmed that combining medication with advanced PRP or GFC can significantly boost hair growth results. “It is a proven fact. However, you should not be taking this medication as an OTC drug, but only after consulting your dermatologist. He or she needs to fix the right dosage for you,” he advised.
An important point on dosage: the 3mg of finasteride should be divided equally across the week. It should not be taken all at once on a single day.
Can finasteride work without minoxidil?
Avinash Kusuma asked whether he could skip minoxidil and use only finasteride for hair growth and baldness.
Dr. Watts explained that both medications work best together. “Taking both of them provides better results. One should use them together, unless one has allergic issues with minoxidil or it causes skin irritation,” he advised. He noted that due to its alcohol content, minoxidil can make the hair dry in some patients.
If someone genuinely cannot use minoxidil, Dr. Watts suggested combining finasteride with a hair serum.
Is GFC useful for low hair density?
Vijay Kumar said he had low hair density and wanted to know if GFC treatment would help.
Dr. Watts explained that GFC is useful when the density problem has developed recently. “If the problem persists since childhood, taking GFC treatment may not be useful,” he said. Minoxidil alongside medication can also help manage low hair density.
Why does hair fall increase after starting minoxidil?
R Anil, 21 years old, had been using a minoxidil tablet for two months and noticed increased shedding rather than improvement.
Dr. Watts explained this is a well-documented phenomenon called reperfusion injury — a sign that the medication is working, not failing. “There is nothing to worry about. You can keep using the minoxidil drug. After 40–45 days, your hair fall will come under control,” he said. If actual side effects appear, he advised stopping the medication.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my hair fall increase after starting minoxidil?
This is called reperfusion injury and is a sign the medication is working. Shedding typically stabilises after 40-45 days.
Can I use finasteride without minoxidil?
You can, but Dr. Watts advises using both together for best results. If minoxidil causes irritation or dryness, finasteride combined with a hair serum is an alternative.
Is GFC therapy useful if I have always had low hair density?
Probably not. GFC is most effective when the density problem has developed recently, not when it has been present since childhood.
