Panicked. That’s how a lot of people feel when they notice they’re losing their hair.

It’s an extremely common problem, affecting 2 out of 3 men by the age of 35. And the good news? There are some highly effective solutions.

There’s no quick fix when it comes to this problem, of course, but finasteride for hair loss has been shown to have overwhelmingly positive effects, with most individuals studied seeing hair regrowth and thicker, fuller coverage in a matter of months.

Now, if you’d rather not take a pill for hair loss, there’s another solution. Topical finasteride can help treat male pattern baldness. And it’s easy to apply, similar to applying other topical hair or scalp treatments.

What is topical finasteride?

Finasteride, traditionally, is taken in pill form. It works by preventing testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It’s also one of just two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss, the other being minoxidil. Our new Keeps topical medication is actually a compounded solution of these two treatments.

For a very small percentage of users, oral finasteride has side effects, including sexual ones (e.g. erectile dysfunction). But this likelihood of adverse sexual reactions has been shown in some studies to be less with topical finasteride, so it’s a great alternative if you’re concerned.

So far, studies that have been conducted show promising results.

How to apply topical finasteride

This treatment usually comes in the form of a solution, spray or gel. That means that the steps will vary according to the particular formula, although they generally follow this pattern. Make sure to read the directions that come with the formula before using it, and follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Step 1: Apply the product directly to the scalp.

Using your fingers or a dropper, apply the amount of topical finasteride specified on the bottle directly to your scalp. It’s only necessary to cover the areas affected by hair loss. Spread it evenly, ensuring that you’re covering the patches completely. You don’t need to rub or blend it in, but you may want to use your hand or the dropper to spread it around evenly.

Depending on the specific formula, you may need to apply it once or twice a day. Again, read the directions to confirm.

Step 2: Make it part of your routine.

Consistency is key. In order to fully see the effects of topical finasteride, you’ll need to remember to use the product every day. To make sure you remember, think about putting a calendar reminder into your phone, so you get an alert when it’s time to apply the treatment. Since you usually need to leave it in for some time, consider applying it before bedtime. Then, you can just sleep with it in and wash it out in the morning.

Step 3: Be patient.

Topical finasteride can be highly effective for many men, but it takes time to see meaningful results. While some people see thicker hair after just a couple of months, it usually takes at least four months to start regrowing your hair. You’ll generally see more complete improvement after 9–12 months of applications.

That means you’ll need to be patient, understanding that hair regrowth takes time, even when you’re using a powerful formula.

Knowing how easy it is to use topical finasteride, you’re probably curious to know whether it really works. For many men, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” But it’s important to know that results aren’t immediate. Once you’ve been using the product for an appropriate amount of time, you should see fuller, thicker hair—the hair you’ve been dreaming of.

For even better results, consider using our Keeps Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as our new thickening pomade. This will help you style your newly regrown locks and give you that hair you always wanted.

The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

If you would like to learn more about finasteride, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm   or call 1-800-FDA-1088