Hair thinning isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a confidence issue. And it’s a lot more common than we talk about. In fact, around 8.4 million Canadians experience hair loss, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association1, with numbers climbing as we age. Whether you’ve noticed more hair in the shower drain or a receding hairline that wasn’t there a year ago, chances are you’ve looked into solutions.
That’s where PRP, minoxidil, and finasteride often come in. But what actually works? Which one is worth the time, cost, and consistency?
Let’s break it down.
How Each Treatment Works
Before you choose a hair regrowth solution, it helps to understand how each of the main treatments function and why some may work better for certain individuals.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
This hair regrowth therapy uses a small sample of your own blood, processed to concentrate platelets rich in growth factors. These are then injected into the scalp to stimulate inactive or weakened hair follicles. It’s like tapping into your body’s own regenerative powers, except with a very fine needle. - Minoxidil (Topical Treatment)
Sold over-the-counter in products like Rogaine®, minoxidil is a vasodilator that helps improve blood flow to the scalp. It prolongs the hair growth cycle and works for both men and women. It’s also Health Canada–approved for treating androgenetic alopecia. - Finasteride (Oral Prescription)
Finasteride is a DHT blocker, which means it reduces the hormone (dihydrotestosterone) that shrinks hair follicles in male pattern baldness. Taken daily, it’s typically prescribed for men and has decades of clinical research behind it.
What Does the Research Say?
Clinical research over the past decade has produced some clear findings:
- A 2019 meta-analysis published in Skin Appendage Disorders found PRP to be as effective—or in some cases more effective—than both minoxidil and finasteride, particularly in male and female pattern hair loss when used in combination therapies2.
- Finasteride remains the gold standard for male hair loss, but results are best when it’s combined with topical or regenerative treatments like PRP.
- Minoxidil shows moderate effectiveness but must be used continuously to maintain results, and patient compliance can be a challenge due to skin irritation or application fatigue.
Comparing the Treatments Side by Side
| Treatment | Efficacy | Key Benefits | Drawbacks |
| PRP | High | Natural, low risk of side effects | Costly; involves injections |
| Minoxidil | Moderate | Accessible, OTC | Must be used indefinitely; possible scalp issues |
| Finasteride | Moderate to High | Convenient oral option | Possible sexual side effects; not for women |
Which One’s Right for You?
It really depends on your situation:
- Men under 50 with hereditary hair loss may respond well to finasteride or a combo of finasteride and PRP.
- Women experiencing diffuse thinning often benefit from minoxidil or PRP—PRP being especially useful post-pregnancy or during menopause.
- Those with early-stage shedding or patchy loss may get good results from PRP alone.
No matter the treatment, professional supervision is key. You’ll want a proper diagnosis to rule out medical causes like thyroid issues or nutritional deficiencies.
What to Expect
Wondering how long it takes to see results? Here’s a breakdown of typical timelines for each treatment, plus what you might experience along the way.
- Minoxidil: Results usually take 3–6 months, and stopping treatment means progress is lost.
- Finasteride: Can show visible results in 3–4 months, with continued improvement up to a year.
- PRP: Most people need 3 sessions spaced a month apart, with maintenance treatments every 6–12 months depending on the individual.
Combination therapies tend to perform better than standalone treatments—PRP + finasteride, or PRP + minoxidil, for instance, have been shown to boost density and speed up visible results.
Final Takeaway
PRP, minoxidil, and finasteride all work. However, not equally, and not for everyone. What makes the biggest difference is personalization. Combining treatments, understanding how they work, and knowing what to expect can lead to more realistic goals and better outcomes.
If you’re struggling with hair loss and aren’t sure where to start, consider booking a consultation with a trained provider like Canada MedLaser Clinics who specializes in both medical and regenerative hair therapies. Getting expert input might save you time, frustration, and even some follicles.
Sources
- Canadian Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss (alopecia). Retrieved from https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/hair/hair-loss-alopecia/
- Gupta, A. K., Wang, T., Bamimore, M. A., Ravi, S. P., & Talukder, M. (2023). Relative effects of minoxidil 5%, platelet-rich plasma, and microneedling in pattern hair loss: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Skin Appendage Disorders, 9(6), 397–406. https://doi.org/10.1159/000534196
Adil, A., & Godwin, M. (2022). Relative efficacy of minoxidil and the 5-α reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia treatment of male patients: A network meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatology, 158(3), 345–352. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2788258
