Finasteride and minoxidil (Regaine) remain the most effective and commonly prescribed hair loss treatments in 2025. In addition to these two treatments, numerous other products can help prevent hair loss and promote hair regrowth, especially if they are used alongside Finasteride and minoxidil.
To help with deciding which hair loss treatments could be best for you, our experts have written this comprehensive guide detailing the scientific mechanisms of some of the most popular hair loss products currently available.
Finasteride
How Finasteride works
Finasteride inhibits an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase in the body, preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)[1]. This helps prevent hair loss, as DHT causes scalp hair follicles to shrink in men who are genetically susceptible to it.
According to a study from 2022, Finasteride 1mg tablets increase total hair count compared to placebo by more than 12 hairs per square centimetre on the scalp after 24 weeks of use, increasing to more than 16 hairs per square centimetre of the scalp after 48 weeks of use[2].
At Pharmica, both the generic version of Finasteride as well as its branded and more expensive variant (Propecia) are available for purchase after completing our quick and easy online consultation for hair loss treatment to determine treatment eligibility.
Recommended reading: What happens when you stop taking Finasteride?
Is Finasteride the best hair loss product for me?
Finasteride could be the best hair loss product for you if you are male, aged 18 to 65 and are deemed eligible for treatment after completing a medical assessment.
It is important to note that the effects of Finasteride (and many other hair loss products) are only noticeable after several months of treatment and it is only effective for men with partial hair loss as opposed to complete hair loss.
Minoxidil (Regaine)
How minoxidil works
Minoxidil, the active ingredient in topical hair loss treatments such as Regaine Foam and Regaine Solution, aids blood flow to the scalp. This improved circulation helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, which in turn helps enlarge the follicles and increase the diameter of individual hair shafts, helping to slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Recommended reading: Minoxidil - A revolutionary hair loss treatment
Hair loss products containing minoxidil
Regaine Foam for Men
Regaine Foam for Men (also known as Regaine Extra Strength Foam for Men) contains 5% minoxidil suspended in a cutaneous foam. The foam composition of this treatment allows it to be applied to the scalp easily, either directly from the canister or using the fingers.
After application to the scalp, Regaine Foam melts due to body temperature, leaving behind a layer of minoxidil on the scalp.
Regaine Foam for Women
Regaine Foam for Women works in the same way as Regaine Foam for Men and provides the same benefits listed above. It also contains 5% minoxidil suspended in a cutaneous foam.
Regaine Solution for Men
Regaine Solution for Men (also known as Regaine Extra Strength Solution for Men) contains 5% minoxidil dissolved in a liquid solution. It works in the same way as Regaine Foam and is available as an alternative for men who prefer applying a liquid Regaine solution on the scalp as opposed to applying a foam.
Regaine Solution for Women
Regaine Solution for Women (also known as Regaine for Women Regular Strength) works in the same way as Regaine Solution for Men, with the primary difference being that it contains 2% minoxidil, and is hence referred to as ‘regular strength’.
Which Regaine hair loss product should I use?
The best Regaine product for you largely depends on how you prefer to apply it to the scalp. Regaine Foam retains its shape temporarily once it has been ejected from the canister, making it easier to apply. In comparison, Regaine Solution is a liquid that can be applied directly to the scalp and absorbs faster than Regaine Foam.
Both versions of this hair loss product contain the same active ingredient (minoxidil) and therefore have the same effect.
Recommended reading: Regaine Guide - Hair growth at your fingertips
Alpecin Shampoo and Liquid
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo
Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo contains caffeine, vitamin B3 (niacin) and zinc - all of which can contribute to reducing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
Studies suggest that caffeine can help lengthen the hair shaft and extend the growth phase of hair (known as the ‘anagen’ phase)[3], while vitamin B3 has been shown to promote hair fullness.
Alpecin Double Effect
Alpecin Double Effect is a shampoo that contains caffeine, salicylic acid and piroctone olamine. Caffeine has been found to help lengthen the hair shaft, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells and loosening dandruff flakes to improve the absorption of the active ingredients.
Additionally, studies show that piroctone olamine in particular supports a healthier scalp environment by helping to restore the natural balance of bacteria and yeast linked to dandruff, such as Malassezia[4].
Alpecin Grey Attack Shampoo
Alpecin Grey Attack Shampoo contains an active ingredient called 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI), which reacts with oxygen to form a colourant on the hair that can help darken grey hair with consistent use.
Alpecin Grey Attack Shampoo also contains a caffeine complex that contributes to hair growth by stimulating blood circulation in the scalp. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair roots to support the growth of stronger, thicker hair over time.
Alpecin Liquid
Alpecin Liquid has the same primary ingredients as Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo (caffeine, niacin and zinc). The only difference is the formulation - Alpecin Liquid is formulated to be applied to the scalp and left on after washing and drying hair, while Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo creates a lather to wash hair before rinsing.
What is the difference between Alpecin products?
While all Alpecin products contain caffeine to stimulate hair growth, they contain various different additional ingredients to support hair health.
For example, Alpecin Double Effect includes salicylic acid and piroctone olamine to exfoliate the scalp and target the fungus that causes dandruff, making it ideal for those with scalp build-up.
In contrast, Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo contains niacin and zinc to promote hair strength and help increase fullness.
Alpecin Liquid contains the same active ingredients as Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo, but comes as a leave-in tonic. This formulation allows the caffeine to remain on the scalp for longer, making it a convenient option for use between washes or alongside other hair loss treatments.
Please note that Alpecin products should not be used at the same time as other topical treatments such as Regaine (minoxidil). Regaine contains ethanol and propylene glycol, which can dry out the scalp and cause irritation when used alongside Alpecin products.
Answers to common questions about hair loss products
What are the best hair loss treatments for men?
Finasteride is considered the best men’s hair loss treatment on the market. As we touched on earlier in this article, Finasteride is a male-only hair loss treatment that prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body - a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink.
As a result, by reducing DHT levels in the body, Finasteride can help prevent further hair loss and contribute to hair regrowth.
What are the best hair loss treatments for women?
Regaine for Women Extra Strength and Regaine for Women Solution are widely considered to be the best products for female hair loss.
It is important to note that women should not use Finasteride to treat hair loss as it is a male-only hair loss treatment.
What is the best product for frontal hair loss?
While there is no specific product for frontal hair loss, minoxidil (Regaine) can help reduce frontal hair loss and promote hair regrowth in this area if it is consistently applied to the front of the scalp over an extended period.
What products can be useful for menopausal hair loss treatment?
Regaine for Women (both the solution and the foam versions) can help women seeking menopausal hair loss treatment.
For optimal results, consider using Regaine for Women alongside the intake of vitamin supplements that contribute to hair health, such as OneVit Biotin.
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- Salisbury & Tadi. (2023). 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors. StatPearls. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555930/. [Accessed: 19 April 2025].
- Gupta et al. (2022). Finasteride for hair loss: a review. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 33(4), pp. 1938-1946. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2021.1959506.
- Fischer et al. (2014). Differential effects of caffeine on hair shaft elongation, matrix and outer root sheath keratinocyte proliferation, and transforming growth factor‐β2/insulin‐like growth factor‐1‐mediated regulation of the hair cycle in male and female human hair follicles in vitro. British Journal of Dermatology, 171(5), pp. 1031-1043. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.13114.
- Davis et al. (2021). Scalp application of the antioxidant piroctone olamine reduces hair shedding in an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(1), S26-S33. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12737.