What is Finjuve?

Overview

Finjuve is a brand name for a cutaneous (topical) solution containing finasteride, a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It is applied directly to the scalp and is studied for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). The aim of a topical preparation is to act locally on follicular dihydrotestosterone (DHT) while reducing the systemic exposure associated with oral finasteride.

This page summarises what is currently understood about topical finasteride from peer-reviewed publications. It is intended for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For prescriber-level detail, see Healthcare Professionals.

Formulation

Topical finasteride preparations are typically supplied as a cutaneous spray solution. The published phase III evidence base for the formulation closest to commercially marketed topical finasteride uses a 0.25% w/v solution applied to the scalp once daily, delivering an approximate dose of 100 µg (0.1 mg) of finasteride per pump activation.¹

DHT and male pattern hair loss

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetically influenced, androgen-dependent condition. The hormone primarily implicated is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen than testosterone. DHT is produced when testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, of which the type II isoform predominates in scalp hair follicles and the dermal papilla.²

In genetically susceptible individuals, DHT binds the androgen receptor in dermal papilla cells of frontal and vertex scalp follicles, shortening the anagen (growth) phase, prolonging telogen, and progressively reducing follicle diameter — a process called miniaturisation. Over successive hair cycles, terminal hairs are replaced by finer vellus hairs, producing the visible pattern of recession and crown thinning.

How finasteride works

Finasteride is a competitive, selective inhibitor of type II 5-alpha reductase. By binding the enzyme, it reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT in tissues where type II is expressed, including scalp hair follicles. The result is a fall in local follicular DHT, which gives susceptible follicles the conditions to recover from miniaturisation.³

Importantly, finasteride does not act on testosterone itself, and oral finasteride 1 mg has been shown to produce roughly a 60–70% reduction in serum DHT over time.³ Topical preparations are designed to achieve a meaningful reduction in scalp DHT with a smaller reduction in serum DHT than oral dosing — a feature explored in pharmacokinetic studies of the cutaneous spray formulation.¹^,⁴

Topical versus oral finasteride

The same active drug is involved in both forms, but the route of administration changes its distribution. Oral finasteride 1 mg is taken systemically and acts wherever type II 5-alpha reductase is found in the body. Topical finasteride is applied directly to the scalp and is intended to act predominantly at the site of application.

A multicentre phase III trial of 0.25% topical finasteride spray reported non-inferior improvement in target-area hair count compared with oral finasteride 1 mg/day over 24 weeks, with a smaller decrease in serum DHT and a similar adverse-event profile relative to placebo.¹ A systematic review of the topical finasteride literature reached a broadly consistent conclusion: efficacy versus placebo, with a favourable safety signal relative to oral therapy.⁵

Topical and oral forms are not interchangeable on a one-to-one basis, and the choice between them is a clinical decision that depends on individual factors, including prior treatment history, tolerability and patient preference. This should be discussed with a prescriber.

Follicle miniaturisation

Each follicle cycles between three phases: anagen (active growth, normally 2–6 years), catagen (a brief transitional phase), and telogen (rest). In androgenetic alopecia, DHT signalling shortens anagen and lengthens telogen. Over multiple cycles, the affected follicle produces a progressively thinner, shorter, less pigmented shaft, until eventually it produces only a vellus hair or ceases visible production altogether.²

Reducing local DHT can lengthen the anagen phase of surviving follicles and allow miniaturised follicles to thicken again. This is the rationale on which both oral and topical finasteride therapies are based.

Treatment expectations

Hair loss treatments do not produce immediate visible change. Because the hair cycle takes months rather than weeks, clinically meaningful effects on hair count and density are typically assessed at three, six and twelve months of consistent daily use.

• 3 months. Subjective changes may not yet be visible. Some users experience a transient increase in shedding as miniaturised hairs are replaced.
• 6 months. Most clinical studies report measurable changes in hair count at this point; slowing or arrest of further loss is the most commonly observed effect.
• 12 months. Visible improvement in density may be apparent in responders. Continued use is generally required to maintain the effect, as treatment does not modify the underlying genetic susceptibility.

If treatment is stopped, hair lost to androgenetic alopecia typically resumes its previous trajectory within 9–12 months. Realistic expectations and consistent application are central to outcomes.

Prescription and medical guidance considerations

Finasteride — including topical formulations — is a prescription medicine in the United Kingdom, Ireland and most other regulated markets. It should be initiated and reviewed by a registered prescriber, such as a GP, dermatologist or independent prescribing pharmacist.

Topical finasteride is not appropriate for women of childbearing potential, and people in close household contact with such individuals should be aware of handling precautions documented in the product information. Anyone with a history of androgen-sensitive conditions, mood disorders, or sexual dysfunction should discuss these with a prescriber before starting therapy. Side effects, although less frequent with topical than oral therapy in published comparisons, are possible and should prompt medical review.

Sources

1. ¹ Piraccini BM, Blume-Peytavi U, Scarci F, et al. Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution for male androgenetic alopecia: a phase III, randomised, controlled clinical trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36(2):286-294. PMC9297965
2. ² Kaufman KD. Androgens and alopecia. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2002;198(1-2):89-95.
3. ³ Kaufman KD, Olsen EA, Whiting D, et al. Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;39(4 Pt 1):578-589. JAAD
4. ⁴ Caserini M, Radicioni M, Leuratti C, et al. A novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution for androgenetic alopecia: pharmacokinetics and effects on plasma androgen levels in healthy male volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2014;52(10):842-849.
5. ⁵ Lee SW, Juhasz M, Mobasher P, Ekelem C, Mesinkovska NA. A systematic review of topical finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men and women. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(4):457-463. PubMed

This page is reviewed periodically. Last reviewed: 27 May 2026. If you believe any information here is inaccurate, please get in touch.