u/Dry-Gold-8888

Hey,

I’m Norwood 2,5 and want to start topical finasteride once daily on the whole scalp (~1 mL).

I’m confused because:

studies usually use 0.1%–0.25%

communities recommend 0.025%–0.05%

Most online compounded products are also prescribed at 0.25%, but that seems like a very high dose for just 1 mL, especially since some data suggest scalp/serum DHT suppression can get close to oral 1 mg levels.

What also confuses me is that the total dose apparently matters (concentration × amount × applications/day), but everyone only talks about % concentration, so I can’t really make sense of it.

Since I need to order for 3 months, I don’t know what to choose.

What would you pick for a good balance of efficacy/safety?

Thanks 🙏