Happy Head, Strut Health, and XYON are all trustworthy brands that offer topical dutasteride, as well as other hair regrowth products. Dutasteride is a prescription-only medication that is FDA-approved for enlarged prostate treatment, however, it is sometimes prescribed off-label for the treatment of androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss, given its documented efficacy.
Like finasteride, an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss, it works by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for certain types of hair loss. However, dutasteride offers three times the potency of finasteride, making it a potentially more effective treatment for some individuals.
If you’re concerned about the sexual side effects, or other side effects that some people may encounter with oral finasteride and oral dutasteride, topical treatment is a great way to lessen the odds of experiencing them. While it’s too early to say which topical treatment works best, some studies show topical dutasteride has the potential to overshadow topical finasteride.
In this article, we compare our top three picks for best topical dutasteride providers, including Happy Head, Strut Health, and XYON. We walk you through everything you need to know about each brand’s topical dutasteride, including how it works, key ingredients, cost, where you can get it, possible side effects, and more, so you can determine which product may work best for your needs.
Our Top Picks for Best Topical Dutasteride
- Best for Affordability: Strut Health | Jump to Review
- Best for Potency: Happy Head | Jump to Review
- Best for Reducing Risk of Side Effects: XYON | Jump to Review
Related reading: Finasteride vs. Dutasteride- Which is Best for Hair Loss?
Compare the Best Topical Dutasteride
Want an easy way to compare topical dutasteride providers side-by-side? We made this chart so you can find out whether Strut Health, Happy Head, or XYON may work best for your needs.
Strut Health vs. Happy Head vs. XYON | Strut Health | Happy Head | XYON Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $69 for 30-days supply | $23 for the first month $89/month thereafter | $129/month (billed $387 quarterly) |
| Form | Solution, gel, and capsules | Solution and capsules | Gel |
| Dutasteride concentration | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.3% | ≤ 2% |
| Other active ingredients | ≤ 7.5% minoxidil ≤ 0.0125% tretinoin ≤ 0.01% fluocinolone | ≤ 8% minoxidil ≤ 0.001% retinoic Acid ≤ 1% hydrocortisone | SiloxysSystem™ gel |
| Propylene glycol (alcohol free)? | ✅ | ❌ | Not listed |
| Customizable ingredient doses? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Controlled release of topical dutasteride? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ SiloxysSystem™ for slow release |
| Optimized for bioavailability? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Quantity | 1 month supply | 1 month supply | 3 month supply |
| Free online consultation? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Recommended use | Once daily | Once daily for the first week and then twice daily thereafter | Once daily |
| Availability | All US States except NM, ND, SD, AR, IA, AL, VT, NH, ME, DE, | All 50 US States | All 50 US States + Canda (minus Quebec) |
| Website |
Strut Health vs. Happy Head
If you happen to live in New Mexico, South Dakota, North Dakota, Arkansas, Iowa, Alabama, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, or Delaware, this choice is already made for you–of these two dutasteride providers, only Happy Head is available there.
Those of us who live elsewhere in the US might want to know that Strut Health offers a gel form that Happy Head doesn’t have, but Happy Head’s solution features a stronger concentration of dutasteride and minoxidil (another research-backed topical treatment for pattern baldness) than Strut’s. That strength does come with a higher price tag, though.
Happy Head vs. XYON
If you’re looking for the strongest dutasteride concentration of these three providers, XYON is the way to go. Their gel-based topical treatment contains up to 2% dutasteride that slowly releases on to your scalp, which may help reduce systemic absorption and certain side effects. Plus, you can get it in some parts of Canada.
On the other hand, Happy Head is more affordable than XYON, and Happy Head’s dutasteride solution can be customized with a particular strength of minoxidil, retinoic acid, and hydrocortisone.
Related reading: Happy Head for Women Review- Does It Work for Female Alopecia?
Strut Health vs. XYON
Like Happy Head, Strut Health lets you tweak the strength of their dutasteride solution’s active ingredients, which XYON doesn’t offer. Strut’s dutasteride is also alcohol free, so it’s less likely to dry out your scalp.
Between these two, XYON is certainly the pricier option, but don’t forget that nets you a potent dutasteride gel with slow release functionality.
Related reading: XYON Dutasteride Review- Is It Worth It?
1. Strut Health Topical Dutasteride Review
Product Overview
- Dutasteride concentration: ≤ 0.1%
- Price: $69 per month
- Form: Solution, gel, and capsules
At $69 per month, Strut Health is one of your most affordable options for topical dutasteride. Their alcohol-free treatment formula can be customized to the specific strength you’re looking for. That said, if concentration is your top priority, you’d be better off with another provider.
To purchase topical dutasteride from Strut Health, you’ll first need to qualify for a prescription via a free telehealth consultation with one of their physicians. If appropriate, you will be given a prescription and can order your customized treatment.
Strut Health Dutasteride Pros & Cons
Pros
- Personalized formula with customizable strengths
- More affordable than other dutasteride options
Cons
- Not available in all states
- Other providers offer stronger dutasteride concentrations
Is Strut Health Topical Dutasteride the Best for Hair Loss?
If you’re looking for an affordable topical hair loss treatment that doesn’t skimp on quality, Strut Health may be your best choice. In addition to dutasteride, their customizable solution and gel contains fluocinolone and tretinoin, two ingredients that are currently growing in popularity among skincare aficionados for their soothing and age-defying effects. In addition, new research suggests that tretinoin may also enhance an individual’s response to minoxidil, further supporting hair regrowth.
Can dutasteride regrow the hairline?
You won’t know how dutasteride will affect you personally unless you try it, however, studies show that this treatment may be especially effective for people with receding hairlines.
Strut Topical Dutasteride Reviews From Their Customers
In general, reviewers praise Strut for their effective products and fast shipping. However, some folks had difficulty using the website to place or cancel orders.
2. Happy Head Topical Dutasteride Review
Product Overview
- Dutasteride concentration: ≤ 0.3%
- Price: $89 per month (first month is $23)
- Form: Solution and capsules
Happy Head’s topical dutasteride stands out for its high minoxidil concentration (8%), customizable formula, and twice-daily treatment regimen. Those looking for a high-strength product with a low-lift price tag should give Happy Head a closer look.
To purchase their topical dutasteride, individuals will begin by filling out a hair loss questionnaire and then meeting with one of their online physicians. If appropriate, you will be given a prescription and can order your products directly through the company.
Happy Head Topical Dutasteride Pros & Cons
Pros
- Customizable, high-strength formula
- Significant discount for first-time buyers
Cons
- Not your most affordable option for topical treatment
- Twice-daily application can be harder to stick with
Is Happy Head Topical Dutasteride the Best for Hair Loss?
You’re likely to prefer Happy Head’s topical treatment if you are looking for a solution over gel, aren’t sensitive to steroid creams, and want to have a say in what your unique formulation contains. Happy Head’s formula stands out for including hydrocortisone, a steroid that can slow hair loss caused by inflammation, and retinoic acid, or tretinoin, which may help promote hair growth.
Happy Head Dutasteride Reviews From Their Customers
Generally, Happy Head customers were pleased by the brand’s quick service and fast-acting formulas. However, some reported that certain products can be messy to apply.
3. XYON Topical Dutasteride Review
Product Overview
- Dutasteride concentration: ≤ 2%
- Price: $129 per month
- Form: Gel
XYON Health is the clear choice for those who want cutting-edge hair loss treatment and are willing to pay a little extra for it. Their innovative topical dutasteride isn’t customizable and only comes in a gel format, but that gel is specially-designed to provide the best possible results and reduce the risk of side effects.
To purchase their topical dutasteride, individuals will need to attend a virtual consultation with one of their licensed physicians. If appropriate, you will be given a prescription and your treatment can be ordered directly from the company.
XYON Topical Dutasteride Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cutting-edge formula designed to slowly release dutasteride
- Available in the US and some parts of Canada
Cons
- More expensive than Strut Health or Happy Head
- Not available as a solution or capsule
Is XYON Topical Dutasteride the Best for Hair Loss?
If “best” to you means “most innovative,” XYON may be the right choice for you. Their trademarked SiloxysSystem™ gel contains a whopping 2% dutasteride designed to slowly release on to your scalp throughout the day. You don’t get to customize its strength or formulation, but if it works as well as XYON claims, you won’t have to.
XYON Topical Dutasteride Reviews From Their Customers
Overall, XYON customers love their fast shipping and effective formula. But, some people complained they had to wait a few months or more to see results.
Topical Dutasteride Side Effects and Safety
Like finasteride, dutasteride has a low chance of negatively impacting your sex life. Some people experience fewer side effects with topical rather than oral applications, but you should still know what to look out for if you decide to try dutasteride.
Side effects of dutasteride can include:
- Decrease in libido
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Problems with ejaculation
- Skin irritation
- Skin flaking
- Skin itchiness
Always discuss your health and medication history with your healthcare provider prior to trying dutasteride.
Does Topical Dutasteride Cause Erectile Dysfuntion?
While dutasteride can cause sexual side effects, you’re actually less likely to experience them if you use a topical rather than oral form. Generally, side effects are also less common at lower concentrations, so you can always start with a low-strength treatment if you’re worried about dutasteride-related side effects.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Be sure to let your doctor know if you have any allergies (especially to finasteride) before trying dutasteride. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical care:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Peeling skin
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
Related reading: How to Reduce Side Effects of Finasteride
The Verdict: Which Topical Dutasteride Is Best?
Here’s the bottom line: Every health brand we discussed today offers high-quality topical dutasteride that can work. But which one works best for you is going to depend on your priorities.
Strut Health is best for affordability.
Looking for the most cost effective solution? Strut’s effective treatment is probably the way to go as they offer one of the more affordable topical dutasteride solutions at $69 per month. As a bonus, it is also alcohol-free, which may help reduce skin dryness.
Happy Head is best for overall product potency.
Need a potent product with more than just dutasteride going for it? Happy Head’s dutasteride solution with 8% minoxidil may work well for you. In addition, they offer customers the ability to customize the strength of certain key ingredients, making it a solid personalized option, with a middle-ground price tag.
XYON is best for reducing the risk of side effects.
If you’re most worried about side effects, XYON’s slow-release formula might be the best fit for you. While they don’t offer any customization options, this gel may work well for those who want to take a more simplified approach and prioritize reducing the risk of certain side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take dutasteride daily for hair loss?
Yes, in fact, many dutasteride products, including the ones from XYON, Happy Head, and Strut Health, get applied at least once a day. Oral dutasteride is also typically taken once per day. Ask your healthcare provider for specific instructions if you aren’t sure how often to take or apply your prescription medication.
How long does it take for dutasteride to regrow hair?
This depends on your particular physiology, but regrowing hair is generally a slow process. Expect to wait at least a few weeks for dutasteride to kick in, and at least a few months to see full results.
Related reading: How Fast Does Hair Grow in a Month? (And How to Speed It Up!)
What happens if you stop taking dutasteride for hair growth?
If you’re only using topical dutasteride, there’s no huge risk associated with suddenly stopping. That said, any progress you’ve made does have the potential to be reversed.
Does dutasteride thicken hair?
Dutasteride can absolutely make your hair look thicker by increasing both the number of strands and the thickness of each hair.
Related reading: 14 Ways to Get Thicker Hair Using Natural and Scientifically Proven Methods
Methodology
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Sign up online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 0.5 |
| Vitual consult with provider / determine eligibility | – ease to get appointment to determine eligibility – need to leave house for labs or other in-person care? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – discreet packaging to maintain privacy | 0.5 |
| Test + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of application – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – lack of side effects – ease of refill / reordering – quality of ongoing clinical support – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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