A prominent plastic surgeon has revealed the hair loss treatment favored by high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump and actor Rob Lowe. Dr. Gary Linkov, a New York City-based specialist, recommends finasteride as his primary treatment for patients experiencing hair thinning.
Finasteride, originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate, is widely prescribed for male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a compound that causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to hair loss.
In a recent YouTube video, Dr. Linkov emphasized that finasteride is his “first line of defense” for men facing hair loss. He noted that studies show more than 80% of men experience significant hair thinning by the time they reach 50. Dr. Linkov explained that most men begin to notice accelerated hair loss between the ages of 25 and 35, with continued thinning thereafter.
“Finasteride is what I would recommend as the first line medical therapy for hair loss in men,” Dr. Linkov said.
More than 2.4 million men in the U.S. use finasteride each year, with some, including Trump, reportedly among its users. Dr. Harold Bornstein, Trump’s longtime physician, revealed in interviews with The New York Times that the former president took the medication.
While other treatments, such as laser therapy and microneedling, are available, Dr. Linkov dismissed these as ineffective in preventing further hair loss. He stressed that these methods might thicken existing hair but do not address the root cause of receding hairlines.
Dr. Linkov also discussed the challenges of combating hair loss at a young age. “In their 20s, most people are focused on building their careers and figuring out life,” he said. “Hair loss isn’t a priority until they notice significant thinning or a receding hairline, at which point it may be too late to fully reverse the changes.”
Although finasteride does not regenerate lost hair, it is effective in preventing further hair loss, especially in younger adults, where it can delay the natural decline of their hairline. The drug, available by prescription, typically costs between $20 and $60 per month. It is usually taken as a daily pill or solution.
In clinical trials involving 1,800 men, finasteride showed promising results: after two years, only 17% of men taking the drug experienced further hair loss, compared to 72% in the placebo group. However, the drug has been associated with side effects like chills, cold sweats, and reduced libido, which affect around 1 to 2% of users. Some individuals have reported long-term side effects, including one 22-year-old man who claimed it caused testicular shrinkage.
In addition to finasteride, Dr. Linkov may prescribe Minoxidil, another FDA-approved treatment for hair loss, sold under the brand name Rogaine. Minoxidil, which costs about $15 per month, helps stimulate hair growth by improving blood flow to hair follicles. It was first approved by the FDA in 1988.
Former President Trump has been speculated to use finasteride, though neither he nor his team have confirmed these reports. Trump has also been linked to hair transplants and other procedures to maintain his hairline.
Rob Lowe, in a 2019 interview with The Daily Telegraph, shared his experience with finasteride, admitting that he began taking the drug as soon as he noticed signs of hair loss. “Honestly, one of the great traumatic experiences of my life was watching Prince William lose his hair,” Lowe said. “The first glimmer that a single hair of mine was going to fall out, I was having stuff mainlined into my veins. And that’s what I did for the next thirty years.”
Related topics:
- Smile Hair Clinic: Istanbul’s Leading Destination for Hair Transplants
- Alan Halsall’s Hair Transformation: A Decade of Treatments Boosts Confidence Ahead of I’m A Celeb Debut
- Fiore Launches Haircare Line Featuring Moisturizing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner
