Why We Don’t Trust Most Dermatologists on Hair Loss

You finally book the appointment. You sit across from a white coat and explain that your hair is thinning, your confidence is tanking, and you’re ready to fix it. The dermatologist looks up from their clipboard and writes one word: finasteride.

That’s the whole plan.

No conversation about hormones. No testing. No explanation of side effects. No mention of lifestyle, inflammation, or alternative treatments. Just a prescription and a “see you in six months.”

This is the standard playbook. And it's outdated.

The One-Size-Fits-All Problem

Most dermatologists are trained to treat symptoms, not root causes. In the case of hair loss, that usually means one of two things: minoxidil or finasteride.

Minoxidil increases blood flow. It doesn’t stop hair loss, it only helps regrow some of what’s already gone.

Finasteride blocks DHT, but systemically. That means it reduces the hormone everywhere in your body, not just your scalp.

Yes, it slows hair loss. But it also causes side effects in a large percentage of users, including low libido, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, and hormonal instability.

Most men aren’t told any of this. They’re told it’s safe, effective, and that side effects are rare. They’re not.

No Talk About Lifestyle

Hair loss is more than just genetics. It’s influenced by:

• Chronic inflammation

• Poor sleep

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Testosterone imbalance

• Stress

You’ll never hear about any of this from a dermatologist. Why? Because it’s not how they’re trained. Their job is to follow the clinical handbook and prescribe accordingly. But that handbook was written for convenience and liability, not for optimal results.

Ignorance Around Topical Alternatives

Ask most dermatologists about RU58841 and they’ll tell you it’s unproven, unsafe, or ineffective. Most haven’t read the studies, don’t understand how localized androgen receptor blockers work, and aren’t incentivized to recommend anything outside of FDA-approved drugs.

But topical anti-androgens like RU58841 allow men to protect their follicles without destroying their hormonal health. For high-performing men, that’s non-negotiable.

They Don’t Understand Their Patients

You’re not trying to get a little peach fuzz back on the crown. You want to reclaim your edge. You want a full hairline, a sharp appearance, and a sense of control over your body. You want a solution that works with your lifestyle, not against it.

Most dermatologists have never had that conversation. They think you’ll settle for slowing the loss. That’s not how you operate.

If you’re serious about fixing your hair, don’t blindly follow the white coat. Learn the science. Understand your options. And take control.