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Can Dutasteride Scalp Injections Help with Hair Loss?

London Dermatology | 26 June 2025

Hair loss can be a frustrating and emotional experience, particularly when it feels like nothing is working. If you have already tried treatments like finasteride and are still seeing more hair in your brush than on your head, you may be wondering what else is out there. One option gaining attention is the use of dutasteride scalp injections, a treatment that targets hair loss at the hormonal level.

Dutasteride belongs to a group of medications called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which also includes finasteride. These drugs work by blocking the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a major role in male pattern hair loss. In men who are genetically predisposed, DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time. This results in thinner, weaker hair and, eventually, permanent hair loss.

Although dutasteride is officially licensed in the UK to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—an enlarged prostate that causes urinary problems—it is sometimes used off-label to treat hair loss. In fact, it has been found to be a stronger DHT blocker than finasteride. The idea of injecting it directly into the scalp offers a more targeted approach, potentially reducing side effects that can occur with oral medications.

Scalp injections deliver dutasteride directly to the affected areas, allowing it to act where it is most needed. This method may be especially helpful for people who have not responded well to other treatments or who wish to avoid the systemic side effects associated with oral medication.

It is important to note that while promising, this treatment is not yet licensed for hair loss in the UK, and its use should be discussed with a qualified hair loss specialist. Every case of hair loss is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.

When deciding between finasteride, dutasteride, or other treatment options, a few factors should be considered:

  • The severity and pattern of your hair loss

  • Your overall health and medical history

  • Potential side effects and tolerability

  • Availability and cost of treatment

  • The need for ongoing maintenance

As with most hair restoration treatments, results take time. It may take between three to six months before any visible improvement is seen, and continued use is necessary to maintain progress.

At Devonshire Dermatology, we offer expert guidance on the full range of hair loss treatments, including topical, oral, and injectable therapies. If you are concerned about hair thinning or want to explore more advanced options like dutasteride injections, we welcome you to book a consultation with one of our specialists.