Hi dude,

Side effects of finasteride with percentages of persons suffering them
impotence (1.1% to 18.5%), abnormal ejaculation (7.2%), decreased ejaculatory volume (0.9% to 2.8%), abnormal sexual function (2.5%), gynecomastia (2.2%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), ejaculation disorder (1.2%) and testicular pain.

According to the product package insert, resolution occurred in men who discontinued therapy with finasteride due to these side effects and in most men who continued therapy. The PPI also states that patients have reported persisting erectile dysfunction despite discontinuing the drug. In December 2010, Merck added depression as a side effect of finasteride. [1]

Finasteride is only available via prescription. Buying online consumers risk not getting the genuine product and have no way of testing this. Since a doctor's prescription is free in the uk, consumers can just get one. Any pharmacy will then provide the tablets.
Conclusion: Finasteride = cheap, but dangerous

Minoxidil is available over the counter from Boots Pharmacy or online here for £22.99:
Boots Pharmaceuticals Hair Loss Treatment Regular Strength Minoxidil 20mg- 1 Month Supply (60ml)

Common side effects of minoxidil include burning or irritation of the eye, itching, redness or irritation at the treated area, as well as unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Users should stop treatment and seek medical attention right away if they experience any of the following serious side effects: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet. [2]

Conclusion: Minoxidil is expensive, but a lot safer than Propecia.

Additional information
Zinc deficiency can lead to early hair loss.
Zinc is found in pork, organic chicken, flat fish (plaice or sole), peas, nuts, cheddar cheese, yogurt, cocoa,  houmous, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, lobster, oysters & crab. [3]
Conclusion: eating this stuff is good for you anyway, the only side effects are an improved immune system and stronger teeth & bones; so why not give it a try?

Anxiety also leads to early hair loss. Any methods that reduce it may be employed, to your benefit. Anxiety reduction also has the side effect of improved immunity.

REFS
1 Drugs.com | Propecia Side Effects
2 Rogaine Side Effects | Drugs.com
3 USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 20.

Hi dudes,

There are many different causes for hair loss or hair pigment loss and some are genetic. Among the non-genetic causes are anxiety, poor diet (particularly zinc deficiency), tightly-bound hairstyles, overuse of hair products, tight hats, sudden shock or trauma, disease, radiation, thyroid problems, chemotherapy and metal poisoning.

If hair loss is sudden it is often temporary (for example after trauma)

DHT levels can be measured in a blood test, but levels can be normal and hair loss still occurs if sensitivity is high.

People assume that a 'cure' does exist and it's called a hair transplant  :  )  There's also genetic treatment, but again hideously expensive.
Best,
AR