Winstrol (Winny-V) is a steroid typically consumed for two reasons- strength and appearance. While most can rest assured that this compound delivers strength gains, the appearance change is often a wash. Very often, users discover that with the gain in muscle mass comes a loss in hair thickness. Additionally, the ever-feared bald spot on the ‘vertex’, or back of the head, and the receding hairline, can also accompany it.

It’s long been accepted that certain steroids can cause one to lose hair, but it’s typically been credited to speeding up the male pattern balding (MPB) process. In other words, you were going to lose the hair – the steroids just sped up the process. There are some users who shoot up everything in the book and never go thin, and there are others who are bald at 22 after the first cycle. It’s all genetic.

Exactly how does Winstrol accelerate hair loss? Winstrol is an androgen steroid, which converts to dihydrotestosterone. A steroid does not have to convert to dihydrotestosterone to be hard on the scalp- dihydrotestosterone just happens to be the form that naturally (endogenously) binds to androgen receptors located in the scalp. Winstrol is a DHT derivative, which means it more easily binds to scalp receptors then other steroids. Primobolan, masteron, methenolone, and proviron are also dihydrotestosterone derivatives, and therefore also cause hair loss. The only compound that converts to DHT is testosterone. However, 5-AR may make some steroids more androgenic. Finaplix (Trenbolone acetate) has a high androgenic component to it and is reported to lead to a great deal of hair loss. Finasteride will not prevent testosterone completely from turning into dihydrotestosterone, but it does reduce DHT levels down to between 60-80% effective, most prominent in the scalp. Therefore, if you are taking ten times the amount of testosterone your body normally produces; you still will have two to four times the normal amount of DHT levels present. Baldness will still occur if it’s in the genes.

Alternatives include testosterone and Finasteride, which delivers less hair loss, and Nandrolone, which delivers little to no hair loss. Nandrolone at 200 mg will likely cause no hair loss, and at 400 mg will be minimally noticeable. To prevent or slow male pattern baldness, a topical solution like Spironolactone 2% or Spironolactone 5% cream is a great choice. The Spironolactone 2% can be had for about $15 per bottle. Other topical solutions include Rogaine (specifically for the vertex area – the bald spot – in the back of the head) and Nioxin, a shampoo for scalp viability.

As with many things in life, there are no “redo’s” when it comes to baldness. Once the hair is gone, it doesn’t return. Think long-term before embarking upon a Winstrol regimen, and make your choices wisely.