What is dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone linked to hair follicle miniaturization and androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
Elevated DHT levels cause progressive shrinking of scalp follicles, eventually leading to hair thinning and baldness. Although red light therapy does not directly alter hormonal pathways, it can counteract some effects by improving follicle metabolism and health.
Reducing follicular sensitivity to DHT via enhanced mitochondrial function offers a supportive pathway for red light therapy’s effectiveness in slowing or reversing AGA.
Related terms
Hair cycle
Biological Concepts
The hair cycle refers to the continuous process of hair growth, regression, rest, and shedding through the anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen phases.
Catagen phase
Biological Concepts
The catagen phase is a short transitional period in the hair growth cycle when active growth stops and the hair follicle prepares to shed.
Telogen phase
Biological Concepts
The telogen phase is the resting stage of the hair cycle when hair follicles are dormant before shedding and renewing their growth cycle.
Exogen phase
Biological Concepts
The exogen phase is the part of the hair growth cycle when hair fibers are shed from the follicle as a natural renewal process.
