What is finasteride?
Finasteride is an oral prescription medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair follicle miniaturization in male pattern baldness.
It is FDA-approved for treating androgenetic alopecia in men and can slow or even reverse hair loss in some individuals by reducing scalp DHT levels. Side effects are possible and should be reviewed with a physician.
Red light therapy is often used alongside finasteride to provide a synergistic effect — reducing DHT’s damage while enhancing follicular regeneration and cellular energy metabolism.
Related terms
Balding Pattern
Clinical Applications
A balding pattern refers to the typical progression of hair loss, often influenced by genetics and commonly classified using scales like the Norwood-Hamilton or Ludwig scales.
Caffeine Topicals
Clinical Applications
Caffeine topicals are hair care products infused with caffeine, believed to stimulate hair follicles and counteract the effects of DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Clinical Applications
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a hair transplant method where individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area and implanted into thinning or bald areas of the scalp.
Ketoconazole
Clinical Applications
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication commonly found in medicated shampoos.
