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
Scarring Alopecia
Clinical Applications
Scarring alopecia involves permanent hair loss caused by follicular scarring.
Folliculitis
Clinical Applications
Folliculitis is the inflammation or infection of hair follicles, typically caused by bacteria, fungi, or physical irritation.
Intradermal Injections
Clinical Applications
Intradermal injections are a delivery method where substances are injected into the dermal layer.
Ketoconazole
Clinical Applications
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication commonly found in medicated shampoos.
