Alopecias in Humans: Biology, Pathomechanisms, and Emerging Therapies

The conversation discusses the potential benefits of sublingual minoxidil for hair loss treatment. It suggests that sublingual minoxidil, which bypasses the liver, may have fewer side effects, greater bioavailability, and could be more effective than oral minoxidil.

Minoxidil was applied to a single miniaturized hair follicle over four months, resulting in less miniaturization but not yet terminal growth. The user used a 5% minoxidil solution, specifically the Regaine brand, and observed changes using a handheld WiFi microscope.

DHT may inhibit hair growth by affecting mitochondrial function, leading to hair follicle miniaturization. Treatments like minoxidil and PP405 may promote hair growth by altering metabolic pathways, potentially counteracting DHT's effects.

Minoxidil may inhibit androgen receptors and affect hormonal pathways, potentially explaining its effectiveness in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Users discuss its varying effectiveness on scalp versus facial hair and note fewer side effects with topical use compared to oral.

Hair loss treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and potential mRNA therapies are discussed. There is skepticism about targeting specific genes due to the complex genetic nature of hair loss.

Minoxidil can stimulate hair growth but does not prevent long-term hair loss, while finasteride or dutasteride is necessary to address DHT and maintain hair. Family hair history may not predict individual outcomes, and combining treatments like microneedling can enhance results.