What are the biochemical mechanisms by which the active ingredients “Finasteride” and “Minoxidil” work on hair follicles in the treatment of hair loss?

Finasteride blocks the “Type II 5-Alpha Reductase” enzyme, preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a more aggressive form that causes hair loss; thus, it addresses the root cause of genetic hair loss at the hormonal level. Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a powerful potassium channel opener and vasodilator. By widening the capillaries around the hair follicle, it mechanically increases blood flow and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase of the hair. Finasteride protects the root, while minoxidil nourishes it; therefore, the success rate in combined treatments is very high.