What keeps miniaturized hair follicles that way?

[oyo]

I don't understand why miniaturized follicles stay small. Since minoxidil doesn't stop miniaturization, it doesn't seem to be a simple 'hair follicles stay whatever size they are unless something (like dht) changes them.' What is the change that keeps the follicle from returning to normal size and shrinks it once minoxidil is stopped? Fibrosis seems to be involved, is that the sole reason?

Is this known and if so could someone explain it?

 

[cal]

I'm not exactly a big minoxidil expert, but as I understand it minoxidil is a growth stumulant that allows hairs to somewhat ignore their DHT-governed size and grow past it. So the minoxidil is artificially propping-up those hairs. Your body was never capable of regrowing the hairs that large again on its own.

 

[oyo]

Right, but what is the mechanism of "DHT-governed size"

 

[abcdefg]

The answer to your question much like many good questions is the usual science has no dam clue. Dht binds and some crazy complex series of molecular changes happens and poof the hair over cycles miniaturizes. I doubt science could tell you a whole lot more about why miniaturized hair stays that way or how dht causes that specific action.

 

[Nathaniel]

There is probably an auto-immune response involved, thats why some cancer drugs that suppress your immune system work wonders for regrowing hair (disclaimer: don't try this at home folks)