RU58841 is an anti-androgen specifically designed to work at the skin level. When applied to the scalp, it penetrates into the hair follicle environment and binds to androgen receptors in the follicle. By doing so, it prevents DHT (dihydrotestosterone) from attaching to those receptors. DHT is the hormone responsible for genetically-driven hair miniaturization in androgenetic alopecia – it binds within susceptible follicles and triggers the gradual shrinking of the follicle until it produces only tiny vellus hairs or none at all. RU58841 blocks this message. It essentially occupies the receptor so DHT cannot, but unlike DHT, RU58841 does not activate the receptor to cause hair loss changes. The result is that hair follicles continue to behave as if DHT isn’t present: thinning halts, and over time many miniaturized follicles can recover and produce thicker hairs again. Because RU58841 is not a systemic drug (it’s not taken orally and only minimal amounts, if any, reach circulation), it doesn’t lower overall DHT levels – thus it won’t cause side effects like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or depression that sometimes occur with oral finasteride (which lowers body-wide DHT). RU58841’s action is local and specific. By consistently preventing further DHT-follicle interaction, RU58841 essentially freezes the balding process where it is, and gradually some reversal can be seen (especially when combined with stimulating treatments like microneedling or minoxidil). It’s worth noting that adding a growth stimulant (like minoxidil) can accelerate regrowth, as RU58841 is handling the protective aspect. In summary, RU58841’s mechanism offers a targeted strike against the root hormonal cause of hair loss right at the site, sparing the rest of the body from unwanted effects.