HÄR LAB No. 2

What’s Inside?

Topical Finasteride

Reduces DHT Where Hair Loss Begins

Finasteride is one of the most well-studied and effective medications for treating genetic pattern hair loss. Unlike minoxidil, which stimulates hair growth, finasteride works by targeting the underlying cause of hair loss—DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

Here’s how it works:

• Blocks DHT production: Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase Type II, which converts testosterone into DHT.
• Protects genetically sensitive hair follicles: Lower DHT levels reduce the hormone’s ability to attach to hair follicles and gradually shrink them.
• Helps preserve existing hair: By slowing or stopping follicle miniaturization, finasteride helps maintain the hair you have while giving weaker follicles the opportunity to recover.
• Supports thicker, healthier hair over time: As follicles remain healthier, they are able to produce stronger, thicker hairs through future growth cycles.

Why Use Topical Finasteride?

For many patients, topical finasteride offers the benefits of DHT reduction directly at the scalp, where hair loss occurs. Because the medication is applied to the scalp rather than taken by mouth, it is designed to concentrate treatment around the hair follicles while limiting the amount that enters the bloodstream.

Topical finasteride is often recommended for patients who:

• An effective first-line treatment for genetic hair loss – Finasteride has decades of clinical research demonstrating its ability to slow hair loss, preserve existing hair, and improve hair density in appropriately selected patients.
• May provide the right amount of DHT suppression – Many patients achieve excellent long-term hair stabilization with finasteride alone, making stronger DHT suppression unnecessary.
• A targeted approach to DHT reduction – Applied directly to the scalp, topical finasteride is designed to concentrate treatment where hair loss occurs while limiting systemic exposure compared with oral therapy.

Our formulations also include carefully selected ingredients that help improve medication absorption, reduce inflammation, protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, support scalp health, and create the best possible environment for healthy hair growth.

Minoxidil Sulfate

The Activated Form of Minoxidil

To work effectively, minoxidil must be converted into its active form—minoxidil sulfate. This transformation depends on an enzyme in the scalp called sulfotransferase.

But here’s the catch:

• Not everyone produces the same amount of this enzyme
• Clinical studies show an association between how someone responds to minoxidil based on the degree of activity from the sulfotransferase enzyme
• In fact, up to 40% of people don’t respond well to standard minoxidil because their enzyme levels are too low

That’s why our formulas use minoxidil sulfate directly—so you don’t have to rely on your body to activate it. This means:

• Stronger potency – Minoxidil sulfate is more powerful than regular minoxidil
• Better absorption – It penetrates the scalp more efficiently, reaching the hair follicles where it’s needed most

Think of it as using a pre-charged battery—it’s ready to work the moment you apply it.

Azelaic Acid

DHT Reduction + Scalp Health

Azelaic acid is a multitasker. While it’s commonly used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, research suggests it may also help with hair loss.

Here’s how:

• It blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT—a hormone strongly linked to genetic hair loss
• Lowering DHT at the scalp may help slow or prevent further hair thinning
• Its soothing and antimicrobial properties also help maintain a healthier scalp environment, which supports better hair growth overall

While it’s not a standalone cure for hair loss, azelaic acid is a strong supporting player—especially when combined with other proven ingredients like minoxidil sulfate and DHT blockers.^1,2,3

Caffeine

Energizes Hair Follicles + Boosts Other Treatments

You may think of caffeine as something that wakes you up—but when applied topically, it also helps wake up your hair follicles.

Here’s how:

• Stimulates growth – Caffeine increases levels of cAMP, a signal that encourages hair follicles to grow
• Blocks testosterone’s negative effects – It helps counter the way testosterone can shrink follicles
• Prolongs the growth phase (anagen) – This means more hair stays growing longer, which leads to thicker, fuller coverage ⁴
• Improves blood flow and absorption – Caffeine helps open up blood vessels in the scalp, allowing treatments like minoxidil and finasteride to absorb better and work more effectively ^5,6,7,8,9

And don’t worry—topical caffeine doesn’t cause the jitters or hyperactivity like drinking too much coffee might.

Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid): More Than Just a Skincare Hero

A Smart Addition to Hair Loss Treatment

Tretinoin, a topical form of vitamin A, is best known for its anti-aging and acne-fighting powers—but its benefits go far beyond the face. When used in the right way, it can also play a powerful supporting role in scalp health and hair regrowth.

What Tretinoin Does for Your Skin

You may recognize tretinoin as a common ingredient in skincare. Here’s what it does:

• Speeds up skin cell turnover – Helps shed old skin and bring in new, healthy cells
• Reduces fine lines and dark spots – Great for sun damage and uneven tone
• Clears pores and controls oil – Helpful for treating acne
• Boosts collagen – Improves skin elasticity and smoothness

Think of it as a skin “reset button”—keeping the surface fresh and youthful while strengthening the deeper layers.

What Tretinoin Does for Your Scalp

Tretinoin isn’t just for your face—it also prepares the scalp for better hair growth. Here’s how:

• Clears away dead skin and buildup – Unclogs hair follicles so they can function properly
• Reduces inflammation – Creates a healthier environment for hair to grow
• Activates key enzymes – It stimulates sulfotransferase, the enzyme that activates minoxidil in the scalp
• Improves absorption – Helps minoxidil penetrate more deeply and work more effectively

What the Research Shows

• In a study by Bazzano et al., 66% of participants saw noticeable hair regrowth when tretinoin was combined with minoxidil
• Surprisingly, 58% experienced regrowth using tretinoin alone, showing it has benefits even without minoxidil
• Another study by Sharma et al. found that adding tretinoin helped 43% of people who didn’t respond to minoxidil alone start seeing results within just five days

Melatonin

Not Just for Sleep—Also for Hair

Most people know melatonin as the hormone that helps you sleep—but when applied topically, it can also support hair and scalp health in several important ways:

• Promotes hair growth – Helps protect hair follicles and extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle ¹⁰
• Fights oxidative stress – Acts as a strong antioxidant, defending against damage that can weaken hair over time ¹¹
• Improves scalp conditions – Clinical studies show it helps reduce seborrheic dermatitis, a common cause of flaking and irritation ¹²

Topical melatonin does not cause drowsiness, so you can use it any time of day without affecting your sleep.

Desonide

Gentle Anti-Inflammatory Relief for Sensitive Scalps

Desonide is a low-strength corticosteroid used to treat scalp irritation, itching, and redness.^13,14 It works by calming the skin’s inflammatory response, helping to:

• Soothe discomfort
• Reduce redness and inflammation
• Support a balanced, calm scalp environment

Unlike stronger steroids that can irritate or thin the skin, desonide is one of the mildest options

Important Note for Women

This formula is not recommended for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

YAKER Topical Medications Helpful Guidelines and Video Application Instructions. To view success stories from patients who have used this medication, please click here.