In the mid-1990s, if you were losing your hair, the internet was a few text newsgroups and a lot of anxiety. That was where Regrowth.com began — as a place for patients, physicians, dermatologists and trichologists to compare notes honestly. It grew to more than 50,000 members.
The constant: DHT
Three decades later, the core biology hasn't moved. Androgenetic alopecia is driven by DHT acting on genetically sensitive follicles. Every serious treatment either lowers DHT, extends the growth phase, or moves follicles from where they're lost to where they're kept.
What genuinely changed
- Oral minoxidil at low doses went from fringe to mainstream dermatology practice.
- Topical finasteride offered an option for people worried about systemic effects.
- Transplant technique — follicular unit extraction — made results dramatically more natural.
- Telehealth removed the embarrassment barrier that kept people from starting early.
What didn't change
The single biggest predictor of success is still starting early and staying consistent. The members who did best in 1998 were the ones who took finasteride every day and stopped chasing miracle cures. That's still true.
Why longevity is the next chapter
Hair is a visible biomarker. The same habits — tracking labs, respecting evidence, being patient — apply to metabolic health and aging. That's why Regrowth now covers both.