Does DHT-Blocking Shampoo Work?

Almost two-thirds of men face hair loss and male pattern baldness before 35. One of the major causes of pattern hair loss is the hormone dihydrotestosterone(DHT), which shrinks hair follicles.

To prevent hair loss, you may have come across DHT blocker shampoos, but does DHT blocking shampoo work for hair loss? This article will explore the ingredients in anti-DHT shampoo, how they work, their potential side effects, and safety concerns.

What Is DHT?

“DHT, also known as dihydrotestosterone, is an androgen responsible for growing body hair, developing deep voice, and increasing muscle mass in men.”

While this hormone helps beard growth and other body hairs, it is a major cause of pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) in males. Male pattern hair loss treatments utilize anti-DHT products to limit its effects, stop hair fall, and enhance hair growth. It may also induce hair loss in females.

How Does DHT Cause Hair Loss?

When the 5-alpha reductase enzyme converts testosterone, it forms DHT. This hormone has a high capability of binding with androgen receptors in hair follicles which shrinks them causing hair loss.

• DHT contributes to hair thinning in women.
• The hair growth cycle is slowed down.
• Patchy hair loss occurs in men.

What Is A DHT-Blocking Shampoo?

DHT-blocker shampoos are made to prevent hair loss and improve hair health. Dihydrotestosterone is essential for male characteristics development but its side effects are undesirable.

• Shampoos with anti DHT ingredients block the hormone by reducing its conversions from testosterone.
• Less DHT binding to androgen receptors reduces hair loss in males.

How To Use A DHT-Blocker Shampoo?

To maximize the effectiveness of DHT-blocker shampoos, follow these tips:

• Check the active anti-DHT ingredient in your shampoo.
• Apply the shampoo and leave it for 10 minutes before washing.
• Use a hair conditioner along with DHT inhibitor shampoo for better results.
• Use minoxidil along with other treatments.

DHT-Blocker Shampoos – Active Hair Growth Ingredients

DHT-inhibitor shampoos contain ingredients that prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT. They help reduce hair thinning and patchy hair loss, thus promoting hair growth.

Natural Anti-DHT Ingredients

Some of the natural anti-DHT ingredients in dihydrotestosterone-blocking shampoos are:

DHT-Blockers Medication For Hair Regrowth

Other medications that work as anti-DHT agents and promote hair regrowth include:

Finasteride

Finasteride is a highly recommended anti-DHT medication prescribed to people suffering from androgenetic alopecia.

• Finasteride shampoo prevents the enzyme 5AR from producing DHT.
• It recovers hair follicles and reduces DHT in the scalp by 60%.
• It can be taken in pill form or applied to the scalp.

Dutasteride

Dutasteride is similar to finasteride for the treatment of male pattern hair loss.

• Blocks 90% DHT.
• Reverses the hair loss process.

Ketoconazole

It prevents DHT production and treats fungi that cause dandruff.

Does DHT Blocking Shampoo Work For Hair Loss?

DHT-blocker shampoos are a common solution for male pattern hair loss, but the question is “Does DHT-blocking shampoo work?”.

DHT-blocking shampoo is made up of naturally active anti-DHT ingredients that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. However, they are not the best treatment for everyone.

The effectiveness depends on the cause of hair loss i.e. stress, hormones, or other factors. If your hair loss is due to the hormone DHT, then DHT inhibitor shampoos are highly effective.

Dermatologist Recommended DHT-Blocking Shampoos

Best DHT-blocking shampoos that are recommended by dermatologists include:

• Proterra Anti Hair Loss Herbal Shampoo
• Pura’D anti-hair thinning shampoo
• Keeps thickening shampoo
• Hair labs hair restore shampoo
• Hims thick fix shampoo

Are DHT-Blocking Shampoos Safe?

DHT-blocker shampoos are usually safe with rare side effects. To keep yourself safe, keep these things in mind:

• Beware of DHT blockers that cause hair thinning and reduce your natural hair oil.
• Be careful of allergic ingredients while buying shampoo.
• Do a patch test before using anti-DHT products.

What Are The DHT-Blocking Shampoos Side Effects?

Anti-DHT shampoo side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Body and facial hair thickening
• Inflammation and burning on the scalp
• Scalp irritation and redness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Anxiety and depression