As much as it seems that women worry more about hair loss, many men seek solutions for balding as well. There are hair products that can help with hair loss involving DHT.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that encourages hair loss in both men and women. I always thought it only affected men until it affected me. DHT may mostly affect men since they have more testosterone than women. Ironically, DHT plays a massive role in the development of masculinity (such as facial hair growth) during puberty. Later in life, the same DHT shrinks your hair follicles and prevents essential nutrients from reaching the targeted follicles.
What you experience when this takes place is slower hair growth – your hair growth either seems stunted or ‘rested,’ hair strands get thinner, and eventually, your hair may stop emerging. When my hair started thinning out and leaving some bald spots, that was when I talked to my doctor and figured it all out. So, your hair may not necessarily start falling out due to DHT; but manipulating such thin hair may cause breakage.
Some individuals may not be affected by the presence of DHT in their hair follicles. It is more about your genetics. If your family members experienced hair loss due to DHT, there is a high chance your hair will be sensitive to these hormonal effects too. However, in the early stages, there is always a chance you can beat DHT-induced hair loss. Nutrition alone may not be enough to encourage hair growth – there are DHT blockers that can treat this type of hair loss.
What Should You Consider Before Buying DHT Blockers?
Your Cause of Hair Loss
Obviously, you cannot buy DHT blockers if your type of hair loss is not DHT-related. Before purchasing any hair (or skincare products), you know what you’re looking for; say, hydration. Your lifestyle habits, deficiencies, and other underlying conditions could be the reason you may be having hair loss. Consult with your doctor to rule out everything else and to decide on DHT blockers.
Ingredients
Apart from prescribed medication, some natural herbs and ingredients can help reduce DHT-induced hair loss. Some of the most popular:
- Saw Palmetto may be top of the list; Europe gives this natural remedy a thumbs-up in hair loss and prostate health. Studies reveal that saw palmetto blocks the enzyme which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT
- Minoxidil is a form of prescription medication for hair loss. Rosemary oil mimics the hair growth achievable by the same medication
- The amino acids in pumpkin seed oil are rare and can act as DHT blockers
- Vitamin H or Biotin helps convert what you consume into energy. While you can have some in your food, you can get some extra in your supplements and boost your hair growth
- Other ingredients that can inhibit DHT include pygeum bark and vitamins B12 and B6. Even caffeine is a common ingredient in DHT blockers
Do Your Research
Many hair loss products out here will promise so much and deliver little. Genuine companies make available all the ingredients they use on their websites – look at the active ingredients, they are critical. Read on the studies done to prove these claims, do not believe the sales talk alone. Some independent institutions research products to ascertain their claims on effectiveness; you can check these out.
What Form You Prefer
DHT blockers come in an array of products. Apart from creams, supplements, and even powders, you can find DHT blockers in some shampoos and conditioners. These shampoos and conditioners can encourage hair growth by removing buildup in your hair and scalp and interacting with the hormones around your scalp.
The conditioners themselves can moisturize and nourish, minimizing hair breakage and thinning without leaving residue. Supplements help your entire body from the inside out. You can take supplements for any nutrient deficiency you may have and improve hair growth. Remember, they aren’t the same as your daily multivitamin! Don’t get rid of your multivitamin.
Expense Isn’t Equal To Guarantee
Most of us tend to associate high-end products with high quality – which is not always the case. Products, especially those that promise overnight growth, bank on your desperation and your willingness to pay nearly any price! I’ll admit I regularly fell prey to such sales promises until I realized they weren’t working. You can always find good stuff at affordable prices – you just have to search a little harder. The key ingredients are what you need to watch.
Let’s find out some of the best DHT blockers in different forms.
7 Best DHT Blockers For Hair Growth
Art Naturals Argan Oil Hair Loss Shampoo
Like you already know, lots of shampoos contain chemicals like sulfates and parabens that leave residue in your hair. Entirely counterproductive if you ask me, you wash your hair to get rid of the dirt and grime only to end up coated with a greasy layer that leaves your hair all heavy and uncomfortable. Art Naturals Argan oil is organic and steers clear from the synthetics that may damage your hair.
Argan oil is the main ingredient. Organic argan oil contains nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids that make this shampoo an excellent product for cleansing while caring for your hair. Other active ingredients like saw palmetto, biotin, and caffeine will inhibit DHT-causing hair loss while stimulating faster hair growth. Aloe Vera, burdock root, and white willow bark will get rid of the dead skin on your scalp, nourish it, and protect it from irritation, inflammation, and infection.
Art Naturals rank high with their hair care products, and this is one of the best DHT blocker shampoo. For heat damaged hair, breakage, and split ends from dying and coloring, your hair could use shampoo that is gentle yet effective on the cleansing. You can even use it on your eyebrows! I’ve used it on my eyebrows, and there has been a significant change – be careful not to get it in your eyes.
Pros
- Natural and safe
- Cleansing, yet nourishing
- For both men and women
- Doesn’t leave residue behind
- Improved hair volume
Cons
- Don’t wait too long before moisturizing your scalp; your scalp may feel a bit dry if you do
View price on Amazon
US Organic Cold-Pressed Pumpkin Seed Oil
For natural oils enthusiasts – this is for you. Studies back pumpkin seed oil on effectiveness against DHT-induced hair loss, and besides, if you don’t trust most manufactured hair products, wouldn’t you go for completely natural DHT blocker oil for your hair growth? I know I did. Make sure it is cold-pressed, pure, and unrefined like this US Organic pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin seed oil contains healthy plant fats (beta-sitosterol) that prevent the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme from metabolizing testosterone into DHT. Also, pumpkin seed oil contains zinc which is vital to hair growth. Zinc deficiency does present itself in hair loss. You get to fight hair loss by DHT while raising your zinc levels for more hair growth.
Pros
- Pure, natural, and unrefined
- Pocket-friendly
- Excellent for dandruff, an irritated, and flaky scalp
- You can use it as an anti-aging oil on your skin
- Minimizes hair loss and hydrates your hair follicles
Cons
- Sometimes the bottle arrives while leaking
- Mishandling will compromise its integrity
View price on Amazon
Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker
You have to admit, companies that offer 100% money back guarantee may get you interested in their products. It means they trust their products will give you the results they promise – you get 120 days after purchase to make good on this offer if it doesn’t please you. Advanced Trichology doesn’t just address DHT-related hair loss; they target other significant causes of hair loss as well.
The ingredients always inform you on whether you will reap some benefits. Advanced Trichology use saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, and pygeum extract to reduce the DHT levels that promote hair loss. Other natural ingredients are zinc, green tea, biotin, vitamins B6 and B12, magnesium, and grapeseed extract that give your hair much-needed nutrition to encourage hair growth and volume.
Wait, there’s more. These supplements offer immune support as well. Better immunity isn’t just right for your internal organs. Your scalp can now fight bacterial and fungal infections that may cause inflammation and inhibit hair growth. While they are essential for men with male pattern baldness, what makes them one of the best natural DHT blocker is their ability to support hormonal health and metabolism in both men and women.
Take two capsules twice a day with food (two in the morning and two before bed). If you are sensitive to DHT blockers, you may want to start with one in the morning and one at night. You can adjust the dosage when you feel comfortable.
Pros
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free
- Easy to use
- Organic and safe
- For men and women
- Promotes stronger hair growth
Cons
- Adjusting your dosage if you are sensitive
View price on Amazon
In the medical world, there are only two approved DHT blocker medicine – Minoxidil (Regaine) and Finasteride (Propecia). Minoxidil is a favorite topical prescription compared to Propecia, which comes in pill form. Lipogaine use 5% of Minoxidil in this topical DHT blocker alongside natural ingredients like saw palmetto, biotin, fatty acids, azetinol, and vitamins that are essential for hair growth.
After cleaning your hair, apply Lipogaine to your dry scalp; particularly the areas experiencing the most hair loss. The dropper cap helps make application easy. You can then use your fingers to massage the solution throughout your scalp. Some individuals prefer washing it out after a couple of hours while others apply it before bed and washing it out in the morning.
There’s always a chance your scalp may react to such hair loss topical products. Lipogaine has an alternative for this red-packaged hair treatment. The blue package is for men with a sensitive scalp.
Pros
- Hair growth product for men
- Battles DHT hair loss while promoting hair growth
- Many positive reviews
- Contains FDA-approved treatment
Cons
- May leave residue in hair or scalp
Are There Precautions Or Side Effects With DHT Blockers?
Not much can be said about natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil. Prescription medication for hair loss (Minoxidil and Propecia), on the other hand, have known side effects and precautions. Some of the side effects include:
- Itchiness and dryness where applied
- Skin irritation and reactions – rashes, acne, and dermatitis
- Different hair texture
- Headaches
- Increased hair loss instead of hair growth
- Decreased libido (for pill forms)
- Tenderness in breasts and testicles
Some individuals may notice these side effects and others may not. Most times they aren’t too dangerous, but if you feel alarmed, make sure you talk to your doctor.
Who Should I Avoid Using DHT Blockers?
Since most DHT blockers keep men in mind, it is always a better idea to talk to your doctor about woman-friendly DHT products. Using these products for adolescents and children may not be advisable. Before purchase, here are a few other notable precautions:
- If you are allergic to any DHT medication or the ingredients involved in the making, talk to your doctor about other treatments for hair loss
- Patients with high blood pressure, heart conditions, and anyone taking medication for either of the two should avoid using DHT blockers
- Underlying scalp conditions like psoriasis or any wounds on your scalp may make your hair loss worse and irritate your skin
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid DHT blockers
Conclusion
There’s nothing much to using DHT blockers. You can use the DHT-blocking shampoos a few times a week, making sure you get to your scalp rather than the quick and light washing most of us are guilty of – rub it in for a few minutes before rinsing. Whether you are using the shampoo, conditioner, supplements or topical-application oils, the best thing you can do is follow the instructions, and be very consistent for results!
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Marie Stevenson
Having been a victim of counterfeit products Marie Stevenson decided to comb various markets both online and physical to find the best original beauty products for women. The influx of counterfeits is palpitation inducing especially when you consider the aftermath. The consequences of using fake makeup or tanning lotions can be quite expensive and life-threatening and the reason why Marie decided to provide you with insightful information that will actually enhance your health. Apart from saving the world from the influx of fake beauty products Marie is a dedicated environmentalist, loves to travel and read. Her famous line is that if you believe it and have the passion to do something right then don’t let someone else discourage since they don’t understand where you are coming from.