Hair Care: Do DHT Blocking Shampoos Prevent Hair Loss?

DHT, short for dihydrotestosterone, is an androgen hormone that’s responsible for the biological characteristics of males, including a deeper voice, body hair, and increased muscles mass. However, as important as the hormone is, it’s known to cause hair follicles to miniaturize, and therefore contribute to hair loss.

DHT is a powerful hormone that can shrink hair follicles and lead to male pattern baldness. While the production of DHT can affect hair health in both men and women, excess production of this hormone in men is among the most common causes of male pattern baldness, also known as alopecia areata.

Hair can grow quite perfectly on the head without the presence of DHT hormone, but armpit hair, pubic hair, and beard can’t grow without these androgens. Therefore, individuals who have 5-AR (Alpha 5) deficiency or have been castrated won’t experience male pattern baldness, but will instead have very little hair elsewhere on their bodies.

Scientifically, DHT is said to attach to androgen receptors on hair follicles on the head area, and then trigger the receptors to begin miniaturizing. People who use anabolic steroid drugs such as bodybuilders are known to have higher levels of DHT.

Treatments that block DHT are often used to prevent hair loss, and that’s where a good DHT blocker shampoo comes in. When this shampoo is applied to the scalp, it enters the sebum of the hair follicle and hits the DHT, therefore preventing hair loss.

Usually, a DHT blocker attaches itself to the Alpha 5 reductase enzyme and slowly prevents the body from producing DHT. By doing so, it allows hair follicles to grow back to normal size, and hence restart the hair growth process. This, therefore, answers the question of whether anti-DHT shampoos really work. Research has proven they’re very effective. There’s an endless list of such shampoos that are clinically-proven and don’t contain harsh chemicals. Some examples include ShapiroMD Hair Loss Shampoo, Clinical Effects Hair Growth Shampoo, Ultrax Labs Hair Surge, Lipogaine Hair Re-Growth Shampoo, and several others.

Using an anti-DHT shampoo is relatively safe and can’t cause you any health issues. Being careful as you choose which ones to use is essential. Some of these products contain harsh chemicals such as finasteride or dutasteride, and may cause side effects. Therefore, it’s advisable to stick to products that are made of natural ingredients as they are known to be safer.

Also, carefully checking what ingredients are available in a product before using it will help you identify which ones you’re allergic to. Individuals who are sensitive or allergic to most products should ensure they speak to either a medical professional or a licensed dermatologist for advice before purchasing any hair products.

Another vital point to note is that DHT isn’t the only cause of hair loss. There are other proven causes, such as too much stress, some medications or treatments, some medical conditions, hormonal imbalance, a deficiency of some of the vital nutrients and vitamins responsible for hair growth, excessive use of chemical treatments on hair, age, and even lack of sleep.