The DHT hormone (dihydrotestosterone) plays an important role in hair loss. In this article, you’ll learn what the DHT hormone is, how it causes hair loss, and how you can slow this process with DHT blockers or natural DHT inhibitors.
DHT explained
DHT is an abbreviation of dihydrotestosterone, a male sex hormone derived from testosterone. It plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining male characteristics such as a deep voice, facial hair, and muscle mass.
What is a DHT blocker?
A DHT blocker is a substance that prevents the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from affecting the hair follicles. It works by either reducing DHT production or blocking its ability to bind to hair receptors. This keeps the hair growth cycle active for longer, which helps to slow down hair loss. DHT blockers come in medicinal forms, such as finasteride, or in natural forms, such as saw palmetto and nettle.
How DHT can affect hair loss
DHT is formed when testosterone undergoes a transformation with the help of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which is located in the oil glands of your hair follicles. If you have a genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness, DHT binds to receptors in your hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop new hair growth, some people call this DHT hair loss.
Hair growth stages
While we know that genetics significantly influence male pattern hair loss, the reasons for its occurrence in some families and not in others remain a mystery, but it has to do with hereditary factors. The process of baldness does not happen overnight. To understand this, we need to delve into the three stages of hair growth:
- Anagen Phase: This is the growth phase that typically lasts from two to six years.
- Catagen Phase: A brief transition phase lasting only a few weeks.
- Telogen Phase: A resting phase where hair does not grow.
As androgenic alopecia takes hold, the hair follicles get progressively smaller, making it difficult for hair to grow. The anagen phase shortens, giving less time for hair to grow, while the telogen phase extends, providing more time for the follicles to rest without producing new hair. However, baldness is a gradual process that typically occurs over several years. This means you have time to intervene and prevent DHT from causing further damage.
What are natural DHT inhibitors?
You might be wondering if there are natural ways to reduce DHT. While some natural DHT blockers like biotin, pumpkin seed oil, green tea, and saw palmetto have gained popularity among individuals dealing with male pattern hair loss, clinical studies show mixed results. If you're curious about which natural options are worth your time, we have a guide to help you make an informed decision.
- Nettle Extract for Hair Growth: Nettle extract is a natural remedy that some people use to promote hair growth. It is believed to have potential benefits for hair health, such as reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier scalp. However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness.
- Beta Sitosterol for Hair Loss: Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that is sometimes used as a natural remedy for hair loss. It is believed to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT, potentially reducing hair loss.
- EGCG Hair Growth: EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, is a compound found in green tea. Some studies suggest that EGCG may have potential benefits for hair growth due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It could help maintain a healthier scalp environment.
What is Nettle Extract for hair growth?
In recent years, an herbal alternative has gained popularity: stinging loss. Many people are considering it due to its accessibility, affordability, and sustainability.
Nettle extract for hair is used as an herbal ingredient in treating non-scarring inflammatory hair loss conditions. Nettle extract for hair is rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Stinging nettle extract treats hair loss through several mechanisms:
- Inhibition of 5-alpha reductase, which reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.
- Suppression of the release of inflammatory cytokine IL-1-alpha.
Most common causes of hair loss
Understanding the causes of hair loss is essential. There are various medical conditions that can explain why you're losing hair:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: The most common form of hair loss among men and women, it results from the exaggerated response of hair follicles to androgens, leading to the miniaturization of hair follicles.
- Alopecia Areata: Characterized by autoimmune-mediated damage to hair follicles, resulting in round bald patches on the scalp and beard.
- Telogen Effluvium: A diffuse form of hair loss often triggered by stress, where hair follicles prematurely enter the shedding phase.
- Traction Alopecia: Occurs when hair is subjected to prolonged tension, commonly seen in specific hairstyles.
- Trichotillomania: A behavioural disorder where individuals have an urge to pull out their own hair.
How to treat your hair loss with DHT inhibitors?
You can treat your hair loss by using hair growth products that contain DHT inhibitors. Neofollics offers hair growth treatments for you to combat your hair loss. The treatment for advanced hair loss, for example, combats hair loss in males and females at every age. This treatment works when your hair loss is recognizable. The treatment combats nutritional deficiencies, stimulating new hair growth, and taking care of scalp and hair health.
FAQ
How do I know if my hair loss is caused by the DHT hormone?
Hair loss from DHT usually develops slowly and follows a recognisable pattern. In men it often shows as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. In women it mainly appears as thinning on the top of the head and a widening parting. This fits with hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), in which DHT plays an important role. Want to know what stage you’re in? Men can use the Norwood– scale and women the Ludwig-scale.
Is DHT also active in women?
Yes. Women also produce DHT, but usually less than men. A higher DHT level can contribute to hair thinning, especially at the parting and on the top of the head. Hair loss after giving birth is usually due to temporary hormone changes and is often not a DHT issue.
How can I naturally lower DHT levels?
Plant extracts may help lower DHT levels. Think saw palmetto, nettle and green tea (EGCG). They may inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT and are found in shampoos, serums and supplements. One option is the Neofollics Androgenetic Alopecia treatment. This treatment targets DHT levels with a combination of a lotion, tablets, a shampoo and a scalp roller. It is suitable for men and women at any stage of hair loss.
Conclusion
In short, comprehending DHT and its blockers is crucial for managing hair loss. Early action and personalized solutions, whether through pharmaceutical or natural remedies like stinging nettle, are the keys to maintaining and regrowing healthy hair. Your unique path to healthier hair awaits.
