Many people who experience hair loss will come across the term DHT sooner or later. This is a hormone that plays an important role in genetic hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
DHT can be blocked, for example with medication. However, more people are looking into natural DHT inhibitors as an alternative, mainly because medication can come with strong side effects.
But what exactly are natural DHT inhibitors? And what can you realistically expect from them?
In this blog, we explain how natural ingredients may influence this process and which ingredients have been studied the most.
Natural DHT Inhibitors vs DHT Blockers
The terms DHT inhibitors and DHT blockers are often used interchangeably, but at Neofollics we make a clear distinction between the two.
Natural ingredients usually have a mild effect on the production of DHT. Medications, such as finasteride, work more strongly. They directly block the enzyme that produces DHT, which can significantly reduce the amount of DHT in the body.
However, these medications can come with side effects, sometimes quite strong ones.
How natural ingredients may influence DHT
In your body; DHT is made from testosterone. This process happens through an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. You can think of this enzyme as a converter.
Because DHT plays a role in hair loss, researchers are looking for ways to influence this process.
Some natural ingredients may slow down this conversion or make it less active. They do not block the process completely but support it in a milder way.
Want to learn more about how DHT is formed? Read our detailed blog about DHT.
Scientifically studied natural DHT inhibitors
Some natural ingredients have been studied for their possible influence on DHT.
Many of these ingredients work through the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. As explained earlier, this is the “converter” that turns testosterone into DHT.
Because of this, certain plant-based ingredients are often used in hair products and supplements that support healthy hair.
The effect can differ per ingredient. Below you will find several natural ingredients that have been studied for their possible influence on DHT and hair follicle activity. At Neofollics, we use these ingredients because of their scientific background.
We report the following ingredients: in this article:
- Saw Palmetto
- Beta-Sitosterol
- Ecklonia Cava
- EGCG (Green Tea Extract)
- Isoflavones (Red Clover)
- Nettle Extract
- Panax Ginseng
Infographic: Natural DHT inhibitors
Saw Palmetto
What it is
Saw palmetto is an extract from the berries of the Serenoa repens palm. This plant mainly grows in North America. It is one of the most studied natural ingredients in relation to hair loss.
Saw palmetto contains fatty acids and plant sterols. These may influence the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. By making this converter less active, the amount of DHT may decrease.
A review study by Wessagowit (2016) suggests that saw palmetto may affect the same process as some DHT blockers, but in a milder way.
There are also smaller human studies that show that saw palmetto may help reduce hair loss and slightly improve hair density. The effect is usually considered mild to moderate, especially compared to medication.
Read the full scientific overview of Saw Palmetto
Beta-Sitosterol
What it is
Beta-sitosterol is a plant-based compound found in seeds, nuts and plant oils. It belongs to a group of substances like cholesterol, but from plants. It is also found in saw palmetto.
Beta-sitosterol mainly works at the level of hair follicles. Instead of only looking at how much DHT is produced, this ingredient may reduce how strong the DHT signal is in the hair follicles.
There is limited research on beta-sitosterol alone. Most studies look at combinations. A clinical study by Prager (2002) examined a combination of beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto in people with genetic hair loss.
In this study, some participants experienced less hair loss and a small improvement in hair density.
Important to note: these results apply to the combination, not beta-sitosterol alone.
Ecklonia Cava
What it is
Ecklonia cava is a brown seaweed that grows in waters around Korea and Japan. It contains antioxidants, especially compounds called phlorotannins. These help protect hair follicles from damage caused by stress and external factors.
Ecklonia cava does not directly block DHT. Instead, it helps strengthen hair follicles. This may make them less sensitive to the effects of DHT.
A study by Kim (2010) showed that Ecklonia cava can support hair follicle growth and activate signals that are important for hair growth.
This study was done in the lab using human hair follicles. This means it shows how it works on a cellular level, but the effect in humans still needs further research.
Explore the science behind Ecklonia Cava
EGCG (Green Tea Extract)
What it is
EGCG is a compound found in green tea. Its full name is epigallocatechin gallate. It is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from damage.
A laboratory study by Kwon (2007) looked at the effect of EGCG on human hair cells. The study showed that EGCG may support processes involved in hair growth.
There are also lab studies suggesting EGCG may influence 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. However, this evidence is mainly based on lab research, not large human studies.
The study by Kwon (2007) showed that EGCG can support hair cell growth and activate signals important for hair growth. This means EGCG mainly works as a supportive ingredient, not as a direct DHT blocker.
Isoflavones (Red Clover)
What it is
Isoflavones are plant compounds found in soy and red clover. They are like the hormone oestrogen and can influence hormone balance.
They may help support the balance between different hormones, which also plays a role in how DHT works in the body.
There is limited research on isoflavones and hair loss. A laboratory study by Evans (1995) showed that isoflavones can influence the enzyme involved in DHT production.
This study was done on cells, not on human hair follicles. This means isoflavones may influence DHT-related processes, but their effect on hair loss is not yet clearly proven.
Natural DHT inhibitors are milder than medical DHT blockers. That is why Neofollics has developed broad formulas with ingredients that work together.
Discover how Red Clover extract works
Nettle Extract
What it is
Nettle extract is made from the root of the stinging nettle plant, Urtica dioica. This plant has been used for a long time in research related to hormones.
Nettle root works differently from many other ingredients. It does not only affect the production of DHT, but also how DHT works in the body.
DHT needs to bind to certain receptors before it can affect hair follicles.
Research by Hryb (1995) showed that nettle root extract may interfere with this binding. This means DHT may have less effect, even if it is still present.
Much of the research focuses on prostate health, but this study suggests nettle may influence hormone-related processes linked to DHT. Much of the research focuses on prostate health, but this study suggests nettle may influence hormone-related processes linked to DHT.
Panax Ginseng
What it is
Panax ginseng is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Its active compounds are called ginsenosides.
Panax ginseng does not directly affect DHT production. Instead, it helps hair follicles stay active and function better. This may make hair follicles less sensitive to the effects of DHT.
A study by Kim (2015) showed that ginseng can activate signals important for hair growth. These signals help hair stay longer in the growth phase.
A review study by Ratan (2020) also describes that ginseng may support hair follicle activity and reduce hair loss.
This means ginseng mainly supports hair growth rather than directly blocking DHT.
Explore the research on Panax Ginseng
Natural DHT inhibitors used in hair products
One of the most important points is that natural DHT inhibitors are milder than medical DHT blockers. That is why Neofollics uses formulas with multiple ingredients that support each other.
You can see this as a team:
- One ingredient supports the hair root
- Another protects against damage
- Another influences DHT
Together, they work more broadly than a single ingredient.
Topical vs oral natural DHT inhibitors
Topical products, such as lotions and shampoos, are applied directly to the scalp.
Diet and supplements
Supplements work from within. They support the body, including:
- Hormone balance
- Nutrient levels
- Overall health
Examples include green tea (EGCG) or zinc.
Topical hair products
Topical products are applied directly to the scalp.
Benefits:
- Targeted application
- Part of a daily routine
- Easy to combine
Many people choose a combination of both.
Conclusion
Natural DHT inhibitors are ingredients that may influence the formation of DHT. This hormone plays a role in genetic hair loss.
It is important to understand that these ingredients work differently from medication. They support the body in a milder way and do not strongly interfere with the process.
What can you expect?
- They usually work more mildly than medication
- The effect can differ per person
- They are often combined for a broader effect
- You can see them as support for your hair routine, not as a quick fix.
For people looking for a mild and more natural approach, these ingredients can be a valuable addition, especially when combined with good scalp and hair care.
References
Prager, N., Bickett, K., French, N., & Marcovici, G. (2002). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(2), 143–152.
Kim, E. J., Kim, Y. J., Kim, H. J., Lee, S. H., & Lee, M. Y. (2010). Ecklonia cava extract promotes hair growth in human hair follicles. Phytotherapy Research, 24(7), 1040–1045.
Kwon, O. S., Han, J. H., Yoo, H. G., Chung, J. H., Cho, K. H., Eun, H. C., & Kim, K. H. (2007). Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 127(3), 644–652.
Evans, B. A. J., Griffiths, K., & Morton, M. S. (1995). Inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase in genital skin fibroblasts and prostate tissue by dietary lignans and isoflavonoids. Journal of Endocrinology, 147(2), 295–302.
Hryb, D. J., Khan, M. S., Romas, N. A., & Rosner, W. (1995). The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor.
Kim, J. H., Yi, S. M., Choi, J. E., Son, S. W., & Kim, I. H. (2015). Panax ginseng induces hair growth in human dermal papilla cells. Journal of Ginseng Research, 39(2), 143–150.
Ratan, Z. A., Haidere, M. F., Hong, Y. H., Park, S. H., Lee, J. O., Lee, J., & Cho, J. Y. (2020). Pharmacological potential of ginseng and its major component ginsenosides. Journal of Ginseng Research, 44(2), 199–210.
Wessagowit, V., Tangjaturonrusamee, C., Kootiratrakarn, T., Bunnag, T., Eimpunth, S., Chatsiricharoenkul, S., Asawanonda, P., & Suchonwanit, P. (2016). Treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A review of the literature. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, 99(Suppl. 7), S1–S12.
This information does not replace professional medical advice. If in doubt, always consult a doctor or specialist.
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