The American Hair Loss Association indicates that 85% of men at the age of 50 have considerably thinning hair. One of the reasons for this is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for male characteristics in the human body. DHT also manages the hair growth cycle and any excess can lead to hair loss by negatively impacting the hair growth phases.
You might ask, how to block DHT and regrow hair naturally. You can use different natural DHT blockers to control DHT levels, reduce hair loss, and start your hair regrowth journey. These can include foods (onion, turmeric), oils (coconut, rosemary), and improving your lifestyle.
This article explores these natural DHT blockers in depth and offers practical tips and insights to block DHT and regrow your hair naturally.
What is DHT and Its Connection to Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone in the human body in the prostate, adrenal glands, and testes. It is converted from testosterone and is involved in the development of male parts and characteristics including sebum and penis. Being an androgen, DHT is linked with hair growth and body hair creation. DHT is also responsible for hair loss as it negatively affects the hair follicles by shrinking them.
In simple terms, DHT reduces the size and efficiency of hair follicles which reduces the hair growth cycle. Continued overdose of DHT can reduce hair thickness and lead to weak hair with limited growth potential. DHT causes many kinds of hair loss, the most popular being androgenetic alopecia, also known as male/female pattern baldness with a receding hairline, and thinning hair around the crown area.
The Importance of Stopping DHT for Hair Regrowth
As hair loss continues to stay a nuisance, it is important to understand DHT’s impact on your hair loss. By controlling and preventing DHT in your body, you can control your hair loss to a great extent and even reverse it in some cases. As DHT also causes scalp inflammation, reducing DHT can improve hair follicle health and increase hair thickness. DHT can also negatively impact the hair growth cycle by reducing the growth phase and increasing the hair loss phase leading to hair shedding.
There are many ways to control DHT conversion and production that can improve scalp strength and hair health. The most common method involves medication, surgeries, and transplants to reduce DHT and encourage hair growth. However, there are many DHT hair loss natural treatments available as well that contribute to preventing DHT, such as transitioning to a healthier lifestyle, eating foods that are natural DHT blockers, and using ingredients that can manage DHT effectively.
Lifestyle Changes for Stopping DHT Levels
Lifestyle changes play an important role in stopping DHT and supporting hair regrowth. These can include dietary adjustments, stress management, exercising, and improving sleep quality.
Stress Management
Stress and anxiety can impact your hormonal balance, affecting your DHT levels and contributing to hair loss. You can practice mindfulness techniques by using meditation exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.
Similarly, using deep breathing techniques like diaphragmatic breathing can help you gain control of your life. Assessing what relaxes you by trying new things like listening to music, reading books, exploring nature, and positive self-talk can also help you find strategies to reduce stress.
Exercise
Working out can help improve your hormonal balance and DHT production. Managing weight is one benefit of exercising regularly that can reduce DHT levels by controlling obesity and excessive weight gain. Modern workouts like aerobics and strength training can also positively affect hormonal activity. Frequently exercising can also maintain an important hormone called cortisol and subsequently DHT.
Sleep Quality
Having sufficient and relaxing sleep each night is important for your overall health including your hormonal balance. If you are not sleeping enough, missing out on sleep, or experiencing insomnia, your DHT levels may get adversely affected.
A healthy sleep routine and a dedicated sleep schedule can improve hormonal balance, including DHT. The body undergoes cellular growth and repair in sleep including that of hair follicles, leading to better hair health.
DHT Blocker List: Dietary Adjustments and Important Foods
The food you eat can directly impact DHT levels in your body, increasing or decreasing them depending on its natural makeup. You can adjust your diet by including food from our DHT blocker list.
If you’re finding answers to how to block DHT and regrow hair naturally, here’s our DHT blocker list of some food items:
- Turmeric: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that may block DHT on scalp. It is already consumed around the world in dishes and is known for its health benefits. Studies show that Turmeric can reduce DHT levels by controlling the alpha-5 reductase enzyme responsible for DHT conversion.
- Onions: Onions are known for their antioxidant properties due to a compound called quercetin. Onions can be used as an anti-DHT and address hair growth issue as there is evidence that quercetin can reduce DHT levels effectively.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds contain many important nutrients including magnesium and iron that are essential nutrients for the human body. Pumpkin seed oil was found to reduce hair loss in a recent study by limiting the conversion of DHT.
- Soybeans: Soybeans and edamame beans contain isoflavones that can reduce DHT levels in the body. In a study, it was found that soy supplements and soy protein decreased DHT levels considerably more than alternative elements. Hence, soy may be used as a natural way to block DHT and improve hair growth.
Foods to avoid: Natural ways to block DHT also involves avoiding some types of food. Saturated fats can increase the production of DHT in your body. You should avoid items such as dairy products and red meat. Similarly, sugary foods high in glycemic and refined carbohydrates should also be avoided. Processed foods including frozen items and savory snacks should be kept away as well as they often contain high fats which can cause DHT imbalance in the body.
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DHT Hair Loss Natural Treatment: Supplements & Herbs for Stopping DHT
Natural ways to block DHT includes consuming certain types of supplements and herbs. Several well-known natural DHT blockers include Saw Palmetto, Pygeum Bark Extract, and Pumpkin Seed oil.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto are extracted from the Seronoa trees native to the Americas and West Indies. It is a common herbal treatment for hair loss. Saw Palmetto restricts an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that limits the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Saw Palmetto can block DHT and regrow hair naturally. This supplement can be used in oral form and in healthcare products like shampoos. Saw Palmetto also has anti-inflammatory conditions that can improve your scalp health, leading to improved hair health.
Pygeum Bark Extract
Pygeum is extracted from the bark of the African Plum Tree. It is known to treat prostate conditions and treat hair growth by reducing the impact of DHT. Similar to Saw Palmetto, Pygeum also restricts the conversion of Testosterone to DHT, thereby reducing its impact on hair loss.
Moreover, Pygeum also increases the blood flow to your scalp, providing more oxygen to hair follicles in the scalp and enhancing hair density. This herb is crushed and powdered and is usually taken orally as tablets or capsules.
Stinging Nettle Root
Nettle root is derived from the stinging nettle plant. It is a common herb used for DHT hair loss natural treatment. Nettle root also contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, boosting scalp health and strengthening hair. The herb is commonly used in haircare products such as shampoos, serums, and conditioners.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea and its extract are also commonly linked with treating hair loss. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a key element in the extract is attributed to reduce the level of DHT, leading to an improved hair growth cycle with a shorter shedding period.
Green tea extract also contains rich amounts of vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for scalp health. Green tea extract can be used to address various cases of hair loss, including male/female pattern baldness, Telogen effluvium, and receding hairline.
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DHT blocker Oil List: Exploring Hair Loss Topical Treatments
Oils and topical treatments can also block DHT and strengthen your hair. Our DHT blocker oil list includes different types of oils with varying properties to cure hair loss.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil has been used worldwide for many years for strong hair growth. It is extracted from the rosemary plant and includes anti-inflammatory elements like rosmarinic acid. These elements can promote scalp health by reducing itching and dryness leading to thicker hair.
Rosemary oil has antioxidant properties that can protect hair from dust and harmful rays. The oil can also inhibit the production and conversion of DHT by controlling the reductase enzyme.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint plant is known for its cooling properties and its oil is derived from the plant’s leaves. The oil is used to improve hair growth as it includes menthol, a natural vasodilator, enhancing blood flow to hair follicles.
Peppermint oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to make the scalp stronger and the hair thicker. Hair fall and pattern baldness can also be reduced by applying peppermint oil regularly to your scalp.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is obtained from the lavender plant and effectively treats hair loss caused by DHT. Applying this oil to the scalp increases the flow of nutrients to the hair follicles, improving hair strength and reducing hair thinning.
The oil is also effective in addressing stress-related issues that can cause hormonal imbalance and trigger hair loss. Lavender oil also contains natural elements like linalool that can enhance hair growth improving the hair growth cycle.
Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can protect your scalp from bacteria and microbes, leading to strengthened hair.
Correct Method to Use Essential Oils
While these natural oils offer various benefits to improve hair regrowth, it is important to apply them correctly for the best results. Before applying any oil to your scalp, you need to make sure that you are not allergic to any elements in the oil.
You can dilute a small amount of oil and apply it to your forearm for twenty-four hours to check for any allergic reaction. To improve your hair growth, you can mix these oils with base oils like coconut to balance off the concentration levels.
There’s no set duration to wash your hair after applying the oil but a minimum of 30 minutes would help the oil absorb in your scalp.
Medical Treatments for Stopping DHT
You can combine DHT hair loss natural treatments with medical treatments to speed up the process of reclaiming your hair. There are several popular treatments available that can assist you in your hair regrowth journey including the following.
- Finasteride (Propecia): This is an FDA-approved drug that stops the conversion of testosterone to DHT, reducing hair loss and improving hair growth. It is a prescription-only drug that is administered orally and is only suitable for men aged 18 or above.
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Another common hair loss medicine that improves scalp strength by increasing the flood of blood and nutrients to the hair follicles. It is available without prescription and can be consumed by both men and women to address hair loss and increase hair growth.
- Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Hair growth is promoted through laser technology using LLLT by stimulating hair follicles. It can also cause increased blood and oxygen to flow to the scalp making the hair follicles stronger and improving overall hair strength.
- Hair Transplant: Hair transplant surgery is another procedure that you can use to increase your hair growth. While being more expensive than other methods, this can provide more permanent results, especially if the donor’s hair matches.
While beneficial, these treatments may cause side effects such as lost sexual drive in men. Therefore, it is better to use natural remedies and supplements to cure hair loss.
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How to Reduce DHT in the Scalp?
Scalp treatments are effective DHT blockers and can support your hair regrowth. These include scalp massages, micro-needling, and scalp masks to limit DHT conversion and production in your body.
Scalp Massages
So how to get rid of DHT on the scalp? Scalp massages are a completely natural and convenient way to promote hair regrowth. By massaging your scalp, you can increase the blood flow to your hair follicles, leading to stronger hair.
Massaging is also known to reduce stress which can cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles on the scalp. Stress reduction can also indirectly affect DHT production, leading to an improved hair growth cycle.
By massaging your scalp regularly, you can spread the natural oils produced by your scalp more evenly, helping your hair follicles to absorb more nutrients. You can also use essential and base oils to massage your scalp, as these oils have properties that can improve hair health.
Microneedling
Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, uses needles to pierce the scalp to encourage collagen creation. By using this process, DHT blockers can be directly applied to the scalp leading to better absorption by the hair follicles.
This can reduce hair loss and pattern baldness while also improving overall hair thickness. This treatment can also be used to administer medicinal products such as stem cells to encourage hair regrowth and counter baldness. The process typically takes 30-60 minutes and may include temporary side effects like bruises or redness.
Scalp Masks and Rinses
Do-it-yourself (DIY) or homemade scalp masks are also beneficial in supporting your scalp health. DIY scalp masks can be personalized with natural DHT blockers like Saw Palmetto, green tea extract, and lavender oil to improve scalp health and reduce DHT conversion.
Similarly, natural scalp rinses involve pouring water mixed with natural ingredients like peppermint over your head after a bath. This can improve your scalp strength as these natural ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties. You can also use exfoliation to remove any build of dead skin from your scalp that is blocking the pores and negatively affecting your hair strength.
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Key Takeaways
- DHT is a subset of testosterone that can cause hair loss and adversely impact hair growth by weakening hair follicles and negatively influencing the hair growth cycle.
- If wondering how to block DHT and regrow hair naturally, consider making lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, healthy sleep cycles, and wellness activities. This can control DHT production and improve hair health.
- Many food items are natural DHT blockers. These include Turmeric, Onions, and Soybeans. These can stop the enzyme alpha-5 reductase from converting testosterone to DHT. Other foods high in saturated fats and processed foods can have the opposite effect and should be avoided.
- Many natural supplements like Saw Palmetto, Nettle root, and green tea extract can also improve hair growth and reduce the adverse impact of DHT.
- Several essential oils such as Peppermint and Lavender contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can improve scalp health and increase hair growth.
- Scalp treatments such as DIY scalp massages, exfoliation, and micro-needling can strengthen your scalp by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and indirectly reducing DHT by relieving stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Rid of DHT?
You can get rid of DHT by adopting a healthier lifestyle and eating known DHT blockers such as onions, turmeric, and fruits. You can also reduce the impact of DHT by strengthening your scalp through essential oils, massages, and microneedling. If the hair loss is severe, you can also consume medication like Finasteride to limit the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
What Stops DHT?
DHT can be limited by several treatments that can be clinically administered or consumed naturally. Natural supplements like Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seeds, and Nettle Roots can be used to stop DHT. Similarly, adjusting your dietary habits and lifestyle routine can also help you stop DHT conversion. Lastly, you can use medications like Finasteride and Dutasteride to control the production of DHT.
How to Reduce DHT in the Scalp?
DHT in the scalp can be reduced by using products that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Natural herbs like Pygeum and Green Tea extract can reduce DHT by strengthening the hair follicles in the scalp. Similarly, you can use medication like Minoxidil which can increase the flow of blood and oxygen to your scalp.
Discover real, drug-free solutions in our e-book, backed by clinical research.
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