For many men, male pattern baldness is something caused by a genetic sensitivity to something known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) [1].
Many of the most popular hair loss treatments, such as Finasteride and Dutasteride work by blocking DHT which, after regular use, can help to promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
Blocking DHT is an effective way to treat hair loss, which has been shown by the efficacy of some of these hair loss medications but, not everyone wants to take medication that affects their hormones.
If you’re looking to take a natural approach to male pattern baldness, you may have heard about natural DHT blockers that promise to combat hair loss, without having to take medication.
To learn more about what these are and how they work, keep on reading.
DHT is a male hormone that is made from testosterone. It’s thought to cause hair loss by weakening and shrinking hair follicles until they eventually die – and fall out.
Regardless of whether they’re natural or not, DHT blockers always work to deliver the same results – to prevent testosterone from being converted into DHT. Take a look at these Finasteride results to see what you can expect at each stage of treatment.
The main difference is that natural DHT blockers are internal or topical treatments that are made from natural ingredients. They are supposed to block DHT in a similar way to the normal DHT-blocking drugs like Finasteride and Dutasteride.
DHT blockers shouldn’t be confused with DHT creams, which are sometimes used to treat those with hormone deficiencies. They boost rather than block DHT production.
If you’re looking to naturally treat your hair loss, there are certain ingredients that are thought to have some sort of hair regeneration properties.
However, as you’ll see below, the research on many of these ingredients are extremely limited so would not be recommended as an effective treatment over some of the well-researched drugs that are often used.
Many people think that there’s a link between caffeine and reversing hair loss, which is good for those who love to have their daily cup of it in the mornings.
When browsing the grooming aisles of supermarkets, you’ll often see caffeine shampoos and other hair products that contain caffeine as their primary ingredient.
Early studies [2] have shown that caffeine is able to extend the growth phase of hair follicles. Other studies [3] have also shown that caffeine can often be just as effective as Minoxidil, if used for at least 6 months.
Pumpkin seed oil contains an amino acid called cucurbitin, which is thought to be able to block DHT.
In one study [4] where 76 male patients were given pumpkin seed oil over a period of 24 weeks, a 40% increase in hair growth was observed by the end of the study. This is compared to just 10% of those who had taken a placebo treatment.
This is a promising study, but this is one of the few of its kind that has done research into pumpkin seed oil. More research needs to be done to prove its efficacy.
Essential oils for hair loss are a popular solution. However, there is very limited research to prove that they work.
Out of all the essential oils, rosemary oil is one of the most well-researched. In a 2015 study [4], experts compared the use of rosemary oil and Minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia.
After applying the oil to their scalps twice daily for six months, the group using rosemary oil saw the same increase in hair thickness as the group who were using Minoxidil.
However, this is just one study with a small sample size of just 50 men, so there still needs to be more research done.
Several more studies have been carried out to investigate the efficacy of mixtures of essential oils on hair loss – particularly mixtures that use rosemary oil. One study [5] used a mixture of thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood applied to the scalp daily for 7 months, which improved alopecia symptoms in 44% of participants
In another study [6], mixtures of Thyme vulgaris, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officialis and Cedrus atlantica were linked to improvements in alopecia symptoms and hair regrowth.
Eating a healthier diet is not only good for your body, but it can also benefit your hair. One component of a healthy diet that many people think is important for hair growth is green tea.
The popular drink contains something called epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG), which is thought to be a natural DHT blocker.
Some initial studies [7], think that EGCG is able to inhibit 5α-reductase, which is the process that converts testosterone into DHT.
Saw palmetto has long been used in traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been shown to have DHT-blocking abilities.
Find out more about the effectiveness of this natural DHT blocker in our comparison of saw palmetto vs Finasteride.
Although there are a few initial studies that seem to prove that some natural DHT blockers are effective at helping hair loss, there is not enough conclusive evidence to prove that they perform better than some of the most popular drugs.
None of these ingredients, which are promoted in DHT-blocking shampoo, will be able to completely cure hair loss either, they will only block the DHT and slow or prevent hair loss for the period that you’re using them.
There are many different natural ways that people try to reverse the effects of hair loss, like intermittent fasting, stop drinking protein drinks, and other natural remedies. However, if you’re serious about making a change, you should look into over-the-counter medication instead.
Overall, there is some evidence to suggest that some natural DHT blockers can help those who are experiencing hair loss. However, there still needs to be a lot more research in this field in order for us to give conclusive recommendations for these ingredients.
Things like eating hair growth foods, taking vitamins, and using natural DHT blockers can work for some people, but if you want to really prevent hair loss, you need to take a more serious approach.
Many men and women suffering from hair loss may choose to get a hair transplant, especially if other medications and treatments haven’t worked.
A hair transplant is an effective and permanent solution to hair loss that can result in long-term results for anyone suffering from hair loss.
If you want to find out more about hair transplants, we’d love to talk to you! Take a look at our reviews page and check out our gallery to get a better idea of what hair transplantation can do for you.
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