According to a 2014 study by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, around 35 million men and 21 million women in the US experience hair loss! What’s worse is that the hair-thinning experience affects many people psychologically. With deteriorating self-esteem and confidence, most make a rush and desperate decision when buying hair loss products. In the end, these products do little to nothing.
The first step in solving hair loss is to identify the underlying cause of the issue. You could be using a product that has worked incredibly well for others, but if the cause of your thinning hair is not the same as theirs, chances are the product won’t work.
What is DHT?
One of the major causes of hair loss is DHT. DHT or Dihydrotestosterone is a male sex hormone produced when testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Like testosterone, DHT hormones are potent factors in the manifestations of male characteristics from fetal development to puberty. These characteristics include the formation of male sex organs in fetuses then muscle mass, voice, and body hair when men hit puberty.
DHT works in our body like any other hormone. They bring chemical messages to target cells. Initially, DHT binds to a receptor inside the cell and cascades cellular effects causing modifications or physiological changes in the body. DHT specifically binds to androgen receptors, and after a series of actions, the body responds by facilitating the growth and survival of target cells.
In the body, about 10% of testosterone is converted to DHT through its biological pathway. This conversion involves the action of the enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. DHT and the said enzyme are the topics of much research since DHT causes several diseases like prostate enlargement and androgenic alopecia.
DHT and Hair Loss
Androgenic alopecia, or hair loss is a common problem that has a huge psychosocial effect on people. Many factors contribute to hair loss. Some of these are stress, aging, poor nutrition, medical conditions, or the genetic makeup of our bodies. Although our genes can not be altered, there are medical advancements and breakthroughs that are now available that can counteract this condition.
In studies, it was found out that men who are more predisposed to hair loss have higher levels of DHT in their bodies than in normal men. Researchers have further observed that the binding areas or receptors for DHT and 5-alpha-reductases are more pronounced in balding patients.
Excess DHT, in another study, was found to cause a decrease in follicular size. It was further observed that due to the excess DHT, the anagen or growth phase of hair was shortened while the telogen phase was increased. This eventually led to early shedding of hair or in extreme circumstances, led to hair loss.
The mentioned studies open more pathways to addressing hair loss conditions and limiting DHT production. Two possible approaches include inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase and blocking DHT production via DHT blockers.
To achieve this, several hair loss products have incorporated powerful ingredients that are clinically proven to be effective in combatting DHT.
Best DHT Blocker for Hair Loss
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto berries extract is popularly used as ingredient in hair growth products due to its efficacy in treating androgenic alopecia. Studies on treating alopecia using saw palmetto focus on the inhibition of DHT by the action of phytosterol from its berries. The phytosterol acts as a multi-site inhibitor to DHT synthesis. These phytosterols also block the absorption of DHT into the nucleus of cells.
Inflammation of hair follicles is also seen to contribute to androgenic alopecia conditions. One study used saw palmetto extract to inhibit this inflammation. The inflammation was controlled by topical applications, and the potential of saw palmetto in preventing hair loss was established in the study. Saw palmetto is a common ingredient in great supplements like Folexin and Hair La Vie.
Caffeine
One interesting DHT blocker, caffeine, is commonly supplied in our daily cup of coffee.
In a study, the effect of caffeine and testosterone was simultaneously evaluated for its promotion of hair follicle growth in vitro. The hair follicles were cultivated in a culture media and treated with different concentrations of caffeine and testosterone. Results showed that while the caffeine stimulated the hair follicle’s growth and activity, growth suppression was also found in testosterone-administered follicles.
In a review published in 2020, caffeine was investigated as a promising active ingredient against hair loss in topical cosmetic formulations. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that patients with androgenic alopecia experienced a reduction in hair loss by using topical, caffeine-containing cosmetic products. Furthermore, stimulations of hair follicles and elongation of hair shaft were primarily observed in caffeine-treated patients.
From these two studies, it can be deduced that caffeine-containing formulas are as effective as drug-based treatments.
Grape Seed Oil & Pumpkin Seed Oil
Two more ingredients commonly added to hair growth products are grape seed and pumpkin seed oil. According to research, grape seed oil and pumpkin seed oil are good sources of procyanidin oligomers. Procyanidins are natural antioxidants that are known to neutralize free radicals and damage to hair follicles. Additionally, in one research, the procyanidin’s efficacy was similarly attributed to the inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase in hair follicles.
Furthermore, Procyanidin was investigated for its effect on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia. Research showed that these compounds increased mean hair count to 40%. Additionally, significant self-rated improvements and satisfaction were recorded from the patients.
Another study further proved the efficacy of procyanidin in a small population. A 1% solution of procyanidin was applied topically to patients and resulted in a significant improvement in hair count and hair thickness. In addition, no adverse effects were observed from the patients who used the topical application.
Ginseng Extract
Ginseng is a natural herb anciently used for its many medicinal purposes. Recently, studies associating hair-growing properties were found in ginseng extract or its oil. The mechanism of actions of ginseng is still being established, while some reports suggest that red ginseng may improve hair growth by inhibiting DHT-induced androgen receptor activities.
Studies involving ginseng focused on ginsenosides, the active compounds found in ginseng extract. The study showed the inhibitory effects of ginsenoside against 5-alpha-reductase. In addition to that, topical application of ginsenoside on the skin hindered testosterone hair growth suppression.
Beta-sitosterol
This plant sterol is commonly found in foods and oils like nuts, seeds, grains, soybeans, avocado oil, and olive oil. This phytosterol is currently being used to lower cholesterol and fight cancer. But it has been found that Beta-sitosterol can also inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, thereby making it a good ingredient for anti-hair loss medicine.
Pygeum
Pygeum is a medicinal bark used to treat enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. It works by reducing overall inflammation and slowing the growth of prostate cells. Because of its testosterone-decreasing properties, it’s now being studied for its anti-hair loss properties as well. Pygeum is a very powerful DHT-Blocker, that’s why further studies are required to see its tolerability and possible side effects.
Now that you know the best DHT Blocking ingredients, here are the 10 best DHT blockers that will help fight hair loss and even boost hair regrowth.
Best DHT Blocker Supplements
One of the best ways to use DHT Blockers is through supplements. All of the supplements we’ve reviewed contain DHT Blockers from natural ingredients to avoid adverse side effects.
Best DHT Blocker for Hair Loss
Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker
Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker review
Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker pills are another remarkable dietary supplement that promises to deliver excellent results within 90 days. The Supplement is formulated to stop hair loss, promote hair regrowth, and provide vital protection to safeguard your hair against harmful radicals from the environment and the food you are eating.
According to the manufacturer, Advanced Trichology tablets block DHT, support healthy hormonal balance, improve metabolism, decrease bloating, and promote the growth of stronger and fuller hair in women. For men, it will block DHT, improve digestion, support prostate health, increase the performance of medical dihydrotestosterone blockers, and boost healthy hair growth.
Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker Ingredients
The supplement is formulated with proven ingredients such as Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, Green tea Leaf Extract, Zinc, Stinging Nettle Root, Grape Seed Extract, L-Lysine, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Chicory Root 4:1 Extract, and a proprietary blend.
Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker Side Effects
Side effects reported are abdomen pain, testicular pain, low libido, and constant fatigue.
How to Use
Use two capsules two times per day before your meals. The supplement should be used for 90 days to deliver the best results.
Pros
- Uses clinically proven ingredients
- Works to stop hair loss and improve hair growth
- Covered with a money-back guarantee
Cons
- It can produce some side effects, especially if you are sensitive to the ingredients used.
Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker Reviews
OMG! I wanna cry! This thing works! I am a 35 yrs old Dermatology nurse, i’ve been suffering from Androgenic Alopecia since teenage years. I have tried EVERYTHING! Including PRP and expensive laser helmets. I wanted to give up and shave my head. Two weeks into taking these magic capsules and i’ve noticed ACTUAL HAIR GROWTH that even PRP could not do! WORTH. EVERY. PENNY. By John Linsangan
I am presently on my second bottle of the Advanced Trichology DHT Blocker and have already noticed a significant drop in how much hair I lose both during the day and in the shower. The amount of fallout has gone from quite a lot to just a few strands, which is pretty amazing. I do not expect to see growth for at least another month or two as it takes time for hair to resolve, but the fact I’m not losing a ton of hair is very promising. By Angelica G
Best DHT Blocker for Men
Procerin Hair Regrowth Complex
Procerin DHT Blocker Pills Review:
Procerin is a supplement that is clinically proven to promote hair growth by revitalizing hair follicles and blocking DHT production. This product primarily helps those experiencing alopecia by lowering DHT levels in the body.
Procerin DHT blocker pills are formulated with powerful ingredients including saw palmetto. As discussed above, saw palmetto is a powerful DHT-blocker and promotes hair growth and activation of hair follicles. One other ingredient, rooibos, is infused with minerals like zinc, copper, potassium, and calcium that provide alopecia patients with nutrients needed for building hair. Its grape seed extract is rich in vitamin c, a powerful antioxidant that protects your hair from free radicals. And last but not least, the product contains essential oils like peppermint, avocado, and primrose oil that moisturize and strengthen hair to avoid further hair loss.
Best DHT Blocker for Women
Revita Nutraceutical Tablets
Revita is a nutraceutical supplement that works from the inside out. The supplement comes in easy-to-swallow tablets that deliver essential nutrients to your body. These nutrients nourish and stimulate the scalp and hair follicles to stop hair thinning and promote growth. The tablets work incredibly well for both men and women.
Revita Nutraceutical tablets are formulated with several proven ingredients. B-Sitosterol fights hair loss by blocking DHT. It also contains magnesium which fights flakes and hair loss, alfalfa extract that promotes the generation of new cells to boost healthy hair growth, iron which nourishes the scalp and hair follicles by improving the supply of oxygen, Canadian willowherb that provides anti-inflammatory protection; Biotin for strong and generally healthier hair, and the natural hormone Melatonin that slows hair loss and boosts hair growth.
These DHT Blocker tablets also contain Zinc, Daidzein, Vitamin D, and Genistein.
How to Use Revita’s DHT Blocker Tablets
Take one tablet per day with lots of water.
Pros
- Features a powerful and comprehensive formula
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Highly rated
- Easy to use. You only need to take one pill per day
Cons
- It takes time to produce results.
Best DHT Blocking Shampoo and Supplement
Propidren by HairGenics
Propidren by HairGenics is the best DHT blocker for internal and external use.
Propidren features a powerful formula that fights DHT and hair loss while boosting hair regrowth at the same time. It is formulated with clinically proven ingredients such as Saw Palmetto and Biotin.
Saw Palmetto fights the production of DHT by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. In doing so, it essentially stops hair miniaturization and loss.
Not every day do you come across a product that can promote hair regrowth and stop hair loss simultaneously. Propidren’s exceptional formula containing another proven ingredient known as Biotin stimulates your hair follicles to promote stronger and thicker hair. It makes your hair look fuller, shinier, and more voluminous. Studies have also shown that Biotin fights brittle hair. It strengthens your hair and boosts its elasticity. It also provides a vital protective layer that helps keep your hair safe against harsh environmental factors.
Besides Saw Palmetto and Biotin, Propidren also contains other powerful ingredients, including Nettle Extract, Horsetail, Green tea Extract, Fo-Ti, Pygeum Bark Powder, Zinc, Iron, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate, Beta-Sitosterol, and Silicon Dioxide.
How to Use Propidren DHT Blocker Vitamins
Take 2 capsules per day with a glass of water. Propidren should be used consistently for 3 months to achieve the best results. The company also encourages combining these Propidren pills with the Propidren Topical Liquid.
Pros
- Features clinically proven ingredients
- Works consistently with most people
- Easy and convenient to use pills
- Incredible user reviews
Cons
- It can produce some side effects if you are sensitive to the ingredients used.
Best DHT Blocking Shampoo
Lipogaine The Big 5 Shampoo
Lipogaine The Big 5 is a shampoo that is used to fight hair loss caused by DHT. It is also formulated to improve hair regrowth thanks to the addition of several powerful ingredients.
The solution is packed with Saw Palmetto Extract, Oleic Acid, Beta-Sitosterol, and Linoleic Acid. These ingredients are well known for their effectiveness in reducing DHT levels, thereby stopping hair loss.
The solution also contains a proprietary blend of Biotin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Niacin, which nourish and stimulate the scalp and hair follicles.
Other ingredients present in the formula include azetinol, water, propylene glycol, ethanol, fatty acids, 5% minoxidil, polyphenol, gamma & linoleic acid, and biotin-tripeptide.
This product’s manufacturer also provides an alternative, Lipogaine for Men for Sensitive Scalp, formulated with an equally powerful formula but without propylene glycol. Therefore, it’s friendlier to the skin and a great option, especially for guys with very sensitive scalps.
Best DHT Blocking Shampoo for Women
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge is one of the best DHT blocker shampoos available today. The shampoo features a powerful formula for both men and women to fight hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth.
The star ingredient in Ultrax Labs Hair Surge is Caffeine. According to multiple studies, caffeine – when topically used – can penetrate into the hair follicles, extend their life cycle, and stimulate them to grow stronger and generally healthier hair. It also strengthens the hair and makes it feel thicker and fuller. The beauty of using this type of caffeine topically is that the user is never exposed to the same side effects as ingested caffeine.
To deal with DHT, Ultrax Labs Hair Surge has added Saw Palmetto to the formula. This is perhaps the best ingredient for dealing with the problematic sex hormone. Several studies have demonstrated its ability to block 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT.
Ultrax Labs Hair Surge also provides antifungal and anti-inflammatory protection thanks to the inclusion of Ketoconazole. Therefore, dryness, itchiness, and dandruff shouldn’t be a problem.
How to Use
Apply the shampoo on damp hair and lather for 1-2 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly. The shampoo should be used five times a week.
Pros
- Stops hair loss and boosts hair regrowth at the same time
- Uses proven ingredients
- Has a decent scent
- Incredible online reviews
Cons
- It may take some time to produce results.
Best DHT Blocker Shampoo for Men
ACTiiV Hair Science Shampoo
ACTiiV Hair Science Shampoo offers a much safer way of addressing hair loss in different individuals. ACTiiV offers a 2-step application, shampoo, and conditioner that potentially targets and inhibits DHT production and stimulates new hair growth.
Its main active ingredients include red clover, saw palmetto, and lavender extracts. These ingredients help stimulate hair follicles and have the potential for hair regrowth. Panthenol infused in the formula promotes shinier, softer, and stronger hair strands. Aloe vera, as widely known, has healing and nourishing properties, and it helps cleanse the scalp and hair. The Bacopa Monniera Leaf extract content is studied to have alkaloids that effectively activate hair growth as well.
Best Topical DHT Blocker
Spectral DNC N + 5% Nanoxidil
Spectral DNC N +5% Nanoxidil is a hair loss topical treatment that contains caffeine. It is clinically tested and proven to promote hair growth and stop hair shedding. Its main ingredient, nanoxidil, is a safer replacement for minoxidil due to fewer reported side effects.
Two powerful drugs included in this product are nanoxidil and myristoyl pentapeptide. These compounds promote hair follicle stimulation and hair regrowth and help hair grow stronger and longer. Another synthetic ingredient, retinol, is an exfoliant ingredient that helps unclog follicles for better oxygenation.
In addition to these powerful ingredients, this Hair Therapy contains adenosine, a protein known to therapeutically help inflammation. Azelaic acid and caffeine, on the other hand, are potent DHT inhibitors that help prevent further hair loss.
The Spectral DNC N +5% Nanoxidil also contains lysophosphatidic acid, a form of lipid, that also promotes hair growth. And its lecithin content supports hair growth and adds shine and luster.
Biotin Hair Growth Drops
The Biotin Hair Growth Drops is a specially formulated product by By Natures that is infused with biotin, and a botanical complex including tea tree oil. It makes your hair grow fuller, denser, and stronger by stimulating the growth of hair follicles. This is recommended for thinning hair, and dry and itchy scalp problems.
From the name itself, biotin is the main active ingredient of this product which primarily helps in keratin production. On the other hand, the special botanical complex promotes healthy hair and hair growth. It is also infused with ginger oil for treating inflammation and tea tree oil, which has anti-dandruff properties and helps with itchiness and flaking.
Furthermore, the Bio7 Hair growth oil also contains ravintsara oil is a powerful antimicrobial to help cleanse the scalp. The peppermint oil content improves blood flow around hair follicles for hair growth stimulation. While the willow bark is an exfoliating scalp cleanser, the witch hazel helps soothe the scalp.
DHT Blocker Results & Reviews
Propidren Review: Not only has my hair begun to grow in thicker (enough for someone else to notice and comment on it), but it also grows faster. Definitely recommend adding this to your routine to regrow hair. By Derrick L Dupler
Lipogaine Shampoo Review: I have been using this for 3 days a week (every other day and one day off) for exactly 3 months now and here are my results. I was at the end of my rope with my hair I was seriously considering extensions or a wig… But no more, this shampoo sincerely works. By Jessica
Spectral DNC-N Review: I’ve been using for a month now, noticed my hair starting to look fuller and more filled in on areas where I apply daily, noticed results after just a couple weeks. By Alex
DHT Blocker Side Effects
Because DHT blockers also block testosterone and hormones responsible for other bodily functions, DHT blockers can have mild to adverse side effects. These include
- Low Libido
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Abdominal Pain
- Erectile Dysfunction
If you’re taking any other medications, I suggest that you consult your doctor first before taking any supplements. Shampoos and topical treatments are much safer choices if you want to avoid the adverse side effects of DHT Blockers.
Best DHT Blocker for Hair Growth: Final Thoughts
That concludes our list of the top 5 DHT blockers for hair loss. It’s up to you whether you want a topical or internal product. You can get even better results by combining the capsules and tablets with topical solutions or shampoos. Just make sure you use them as directed, and in case you experience any side effects, stop using the product immediately and seek medical help.
