Hair loss can be upsetting and have a huge effect on confidence levels. When it comes, and for many, it will, the attempts to slow it or reverse it become time-consuming and expensive. It is no wonder that many products are now on the market that claim to either slow or stop hair loss or restore lost hair.
One type of product that receives a particular amount of attention is DHT-blocking shampoo. It has been claimed that it can help with hair loss, but alongside those claims are also doubts. So let’s dive in and look at DHT-blocking shampoos and whether they can help with hair loss so you can make the right decision before spending money where it may not be needed!
What is a DHT-blocking shampoo?
DHT-blocking shampoos are a hair product promoted with the message of helping with hair loss. The ingredients within are known as active ingredients and can help block the effects of DHT that can cause male pattern baldness.
They work by stopping an enzyme known as 5AR from converting testosterone to DHT.
What is DHT?
DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone to give it its full name, is a male hormone that controls several parts that make a male. It helps to grow hair and increase muscle mass. However, when it comes to hair, DHT isn’t always a good thing. The production of DHT in the body can cause the loss of hair follicles, which in turn leads to baldness.
How does blocking DHT stop hair loss?
Excessive DHT can lead to male pattern baldness because of how DHT binds to receptors in the hair follicles around the crown and hairline. For some, the follicles are sensitive to DHT and due to this sensitivity, the follicles shrink. This then causes damage, which stops the growth of hair. DHT blockers stop the body from converting as much testosterone into DHT, resulting in less binding to the receptors, and either less, or no, hair loss.
Does a DHT blocking shampoo work?
If you have succumbed to male pattern baldness, you can opt to use a DHT blocker, although the results may not be as life changing as you had hoped. Whilst the active ingredients have all been proven to promote hair growth, the application of the product containing them does not mean your hair will magically be restored.
Some DHT products will claim to make hair look thicker rather than actually grow back, and others may loosely claim hair restoration. Unfortunately, there have not been many, if any, studies that prove DHT-blocking shampoos work and give your hair a new lease of life. Thankfully, many of the manufacturers of products do state that a DHT-blocking shampoo alone will not cure hair loss, and if one is chosen, it should be used with a treatment like Finasteride or Minoxidil. These two products are only available on prescription. The Finasteride works by blocking the DHT to slow, but not stop hair loss, and the Minoxidil encourages the growth of hair by pushing the follicles into the growth phase.
This sounds encouraging, but both Finasteride and Minoxidil can cause side effects and it would be suggested you look into them first before using such a treatment and perhaps even seek the advice of medical professionals.
Are there DHT blocker shampoo side effects?
For the most part, DHT-blocking shampoo is safe, and users will not see any ill-effects. As with anything though the risk of side-effects does exist. You could find yourself encountering:
- Itching
- A burning sensation on the scalp
- Redness
- Scalp irritation/inflammation
Finasteride is an oral DHT blocker, so the side effects from this can be much more severe. You could experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Erectile disfunction
- Fertility issues
It is thought that such problems only affect a very small percentage of people, so you should always check with a pharmacist before proceeding. Alternatively, you could source a different form of treatment by speaking to an expert in hairline restoration.
Are DHT-blocking shampoos safe?
Overall, a DHT-blocking shampoo is safe to use, but along with the potential side-effects, you could find yourself suffering from allergic reactions to them. Some chemicals used within them can cause more damage to your hair which could then lead to increased hair loss!
Do any DHT blockers reduce hair loss?
The only DHT-blockers that can reduce hair loss are Finasteride and Minoxidil. These are both prescription treatments and not available off the shelf. However, your best option would be to speak to a hair loss clinic first. They can suggest the best possible treatments for your hair loss.
Hair loss can play havoc with a man’s confidence, and many will seek any route to get it back. It’s important you seek appropriate guidance before racing ahead with a potential solution. Hopefully, our dive into DHT-blocking products has given you a little more clarity.
