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Studies show that around 53% of men have at least some hair loss by the time they are 50. They look for solutions that will help stop hair loss and stimulate growth.
You may have come across different products and wondered, “What is DHT blocking shampoo? If this is you, don’t worry — we’ll cover all you need to know in our complete guide below.
What Is DHT Blocking Shampoo?
DHT blocking shampoo is designed to block the effects of DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, on your scalp. This androgen hormone is produced as a byproduct of testosterone, and this shampoo prevents the hormone from having a negative impact on your hair follicles.
This helps to reduce hair loss. This type of shampoo contains other ingredients that help, and people find them effective. You may be suffering from hair loss and want to learn more about DHT blocking shampoos.
People often have questions, including the following:
- What is DHT?
- What are the active ingredients in DHT blocking shampoo?
- Who should use it?
- Are there any negative side effects?
We had the same questions, and we have found the answers. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about DHT blocking shampoos.
A Little About DHT and How It Works
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DHT is dihydrotestosterone, which is a hormone produced as a byproduct of testosterone. When people are genetically predisposed to hair loss, there are receptors in the hair follicles on your scalp that encourage DHT to bind to them.
After this, it causes an enzyme to be produced that will make the follicle shrink. As the hair follicle shrinks, the hair becomes finer, and it will eventually stop growing at all. If you have hair loss that is a result of DHT, you can use this kind of shampoo to prevent this from happening.
When you use it, you usually use it twice a day. You massage the shampoo into your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before you rinse it out.
It will block DHT, which allows your hair follicles to grow hair. It is important to note that once you use a DHT blocking shampoo, you need to continue using it or the condition will return and you will lose hair again.
Active Ingredients in DHT Blocking Shampoo
Different DHT blocking shampoos may have some different ingredients, but an effective shampoo will have the ingredients that are discussed below. It is the combination of different ingredients that makes this shampoo effective. Look for the following ingredients:
Ketoconazole
Ketoconazole is an antifungal ingredient that is often used to treat infections from ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. It is used in different shampoos to help reduce flakiness, an itchy scalp, and scaling that comes from dandruff.
It isn’t used in every DHT blocking shampoo, but it is in many of them. Research has shown that ketoconazole can help with hair density, and it can help increase the size of the hair follicles when the hair growth cycle is in its anagen or growth phase.
Although there is some research that shows that it helps reduce the DHT levels, there isn’t much. However, you will want to find this ingredient in any DHT blocking shampoo you use.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is an ingredient that is extracted from the Serenoa repens plant, which is a small palm. It is found in different shampoos for hair loss because some studies have shown that it produces an improvement in hair growth and may have DHT blocking properties.
Biotin Vitamins
Biotin vitamins are thought to promote hair growth. They include vitamins B7, B8, and H. An alternative is lavender oil, which also promotes hair growth.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is a natural ingredient that can help block DHT. In addition, animal studies have shown that it could be beneficial for protecting prostate tissue. It has also been shown to potentially improve hair growth. DHT blocking shampoos often have this ingredient.
Read Next: What Is the Main Ingredient in Shampoo?
Who Should Use DHT Blocking Shampoo
Anyone can try a DHT blocking shampoo if they are experiencing hair loss, but it is most effective on people who are in their forties and have a genetic predisposition to hair loss.
This type of shampoo is not able to reverse hair loss; it can help you make your scalp and hair follicles healthier so that hair can grow. It is important to make sure that your hair loss is caused by the DHT hormone, and then it will reduce those effects.
The shampoo blocks DHT and prevents it from bonding to the hair follicles, so the hair might be able to grow. However, make sure that the shampoo has the right active ingredients.
If your hair loss is caused by something other than DHT, this type of shampoo isn’t likely to help. Make sure that you are a good candidate for this shampoo if you want to try it.
DHT Blocking Shampoo Side Effects
What you need to remember is that once you start using DHT blockers, you need to keep using them. You should also take care if the shampoo contains sulfates, as they can irritate and dry out your scalp.
Avoid parabens, which can cause other health issues. As long as your hair loss is caused by DHT and you are prepared to continue taking it, you won’t have any troubles.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do DHT blocking shampoos take to work?
Most people say that they see results one to two months after they start using this shampoo.
Is blocking DHT harmful?
Some DHT blocking shampoos may have side effects, such as reduced semen volume, decreased libido, or erectile dysfunction.
What causes DHT to increase?
DHT is a byproduct of testosterone, and the levels increase when testosterone increases. Often, high DHT is caused by genetics.
So, What Is DHT Blocking Shampoo?
DHT blocking shampoo is a shampoo that is formulated to block DHT, a byproduct of testosterone. DHT can cause the hair follicles to shrink, leading to a lack of growth.
People who have genetic linked hair loss due to DHT production can benefit from using this shampoo. It is important to start using it early for the best results.