BEST TOPICAL DHT BLOCKERS FOR HAIR REGROWTH

In this article, we will talk about what is DHT, why it is harmful for hair and the best topical DHT blockers.

WHAT IS DHT?

DHT stands for Dihydro-testosterone and it is an androgen sex hormone that is produced from testosterone. When testosterone combines with 5-alpha- reductase then DHT forms.

WHY BLOCK DHT?

Formation of DHT in large amounts is not good for your scalp, because the androgen receptors at the base of the hair follicles connect to this DHT and this can lead to inflammation and ultimately hair loss.

DHT is one of the leading causes of male pattern baldness. It is known for its harmful effects on the hair follicles and blocking DHT has now become a very important step in treating people with hair loss or balding issues. DHT can be blocked by consuming natural or synthetic DHT blockers or applying them topically on the scalp.

After all this one question arises is that should we block testosterone instead of DHT because DHT is formed by testosterone itself, but this is very bad idea testosterone is very important hormone is especially known as a male hormone or male androgen responsible for very important functions such as sex drive, bone mass, production of red blood cell and sperm.

BEST TOPICAL DHT BLOCKER

1-SAW PALMETTO

Saw palmetto works most effectively at reducing DHT present in the body and scalp; it is believed to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase which converts testosterone into DHT.

In a 2016 study performed by Opoku Acheampong shows the effectiveness of saw palmetto.

You can check out this- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/8135135/

 

2- STINGING NETTLE ROOT

It is well known for its stinging effects when touched and commonly known as Bichu in North Indian slang. It works the same as saw palmetto, reducing 5-alpha-reductase activity so that testosterone doesn’t convert into DHT, due to this DHT level decrease.

In 2011 research study clearly shows that it has a strong 5 –alpha-reductase inhibitory effects.

You want to check this out- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01197.x

 

3-KETOCONAZOLE

It is the main or popular ingredient of anti-dandruff shampoo and the reason why ketoconazole works is that it used as an additional ingredient with good DHT blockers.

In research there is group which only consumed finasteride and another group consumed finasteride with the topical application of ketoconazole as a shampoo and the results are amazing for the second group.

So this is where ketoconazole play  an important role as an additive ingredient in your hair care regime its main function is to block all pathway or disrupt the function of DHT on the local area where you have applied it.

4-BHRINGRAJ EXTRACT

Bhringraj extract in Ayurveda aims to balance and rejuvenate the body and promote hair growth.

In many studies, bhringraj is effective at fighting bacteria and fungus. Bhringraj contains VITAMIN E which is an antioxidant and known to fight free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation caused by DHT.

You can get bhringraj as oil but make sure that it is the main ingredient of the oil, there are many oils in the market which are selling their products in the shadow of bhringraj but actually it is present in a small amount which is not effective.

5-ROSEMARY ESSENTIAL OIL

It works in two ways

First, it increases micro circulation in your scalp and helps in nutrient mobilization so that your hair follicles get enough oxygen and nutrient.

The second thing is that it reduces local inflammation which is caused by DHT. Generally, DHT cause inflammation in your hair follicle that’s why you start losing hair. If you achieved to reduce the inflammation then you are winning half the battle.

If you have seen my blogs then you must know how much importance I give to essential oils. They are very powerful and effective if you know the right method to use them. If you want to know more about essential oils check this- https://drhairguard.blogspot.com/2020/06/top-3-essential-oils-which-can-regrow.html

6-GREEN TEA

Green tea contains catechin such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) this catechin reduces inflammation greatly and due to the richness of antioxidant it prevents free radical damage.

Apart from this, we have finasteride and dutasteride for topical applications, these are very powerful DHT blockers but the problem is they are too powerful and have several harmful side effects. I do not personally recommend if you want to apply first consult a dermatologist.

Few more mentions of some best topical DHT blockers which are under study and have the potential to block DHT and to prevent hair loss-

1-AVICENNIA MARINA (GREY WHITE MANGROVE)

This is shown to block DHT and lower down DHT levels

2-MELATONIN

3-VITAMINS B2, B3, B7 all these are very powerful vitamins, these all are associated with blocking DHT.

All these three which I have listed are under study; they have no long term study at present.

Everything is purely for education propose if you want to try any of these please first consult dermatologist.

If you find this helpful and have any question leave a comment below.