For years, scientists could not do too much to help people with male pattern baldness. The baldness prevention industry marketed products with ingredients that helped with keeping remaining hair healthier, but many were ineffective until researchers discovered the DHT link. Researchers first developed pills that could inhibit the body from creating DHT, but this method had some drawbacks. The key to preventing, and even reversing, male pattern baldness is blocking DHT from accumulating on the scalp. Since the presence of this hormone is vital for other areas of the body, using a shampoo became the preferred treatment method for treating baldness.

Research has supported the treatment strategy of promoting hair growth by blocking the substance from collecting on the scalp. The discovery of how too much DHT causes baldness sparked a flurry of activity to find specific ingredients that would inhibit it from amassing on the skin on top of the head. Marketers have made many claims as to the effectiveness of various natural and humanmade chemicals in preventing and curing baldness. So far, professional research has shown there are only a few substances that work.

While the market does contain some DHT inhibitors that people with male pattern baldness can ingest orally, the side effects they can cause are considerable. In many cases, the best course of treatment includes using a shampoo that contains ingredients proven to block DHT. Research has shown other components, while not proven to block DHT, help promote hair healthy hair growth.

• Ketoconazole – Research has linked this chemical to disruption of DHT on the scalp. Scientists believe it works by inhibiting AR receptors, which are the substances the body uses to convert testosterone to DHT. When users apply this substance in the form of a shampoo, a reversal of male pattern baldness can occur.
  
  
• Biotin – This B vitamin helps the body convert nutrients into energy. Biotin aids the process of synthesizing fatty acids and glucose, which is one of the necessities of thick, healthy hair.

• Ornithine – A vital enzyme that the body uses to produce polyamines, ornithine is a critical component of healthy hair. Laboratory research has shown this ingredient can reduce hair loss and increase hair strength.

• Cysteine – A part of the Keratin group, research has shown this amino acid can reverse hair loss and repair slow hair growth.

Many factors besides blocking DHT goes into creating a full, healthy head of hair. Many ingredients promote hair preservation and growth by creating a healthy environment on the scalp. Various natural substances can help sufferers of hair loss hold on to the hair they have and repair damage to their scalp. Even in cases where treatment cannot fully reverse hair loss, promoting hair growth can help keep the appearance of a healthy head of hair.

To help with healthy hair, most experts recommend choosing a shampoo containing high-quality ingredients combined in proper proportions to promote healthy hair. Research has shown various natural herbs, enzymes and substances that each contributes in some way to help create suitable conditions for better hair growth and retention.

• Apple Polyphenol – Helps prevent oxidation, inflammation and glycation of hair on the scalp.

• Caffeine – Shown to prevent hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.

• Taurine – An amino acid naturally occurring in the body that can promote keratin production to stop hair loss.

• Emu Oil – Rich in fatty acids, emu oil can help stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss by improving scalp health.

• Niacinamide – This vitamin B3 is an essential nutrient that supports some of the cellular processes necessary for healthy hair growth and retention.

• Copper Peptides – When amino acids link together to form copper peptides, they have healing properties that can help repair damaged hair follicles on the scalp.