Do you have a moment of panic in the morning when you brush your hair and see clumps of hair on your brush?
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss, which can be a temporary situation or a permanent one. It may be a normal part of aging, a medical condition, stress, hereditary, or a hormonal issue.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is to blame for hormone-related hair loss.
What Is DHT?
DHT is an androgen, the sex hormone that helps develop male sex characteristics, one of which is body hair.
Other functions of DHT include:
- Making voice deeper
- Increasing muscle mass in the body
- Growing the male reproductive organ
-
Changing fat storage in the body
The DHT Connection: Why Hair Loss?
But DHT is also a reason why people lose hair faster and much earlier in life. Hair loss is a problem for both men and women, but more so for men. According to NYU Langone Health, about 80% of men and 50% of women experience visible hair loss in their lifetime. It makes sense, considering men have more testosterone in their system.
The enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) converts about 10% of testosterone in the body to DHT. The DHT flows through the bloodstream and links up with the receptors on the hair follicles. The process results in the scalp losing its ability to support healthy growth.
DHT levels manifest differently in people. Other factors come into play, like genetics. If your parent experiences male- or female-pattern baldness, you may expect the same as you grow older.
How to Reduce DHT?
Because DHT contributes to hair loss, the most logical thing to do is reduce the presence of the hormone in the body.
Here are some of the ways to do so:
1. Diet
Generally, a healthy diet will likely result in a healthy head of hair. Unhealthy hair can be a manifestation of a health issue. But there are also specific diets that can lead to the reduction of DHT levels.
Natural DHT blockers include foods rich in zinc—the mineral contains phytosterol, which blocks DHT production. Food that contains lycopene is also advised because it is a natural DHT blocker. The same goes for biotin-rich products because they help produce strong hair.
Here are examples of food that are natural DHT blockers:
- Bananas
- Berries
- Carrots
- Kale
- Legumes
- Liver
- Mangoes
- Oily fish
- Pumpkin seeds
- Spinach
- Soybeans
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
-
White mushroom
2. Medication
You can also use medication, particularly 5-AR inhibitors, to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
If this is your preference, talk to a medical professional before taking any medication.
3. Use Shampoo That Targets DHT to Prevent Hair Loss
Shampoo is an integral part of a person’s hygiene. It removes dirt, debris, and odor from your hair. When you use the right shampoo, you can easily maintain healthy hair and minimize hair loss and breakage.
Choose a product with ingredients that are DHT blockers (ketoconazole, caffeine, azelaic acid, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil).
What Shampoo To Use To Prevent Hair Loss
When buying shampoo, don’t just look at the brand or take a whiff of the scent. You must scrutinize the ingredient list and ensure it will help minimize DHT.
To help, here is our list of the best shampoos that target the hormone to prevent hair loss:
Revita
This contains ingredients that are scientifically proven to reduce DHT: ketoconazole and coffee. Ketoconazole is a common treatment for fungus, but it is also known as an agent for DHT reduction. Coffee has been the subject of research studies and has been known to restore hair growth. Coffee is said to counter the effects of DHT in the hair follicle. Revita shampoos also contain biotin, a B-vitamin that is vital for hair health.
Revita High-Performance Hair Density Shampoo is suitable for all hair types, including colored hair. It also improves hair density and thickness.
Revita.CBD
This product is enhanced with 150 milligrams of broad-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD), which fortifies the hair.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine states: “CBD might have a modulating function on alopecia caused by hormonal or excess of signaling pathway, and be a promising application for on alopecia treatment.”
Revita.CBD Antioxidant Hair Density CBD Shampoo will curb the effects of DHT to give you healthier-looking hair and scalp. It is suitable for all hair types and is recommended for daily use.
These products are from DS Laboratories, a dermatological brand that specializes in science-backed haircare products.
Bottom Line
Losing between 50 and 100 strands of hair every day is normal. Sometimes, you don’t even notice hair loss. But if you experience significantly more than that, you should reconsider your hair care products.
Opt for a shampoo with ingredients that reduce DHT. The hormone is one of the biggest reasons for hair loss.
