For many centuries, people debated the cause of hair loss to be genetic.
But now, medical studies have found that hair loss can be associated with DHT.
In this article, we'll tell you 20 most effective ways how you can reduce and remove DHT from scalp.
What is DHT in hair?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an anagen male sex hormone that develops male characteristics in their puberty phase. This process includes changing of voice, body hair, and mass muscle, etc.
During this process, androgen receptors convert testosterone into DHT. It attaches itself to the anagen and blocks the nourishment to reach hair follicles. The problem is that regrown hair will be thinner and weaker. In other words, you can eventually have baldness or hair loss.
Even though DHT is needed to produce body hair, high levels of DHT are harmful to the hair growing on your head.
Consequently, reducing, removing, lowering or blocking DHT is a promising way to stop hair loss.
20 best ways how to remove DHT from scalp
These are the 20 best ways how to reduce and remove DHT from scalp:
1. Apple cider vinegar rinse
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can be used as a natural scalp rinse to remove buildup and balance the pH level of the scalp, reducing DHT production. Mix one part ACV with one part water, apply to the scalp, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
2. Green tea rinse
Brew a strong cup of green tea, let it cool, and apply to the scalp. Green tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce DHT production and promote hair growth.
3. Saw palmetto extract
Saw palmetto is a natural DHT blocker and can be taken as a supplement or applied topically to the scalp.
4. Nettle root extract
Nettle root is another natural DHT blocker that can be taken as a supplement or applied topically to the scalp.
5. Pumpkin seed oil
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in zinc, which can help reduce DHT production. Apply topically to the scalp or take as a supplement.
6. Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce DHT production. Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply to the scalp.
7. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has a cooling effect on the scalp and can improve blood flow, which can reduce DHT production. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply to the scalp.
8. Emu oil
Emu oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce DHT production and promote hair growth. Apply topically to the scalp.
9. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has enzymes that can help remove buildup from the scalp, which can reduce DHT production. Apply topically to the scalp.
10. Zinc supplements
Zinc is essential for healthy hair growth and can help reduce DHT production. Take as a supplement.
11. Vitamin B-complex supplements
B vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and can help reduce stress, which can reduce DHT production. Take as a supplement.
12. Iron supplements
Iron is essential for healthy hair growth and can help reduce DHT production. Take as a supplement.
13. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, which can reduce DHT production. Take as a supplement or eat foods rich in omega-3s, such as salmon and walnuts.
14. Avoiding stress
Stress can increase DHT production, so managing stress through meditation, exercise, or other relaxation techniques can help reduce DHT production.
15. Exercise
Exercise can improve blood flow and reduce stress, which can reduce DHT production.
16. Adequate sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for reducing stress and promoting healthy hair growth, which can reduce DHT production.
17. Coconut oil
Coconut oil can help remove buildup from the scalp, which can reduce DHT production. Apply topically to the scalp.
18. Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral medication that can help reduce DHT production and promote hair growth.
19. Hair transplant surgery
Hair transplant surgery involves taking hair follicles from a donor area and transplanting them to the balding area of the scalp. This can be an effective way to restore hair growth in areas where DHT production has caused hair loss.
20. Ketoconazole shampoo
Ketoconazole shampoo is a medicated shampoo that can help remove DHT from the scalp. It contains an antifungal medication called ketoconazole, which has been shown to have anti-androgenic effects that can help reduce DHT production.
FAQs
How to reduce DHT on scalp?
To reduce DHT on scalp, use natural DHT-blocking shampoos containing saw palmetto, green tea, or pumpkin seed oil. Massage your scalp gently while washing to remove oils that contribute to higher DHT levels. Consider supplements like pumpkin seed extract or stinging nettle root.
How to lower DHT?
To lower DHT, consume a healthier diet rich in fruits and vegetables to help regulate hormone levels. Maintain a normal body weight. Exercise regularly. Try natural DHT-blocking supplements. Manage stress through yoga or meditation. Limit alcohol intake which can increase DHT production.
How to block DHT?
To block DHT, look for topical solutions containing saw palmetto or green tea extract shown to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. Oral supplements with ingredients like nettle root, flaxseed, or pumpkin seed also block the conversion process. Monitor medication intake as some prescription drugs may elevate DHT levels.
Conclusion
The need for testosterone is crucial for the development of male characteristics. Yet testosterone conversion to DHT can be harmful to adults as it only lets your hair follicles starve and make them thin and weak.
To avoid hair loss, a lot of people are moving towards medicinal plants or herbs. In a way, herbal treatment has proved effective in reducing the DHT from your scalp without causing any side effects.
Addressing hair loss concerns early may offer more options for management. Always seek medical practitioner advice before embarking on your journey to stop hair loss.
READ MORE:
- Does Minoxidil Work For A Receding Hairline?
- Widow’s Peak: Everything You Need to Know
- Uneven Hairline: Why It Happens & Should You Worry?
References
- The effects of Finasteride on scalp skin and serum androgen levels in men with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Oct 1;41(4):550–4.
- The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Jul 1;77(1):136–41.e5.
- Gupta AK, Charrette A. Topical Minoxidil: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Its Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia. Skinmed. 2015 May;13(3):185–9.
