Hair loss can come in many forms, but a huge culprit of hair loss in both men and women is known as androgenetic alopecia, or commonly known as male/female pattern baldness. Although it was once thought to be caused by testosterone, it is now understood that at the core of the balding process, DHT is the main cause. But what is DHT? And what can you do to put an end to DHT from ruining those precious locks on your head?
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What is DHT
Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, isn’t a synthetic steroid, but one your body produces on it’s own, affecting your hair follicles and wanting them dead. DHT and hair loss go hand in hand.
Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductive. Scientists once believed it was the amount of testosterone circulating through the body that caused hair loss. It is now believed to be the level of DHT binding to receptors in the scalp follicles, shrinking the hair follicles, and making it impossible for your healthy hair to survive.
Hair Loss DHT Details
Now while women might think they’re safe, that’s not the case as both men and women produce a certain level of testosterone and therefore DHT. However, while DHT causes hair loss, it’s also an important factor in the body. It is found in the tissue of your liver, a man’s prostate, skin, and hair follicles. When your body produces too much DHT or are genetically susceptible to hair loss, DHT can be quite a nuisance. It binds to the receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink, weaken, and eventually die. This can lead to a complete and total end of hair growth in the affected follicles.
Although it causes the hair on your head to fall way, it is also important for hair growth on your chest, back, and other areas. So the same hormone that is responsible for male/female pattern baldness, is vital for the rest of your body.
What Causes DHT to Increase?
DHT is derived from the testosterone hormone present in men and women. As you can imagine, men typically have higher testosterone levels than women. DHT tends to increase in the body during the stages of puberty and as individuals get older. However, in adults, about 10% of testosterone is converted to DHT according to Healthline.
As soon as this hormone is moving throughout the bloodstream, DHT can bind to the receptors of the hair follicles, causing them to shrink and die off. The scalp will no longer be able to fully support a healthy head of hair following this process. If you are experiencing hair loss due to high levels of DHT in the hair, consider purchasing DHT blockers. Some of the best DHT blocker products are listed below.
The Best DHT Blocker Products
It can be quite terrifying when losing your hair, especially if the main culprit is a production of DHT. Once the follicles die, sometimes getting them back is near impossible. If hair loss runs in your family, rather than wait for those locks to fall away to start fixing the problem, get ahead of the game and do something about it before it happens. DHT blockers are the best things you can do for your head, coming in both shampoos/conditioners and vitamins. Read below for your DHT hair loss solutions.
Products such as Kiierr’s DHT blocking shampoo and conditioner have a formula that works specifically for the health of your hair. Packed with proteins and vitamins such as vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5, keratin, jojoba oil, and collagen amino acids, both the shampoo and conditioner blocks enzymes that turn testosterone into DHT. Another ingredient that fights hair loss is kapilarine, which stimulates hair regrowth and maintains its strength.
You can also take DHT blocking vitamins to prevent hair loss. Certain vitamins like Kiierr’s DHT blocking hair growth vitamins not only blocks DHT, but improves scalp circulation and promotes hair growth.
These vitamins include saw palmetto, horsetail extract, and zinc formula that helps slow/inhibit the 5-AR enzyme conversion into DHT. They also include B6, biotin, and folic acid, all three vitamins vital in hair growth and health.
Stop the hair loss before it begins! Try these DHT blocking products. They won’t only help in your hair growth, but will keep your hair strong and healthy.
Conclusion: DHT Hair Loss Details Summarized
The overproduction of DHT on the scalp and within the hair follicles can be detrimental to your hair health. This pesky hormone can deprive all nutrients and oxygen from the hair follicles, limiting hair growth and even causing hair loss. If you suspect that the cause of your hair loss may be from DHT, it is time to take action! With the helpful tips and product recommendations above, you can get started on your hair growth journey in no time!
DHT FAQs
What does DHT do to your hair?
DHT binds to your healthy hair follicles and inhibits hair growth. Healthy hair cannot get the proper nutrients it needs to survive so they eventually shrink, and die off. This results in hair falling out.
What causes DHT to increase?
DHT can increase when levels of testosterone increase. DHT can also increase if an individual is neglecting to block the excess production of this hormone.
Will reducing DHT regrow hair?
Reducing DHT won't necessarily regrow hair. However, it will give your other hair follicles a chance to live, therefore increasing the amount of hair follicles on the scalp.
How do you stop DHT?
You can stop DHT by ingesting DHT blocking vitamins or using a shampoo that contains specific DHT blocking enzymes. The vitamins and shampoo can also be used together.
