The Silent Culprit: DHT
Hair loss can be a touchy subject, bringing with it a myriad of emotions and can effect self-esteem. However, understanding its root causes can pave the way for better treatment and prevention. One of the primary causes of hair loss is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). But what is DHT and why does it play such a significant role in hair loss?
DHT Demystified
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone derived from testosterone, present in both men and women, and is produced when testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. It is produced when testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into its more potent form and plays a central role in DHT-related hair loss. While DHT is beneficial during our early developmental years, playing a pivotal role in the formation of male primary and secondary sexual characteristics, in adulthood, it can become the antagonist in the narrative of our hair growth.
The DHT and Hair Loss Connection
So how does DHT affect our hair?
- Follicle Miniaturisation: DHT binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles, especially those in the hairline and crown in men and thinning areas in women. Over time, this results in the shrinkage of the hair follicle, making it harder for it to produce healthy hair.
- Shortened Growth Phase: Our hair goes through different stages, including a growth phase (anagen) and a resting phase (telogen). Excess DHT can shorten the anagen phase, resulting in hair not growing to its full length before shedding.
- Increased Hair Shedding: High levels of DHT can accelerate the hair’s transition from the anagen phase to the telogen phase, causing increased hair shedding.
But Why Does DHT Affect Some and Not Others?
Simply put, genetics. Those genetically predisposed to hair loss have hair follicles that are more sensitive to DHT. This means that while many people produce DHT, not everyone will experience hair loss due to its presence.
DHT-related thinning in women typically presents as diffuse hair loss rather than a receding hairline, and our women's hair care range includes products formulated to address exactly this type of hormonally influenced shedding.
Fighting Back: Inhibiting DHT
- DHT Blocking Shampoos: Such as Regrow! Our botanical and high purity ingredients are infused with saw palmetto, nettle, and biotin to reduce DHT levels on the scalp, explore our full men's hair care range to find the right formula for your needs. Other shampoos on the market usually contain caffeine, which has also been proven to stimulate blood flow to follicles, but they often miss the step of blocking DHT build up from the scalp!
- Topical Solutions: Minoxidil, for example, while not a direct DHT inhibitor, can help with advance hair loss, but can come with side effects.
- Prescription Medications: Alongside pharmaceutical topical solutions, there are also pharmaceutical tablets which can slow or reverse hair loss, however they also come with potential side effects.
- Natural Supplements: Many swear by natural remedies such as saw palmetto, green tea, and even pumpkin seeds, which are believed to have DHT inhibiting properties, but they do not directly affect the follicles where DHT does the most damage.
While DHT plays a vital role in hair loss, it’s essential to remember that other factors like stress, nutrition, and other hormonal imbalances can also influence your hair’s health. It’s always a good idea to consult with your GP to understand the exact cause of your hair woes. With the right knowledge and treatment, you can take proactive steps toward preserving and even rejuvenating your locks!
FAQs
What is DHT
DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a hormone derived from testosterone. It is naturally present in both men and women and plays an important role in development earlier in life.
How is DHT linked to hair loss
In people who are genetically sensitive, DHT can bind to receptors in scalp hair follicles and cause them to gradually shrink. This process weakens hair growth over time and can eventually lead to hair loss.
Why does DHT affect scalp hair but not other body hair
DHT affects different hair follicles in different ways. While it can stimulate beard and body hair growth, scalp follicles in certain areas are more sensitive to DHT, which causes them to weaken and shrink instead.
How does DHT shorten the hair growth cycle? DHT can interfere with the natural hair growth cycle by cutting short the active growth phase, known as the anagen phase. This means affected hairs do not reach their full length before shedding, and over time the resting phase becomes more dominant. The result is progressively thinner, weaker strands and increased overall shedding, even before visible bald patches appear.
What is the difference between DHT-blocking shampoos and other hair loss treatments? DHT-blocking shampoos work directly at the scalp level, targeting DHT buildup where it causes the most damage to follicles. Other treatments such as topical minoxidil do not directly block DHT but can support hair growth in more advanced cases. Prescription medications can also slow DHT activity but may carry side effects. Natural supplements like saw palmetto may help reduce DHT systemically but do not act directly on the follicle the way a topical DHT-blocking formula does.
If you are ready to take a proactive approach against DHT-related hair loss, our hair growth starter packs bundle everything you need into one simple routine.
Take your first step with Regrow!
