DHT-blocking shampoos have experienced a significant increase in demand over the past couple of decades. These shampoos contain natural or pharmaceutical ingredients. They help to prevent DHT hormones from shrinking hair follicles on the scalp, which in turn mitigates hair loss. In fact, many natural DHT-blocking shampoos contain exotic oils and plant extracts, which claim to be effective for hair loss. However, many of these “hair-raising” benefits are merely claims of a product that cleanse your hair – and nothing else.
To help you understand DHT-blocking shampoos better, we will be breaking down each of their key ingredients. We will explore their individual roles in preventing hair loss and ways to incorporate them into your hair loss routine. We will also look into some common myths about ineffective ingredients and how you can separate these from the effective ones. If you are unfamiliar with DHT and its impact on hair loss, we recommend reading our guide to understanding male hair loss.
Which Anti-DHT Shampoo Ingredients Really Work?
As a rule of thumb, it is important to read the list of ingredients before deciding to make a purchase. A large number of DHT-blocking shampoos only contain a few active ingredients. Active ingredients have a positive and measurable effect on hair loss. However, a mix of other ingredients used to develop a shampoo’s scent, feel and texture may reduce its efficacy.
ketoconazole
There are some ingredients that have been proven through scientific research to effectively block DHT and promote hair growth. One such ingredient is ketoconazole, which treats fungal infections that affect the scalp. Ketoconazole is also an active ingredient in many DHT-blocking shampoos that promote hair growth.
Vitamins
Other DHT-blocking shampoos may contain vitamins as active ingredients. Although these vitamins do not directly stop DHT, they promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. How is that possible? Hair loss may occur because of an underlying vitamin deficiency. Vitamins linked to hair loss include vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C and vitamin D. If you are keen to learn more, check out our Guide to Essential Vitamins For a Healthy Head of Hair.
Other ingredients
Alternatively, science has discovered some natural ingredients that help reduce hair loss. These natural ingredients block DHT and promote hair growth. They are:
- Pumpkin seed oil. Pumpkin seed oil is an effective ingredient that blocks the action of 5α-reductase enzymes. It has been shown to have antiandrogenic effects in rats. It has also been shown to significantly increase the hair count of men who use it over a 6-month period.
- Saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is as equally as effective as pumpkin seed oil in blocking the action of 5α-reductase enzymes. In a 2001 study, the administration of a herbal saw palmetto blend was shown to noticeably improve MPB among the individuals who participated.
- Rosemary oil. Although rosemary oil has been shown to sometimes increase hair growth and reverse hair loss in men, it has not been proven conclusively to be effective in blocking the function of DHT. Hence, it is an area of study that requires more in-depth research.
If you intend to treat MPB and restore your hair, your daily routine should include DHT-blocking shampoos. These shampoos should contain one or more of these active ingredients to block the function of DHT and improve hair growth.
Which Ingredients Don’t do Much to Block DHT?
Unlike these three natural ingredients, most ingredients in DHT-blocking shampoos may not be entirely effective in treating hair loss. This does not mean that may be entirely useless, or that they do not have any potential in blocking DHT, but that current medical studies have not proven that they have any noticeable effect. This may be because complete testing has not yet been carried out, or that they truly are not effective.
Do keep this in mind when you read long lists of oils, extracts and other ingredients on a shampoo label. While they may make the shampoo smell and feel better, most natural ingredients may not have any effect on DHT levels.
How to Choose a DHT Blocking Shampoo
Ready to shop for a DHT-blocking shampoo? Here are few factors to keep in mind before you make a decision:
1) Always check the label for the list of ingredients before you buy
Not all anti-hair loss shampoos contain active ingredients. This is why it is important to read and identify all the ingredients before you make a purchase.
2) Look for scientific proof that supports a certain DHT-blocking shampoo’s claims
When in doubt about a shampoo brand’s “exaggerated” claims, do your research. Determine if the ingredients for that particular shampoo can actually provide a positive effect on MPB by checking the science of it.
3) Stick to shampoos with effective, proven ingredients
Many natural ingredients used in DHT-blocking shampoos can have a positive effect on hair growth. However, it is the active ingredients in these shampoos that have been proven to impede the function of DHT that ultimately prevent hair loss.
4) Do not associate the price of a DHT-blocking shampoo with its effectiveness
Just because a shampoo is expensive does not guarantee that you will be able to treat MPB effectively and achieve a thicker, healthier head of hair. Some of the most effective DHT shampoos are actually quite affordable. Beware! The price of more expensive shampoos can be deceiving – all hype, zero results.
Use DHT-blocking Shampoos With Other DHT Blockers For Effective Results
In order to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth, we recommend you combine the use of DHT-blocking shampoos with other proven, scientifically-backed DHT blockers, as well as hair growth substances such as finasteride and minoxidil.
In a nutshell, you don’t have to buy the most expensive DHT-blocking shampoo on the shelf to be able to prevent MPB effectively. On the contrary, doing your own research, and identifying shampoos that contain the active ingredients that have been shown to successfully treat MPB will go a long way in helping you overcome MPB and regain your confidence.
