Hair loss is a common concern among men, with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) affecting up to 50% of men by the age of 50. While genetics play a major role, one of the primary culprits behind hair loss is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. We’ve teamed up with Hims, who offer access to hair loss treatments, to help you understand how DHT impacts hair loss and the steps you can take to counteract it.
What is DHT?
DHT is a derivative of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone responsible for many physical characteristics in men, such as muscle mass, body hair, and a deeper voice. DHT is created when testosterone interacts with an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. While DHT is essential during puberty for male development, it can have less desirable effects later in life, particularly on hair follicles.
How DHT Causes Hair Loss
Hair follicles on the scalp are sensitive to DHT, especially in men who are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. When DHT binds to receptors in these hair follicles, it triggers a process known as follicular miniaturization. This process causes hair follicles to shrink over time, producing thinner and weaker hair strands. Eventually, the affected follicles stop producing hair altogether.
What Can You Do About DHT-Related Hair Loss?
Fortunately, there are several effective ways to combat DHT-related hair loss. Here are the most common and proven approaches:
1. Block DHT with Medications
- Finasteride: This doctor-approved oral medication works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels in the body, finasteride protects hair follicles from damage, helping to slow or even reverse hair loss.
- Topical Finasteride: For those who prefer not to take oral medications, topical finasteride offers a localized solution. It delivers the same DHT-blocking benefits directly to the scalp while minimizing the risk of systemic side effects.
2. Stimulate Hair Growth
- Minoxidil: Another doctor-approved treatment, minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. It helps strengthen existing hair and promotes regrowth.
- Combination Treatments: Products that combine finasteride and minoxidil, such as Hims’ topical spray, target both the cause (DHT) and the symptoms (thinning hair) of hair loss, offering a comprehensive solution.
3. Use DHT-Fighting Shampoos
Shampoos containing ingredients like saw palmetto, ketoconazole, or caffeine can help block DHT at the scalp level. While these shampoos may not be as potent as medications, they can complement other treatments and improve scalp health.
4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle changes can support overall hair health:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on foods rich in vitamins (like biotin and vitamin D), minerals (like zinc and iron), and healthy fats (like omega-3s) to nourish hair from the inside out.
- Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can accelerate hair loss. Practices like meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels.
- Avoid Hair-Damaging Habits: Minimize the use of heat styling tools and harsh chemicals, and opt for gentle hair care products.
How Hims Can Help
Hims offers access to a range of clinically proven hair loss treatments tailored to your needs:
- Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Spray: Combines the DHT-blocking power of finasteride with the growth-promoting benefits of minoxidil.
- Biotin Gummies: Support overall hair health with essential vitamins and nutrients.
- Thickening Shampoo: Contains saw palmetto to help fight DHT and improve scalp health.
Getting started with Hims is simple. With an online consultation, a licensed medical provider can evaluate your hair loss and create a personalized treatment plan. If prescribed, your products are then delivered discreetly to your doorstep, so you can address hair loss without stepping into a clinic. Visit Hims today.
Hair Hybrids are compounded treatments and have not been approved by the FDA. The FDA does not verify the safety,effectiveness, or quality of compounded drugs. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
