In the world of hair loss, one player always comes to the fore: dihydrotestosterone. This derivative of testosterone is naturally produced by our body and plays a key role in many of its biological functions. Yet in some people, this hormone becomes a silent trigger for androgenetic alopecia.

In this article, we'll look at how DHT affects your hair health. Why some people are more sensitive to it than others. And, what solutions are available to limit its impact.

What is dihydrotestosterone?

"Dihydro" is a prefix from the Greek word "di-" meaning "two" or "double". And "hydro" from "hydor" simply meaning "water".

In this context, "dihydro" indicates the presence of two hydrogen atoms in the molecule. As for the word "testosterone", it is derived from the Latin "testis" meaning "testicle" and "sterone", a suffix indicating that it is a steroid hormone.

When combined, "dihydrotestosterone" literally means "two hydrogen atoms added to testosterone".

Dihydrotestosterone, more commonly known as DHT, is a powerful androgenic (male) hormone. It promotes the development of male attributes, notably hair follicles. It is a much more concentrated form of testosterone. It is naturally present in the bodies of both men and women.

The term "dihydrotestosterone" accurately describes the chemical structure of DHT. This structure is formed when testosterone undergoes reduction by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This results in the addition of two hydrogen atoms to the testosterone molecule.

Dihydrotestosterone plays a crucial role in the development of male characteristics during puberty, including:

• facial and body hair growth,
• deepening the voice,
• maturation of the male reproductive system.

How does DHT affect hair loss?

While DHT is essential for normal physiological functions, excessive levels of DHT have been implicated in a variety of health problems. Problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and male and female hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.

When the hormone DHT binds to the hair follicle, it gradually reduces its size, a process known as miniaturization. Over time, continuous exposure to DHT can cause affected hair follicles to shrink to the point where they are no longer able to produce visible hair. All this leads to the hair loss seen in androgenetic alopecia.

In men, it generally manifests itself as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head. In women, it often takes the form of diffuse thinning on the scalp.

The effects of DHT on hair vary from one individual to another. If one of your relatives is experiencing hair loss related to baldness, then you too are more likely to go through the same experience.

Nevertheless, other elements can be taken into account regarding the influence of DHT in the body of each individual, such as :

• your poor diet,
• your lifestyle,
• hair care,
• your lack of exercise.

The various DHT inhibitors and blockers

What's the difference between a DHT inhibitor and a DHT blocker?

A DHT inhibitor is a substance that acts by blocking the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT production, DHT inhibitors aim to limit the effects of this hormone on your hair follicles, thereby slowing or preventing hair loss. DHT inhibitors are generally taken orally, although tonics are also available.

A DHT blocker is a substance that acts by binding directly to DHT or its receptors, thus blocking its interaction with hair follicles. DHT blockers are used in the form of shampoos, lotions, serums or other topical solutions.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of DHT inhibitors:

The inhibitors listed below are the most widely used products known for their action against hair loss. However, although they are effective, taking them may have side effects. Please ask your doctor for advice:

• Finasteride
• Dutasteride
• Bicalumatide
• Flutamide
• Spironolactone

Let's move on to natural inhibitors, which are just as effective as those mentioned above. Note that by using these natural or at least milder alternatives, you'll be less likely to suffer adverse reactions:

• Green tea extract
• The dwarf palm
• Azelaic acid
• Rosemary oil

To continue, here is a non-exhaustive list of natural DHT blockers:

• Pumpkin seed oil
• Tea tree essential oil
• Almond essential oil
• Zinc

Finally, there's another little-known ingredient that's just as effective as a DHT blocker, and very often found in anti-hair loss shampoos, lotions and serums: ketacazanole, which is not a naturally-occurring ingredient.

Which is more effective, a DHT inhibitor or a DHT blocker?

Which treatment is more effective, a dihydrotestosterone inhibitor or a dihydrotestosterone blocker, depends on a number of factors:

• find out the cause of your hair loss,
• the progress of this fall
• your tolerance to the various treatments and care products on the market,
• your personal preferences.

There is no universal answer as to which treatment is more effective between a DHT inhibitor and a DHT blocker. A combined approach using both DHT inhibitors and DHT blockers may also be considered to maximize results.

It's important to note that reactions to all these ingredients and treatments commonly used in the treatment of hair loss can vary from one individual to another. What's more, it may take several months of regular use before you see significant improvements in your hair growth.

Our final take away

In conclusion, DHT plays a crucial role in the hair loss process linked to androgenetic alopecia, but understanding its impact and how it works gives you the power to take preventive and corrective action. By adopting a holistic approach that combines DHT reduction strategies with effective, targeted and high-quality hair treatments, you can maintain a healthy, abundant head of hair.