12 Best Natural DHT Blockers (2020 Update)

Tagged in: Hair Health

by Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. Last Updated: February 08, 2020

What Is a DHT Blocker and What Does It Do?

Normal levels of DHT promotes the production of facial, axillary, pubic, and
body hair13 whereas excessive levels of DHT can contribute to
baldness and prostate problems in men and female pattern hair loss
in women. Using DHT blockers may help return your DHT levels to normal
and allow your hair to regrow. Through extensive research our doctors
have put together a list of the top 12 natural dht blockers. Read more to
learn how these dht blockers work.
12 Best Natural DHT Blockers

1. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm tree native to Florida and
other areas of the southeastern United States. Today, saw palmetto is one
of the most popular and best herbal DHT blockers in the country and is
available in many forms including powders and extracts. The most potent
form of saw palmetto is the extract which means that the active ingredient
in saw palmetto has been concentrated.

Saw palmetto is thought to inhibit 5-alpha reductase in tissues from

producing DHT. 4,22
2. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle, which is also known as nettle root, is commonly used as an

alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. In one study, male
rats that had excess DHT were given components of stinging nettle root as
a treatment. Because excess DHT causes prostate enlargement in males,
if stinging nettle works it would reduce prostate enlargement.

Researchers measured their progress based on ratios of body weight to

prostate size, levels of serum testosterone, and prostate-specific antigen
levels. Results showed improvements in all categories.

Stinging nettle may work by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that
produces DHT while maintaining levels of testosterone to reduce hair loss.5
3. Pumpkin Seed Oil

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 76 male subjects

who had varying forms of androgenetic alopecia were given a placebo or
400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil every day for 24 weeks. Researchers
evaluated their subjects throughout the clinical trial based on scalp hair
count, scalp hair thickness, standardized clinical photographs, and patient
self-assessment scores.

At the end of the 24-week period, those who had taken pumpkin seed oil
showed higher self-rated satisfaction and improvement scores and had
more hair than those who took the placebo. Those who took pumpkin seed
oil also showed a 40 percent increase in average hair count, while the
placebo group showed just a 10 percent increase.

Pumpkin seed oil still requires further study to determine specific

mechanisms of action, but it’s understood that the oil contains phytosterols
that can inhibit 5-alpha reductase to keep DHT levels in check.6
4. Lycopene

Lycopene is a pigment compound known as carotenoid. It acts as a

powerful antioxidant, meaning that it can neutralize free radicals that can
cause damage to cells and DNA.7

Studies show that lycopene may also help to control levels of DHT and the
production of insulin-like growth factors in the epithelial cells of the
prostate. This can help to improve hair growth and support prostate health.8

Lycopene can be found in:

 Grapefruit
 Apricot
 Pink guava
 Watermelon

In American diets, tomatoes are the most common lycopene-rich dht

blocker food. Nearly 85 percent of lycopene comes from tomato juice,
tomato paste, and other tomato products. A cup of tomato juice contains
about 23 milligrams of lycopene. Processing tomatoes with heat changes
lycopene’s bioavailability, allowing for easier absorption and use.
5. Pygeum

Extracted from the bark of the African cherry tree (Prunus africana),
pygeum is often used as an herbal supplement to help alleviate symptoms
of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In vitro studies have found that pygeum extract may help to reduce the
increase of BPH by interfering with certain growth factors and their
receptors. Pygeum has also been found to have anti-androgenic properties.

Similar to other natural DHT blockers, pygeum may operate by blocking 5-

alpha reductase from producing excess DHT.9
6. Green Tea

Green tea is packed with a variety of vitamins and nutrients, as well as a

group of water-soluble polyphenols known as catechins.10 The major
polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG). Studies have
found that EGCG is a direct androgen antagonist that can help to
blunt DHT receptors and inhibit 5-alpha reductase to promote hair growth.11

Along with your scalp, green tea has been found to help just about every
organ in the body. Catechins may help protect the brain, heart, and liver,
prevent the buildup of fats in your arteries, and promote the health and
function of your blood vessels. Green tea catechins may also help to burn
fat.
7. Fenugreek

Scientifically known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, fenugreek is a popular

herb that has traditionally been used to help increase libido and alleviate
blood sugar metabolism problems, which suggests that it may possess
anti-diabetic properties.

While the herb still requires further research, early studies suggest that
fenugreek may help to increase testosterone by inhibiting 5-alpha
reductase, which comes with the added benefit of reducing DHT levels.
The most well-known compound in fenugreek is 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which
has been shown to help normalize the metabolism of glucose.12

8. Soy

Soy contains several

compounds that may help to
promote hair growth and
block DHT. One study found
that equol, genistein, and
biochanin A were found to be
potent inhibitors of 5-alpha
reductase.17 All three of
these compounds can be
found in soy beans.
Genistein can be found in
lupin, kudzu, and fava
beans. Equol is a product of
gut bacteria in the digestion
of daidzein, an isoflavone
found in soy beans.
Biochanin A can be found in
a variety of legumes.
9. Tea Tree Oil

Studies show that both tea tree and lavender oils may offer potent DHT
blocking properties. Research found that topical application of tea tree oil
could effectively block DHT production.18
10. Lavender Oil

In a mouse study, topical application of lavender oil to mice was found to

promote hair growth. Results of the study showed significant increases in
the number of hair follicles, hair follicle depth, and dermal layer thickness,
all of which contributed to increased hair growth.19
11. Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is an anti-fungal medication commonly used to reduce

dandruff. Studies suggest that it may also help to block DHT and promote
hair growth. A study comparing a topical ketoconazole solution and various
concentrations of minoxidil found that using ketoconazole with minoxidil
stimulates hair growth more than minoxidil alone.20
12. Caffeine

The common stimulatory ingredient found in coffee may also help to

promote hair growth by blocking DHT. An in vitro study found that caffeine
applied topically in concentrations of 0.001% and 0.005% could stimulate
hair follicle growth. While the exact mechanism of action still requires
research, this effect may come from the compounds ability to block 5-AR
receptors.21

5 DHT Blockers Natural Remedies

While DHT blocking food may be the most easily accessible source for
natural DHT blocking compounds, you may find better success through
other methods, including supplements, shampoos and conditioners, and
topical serums.

1. DHT Blocker Supplements

There are a wide range of supplements containing DHT blocker ingredients

on the market. If you're interested in a DHT blocking supplement, make
sure it also has vitamins to support hair growth such as biotin. Biotin is a B
vitamin that helps to convert fats, carbs, and proteins into usable energy. It
can also help to maintain your skin, nails, and hair.13

DHT Blocker Pills

1. HairOmega DHT Blocker Advanced

2. HairOmega DHT Blocker 3 in 1

3. NuHair DHT Blocker

2. DHT Blocker Shampoo

Using the right shampoo and conditioner can also help to block DHT, wash
away excess sebum, and support healthy hair. Make sure your shampoo is
sulfate free and contains topical DHT blockers such as ketoconazole, tea
tree oil, and lavender.

Shampoos should be sulfate free because sulfates are harsh and drying
which can worsen hair loss.

Even if you use a sulfate free shampoo you should condition your hair after
shampooing to restore moisture and reduce dryness. We recommend using
a shampoo with jojoba oil as it is chemically similar to natural oils produced
by the skin.

DrFormulas DHT Blocker Shampoo

3. DHT Blocker Foods

There are many foods that are natural DHT blockers.

1. Vegetable foods rich in zinc contain phytosterol, which blocks DHT

production and reduce areas on the scalp and hair follicles where DHT can
attach itself. These foods include spinach, white mushroom, kale, etc.
Foods rich in lycopene such as tomatoes, watermelons, carrots, and
mangoes naturally block DHT production.
2. Biotin-rich foods like berries, liver, legumes, oily fish, and bananas
condition the skin and scalp creating an overall healthy environment for
strong hair.
3. Soybeans
4. Pumpkin seeds
5. Black pepper
6. Sesame seeds
7. Bone soup.

4. Topical DHT Blocker Serums

Another option for using DHT blockers is to use hair growth serums that
contain DHT blocking ingredients. Using a hair growth serum allows the
active ingredients to get absorbed into the scalp, directly targeting hair
follicles. Unlike shampoos and conditioners, topical serums are not rinsed
off, which allows them to work for longer throughout the day. These topical
solutions most often come in the form of serums or foaming serums.

Hair growth serums are best used after you have washed your hair with
shampoo and conditioner. This ensures that you won’t wash off the active
ingredients in the serum. Similar to choosing the right shampoo and
conditioner, make sure you check the ingredients of your serum, and avoid
DHT blocker hair growth serums that contain hormone disrupting parabens
or irritation causing alcohol.

1. HairOmega DHT Blocker Serum

2. Rogaine Minoxidil Serum

3. Kirkland Signature Regrowth Treatment

5. DHT Blocker Natural Exercises

Practicing a healthy lifestyle can help reduce DHT levels naturally. This
includes regular exercise, quit smoking, reduce stress, take time to rest,
and do scalp exercises like massages to reduce tension and increase
blood flow.

How to Choose a DHT Blocker

There are many things to consider when choosing a DHT blocker including
formulation, price, and effectiveness.

1. Formulation: The main thing to keep in mind is the ingredients. Along

with the active ingredients mentioned above, make sure you find a product
that is formulated using all-natural ingredients. Artificial preservatives,
scents, and other additives can contribute to scalp irritation, which can
irritate your scalp and worsen hair loss.

DrFormulas® DHT blockers are formulated with the best and most effective
ingredients to help support hair growth.

FAQs
Do DHT blockers work for hair loss?

Yes, DHT blockers are used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia includes male and female pattern hair loss caused
by excess DHT. It is important to note that there are other forms of hair loss
besides androgenetic alopecia. Even the best DHT blockers will have
minimal effect on hair loss not caused by excess DHT, like telogen
effluvium (caused by stress and traumatic events) or alopecia areata (an
autoimmune disease).4

Can DHT blockers regrow hair?

It depends on the cause of hair loss. If the hair loss is caused by DHT then
DHT blockers will help. Regularly using a hair DHT blocker can help to
manage DHT levels in the scalp, which may eventually help the hair
follicles return to normal function. However, if the hair follicles are
damaged, scarred, closed, or have not generated a hair in years, you may
not be able to regrow hair. The best natural DHT blocker ingredients will
support hair regrowth or improve the health of existing hairs (even thinner
hairs) if the hair follicles are healthy and intact. Keep in mind that results
will vary from person to person.4

What is the best natural DHT blocker?

While finasteride is currently the only DHT blocker ingredient approved by

the FDA for hair loss, there are a wide range of effective, natural DHT
reducers to choose from. Saw palmetto is one of the most widely studied
ingredients for its effects on regulating DHT levels and is a popular herbal
remedy for managing prostate issues in men caused by excess DHT. The
best natural DHT blocker is will combine multiple DHT blocking ingredients
for better results. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend using a
product that includes several natural active ingredients that can inhibit
DHT.

Are DHT blockers bad for you?

Natural DHT blockers are generally well-tolerated by all users. Topical DHT
solutions, including shampoos and conditioners, should not present any
problems as their effects are localized to the scalp. However, any product
that modulates hormones can have side effects. Some DHT blockers may
include common food allergens, so make sure to read the label.
What are the side effects of DHT blockers?

Studies about the potential adverse side effects of DHT blockers remain
limited, and most current studies focus primarily on the prescription DHT
blocker finasteride. 1.5% of men using finasteride reported reduced libido
and sexual dysfunction. Since DHT blockers modulate hormones they are
not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Other potential
side effects of DHT blockers include gastrointestinal discomfort,
nausea, and headaches. Isolated reports in women suggest potential
menstrual changes, dizziness, and acne.23 More studies are necessary to
determine any potential side effects of long-term prescription DHT blocker
use.

Depending on the ingredient, natural DHT blockers have side effects as

well. Some side effects of natural DHT blockers such as saw palmetto
include: reduced blood pressure (hypotension), nausea and indigestion,
thinner blood, and increased urine production. If you experience persistent
side effects from using natural DHT reducers, consult your doctor.