Sian Victoria © - Womans (mine) receding hairline

How To Naturally Remove DHT From Scalp - Foods That May Stop DHT

Losing hair is often a source of frustration and embarrassment. Thankfully, various natural remedies can aid in preventing hair loss and encouraging hair growth. In this article, I'll discuss some of the best treatments available for preventing hair loss due to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Inside this guide on hair loss, you'll find remedies to combat hair loss and reclaim your once-luscious locks. These recommendations have been tried and tested for the past four years and were discovered through tireless nights of researching and experimenting to prevent further hair thinning and receding at the temples.

These suggestions are mostly food and drink based and are easily accessible from your local supermarket so are safe to consume. However, always do your further research on a suggestion to ensure the remedy will be suitable for you.

What is DHT and how does it contribute to hair loss?

Hair loss is a prevalent problem for both men and women, and it can have a variety of causes including heredity, hormones, and even diet and hygiene. Hair thinning may be influenced by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which originates in testosterone.

While DHT is important for male features like facial hair and a deep voice, it also adheres to hair follicles and causes them to shrink, resulting in weaker, thinner hair. Research suggests that high levels of DHT reduce the growth phase of hair follicles, albeit the precise mechanism is unknown.

Whilst responsible for male characteristics like facial hair and a deep voice, DHT attaches to hair follicles and causes them to shrink, leading to weaker, thinner hair. Although the exact process remains unclear, research suggests high DHT levels shorten the growth phase for hair follicles.

Elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen hormone, can have unwanted effects not only on men but also on women. Women who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) often experience increased levels of DHT, which can cause hirsutism (abnormal hair growth), thinning of scalp hair, hormonal acne on the face and back, and irregular menstrual cycles.

Hair loss can be prevented, and new hair growth can be stimulated with the use of DHT-blocking natural remedies. These remedies work by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. In what follows, we'll talk about some of the best natural ways to combat DHT and encourage hair growth.

Natural remedies for blocking DHT

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is notorious for damaging hair follicles to the point that it stops generating hair altogether. Fortunately, several effective natural remedies can help block DHT and encourage healthy hair growth.

Altering your food and starting an exercise programme are two other natural ways to lower DHT levels. By incorporating these natural remedies and lifestyle changes, you can effectively block or slow down DHT and promote healthy hair growth.

1. Saw Palmetto

Sian Victoria © - Saw palmetto berries supplement

Saw palmetto has been used for centuries due to its usefulness in treating hair loss and other medical conditions. Because it effectively blocks the formation of DHT, this natural treatment is an effective means of stimulating hair growth. Saw palmetto effectively lowers levels of DHT by blocking an enzyme that's needed to turn testosterone into a hormone. This enables hair follicles to thrive and produce healthier hair.

Saw palmetto's distinctive ability to halt further hair loss while simultaneously promoting new hair growth sets it apart. This herb contains essential compounds that nourish and promote hair follicle health.

Additionally, Saw Palmetto helps to reduce inflammation in the scalp, a common factor that contributes to hair loss. It also possesses anti-androgenic properties, making it a great solution for balancing hormone levels and preventing testosterone conversion into DHT.

To add Saw Palmetto into your hair care routine, it can be taken as a supplement or incorporated into hair growth products for hair loss. This natural remedy is generally safe to use with minimal side effects. Still, before beginning a new supplement routine, it's smart to talk to your doctor.

2. Green Tea

Not only is green tea a delicious beverage, but it also possesses powerful properties that can aid in the growth of healthy and strong hair. This is primarily due to the abundance of antioxidants found in green tea, which protect the hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals. Such protection enables the hair follicles to produce hair that is healthy and resilient.

Moreover, catechins are compounds present in green tea that are known to stimulate hair follicles and increase the production of hair cells, ultimately resulting in thicker and fuller hair. Green tea, both when consumed internally and applied topically, can stimulate hair growth if done so regularly.

To make a green tea rinse, one can steep green tea bags in hot water, let it cool, and apply it to the scalp after shampooing, where the antioxidants and catechins will be absorbed, promoting hair growth from within.

Your hair can benefit from green tea by using it as part of your regular hair care routine to block DHT naturally and effectively and stimulate hair growth. So why not brew yourself a cup of green tea and indulge in its benefits for your hair and overall health?

3. Pumpkin Seed Oil

The increasing popularity of pumpkin seed oil as a natural remedy lies in its capacity to prevent DHT production and stimulate hair growth. Enriched with vital nutrients such as vitamins A, B, E, and K, as well as zinc and magnesium, pumpkin seed oil aids in maintaining a healthy scalp and fostering hair growth.

The fundamental advantage of pumpkin seed oil is its ability to curb DHT production through phytosterols, compounds that prohibit the enzyme from converting testosterone into DHT. By decreasing DHT levels in the body, pumpkin seed oil helps hair follicles prosper and encourages healthier hair.

Besides blocking DHT, pumpkin seed oil also nourishes the scalp and hair follicles by incorporating omega-6 fatty acids that help hydrate the scalp and reinforce the hair shaft. The outcome is thicker, shinier, and more robust hair.

One can introduce pumpkin seed oil to their hair care routine by applying it topically, ingesting it as a supplement or sprinkling it onto foods – as you’ll discover in my post on vegan pantry essentials with beauty benefits this is how I prefer to consume this natural ingredient.

For topical use, massage a few drops of pumpkin seed oil into the scalp, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight before washing it out. In contrast, for supplement consumption, adhere to the prescribed dosage instructions.

4. Pygeum

Originating from the bark of the Pygeum africanum tree, a natural remedy known as Pygeum has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, especially in the treatment of hair loss. One of its key mechanisms is the reduction of DHT levels in the body, which is responsible for attaching itself to hair follicles and causing them to shrink and stop producing hair. With its ability to decrease DHT levels, Pygeum enables hair follicles to flourish, resulting in the promotion of new hair growth.

Moreover, Pygeum has additional positive effects on hair health, including its anti-inflammatory properties that decrease scalp inflammation commonly associated with hair loss, as well as its antioxidants that protect hair follicles from damage and maintain a healthy scalp.

Incorporating Pygeum into your hair care routine can be done in the form of vegan-friendly supplements or as an ingredient in hair products. Although generally safe with minimal side effects, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before commencing a new supplement regimen.

Ultimately, the utilisation of Pygeum as a natural herb is an effective approach to the prevention of hair loss and the attainment of healthier, fuller hair.

5. Nettle Root

For centuries, nettle root has been recognised as a natural remedy that offers numerous health benefits, one of which includes reducing DHT levels while promoting hair growth. It prevents DHT from damaging hair follicles by attaching to proteins that DHT normally binds to.

Through the reduction of DHT levels, the nettle root supports the flourishing of hair follicles, promoting the growth of new hair. Moreover, this natural remedy is abundant in minerals and vitamins that nourish hair follicles and promote scalp health, alongside having anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate scalp inflammation.

Those who wish to incorporate nettle root into their hair care routine can find it in the form of supplements, an ingredient in hair products or as one of many beautifying teas to add to your pantry.

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement into your daily routine, even though nettle root supplements are safe to use always do further research as the ingredient may interrupt any prescribed medication you are taking.

6. Edamame

Edamame, or young soya beans, are a powerhouse of nutrition that can effectively reduce DHT levels and promote hair growth. These small green beans contain crucial vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, iron, and zinc, that are essential for maintaining healthy hair.

Biotin, also called vitamin B7, plays a pivotal role in strengthening hair shafts and promoting hair growth. Iron aids in carrying oxygen to the hair follicles, encouraging healthy growth, while zinc is crucial for DNA and RNA production, both of which are necessary for the growth and repair of hair cells.

Incorporating edamame into your daily diet is a simple task. You can enjoy them as a snack by boiling or steaming them and seasoning them with a dash of salt. Edamame is also a tasty addition to salads or stir-fries.

To obtain the maximum benefits of edamame for hair growth, it is important to consume it regularly. Whether eaten alone or as part of a well-balanced nutrient-rich diet, edamame can reduce DHT levels naturally and contribute to healthier and fuller hair.

Therefore, when you need a nutritious snack, grab a handful of edamame, and give your hair the nourishment it deserves.

7. Coconut oil

Coconut oil's ability to stimulate hair growth and decrease DHT levels, among its many other health advantages, has contributed to its meteoric rise in popularity as a multipurpose and all-natural solution. Coconut oil, which is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, can penetrate the hair shaft and nourish the hair follicles, thereby strengthening the hair and reducing the likelihood of breaking.

Moreover, its antibacterial and antifungal properties help maintain a healthy scalp, providing an optimal environment for hair follicles to thrive. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp stimulates blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles.

Using coconut oil for hair growth is simple: warm a small amount in your hands and apply it to your scalp and hair, leaving it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deep conditioning treatment. Incorporating coconut oil into your hair care routine is a natural and effective way to promote hair growth and block DHT, so it’s an affordable recommendation to try.

8. Sesame seed

Incorporating sesame seeds into your diet not only enhances the flavour of your favourite dishes but also offers potential benefits in reducing DHT levels and promoting healthy hair growth. These little seeds are loaded with vital nutrients, such as zinc, iron, and vitamin E, that are essential for maintaining healthy hair.

Zinc, for instance, is essential for healthy hair growth as it supports the oil-secreting glands on the scalp, preventing dryness and flakiness. On the other hand, iron plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen to the hair follicles, stimulating healthy growth. Furthermore, vitamin E, an antioxidant, protects hair follicles from oxidative stress.

To enjoy sesame seeds in your diet, sprinkle them over salads, stir-fries, or smoothie bowls. You may also consider incorporating tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds, as a dip or dressing ingredient.

While sesame seeds offer potential benefits in reducing DHT levels and promoting healthy hair growth, they should be part of a well-rounded and balanced diet that also includes other healthy lifestyle choices. Therefore, remember to tap into the power of sesame seeds for hair health when you crave a nutritious and delectable addition to your meals.

9. Flax seeds

The addition of flax seeds to one's hair care routine can work wonders. These minuscule seeds pack a punch of nutrients that aid in decreasing DHT levels and promoting hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the key nutrients present in flax seeds, which are crucial for robust and lustrous hair. They can nourish hair follicles, thus, promoting healthy hair growth.

Furthermore, flax seeds are a great source of lignans, which help in regulating hormone levels in the body. The balance of hormones helps in decreasing the production of DHT, thus, preventing hair loss.

Incorporating flax seeds into your diet is an easy task. Sprinkle them over salads, add them to smoothies, or incorporate them into your favourite dishes, for example as a healthy porridge topping idea. Flaxseed oil can also be used as a dressing or as an addition to cooking.

However, remember that flax seeds work best when included in a balanced diet and combined with other healthy lifestyle choices. By adding flax seeds to your meals, you can see the improvement in your hair's quality.

10. Azelaic acid

Derived from grains like wheat, barley, and rye, azelaic acid is a lesser-known natural remedy that has demonstrated significant potential in preventing DHT production and promoting hair growth. In addition to its various skin and hair benefits, azelaic acid has been shown to reduce DHT levels, creating a favourable environment for hair follicles to flourish and produce stronger, healthier hair.

With its anti-inflammatory properties, azelaic acid also helps soothe scalp inflammation and support optimal hair growth conditions. Incorporating hair products containing azelaic acid or consulting with a dermatologist for prescribed options can introduce this promising natural remedy into your hair care routine. It’s also considered one of the most effective skincare ingredients for acne.

Keep in mind that your results may vary from other people's, and always perform a patch test before fully committing to a new product. Adding azelaic acid to your hair care routine may provide a natural solution for preventing hair loss and achieving fuller, healthier hair when consistently used.

11. Borage seed oil

With its high concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), borage seed oil has the potential to inhibit the production of DHT and facilitate hair growth. This natural remedy is obtained from the seeds of the borage plant, which is well-known for its abundance of omega-6 fatty acids. These acids have been proven to possess anti-inflammatory properties that help regulate hormonal balance within the body.

The application of borage seed oil on the scalp has been observed to alleviate inflammation and create a favourable environment for the growth of healthy hair follicles. Additionally, this oil contributes to the maintenance of hormone levels, which serves to prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

Borage seed oil can be used topically by massaging it into the scalp, leaving it on for several hours or overnight, and then rinsing it off. It is also present as an ingredient in some hair products. By integrating borage seed oil into one's hair care regimen, in combination with other natural remedies and lifestyle modifications, one can decrease DHT levels and promote hair growth.

12. Burdock oil/root

Sian Victoria © - Burdock root tea and oil

Burdock root tea and oil are both natural solutions that show the potential to reduce DHT levels and encourage hair growth. With nutrients such as iron, potassium, and amino acids, burdock root provides the essential nourishment needed for healthy hair follicles and improved hair quality.

Its anti-inflammatory characteristics further alleviate scalp inflammation, providing an environment that encourages optimal hair growth. On the other hand, burdock oil derived from the burdock plant's root may be topically applied to the scalp, allowing for moisture retention, hair shaft reinforcement, and thicker, healthier hair growth. Its fatty acids aid in DHT level reduction as well.

Burdock oil and root tea may be incorporated into hair care routines by creating homemade hair masks from boiled root in water, cooling and applying them to the scalp, or purchasing them as a supplement or hair care product.

Before utilising any new supplement, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. By taking proactive steps in reducing DHT levels and promoting hair growth with natural remedies and lifestyle changes, incorporating burdock oil or root into one's hair care regimen can be effective.

13. Other ways to reduce DHT naturally, such as diet changes and exercise

Herbal treatments that have been shown to inhibit DHT and stimulate hair growth include saw palmetto, green tea, pumpkin seed oil, pygeum, and nettle root. But to naturally reduce DHT levels and support healthy hair growth, consider making lifestyle changes and utilising hair bonding products to enhance the integrity of hair bonds.

Start by incorporating foods rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, such as eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and whole grains. Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation, which is vital in delivering nutrients to the hair follicles.

Moreover, it can reduce stress levels, a contributor to hair loss. It's important to manage stress through meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies. Avoid using harsh hair products and limit the use of heat styling tools that damage hair follicles.

To conclude

These changes, along with natural remedies, can combat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth. Consistency and patience are key to achieving noticeable results, so embrace the journey towards healthier and fuller hair.

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