DHT Blockers: The Ultimate Guide to Battling Baldness

Medically Reviewed by
Dr Kalyani Deshmukh Published Date: September 26, 2025
Updated: 26 September 8:00 AM

TL;DR

DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is a hormone that contributes to hair loss by shrinking hair follicles, leading to a receding hairline and thinning.
The process occurs through three stages: binding to hair follicle receptors, miniaturization of follicles, and disruption of the hair growth cycle.
DHT blockers, either natural supplements (like pumpkin seed extract or green tea) or topical treatments, prevent the hormone from affecting hair follicles, allowing them to regrow healthier hair.
The best approach is to first identify the cause of your hair loss through a hair test, which helps pinpoint whether DHT is the issue or if other factors, like stress or diet, are contributing.
Once DHT is identified as the cause, a combination of internal (oral) and external (topical) DHT blockers should be used, customized based on your gender and level of hair thinning.
A supportive diet rich in vitamins and minerals (like biotin, iron, and zinc) is essential to complement DHT-blocking treatments and support overall hair health.

Introduction

Hair loss is a major concern for both men and women today, with a variety of underlying causes. However, one of the most common culprits for many people is a hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If you've noticed your hair thinning, a receding hairline, or a widening part, understanding the role DHT plays in hair loss is crucial for taking the next step in reclaiming your hair's health.

DHT blockers, whether natural or synthetic, work in such cases by either blocking the creation or the action of this hormone. For many, these blockers offer a promising solution to prevent further hair loss and allow the hair follicles to heal and regenerate. By inhibiting DHT, you can stop the cycle of hair thinning and potentially stimulate new hair growth.

In the process of managing hair loss, a comprehensive approach is often most effective, one that looks at DHT, overall scalp health, and even lifestyle factors. Traya focuses on this holistic approach, combining Ayurveda, dermatology, and nutrition to create personalized treatment plans that aim to address the root causes of hair loss and help restore healthier hair. Read this blog to learn more about it.

Understanding DHT and Its Role in Hair Loss

To find out just how DHT affects your hair, you first have to know where it originates. DHT, or Dihydrotestosterone, is an androgen, i.e., a male hormone, naturally occurring in the body.

It is formed when an enzyme, 5-alpha reductase (5-AR), acts on testosterone to form DHT. It occurs in numerous areas of the body, including the skin, liver, prostate, and, most notably, the hair follicles.

While DHT fulfills its initial purpose during the male development phase at puberty, its secondary role in middle age can damage the hair condition of individuals, especially those genetically predisposed to baldness.

How DHT Affects Hair Follicles?

The usual process by which DHT affects the hair follicles can be explained in terms of three major processes, i.e., binding, miniaturization, and cycle disruption.

The Binding Process: Finding the Receptors

The harmful effect of DHT starts with its capacity to attach to androgen receptors within the hair follicle. The androgen receptors are found in the dermal papilla, which is an aggregation of cells at the base of the hair follicle that gives rise to the hair and provides it with nutrients.

Potency Matters: DHT is still more potent than testosterone itself and possesses much higher binding capacity to these receptors. That suggests that even a very small quantity of DHT is extremely powerful.
Genetic Predisposition: Not all hair follicles are affected equally. The ones on the crown, hairline, and vertex of the scalp are genetically predisposed to having a larger concentration of such androgen receptors and hence are more susceptible to DHT. That is also the reason why pattern baldness progresses in a rational pattern, where the hair at the back and sides of the head remains relatively undamaged.

The Miniaturization Process: Shortening the Follicle

As it forms a chain reaction on binding with the androgen receptors, DHT leads to a process known as follicle miniaturization. This is the progressive weakening of the hair follicle over a period.

Follicle Atrophy: The signals transmitted by the binding of DHT lead to the atrophy of the dermal papilla. The dermal papilla is the nutrient and oxygen supply of the hair. Its reduction in size starves the follicle of necessary nutrients and oxygen.
Production of Weaker Hair: With each subsequent growth cycle, the miniaturized follicle produces a hair shaft that is increasingly shorter, thinner, and less pigmented. The healthy "terminal" hairs are increasingly replaced by extremely fine, wispy "vellus" hairs that are hardly perceptible.

Cycle Disruption: Shortening the Growth Phase

An ordinary hair follicle undergoes an uninterrupted growth cycle with three separate phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting/shedding).

DHT's effect directly disrupts this cycle, accelerating the loss of hair.

Shortened Anagen Phase: DHT greatly shortens the anagen (growing) phase, the period when the hair grows. It can take many years for a normal anagen phase, allowing hair to develop strength and length. In the DHT-sensitive follicle, the phase can be reduced to several months, during which the hair is not permitted to achieve maximal length.
Prolonged Telogen Phase: Disruption of the anagen phase causes the telogen (resting) phase to be prolonged. This means the follicle remains in its resting state for an extended period before attempting to start a new hair cycle, ultimately leading to a decrease in hair density.
Increased Shedding: Due to the shortened growth phase and increased resting phase, the hair falls out faster than it grows back, causing a thinner appearance and ultimately a balding or bald appearance.

Why DHT Blocking is Important?

For individuals with a genetic pattern of hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia), inhibition of DHT is the easiest and safest method of preventing the hair thinning and loss cycle.

By inhibiting the action of DHT, you can prevent the miniaturization process of the follicle, so it can re-grow and, in certain instances, re-grow thicker and healthier hair. You can think of it as stopping the damage first before you can even begin to fix it. If you don't treat the root, the DHT, then any other hair loss treatment will be futile in the long term.

Indications You May Require a DHT Blocker

Though a professional analysis is always ideal, there are some common symptoms that can indicate that DHT may be the cause of your baldness. Recognizing these trends early on will allow you to initiate treatment before the harm becomes permanent.

Receding Hairline: This is the common sign of male pattern baldness. The hairline begins to recede, usually in an "M" shape, as hair follicles on the front part of the scalp become DHT-sensitive.
Thinning at the Crown or Widening Section: Men and women both experience thinning hair as a prominent symptom. Men generally experience a balding patch at the crown, whereas women experience widening of their hair part. The reason for this is that follicles in these areas are highly susceptible to the miniaturizing action of DHT.
Excessive Shedding without Regrowth: While everyone sheds some hair naturally (50-100 hairs daily), a sign of a DHT problem is that the shed hair is not accompanied by regrowing, healthy new hair. This causes a gradual loss of overall hair density.
Pattern Baldness Family History: Heredity plays a major role in the way your hair responds to DHT. You are more likely to be vulnerable and are helped by early treatment if your parents, grandparents, or siblings have had androgenetic alopecia.
Traya’s Hair Test: Traya offers a scientifically validated hair test that assesses several factors contributing to your hair loss. By taking this test, you can identify the root cause of your hair loss, whether it's DHT, stress, poor diet, or other factors. This comprehensive approach ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, providing the most effective solution for your situation.

Types of DHT Blockers and How They Work

There are two main groups of DHT blockers: internal (oral) and topical (scalp-applied). They both attack the effects of DHT, but in different modes.

Internal DHT Blockers (Tablets & Supplements)

Internal DHT blockers affect the body systemically, which means they block the development of DHT from within the body.

Natural Ingredients: Natural ingredients are the primary components used in most supplements that exhibit DHT-blocking activity. Natural ingredients are Pumpkin seed extract, Green Tea extract, Biotin, and Saw palmetto. These function by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.
Traya Hair Vitamin: Traya Hair Vitamin is a good example of a nutraceutical solution. The formula contains natural DHT inhibitors in the form of Green Tea extract and Pumpkin seed extract. It also contains vital nutrients such as Biotin, Iron, and amino acids that nourish the overall hair follicle health as well as correct nutritional imbalances. This two-way attack resolves both hormonal and nutritional causes of hair loss.
Allopathic Medications: Oral drugs such as Finasteride are also internal DHT blockers. They are very strong prescription medications that work well but carry heavy side effects and must be taken with the strict guidance of a physician.

Topical DHT Blockers (Solutions & Serums)

Topical DHT blockers are applied directly to the scalp to prevent DHT from binding to hair follicles, which helps reduce hair loss. These formulations often include additional ingredients that promote hair growth.

Minoxidil, a common ingredient in many of these solutions, works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, delivering more oxygen and nutrients. This improved circulation can help reverse follicle miniaturization and encourage healthy hair regrowth.

For example, Traya offers a combination of 5% Minoxidil with DHT blockers like Finasteride and Procapil, designed to address hair loss at the scalp level, particularly for receding hairlines or thinning crowns. For women, Traya provides a 2% Minoxidil solution, which is gentler on the scalp and also includes Procapil to strengthen hair and prevent thinning.

Natural DHT Blockers: Ingredients That Work Without Side Effects

For individuals worried about the possible side effects of medication, natural DHT blockers for hair loss are a great alternative. Even though they are slower in giving results, they act in harmony with your body to eliminate the cause of baldness.

The following is the list of strong natural DHT blockers:

Pumpkin Seed Oil: Due to its high content of fatty acids and sterols, pumpkin seed oil has been reported to inhibit the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme.
Green Tea: Packed with catechins, particularly EGCG, which are powerful antioxidants known to reduce DHT levels.
Flaxseed: Full of lignans, a class of phytoestrogens that is also available for application in order to equalize hormone levels and possibly have DHT-blocking action.
Saw Palmetto: One of the top-selling natural treatments for baldness, and a very strong 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
Zinc: It has been discovered that a deficiency in zinc enhances the functioning of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. Maintaining zinc within healthy limits is essential for a healthy scalp.

Additionally, Traya's Hair Vitamin is a sugar-free, plant-based supplement that contains most of these natural ingredients. By combining these natural DHT blockers with a multivitamin complex, it provides complete support without being harsh on your body, but strong in curing hair loss from the inside out.

DHT Blockers for Men vs Women: What's the Difference?

Although DHT plays a role in hair loss in both women and men, the presentation and treatment approach can differ.

DHT Blockers in Men

Men who have androgenetic alopecia have a tendency to develop a receding hairline or hair thinning on top of the head. This is most obviously associated with elevated DHT levels.

Traya's a strong two-step solution for men:

Topical Minoxidil 5% with Finasteride + Procapil: This powerful topical solution promotes blood flow to the follicles (Minoxidil) and inhibits DHT at the scalp level (Finasteride and Procapil), targeting the most affected areas of male pattern baldness directly.
Internal Hair Vitamin: The internal supplement balances hormones and gives the hair growth-necessary nutrients from the inside out.

Here, consistency is everything. Outcomes of DHT-blocking therapies for men require long-term use to become effective.

DHT Blockers for Women

Women lose hair in a different way. It's usually described as a broadening of the part and overall thinning of hair over the scalp, not a receding hairline. Female hair loss is also more directly related to hormonal imbalance and nutritional deficiencies.

Traya's treatment for women addresses these particular needs:

Traya Minoxidil 2% (Alcohol-Free): A lower Minoxidil concentration is utilized to prevent side effects. The non-alcoholic variant calms sensitive scalps, promotes blood flow, and helps reverse follicle loss.
Internal Hair Vitamin for Her: The product has amino acids, biotin, and iron. These are essential nutrients that women are likely to be deficient in. It provides internal support to fix hormonal and nutritional imbalances, complementing the topical treatment.

DHT Blocker Tablets: Are They Safe?

As we've seen, there are two main types of DHT blocker tablets: allopathic drugs and natural nutraceuticals, each with its own benefits and considerations. Understanding the differences between these options is key when deciding which might be the best fit for your hair care needs.

Allopathic DHT Blockers (Finasteride): Oral Finasteride is an effective and well-studied DHT blocker. It is effective but has serious side effects like sexual dysfunction, and cannot be taken by women who can get pregnant due to the risks of birth defects. Due to such risks, Finasteride must only be prescribed by a doctor and administered strictly under medical control.
Nutraceutical DHT Blockers (Traya Hair Vitamin): Traya's approach is founded on the use of natural, food-based ingredients. Traya Hair Vitamin contains natural DHT blockers like pumpkin seed extract and green tea that are otherwise considered to be safer and less prone to side effects. The goal is to present a gentle yet effective way of managing DHT without the use of strong chemicals.

Conclusion

Hair loss is a gradual process, and treatment at the earliest stage is the key to maintaining your hair. DHT blockers are one of the best weapons against preventing hair loss, particularly when the underlying reason for the condition is androgenetic alopecia.

Traya's DHT-blocking sets for men and women provide a comprehensive, science-based remedy consisting of the potency of DHT blockers paired with nutrition and Ayurvedic complements. You're not only treating the root cause by targeting the source, but in doing so, you're establishing a healthy foundation for your hair to thrive.

Get the complimentary hair test with Traya today to check whether DHT is your root issue and find a customized solution today.

FAQs

Can women use DHT blockers?

Yes, women can use DHT blockers, but the type and concentration often differ from men. Women generally benefit from a lower-concentration topical solution and a nutraceutical supplement according to their specific hormonal and nutritional needs.

Are natural blockers as effective as Finasteride?

Natural blockers are generally less potent than allopathic drugs like Finasteride. However, they are a safer option for many and are highly effective in managing mild to moderate hair loss when used in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan.

How long does it take to see results?

Results from DHT blockers are not immediate. You can expect to see noticeable changes in hair loss and regrowth after 3-5 months of consistent use. Full results may take 9-12 months as hair follicles go through their natural growth cycles.

Can I combine multiple types of DHT blockers?

It is often recommended to combine both internal and topical DHT blockers, as they work in different ways to address the problem. A dermatologist or hair expert can provide a personalised plan that safely combines these treatments.

Any side effects of DHT blockers?

Natural, nutraceutical DHT blockers are generally safe with minimal side effects. Oral Finasteride can have significant side effects and should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

References:

Disclaimers

The claims and results mentioned are based on multiple internal studies and customer research surveys that Traya has conducted with a statistically significant sample size of users who were under expert observation and guidance

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Traya conducted an internal study over both men and females facing hair fall and 93% saw results* after using the complete Traya treatment consistently for a period of 5 months. This study was conducted in December 2022.

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DHT Blockers: The Ultimate Guide to Battling Baldness

Introduction