In the quest for lush, voluminous locks, understanding the root causes of hair thinning is crucial. One significant factor contributing to hair loss is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone that can shrink hair follicles when produced in excess.
Fortunately, science has brought us a solution: DHT-blocking shampoos. These hair care marvels are designed to combat DHT’s effects on the scalp, offering a beacon of hope for those experiencing hair thinning.
Let’s delve into the world of DHT blockers and uncover the best shampoos to reclaim the thickness and health of your hair.
Understanding DHT and Hair Loss
Before we explore the top shampoos, it’s essential to grasp the role of DHT in hair loss. DHT is a hormone that, in large amounts, can bind to scalp follicle receptors, leading to the miniaturization of hair follicles and, eventually, hair loss.
Also Read: Mastering Sleep Hygiene: Your Guide to Restful Nights and Energetic Mornings
By targeting this key player in the hair loss process, DHT-blocking shampoos can significantly reduce hair thinning and promote scalp health.
The Leading DHT-Blocking Shampoos
2. Happy Head Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner
Product details
- Quantity: 2 bottles (8 fl oz each)
- Prescription needed: no
- Key ingredients: biotin, saw palmetto
- Price: $72.00
*Price may vary.
In addition to offering prescription topical and oral treatments for hair thinning and hair loss, Happy Head also features this shampoo and conditioner combo designed by dermatologists. Both the shampoo and conditioner contain ingredients advertised to help block DHT and thicken the appearance of your hair.
This shampoo and conditioner also share several of the most popular ingredients found in other products on this list like saw palmetto, biotin, argan oil, keratin, and collagen. Each bottle is 8 fl oz and should last you about a month. The price for both bottles is $72, but if you choose to subscribe to monthly deliveries, the price drops to $55.
The shampoo and conditioner are also sold separately too, so if you already have a shampoo or conditioner that you’re absolutely in love with, you can supplement your haircare routine with either product from Happy Head.
Pros & cons
- ✅discount for subscribers
- ✅items sold separately or bundled
- ✅designed by dermatologists
- ❌higher price
- ❌subscribers billed every 25 days
Product details
- Returns: free returns
- Shipping: free shipping
3. Keeps Thickening Shampoo
Product details
- Package Dimensions: 6.65 x 1.93 x 1.86 inches; 8 ounces
- UPC: 371713000022
- Manufacturer: Keeps
- ASIN: B0994WXS42
- Country of Origin: USA
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,569 in Beauty & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Beauty & Personal Care) #6 in Hair Regrowth Shampoos
- Customer Reviews: 4.1 2,527 ratings
*Price may vary.
Keeps offers a range of products for targeting hair loss, including this shampoo. It has the mighty DHT-blocking saw palmetto that we mentioned earlier, as well as biotin (for improving keratin production), caffeine (for stimulating hair follicles), and green tea (for boosting hair quality).
It’s intended to be purchased through a subscription, where the product is shipped to you every 3 months. Subscriptions cost $8/month while a one time purchase is $24.
Overall, reviews on Amazon are largely positive. Buyers note that the online service and consultations are convenient, and the pricing is reasonable. The initial online consultation is free.
Reviewers also mention that the treatment plans seem to work best for male pattern hair loss — not so much for other types of hair loss.
One last note: The full ingredient list is only available on the product packaging, not on the Keeps website.
You’ll have to email Keeps directly to request the list if you want to see it ahead of purchase. This is especially important if you have any allergies.
Pros & cons
- ✅multiple hair growth stimulating ingredients
- ✅lower price point
- ✅good reviews
- ❌not suitable for all types of hair loss
- ❌ingredients not listed on the website
- ❌not designed for one-off purchases
Product details
- Returns: no returns or refunds
- Shipping: $5 for shipping
4. Maple Holistics Biotin Shampoo
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 2.1 x 7.25 inches; 8 ounces
- Item model number: MH-Biotin-8oz-shampoo
- UPC: 806802699370
- Manufacturer: Maple Holistics
- ASIN: B01ENCBOA0
- Best Sellers Rank: #551 in Beauty & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Beauty & Personal Care) #1 in Hair Regrowth Shampoos
- Customer Reviews: 53,544
*Price may vary.
This shampoo has an herbal scent, is the most affordable pick on our list, and has thousands of happy Amazon reviewers on its side.
It’s formulated with many beneficial ingredients, one of which is biotin (vitamin H). Biotin doesn’t block DHT, but it can still lend a hand in promoting hair growth.
This shampoo offers several scalp-friendly ingredients, like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and vitamin B5. It also contains tea tree oil, rosemary oil, and zinc. Although there isn’t strong evidence for these ingredients as DHT-blockers, limited research suggests they might be useful.
For instance, a 2013 pilot study found that combining minoxidil with tea tree oil and diclofenac was more effective than using minoxidil alone.
This cruelty-free shampoo is also free of silicone, sulfates, and parabens, making it a good choice for those with skin sensitivities.
Pros & cons
- ✅affordable option
- ✅effective ingredients
- ✅free from silicone, sulfates, and parabens
- ❌unpleasant scent
- ❌doesn’t work for some people
Product details
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
5. ProBliva Hair Loss & Hair Re-Growth Shampoo
Product details
- Package Dimensions: 8.62 x 2.09 x 2.05 inches; 8 ounces
- Manufacturer: ProBliva
- ASIN: B07S2FMZKR
- Best Sellers Rank: #50,948 in Beauty & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Beauty & Personal Care)#77 in Hair Regrowth Shampoos
*Price may vary.
This DHT-blocking shampoo is non-GMO, paraben-free, and sulfate-free. It contains a kapilarine complex, a blend of botanicals that the company says works to prevent hair loss.
It also contains green tea extract, which may help block DHT. However, more research is needed.
The shampoo also contains other hair-happy ingredients, like vitamin E, vitamin B5, keratin, and collagen amino acids.
Amazon reviewers are overall impressed with this pick, with many seeing results in just a few weeks.
Pros & cons
- ✅smells great
- ✅nourishing ingredients
- ✅reviewers report good results
- ✅may cause dandruff
- ✅may not work for everyone
Product details
- Returns: free returns
- Shipping: free shipping with Prime
Comparison
| Product | Price | Key ingredients | Prescription needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hims Thickening Shampoo | $19 | saw palmetto | no |
| Keeps Thickening Shampoo | $24 for one-time purchase; $8/month subscription | saw palmetto and caffeine | no |
| Happy Head Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner | $72 for one-time purchase; $55/month subscription | biotin, |
When to seek medical advice
Hair loss is common as we age, but it has many other potential causes. Stress, hormones, illness, infections, and medications can all play a role in thinning hair. It’s important to seek advice from a medical professional if you’re concerned.
If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or involves body hair, it could be due to an underlying medical condition that needs a diagnosis and treatment.
Likewise, if you have other symptoms along with hair loss, such as itching, burning, or pain, consider talking with a doctor for their advice.
Hair loss can also be a side effect of certain medications. If you’re taking meds or have recently started a course of treatment, check with your doctor or a pharmacist to see whether hair loss is a possible side effect.
Because stress and anxiety can also contribute to hair loss, speak with a healthcare professional if you’re having trouble coping with any mental health challenges.
They can rule out underlying medical causes. They can also refer you to a therapist or counselor who can help you manage your mental health.
In most cases, hair loss is not a sign of a serious health problem. But talk with a doctor if you’re worried about hair loss, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms or affects your quality of life. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend treatment options.
Conclusion
DHT is a sex hormone associated with male characteristics. It’s also a common reason for hair loss. Shampoos that work to block DHT may help improve hair loss.
Always perform a patch test before applying any new product.
Consider talking with your doctor to see if a hair loss treatment plan may be a good idea to use alongside a DHT-blocking shampoo.
