Pros, Cons, and Do They Work? – Daily News
What Is DHT, and How Does It Cause Hair Loss?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone produced by testosterone. High levels of DHT can cause hair loss problems, including androgenetic alopecia, or AGA, and male pattern baldness, SaveHealth reports.
How Do Prescription DHT Shampoos Work?
Prescription DHT shampoos like ketoconazole reduce DHT production by targeting the hormone cycle locally at new hair growth follicles.
What Other Kinds of DHT Shampoos Are Available?
Many over-the-counter hair loss shampoos also target DHT, sometimes using natural ingredients that have shown promise in lowering DHT levels. Common natural ingredients used in over-the-counter DHT shampoos include saw palmetto, pygeum bark, and pumpkin seed oil. Many of these over-the-counter hair loss shampoos may also feature other ingredients thought to revitalize and boost hair growth, such as biotin, caffeine, keratin, and rosemary oil.
Do DHT Shampoos Work?
There has been limited research on shampoos that include potentially DHT-limiting natural ingredients like saw palmetto in the treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia, or AGA), although some initial findings indicate potential promise. Prescription DHT shampoos like ketoconazole, however, have been shown in studies to effectively treat hair loss and androgenetic alopecia, especially when the condition was treated aggressively and persistently with the shampoo.
Do DHT Shampoos Have Side Effects?
Most DHT shampoos, like ketoconazole, have minimal side effects. They may include the following:
- Skin blisters
- Texture changes to hair
- Itchy skin
- Skin irritation
- Skin dryness
If you experience more severe side effects after using DHT shampoo, such as hives or breathing trouble, you may be having an allergic reaction and should seek immediate medical care.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for DHT Shampoos?
Men and women seeking treatment for a scalp fungal infection or dandruff may find DHT helpful. DHT shampoos may be used by both men and women to treat hair loss from androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium. Because DHT shampoos work to prevent hair loss and possibly rejuvenate dormant follicles, and do not reverse hair loss that’s already occurred, those in the earlier stages of hair loss are ideal candidates. Men who are taking oral hormone prescriptions for hair loss, like finasteride, may also use a DHT shampoo like ketoconazole as a combination therapy.
Conclusion
While DHT shampoos show promise in treating hair loss, it is essential to understand their limitations. They may not reverse hair loss that has already occurred, and their effects may only last as long as the shampoo is used. However, for those in the earlier stages of hair loss, DHT shampoos can be a valuable addition to a treatment program.
FAQs
- What are the benefits of DHT shampoos?
- They can help prevent hair loss and possibly rejuvenate dormant follicles.
- Who is an ideal candidate for DHT shampoos?
- Those in the earlier stages of hair loss, including men and women with androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium.
- What are the potential side effects of DHT shampoos?
- Skin blisters, texture changes to hair, itchy skin, skin irritation, and skin dryness.
- Can DHT shampoos be used in combination with other hair loss treatments?
- Yes, they can be used in combination with oral medications like finasteride.
