DHT Management: Simple Steps to Keep Hair Growing

If you’re watching more hair on your pillow than on your head, DHT is probably part of the story. Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and speeds up shedding. The good news? You can slow it down, and you don’t need a PhD to understand how.

What DHT Does to Your Scalp

DHT forms when the enzyme 5‑alpha‑reductase turns testosterone into a stronger molecule. That stronger molecule loves to bind to hair‑growth receptors, but it also sends a signal that tells the follicle to shrink. Over time the follicle gets smaller, the hair gets thinner, and eventually it stops growing. This process shows up most often as a receding hairline or a bald spot on the crown.

Not everyone reacts the same way. Genetics decides how sensitive your follicles are, and lifestyle factors like stress or diet can make the enzyme work harder. That’s why two brothers can have very different hair outcomes even though they share the same genes.

Top Ways to Lower DHT

Most people start with medication because it’s the fastest route. Oral finasteride (1 mg a day) blocks about 70 % of the 5‑alpha‑reductase activity, so DHT levels drop and hair often starts to grow back in three to six months. If you worry about side effects, topical finasteride foam or the experimental RU‑58841 cream can deliver the blocker straight to the scalp while keeping systemic exposure low.

Natural DHT blockers are another option. Saw‑saw, pumpkin seed oil, and green tea extract have modest enzyme‑inhibiting effects. They’re easy to add to a daily routine, but you’ll usually need them together with a stronger approach to see noticeable results.Other lifestyle tweaks help too. Keeping blood sugar stable, eating enough zinc and vitamin D, and managing stress can keep the enzyme from over‑producing DHT. Regular exercise improves circulation, which gives each follicle more oxygen and nutrients.

Finally, consider combination therapy. Many users pair a low‑dose oral finasteride with a topical solution and a natural supplement. This “stack” hits the problem from three angles and often yields the best hair‑growth picture.

When you pick a plan, start with one thing, give it six weeks, and track progress. A simple photo log or a ruler measurement on the crown can tell you if the approach is working before you add more layers.

Bottom line: DHT is a hormone you can manage. Whether you go with a prescription, a topical, or natural supplements, the key is consistency and patience. Stick with the routine, watch the results, and you’ll have a clearer view of the path to thicker hair.