What is DHT… and What Has It Done With My Hair?
Bald spots and total baldness are a multi-million dollar a year industry. With magazine covers touting high fashion models sporting a full head of hair, it has become a hallmark of culture: have a luscious scalp to stay on top. Unfortunately, nearly 25% of all men experience hair loss starting in their early 20s. Past the age of 50, about half of all men start to experience baldness.
Where Does DHT Come From?
In the past, wigs, ghastly comb-overs, and a variety of non surgical procedures were the norm in combating hair loss. With technology leading the way, there have been an advent in numerous products and treatments to not only counteract with the cause of hair loss, but to reverse it altogether. One major effect these treatments have to target the baldness cause is its ability to combat DHT development. Starting from testosterone, it is converted to dihydrotestosterone, which concentrates itself in the oil glands located in the hair follicles. In conjunction with an enzyme dubbed Type II 5-alpha reductase, DHT penetrates hair follicles and shrinks them. In addition, it thickens the protective membrane of your scalp, which reduces natural blood flow to the capillaries. Killing two birds with one stone, this process eventually stops hair growth altogether.
The prototypical baldness male pattern of lost hair at the front, top, and upper back of the head is where DHT concentrates itself the most. Side and bottom back hair are not usually touched by the hormone, which explains the average balding hairstyle you see on the street. It is also important to note that oil production throughout the baldness phase continues to act as before. Since follicles start shrinking and eventually die, the DHT process helps to produce oilier and flatter hair as a result. The combination of flat and oily hair makes for excellent conditions for the famed comb-overs sported by many.
DHT to Blame for Most Male Pattern Baldness
DHT is the No. 1 recognized baldness cause in men and women. For this, there have been numerous products coming out in recent years that work to block DHT production and the leaching effect it has on the hair follicles. Some of the more popular baldness cause treatments include Rogaine and Propecia. Rogaine is a hair growth stimulator and doesn’t necessarily reduce DHT production. Propecia in low dose versions can help to reduce the enzyme’s 5-alpha-reductase transition into DHT by up to 66%. In essence, Propecia has combated DHT very well with 4 out of every 5 men maintaining their hair count and others experiencing hair regrowth within two years.
Combating the Effects of DHT
Learning about DHT helps to recognize the possibilities of slowing down hair loss. There is no cure for the baldness male pattern but a healthy dose of the right products can make a difference. A savvy balding person will recognize that products loaded with plant derived fatty acids that react with 5-alpha reductase enzymes to limit its contact with testosterone is a solid bet. In addition, they will recognize that DHT is greatly helped by wheat proteins that strengthen hair follicles and kill tissue ravagers like free radicals. By recognizing DHT as the No. 1 baldness cause, you are better equipped for a healthy head of hair tomorrow.
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