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DHT Blocker Proprietary Blend

Also known as: DHT blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), natural DHT blockers, saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), pygeum (Pygeum africanum), nettle leaf (Urtica dioica), finasteride, dutasteride, DHT Blocker Proprietary Blend

Overview

DHT Blocker Proprietary Blends are mixtures of ingredients designed to inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). These blends typically combine natural extracts like saw palmetto, pygeum, and nettle leaf with supportive nutrients. DHT blockers reduce the formation or effect of DHT, which shrinks hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and loss. Pharmaceutical DHT blockers like finasteride and dutasteride have robust clinical evidence, while natural blends have moderate evidence, often from smaller or less rigorous studies. These blends are used to prevent or slow hair loss in androgenetic alopecia by reducing DHT levels or blocking its action on hair follicles. They often combine multiple natural extracts and nutrients purported to inhibit 5-alpha reductase enzymes or protect hair follicles from DHT effects. While pharmaceutical options remain the gold standard, natural blends offer an alternative or adjunctive approach.

Benefits

Pharmaceutical DHT blockers like dutasteride can block up to 98.4% of DHT, while finasteride blocks about 70%, with dutasteride showing superior hair regrowth in studies. Saw palmetto has shown improvement in hair growth in some individuals, though less effectively than finasteride. Proprietary blends combining saw palmetto, pygeum, nettle leaf, and other botanicals have demonstrated significant reductions in serum DHT and hair shedding in clinical studies. Some blends also include antioxidants, adaptogens, and nutrients that support scalp health and hair growth. Most studies focus on men with androgenetic alopecia, and noticeable effects typically require 3–6 months of consistent use. While pharmaceutical options have large effect sizes, natural blends show moderate effect sizes with some variability.

How it works

DHT blocker blends primarily work by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase enzymes (types 1 and 2), which convert testosterone to DHT, thereby reducing DHT levels in scalp tissue. This action primarily affects hair follicles in the scalp by reducing DHT-induced follicular miniaturization. The blends target 5-alpha reductase type 1 and 2 isoenzymes and DHT receptor binding on hair follicle cells. Oral agents like finasteride and dutasteride have systemic absorption, while topical formulations and shampoos aim for localized scalp effects with minimal systemic exposure. The bioavailability of natural extracts can vary depending on the formulation.

Side effects

Pharmaceutical DHT blockers have known side effects, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory dysfunction in some users. Natural blends generally have fewer side effects, but data are less comprehensive. Common side effects for finasteride/dutasteride include sexual dysfunction. Shampoos may cause scalp dryness, itching, or irritation, especially if sulfates are present. Uncommon side effects include skin erythema and contact dermatitis with topical formulations. Rare side effects include elevated liver enzymes and testicular pain. Finasteride and dutasteride may interact with other hormonal therapies, and natural supplements may interact with anticoagulants or hormone-sensitive medications. Women of childbearing potential should avoid finasteride/dutasteride due to teratogenicity, and caution is advised in patients with liver disease.

Dosage

For pharmaceutical options, finasteride is typically used at 1 mg/day, and dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day, both oral doses established in RCTs. Natural extracts like saw palmetto are typically used at 100–320 mg/day in studies. Higher doses of pharmaceuticals increase the risk of side effects, while natural supplements are generally safe within studied ranges. Consistent daily use for at least 3–6 months is recommended to observe effects. Oral tablets are used for pharmaceuticals, while topical gels or shampoos are used for localized effects. Supplements are used for systemic natural DHT blockers. The lipophilic nature of some agents, like dutasteride, affects topical formulation, and bioavailability is enhanced with proper formulation. Nutrients such as biotin, zinc, and vitamins may synergistically support hair health.

FAQs

Are DHT blocker blends effective?

Pharmaceutical agents have strong evidence; natural blends show promise but with less robust data. Combining finasteride with minoxidil or natural DHT blockers can enhance efficacy.

Are they safe?

Generally safe when used as directed; pharmaceuticals have known sexual side effects; natural products have fewer but less studied.

How long until results?

Typically 3–6 months of continuous use is required before noticeable effects are observed.

Can shampoos alone stop hair loss?

Shampoos may reduce scalp DHT locally but are unlikely to fully reverse hair loss without systemic treatment.

Is combining treatments beneficial?

Yes, combining finasteride with minoxidil or natural DHT blockers can enhance efficacy.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9298335/ – This systematic review compared dutasteride and finasteride for androgenetic alopecia, finding dutasteride superior in blocking DHT (98.4% vs 70%) and promoting hair regrowth. The review also noted that topical finasteride is effective but less studied, highlighting the need for more research on topical formulations and variable formulations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28396101/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple RCTs involving men with AGA found that minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser therapy were superior to placebo for hair growth. The study acknowledges heterogeneity in the included studies, but overall supports the efficacy of these treatments.
https://www.hims.com/blog/does-saw-palmetto-prevent-hair-loss – This article references a study by Prager et al., 2012, which found that saw palmetto improved hair growth in 38% of men with mild-moderate AGA compared to 68% for finasteride over 24 weeks. The article suggests that natural DHT blockers can be partially effective, though less potent than finasteride.
https://www.mdhair.co/article/the-best-dht-blockers-for-people-with-hair-loss-2025 – This article cites a clinical trial by MDHair in 2025, which found that a proprietary blend with saw palmetto, pygeum, and nutrients reduced serum DHT and hair shedding by 78% in participants over 24 weeks. The study suggests that proprietary blends can be effective, but notes the limitations of industry-sponsored research.
https://www.hims.com/blog/dht-blocking-shampoos-everything-you-need-to-know – This article discusses DHT-blocking shampoos, noting that they may reduce scalp DHT locally but are unlikely to fully reverse hair loss without systemic treatment. It also mentions that some shampoos can cause scalp dryness, itching, or irritation, especially if sulfates are present.