DHT AND HAIR LOSS
Understanding DHT and Its Role in Hair Loss
Hair loss can be a frustrating and distressing experience, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. One of the primary factors contributing to hair loss is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, commonly known as DHT. Understanding DHT and its impact on hair health is essential for anyone looking to manage or prevent hair thinning and loss.
What is DHT?
DHT is a derivative of testosterone, produced in the body through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. It plays a critical role in the development of male characteristics during puberty. However, DHT also affects hair follicles, particularly on the scalp.
How Does DHT Cause Hair Loss?
DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time. This process, known as follicular miniaturization, leads to thinner, weaker hair strands and eventually stops hair production altogether. The hair growth cycle shortens, and hair follicles spend more time in the resting phase and less time in the growth phase.
This mechanism is primarily responsible for androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as male-pattern baldness and female-pattern hair loss. Genetic predisposition determines the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT, which is why some individuals experience hair loss while others do not.
Signs of DHT-Related Hair Loss
Gradual thinning of hair on the crown and temples
Receding hairline, particularly in men
Overall reduction in hair volume
More pronounced shedding during washing or brushing
Managing DHT-Related Hair Loss
Medications: Treatments like finasteride work by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, reducing DHT levels and slowing hair loss. Topical agents such as minoxidil can stimulate hair growth but don't affect DHT directly.
Hair Care Practices: Using gentle shampoos and avoiding harsh treatments can help maintain scalp health, supporting hair resilience against DHT effects.
Lifestyle Factors: Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding smoking may help minimize hair loss and support hair growth.
Professional Treatments: Options such as low-level laser therapy or hair transplant surgery can offer solutions for advanced hair loss.
Conclusion
DHT plays a central role in certain types of hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia. While it is a natural hormone essential for other bodily functions, its effect on hair follicles can lead to progressive hair thinning and shedding. Understanding DHT's role in hair loss empowers individuals to explore effective treatment options and take proactive steps toward healthier hair. If you suspect DHT-related hair loss, consulting with a hair care professional or dermatologist is recommended to develop a tailored management plan.
Products we recommend for hair loss
P Factor
P FACTOR is the first integrated system in three phases that cleanses, regenerates and helps to prevent hair loss, counteracting the damaging effects of free radicals and keeping hair healthy.
Preventing and treating hair loss is possible
Regenerate the scalp; prevent or normalise hair loss, and maintain hair health and vitality.
P Factor Intensive Lotion
100 ml / 6 ml x 12 pz Formulation designed for targeted treatment of hair loss, enriched with plant stem cells from grapes, larch tree and tea extracts providing antioxidant activity plus glycine and zinc. Efficacy test results:*- average increase in hair density of over 150%
- improvement in the degree of alopecia in 56% of the volunteers who used the product
- strengthening efficacy in more than 75% of the volunteers
- reduced hair loss in 83% of the volunteers
*The test was conducted on a sample of 81 male and female volunteers for a total of 4 months. The lotion was applied 3 times a week (and the shampoo as needed).
How to stimulate hair growth
How to Stimulate Hair Growth: Effective Tips and Practices
Hair growth is a natural process, but various factors such as genetics, diet, stress, and hair care routines can influence the rate and quality of growth. Understanding how to stimulate hair growth can help maintain healthy, strong, and vibrant hair. Here’s a comprehensive guide on effective ways to promote hair growth:
1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Nutrition plays a crucial role in hair health. Essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, E, biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids promote scalp health and hair follicle function. Incorporate the following into your diet:
Leafy greens like spinach and kale
Nuts and seeds
Fish rich in omega-3s, such as salmon
Eggs and dairy products
Fruits rich in antioxidants, like berries
2. Scalp Massage
Regular scalp massages increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, which can stimulate hair growth. Use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp for 5-10 minutes daily. Applying natural oils, such as coconut, castor, or rosemary oil, during the massage can enhance the effect by nourishing the scalp.
3. Avoid Heat and Harsh Chemical Treatments
Excessive use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments can damage hair, leading to breakage and slowing growth. Minimize the use of blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Opt for gentle hair care products that are free from sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals.
4. Keep the Scalp Clean and Healthy
A clean scalp free from build-up and dandruff supports healthy hair growth. Use a gentle shampoo suitable for your hair type and avoid over-washing, which can strip natural oils. Consider incorporating a weekly exfoliating treatment to remove dead skin cells and promote follicle health.
5. Manage Stress
Stress can negatively affect hair growth by triggering hair loss conditions like telogen effluvium. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, exercise, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies.
6. Regular Trims
While trimming hair doesn’t directly promote faster growth, it helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage. Keeping hair trimmed ensures healthier-looking and stronger strands.
7. Use Hair Growth-Boosting Products
Certain topical products contain ingredients proven to support hair growth. Look for those with minoxidil, caffeine, biotin, or peptides. Always choose products backed by clinical studies and consult a dermatologist or hair specialist when considering new treatments.
8. Stay Hydrated
Hydration affects the health of your scalp and hair. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain moisture balance and prevent dryness and brittleness.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can create an optimal environment for hair growth. Remember, individual results vary, and patience is key—hair typically grows about half an inch per month. For persistent hair loss or slow growth concerns, consult a healthcare professional for tailored advice and treatment options.
Types of Alopecia
Non-Scarring Alopecia Types:
Androgenic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this type is often influenced by genetics and causes gradual, progressive thinning of hair.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Variants include:
Alopecia Totalis: Complete hair loss on the scalp.
Alopecia Universalis: Hair loss affecting the entire body.
Ophiasis: Hair loss in a band-like pattern along the hairline.
Telogen Effluvium: Temporary and widespread hair shedding triggered by stress or physical or emotional factors.
Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by continuous pulling from tight hairstyles such as braids, hair extensions, or ponytails.
Trichotillomania: A mental health condition where an individual has an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair.
Scarring Alopecia: This group of disorders causes permanent damage to hair follicles, resulting in irreversible hair loss.Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a specific type of scarring alopecia characterized by gradual hair loss and scarring along the hairline.
Lichen planopilaris is another scarring condition that causes irreversible hair loss through follicle destruction.
Hair loss can also occur due to surgery or trauma, which involves physical injury such as burns or surgical incisions that damage the scalp and hair follicles.
Non Surgical Hair Replacement
Non-surgical hair systems are a safe way to restore areas of hair loss without having to undergo a surgical procedure like hair transplants. Surgical Transplants can cause scarring and infection, and the hair transplant might not work, and the hair might fall out. Like with any surgery, there are also many risks.
This is why people often go for non-surgical hair pieces as they are more affordable and cause no risks to you as what a surgical procedure might do.
Our non-surgical hair pieces are meticulously custom-made to match the exact area of hair loss, colour, and density of your natural hair. This level of precision ensures a seamless blend and a natural appearance.
For both men and women, non-surgical hair pieces are tailor-made to fit the area of hair loss. The process begins with a meticulous colour match to the person's hair. The hair loss area is then carefully measured, and a custom piece is prepared to precisely match that area of hair loss, ensuring a perfect fit and natural appearance. No matter skin colour, hair texture or gender, there are perfect systems for people
Hair system transformations not only provide aesthetic improvements but also profoundly impact clients’ self-esteem and overall well-being.
At times, hair loss can be emotionally challenging. Our non-surgical hair systems are designed to empower individuals, helping them feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. It's not just about the hair, it's about your self-esteem and well-being.
With our non-surgical solutions, you can regain a full head of hair and experience a renewed you.
Say goodbye to self-consciousness and hello to a new chapter of your life, filled with limitless possibilities.
When to be worried about hair loss
When you find excessive hair when you brush or shower over an extended period of time, or find bald patches, or notice that the density of your hair has drastically changed. This is when you need to take action. Either go to a reputable hairdresser, your doctor, trichologist or dermatologist depending on how extreme your hair loss is.
There are many forms of hair loss.
Alopecia areata, trichotillomania, male and female pattern baldness, scarring alopecia.
This is why you need to find a specialist to identify the type of hair loss and hopefully be able to get to the root cause of your hair loss.
Causes of hair loss can be heredity, stress related, having a high fever, hormonal, autoimmune diseases like lupus and thyroid problems, medication induced hair loss, chemotherapy and radiotherapy or trichotillomania which is pulling out your own hair.
Hair shedding
Hair shedding, when to worry.
Every day hair loss is normal, we can loose up to 100 hairs a day. When we shed more hairs than this a person has excessive shedding.
Sometimes we can notice excessive shedding a couple of months after a stressful time in ours lives, after child birth, an operation, a high fever, excessive weight loss and also after stopping taking birth control.
Generally the body readjusts and hair returns to normal after 6 to 9 months.
If we have constant stress hair, shedding can be long lasting and people can have long term hair loss.
What we recommend would a course of Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen alone can increase circulation and promote blood flow to the scalp. This increased circulation helps to bring essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles, which promotes healthy hair growth. It cleanse your scalp and oxygenates your hair follicles to help promote hairgrowth and stop excessive hairloss happening.