6 Ways To Fight Hair Loss Without Lowering DHT

Summary

This video discusses alternative ways to combat hair loss without targeting DHT, the hormone responsible for androgenic alopecia. The presenter, Rob English, explores evidence-based options like minoxidil, satirizine, caffeine, and melatonin, while addressing the limitations of these treatments. He also highlights what to avoid, such as PRP therapy, low-level laser devices, and latanoprost due to questionable effectiveness or safety concerns. The overall message is that while DHT reducers are most effective, non-DHT treatments can still offer incremental improvements for those who cannot or choose not to use hormonal solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 DHT reduction is a primary method for combating hair loss, but not everyone wants to or can tolerate DHT blockers like finasteride and dutasteride.
• 😀 Minoxidil, a non-DHT reducing treatment, can promote hair growth and thickness but has a lower effectiveness rate (40-60%) and often leads to discontinuation within a year due to minimal results.
• 😀 To improve the effectiveness of minoxidil, consider increasing its dosage, combining it with retinoic acid, using micro needling to enhance penetration, or switching to oral minoxidil.
• 😀 Topical satirizine, an anti-histamine, shows promise for hair regrowth, especially for those with scalp inflammation related to androgenic alopecia, though its effectiveness can vary widely among users.
• 😀 Caffeine, applied topically, can stimulate hair growth and may offer moderate regrowth benefits when used in combination with other treatments.
• 😀 Melatonin, when applied topically, may help reduce shedding and promote new hair growth, with no major side effects on sleep or wakefulness.
• 😀 Anti-dandruff shampoos containing ingredients like pyrithione zinc and ciclopirox olamine can help improve scalp health and, in some cases, promote hair growth for people with dandruff-related hair loss.
• 😀 Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) shows some clinical support but often yields minimal real-world results, with many users failing to see noticeable hair growth despite the studies suggesting efficacy.
• 😀 Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is expensive and may not offer additional benefits over micro needling, making it less worth the investment for most users.
• 😀 Latanoprost, though showing potential in some studies, carries long-term risks like permanent iris darkening, making it a less favorable option for hair regrowth, especially given the incremental results it provides.

Q & A

What is the role of DHT in hair loss?

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the primary drivers of hair loss, particularly in men. It causes hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinning and eventual hair loss in conditions like androgenic alopecia or pattern hair loss.

What are DHT reducers, and why are they commonly used?

DHT reducers, such as finasteride and dutasteride, are commonly used treatments for hair loss because they lower the levels of DHT in the body. Reducing DHT is effective in slowing or even reversing hair loss for many men.

Why might someone avoid DHT reducers?

Many people avoid DHT reducers due to concerns about side effects, such as sexual dysfunction, mood changes, or other health issues. Some may have had negative experiences with these medications or are worried about the long-term risks.

What are the main limitations of minoxidil in treating hair loss?

Minoxidil can help promote new hair growth and thickening, but it is not very effective on its own. Studies show it works for only 40-60% of users, and most people stop using it within a year due to low effectiveness or side effects.

How can minoxidil's effectiveness be improved?

The effectiveness of minoxidil can be improved by increasing the dose (e.g., using a 7% or 8% formulation), combining it with retinoic acid (which helps it penetrate the scalp), or using micro-needling to increase both penetration and activation of the product.

What is topical satirine, and how does it help with hair loss?

Topical satirine is an antihistamine used to reduce scalp inflammation, which can contribute to hair loss. Clinical studies suggest that it may promote hair regrowth, especially in people with androgenic alopecia and scalp inflammation.

What is the issue with using Latanoprost for hair growth?

Latanoprost, originally used for glaucoma, has limited evidence supporting its use for hair regrowth. While it can elongate eyelashes, there are concerns about long-term safety, particularly the potential for permanent eye color changes and the lack of extensive data on its topical use for hair loss.

Why is low-level laser therapy considered ineffective for most people?

Although low-level laser therapy has some clinical support, real-world results are generally disappointing. Few users report significant hair growth, and long-term, cosmetic-level regrowth is rarely seen. The cost and limited effectiveness make it a questionable investment.

What role does caffeine play in hair growth treatments?

Topical caffeine has been shown to stimulate hair growth in some studies, with some suggesting that it may have similar effects to minoxidil. However, it is considered a lower-leverage treatment and is often combined with other ingredients for better results.

How should a person approach treating hair loss without using DHT reducers?

If someone is avoiding DHT reducers, the best approach involves combining several non-DHT reducing treatments, such as minoxidil, micro-needling, topical satirine, and caffeine. However, these treatments typically offer incremental improvements, not the significant impact DHT reducers provide.