Introduction: Why Understanding DHT Matters

Hair loss affects millions globally, with one major culprit being a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). While essential for male development, excess DHT can bind to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink over time in a process known as “miniaturization.” This leads to thinning hair, receding hairlines, and eventually baldness. Both men and women can be affected.

At AK Clinics, we believe that preventing hair loss should start with awareness and natural intervention. One of the safest ways to reduce DHT levels is through dietary and lifestyle changes.

What is DHT?

DHT is a derivative of testosterone, converted by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. When DHT binds to androgen receptors in the scalp, it causes hair follicles to shrink, weakening hair over time. Reducing DHT levels or blocking its binding to follicles can prevent hair loss and promote regrowth.

Common signs of DHT-related hair loss:

• Receding hairline (especially at temples)
• Thinning at the crown
• Overall reduced hair density

What converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)?

The androgen hormone which is secreted in the body is testosterone but in order to be carried out to tissue such as that in the brain or the skin, hormone testosterone bonds with the enzyme 5-alpha reductase to produce dihydrotestosterone. DHT can be influenced by the both external and internal factors which contributes to the increase in the hormonal levels in the body. For example, some say that stress causes hair loss but indirectly. Stress causes the release of cortisol hormone in bulk which further increases the adrenaline testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.Men with an enlarged prostate will also have increased DHT levels and there’s even a theory that the mechanism behind male pattern baldness is the body’s way to protect men from prostate cancer.

How DHT Causes Hair Loss

DHT plays a central role in hair thinning and pattern baldness. It binds to androgen receptors on hair follicles, especially in the scalp’s front and crown regions. Once bound, it alters the natural hair growth cycle, shortening the anagen (growth) phase and lengthening the telogen (resting) phase. Over time, hair follicles shrink—a process called miniaturization—leading to finer, shorter hairs until they eventually stop growing.

In men, this often results in male pattern baldness (MPB) with hair loss starting at the temples and crown. In women, DHT-related hair loss usually presents as diffuse thinning.

Does DHT Affect Transplanted Hair?

One of the most common questions we get at AK Clinics is whether DHT can affect hair transplanted from the donor area. The answer is reassuring: no. Transplanted follicles are harvested from the “permanent zone”—typically the back or sides of the scalp —which are genetically resistant to DHT. This means that, once transplanted, these hairs retain their DHT resistance even when moved to the balding area.

However, your existing native hair (the non-transplanted ones) may still be affected by DHT. That’s why we often recommend DHT-blocking foods, medications, or treatments like PRP therapy to protect surrounding hair and maintain a fuller look.

How to Naturally Block DHT

DHT-related hair loss affects both men and women, but it often presents differently. In women, excess DHT can lead to overall thinning, a widening part line, a smaller or thinner ponytail, and sometimes increased hair shedding. Fortunately, there are natural ways to manage this.

Below are some of the most effective foods that can help lower DHT levels and support healthier, fuller hair.

12 Best Natural Foods That Help Block DHT

DHT hair loss in women is different from DHT hair loss in men and it results in the overall thinning of the hair, widening center or side part, thinner pony tail etc. Here are the list few foods that act as best dht blocker food:

1) Berries:

• Especially blueberries, are rich in vitamin C and proanthocyanidins
• Improve scalp circulation and reduce oxidative stress
• Help shift follicles from the resting to the growth phase – Especially blueberries, are high in vitamin C and antioxidants like proanthocyanidins that improve circulation and help shift follicles from the resting to growing phase.

So go for the sweeter way to support your hair and make them strong & beautiful.

2) Avocado: Avocados are one of the biggest natural DHT blockers.

• High in vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and phytosterols
• Promote scalp hydration and reduce oxidative damage
• May assist in flushing out excess DHT

Bring shine & luster to your hair by mashing Avocado to your palette…

3) Almonds: Crunchy nuts are full of protein and are brilliant source of biotin. Almonds are also known as “Hair vitamin”.

• Provide biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin E, and healthy fats
• Strengthen hair structure and support keratin formation
• Zinc in almonds helps in mild DHT suppression

So just eat a handful of soaked almonds in the morning and be beautiful with long, shiny & healthy hair.

4) Tomato: Lycopene in tomato inhibits the DHT by regulating or inhibiting 5 alpha reductase.

• Antioxidants in tomatoes help to fight cells causing damage the hair follicles and causes hair fall.
• Beta-carotene helps to supply nutrients to the scalp for hair growth.

Tomatoes can be easily included into diet in form of salads, sauce, and pastes or added to any your favorite dish.

5) Eggs: Eggs are rich in Biotin.

• Contain biotin and cysteine, important for hair protein (keratin)
• Promote follicle health and thickness
• Cooked eggs offer higher nutrient absorption than raw ones

Just like boiled egg having bounce, add volume & bounce to your hair easily by eating eggs daily!!

6) Pumpkin Seeds: Little munchkin pumpkin seeds contain number of essential minerals, including zinc, magnesium, iron etc.

• Rich in zinc, magnesium, and cucurbitin (an amino acid)
• Zinc helps regulate DHT production
• Promotes healthy follicle function and scalp nourishment

A handful of tiny pumpkin seed is enough for you at anytime. You can toss them into your favorite salad too!!!

7) Walnuts: Walnuts contain L-lysine which is a natural DHT inhibitor.

• Walnuts are high in protein.
• Best source of vitamin E (gamma tocopherol), promotes hair growth.
• Contains rare anti-inflammatory nutrients such as Tannins which combat hair loss.

You can incorporate more walnuts to your diet. Consuming direct nuts can be the best way. But if you don’t like the rancid smell of nuts, you can make salad with your own favorite fruits.

8) Banana: They are also rich in Biotin, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

• Bananas are good source of potassium which help to maintain the circulatory system to work properly so that there will be adequate nutrient supply to the hair follicles.
• Bananas also contain FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides) that help to maintain the healthy gut bacteria (R). Healthy gut will reduce the overproduction of DHT.

Make your hair soft and silky by snipping banana daily…

9) White Mushroom:

• White mushrooms are also abundant in zinc, which blocks DHT production in the body.
• It also contains high sources of vitamin D and pantothenic acid, all vital for growing thick hair on the scalp.

Your hair must grow like a tree long, thick & mushrooms can help you in this…so eat as much as you can!!!

10) Carrots: Regularly use of carrot can make your hair lustrous, silky & smooth.

• Loaded with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A
• Promotes sebum production, keeping the scalp moisturized
• Helps protect against environmental damage

You can munch carrots a day or slurp carrot juice daily for beautiful long and healthy hair.

11) Green Tea:

• Contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful antioxidant
• Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT
• Reduces inflammation on the scalp
• Improves blood flow to hair follicles

So sip a little cup of green tea daily to make your hair long & healthy…

12) Watermelon:

• A hydrating fruit rich in lycopene and citrulline, which helps to fight with DHT by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase
• Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin C, B₁₂ & B₆.
• They help in hair growth & citrulline helps to eliminate the excess DHT from the body.

You are one in “MELON” (million), so don’t let the charm fade away,,, Eat watermelon all the day!!!

Lifestyle Changes to Naturally Lower DHT