DHT-blocking shampoos aim to combat hair loss by preventing the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, a hormone linked to pattern hair loss.
DHT-blocking shampoo
*image for illustrative purpose only
DHT-blocking shampoo
*image for illustrative purpose only
DHT-blocking shampoos are hair cleansers that contain ingredients meant to block the formation of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. DHT is a male hormone that plays an important role in the development of body hair, facial hair, and a deep voice during puberty, but it also plays a significant role in male androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
The male body produces DHT as a byproduct of testosterone. An enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone to DHT, which then binds to the hair follicles and weakens them. This can lead to a receding hairline, hair thinning, and hair loss. DHT-blocking shampoos aim to stop this process.
Common ingredients in DHT-blocking shampoos include saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, green tea, and the antifungal medication ketoconazole.
DHT-blocking shampoos are not approved to treat hair loss. Some ingredients in these shampoos may have hair-growth-promoting properties, but the research around their effectiveness in shampoo form is mixed.
DHT-blocking shampoo is not approved as a drug in the United States
DHT-blocking shampoo may have one of several different active ingredients
Depends on the specific product
The cost of a DHT-blocking shampoo varies depending on factors such as the brand, quantity, where you buy it, and the ingredients it includes. Prices online range from about $10 to $50 per bottle.
Hims’ Thick Fix shampoo with saw palmetto is $19 per bottle.
Many DHT-blocking shampoos are available over the counter at pharmacies or via online retailers.
However, if you have hair loss concerns, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your specific needs, risk factors, and desired outcomes.
Depends on the specific product
Depends on the specific product
There are other treatments available that may help manage hair loss. Some treatments may be better suited to you than others. If you’re interested in an alternative to DHT-blocking shampoo, consider connecting with a healthcare provider who can help you evaluate your options.
Other interventions that can help address different types of hair loss include:
Biotin and other hair-supportive supplements
Oral medications such as finasteride and minoxidil (prescribed off-label for hair loss at the discretion of a healthcare provider)
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) for hair loss
There isn’t strong research-backed evidence to support the effectiveness of these shampoos for combating hair loss. Some ingredients in these products have hair-growth-promoting properties, though, such as ketoconazole, which some older research suggests can increase hair density and stimulate hair follicles to enter the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. Some newer research has also found that saw palmetto, which is extracted from a palm plant called Serenoa repens, may slow down male pattern hair loss when used topically.
Currently, the oral DHT-blocker finasteride, in oral form, has been extensively studied and is considered the gold standard in the treatment of pattern hair loss. It’s also FDA-approved for treating male-pattern hair loss.
Most DHT-blocking shampoos are meant to be used daily.
It’s generally safe to use DHT-blocking shampoos alongside other products such as oral finasteride or biotin, but it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before beginning hair loss treatment to determine the most effective combination for you.
Asfour L, et al. (2023). Male Androgenetic Alopecia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/
Evron E, et al. (2020). Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7706486/
Kinter KJ, et al. (2023). Biochemistry, Dihydrotestosterone. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557634/
Piérard-Franchimont C, et al. (1998). Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopecia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9669136/
US Food & Drug Administration. (2025). FDA alerts health care providers, compounders and consumers of potential risks associated with compounded topical finasteride products. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/fda-alerts-health-care-providers-compounders-and-consumers-potential-risks-associated-compounded/