Understanding DHT and Hair Loss: How to Manage It Effectively

What is DHT and why does it matter?

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a hormone produced when testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. While this is a normal biological process, it becomes relevant in hair loss when follicles are sensitive to DHT.

In these cases, DHT binds to receptors in the scalp and gradually shrinks the hair follicles. Over time, this leads to thinner, weaker strands and reduced hair density.

How DHT affects the hair growth cycle

Hair grows in cycles—anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). DHT disrupts this cycle by shortening the growth phase and prolonging the resting phase.

As this continues, each new strand becomes finer than the last, eventually leading to visible thinning (Trüeb, 2002).

Why some people are more affected

Hair loss linked to DHT is largely about sensitivity rather than just hormone levels. Some individuals have follicles that are more responsive to DHT, which accelerates the process of miniaturisation (Sawaya and Price, 1997).

This explains why hair thinning can feel gradual but persistent, even when overall hormone levels are normal.

Managing DHT: what actually helps

Managing DHT-related hair loss involves reducing its impact on the follicle while improving the scalp environment.

Caffeine has been shown to help counteract DHT-induced suppression of hair growth by stimulating follicular cells and increasing growth signals such as IGF-1 (Fischer et al., 2007; Bussoletti et al., 2020).

It also improves microcirculation, allowing better delivery of nutrients to the scalp—an important factor in maintaining healthy hair growth.

However, effective management isn’t about a single ingredient. It’s about how multiple ingredients work together.

The Bloom & Root approach: ingredient-led, layered care

Bloom & Root’s philosophy focuses on combining ingredients that target different aspects of hair thinning—rather than relying on a single solution.

Caffeine forms the foundation by stimulating follicles and supporting the growth phase.

Biotin complements this by strengthening the hair shaft through its role in keratin production.

But where the approach becomes more complete is in the use of serums and oils.

The role of serums and oils: where saw palmetto and rosemary come in

Hair serums and oils are not just for shine—they can play a meaningful role in supporting scalp health and addressing DHT-related thinning.

Saw palmetto is particularly relevant in this context. It is one of the few natural ingredients studied for its ability to influence DHT. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase and reducing DHT binding to hair follicle receptors by up to around 50%.

This makes it especially useful in hormone-related hair thinning, as it targets the pathway responsible for follicle miniaturisation.

Rosemary oil, on the other hand, works through a different but complementary mechanism. Clinical studies have shown that it can improve blood flow to the scalp and increase hair count over time, with results comparable to low-dose minoxidil after consistent use.

It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to create a healthier scalp environment for hair to grow.

Why combining these ingredients matters

Each ingredient targets a different part of the problem:

Caffeine → stimulates follicles and supports growth signals

Biotin → strengthens the hair structure

Saw palmetto → helps reduce DHT activity at the source

Rosemary oil → improves circulation and scalp health

When used together in a routine—shampoo, conditioner, serum, and oil—they create a layered approach:

• Supporting the follicle

• Reducing hormonal impact

• Strengthening the hair fibre

• Maintaining scalp health over time

This is where a routine becomes more than cosmetic—it becomes functional.

What to expect over time

Hair loss related to DHT develops gradually, and improvement follows the same timeline.

With consistent use of a targeted routine, you may begin to notice:

• Reduced shedding

• Stronger, more resilient strands

• Improved thickness and overall appearance

  
  

Most evidence suggests that meaningful changes require at least 3–6 months of consistent use, in line with the natural hair growth cycle.

The takeaway

DHT is a key driver of hair thinning, but it can be managed with the right approach.

By combining ingredients that target both the hormonal cause and the structural effects—like caffeine, biotin, saw palmetto, and rosemary—you create a routine that supports hair at every level.

It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about building consistency with ingredients that make sense biologically.

Because confidence comes from knowing your routine isn’t guesswork—it’s rooted in science.

References

Bussoletti, C. et al. (2020) ‘Efficacy of a caffeine-based shampoo in androgenetic alopecia’, Journal of Dermatological Treatment.

Fischer, T.W., Hipler, U.C. and Elsner, P. (2007) ‘Effect of caffeine and testosterone on the proliferation of human hair follicles in vitro’, International Journal of Dermatology, 46(1), pp. 27–35.

Sawaya, M.E. and Price, V.H. (1997) ‘Different levels of 5α-reductase in androgenetic alopecia’, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 109(3), pp. 296–300.

Trüeb, R.M. (2002) ‘Molecular mechanisms of androgenetic alopecia’, Experimental Gerontology, 37(8–9), pp. 981–990.

ScienceInsights (2026) ‘What natural ingredients are good for hair growth?’ Available at: https://scienceinsights.org

ScienceInsights (2026) ‘Which ingredients help hair growth and which don’t?’ Available at: https://scienceinsights.org

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia (2018) PMC. (PMC (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6388561/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))