by Lecelle Natalia Ireland Tasic
What Is DHT and Is It Making Your Hair Thinner? Everything You Need to Know
Introduction: The Hormone Behind the Thinning You've noticed it gradually. Your parting looks wider. Your ponytail is thinner. Your hairline seems to be shifting. You're finding more hair in the shower, on your pillow, in your brush. You've tried everything — and nothing seems to help. If this sounds familiar, there's a good chance you've encountered the name DHT in your research. Dihydrotestosterone — DHT — is a hormone that plays a central role in the most common form of hair loss in the world: androgenetic alopecia. It affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States alone, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Yet despite its prevalence, DHT remains widely misunderstood — particularly when it comes to women. This post will give you the full picture: what DHT is, how it damages your follicles, why women are not exempt, and what you can do about it naturally. The Problem: A Hormone Working Against Your Hair DHT is a potent androgen (male sex hormone) derived from testosterone through the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-AR). Both men and women produce testosterone — and therefore DHT — though at vastly different levels. In men, DHT plays important roles in the development of male characteristics. In both men and women, however, DHT can have a devastating effect on hair follicles. The key mechanism: DHT binds to androgen receptors in genetically susceptible hair follicles. Once bound, it initiates a process of follicle miniaturisation — gradually shrinking the follicle over successive hair cycles until it can no longer produce a visible hair strand. This process is called androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss. DHT Miniaturises Your Follicles Over Time Follicle miniaturisation is a slow, progressive process. In the early stages, it may simply appear as a gradual reduction in hair thickness — individual strands become finer and lighter (this is called vellus hair). Over time, the growth cycle shortens, the anagen phase becomes progressively briefer, and eventually the follicle becomes so small it can no longer produce a visible hair. A landmark study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology by Whiting (2001) used scalp biopsies to confirm that follicle miniaturisation is the defining pathological feature of androgenetic alopecia, present in over 90% of affected individuals. The miniaturisation process can begin as early as the late teens or early twenties — long before most people are aware there is a problem. This is why early intervention is so critical. Every hair cycle that passes under DHT influence represents another step toward irreversible follicle dormancy. The Science of DHT and Hair Follicle Miniaturisation Why Are Some Follicles Affected and Not Others? Not all hair follicles are equally sensitive to DHT. Follicle sensitivity to DHT is genetically determined — it depends on the concentration of androgen receptors within the follicular unit and the activity level of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme in the scalp. This is why pattern hair loss follows predictable patterns (receding hairline and crown in men; widening parting and diffuse thinning on top in women) — the follicles in these areas are genetically programmed to be more DHT-sensitive. Interestingly, the follicles at the back and sides of the head (the 'permanent zone') are largely DHT-resistant — which is why hair transplants use grafts from these areas with reliable success. DHT and Women: A Different (But Real) Pattern Many women are surprised to learn that DHT can affect them too. Female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) presents differently from male pattern baldness — typically as a diffuse thinning over the crown and top of the scalp, rather than a receding hairline. The Ludwig scale classifies FAGA into three grades of severity. A review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that FAGA affects approximately 12% of women by age 29, rising to over 40% by the age of 69. Hormonal transitions — including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause — can all influence DHT levels and trigger or accelerate follicle miniaturisation in susceptible women. What Raises DHT Levels? Several factors can increase DHT production or activity, including: elevated testosterone (as seen in PCOS), increased 5-alpha reductase activity (which can be influenced by diet and genetics), chronic stress (which raises cortisol and can disrupt hormone balance), and high-glycaemic diets (which influence insulin and androgen levels). A study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that dietary patterns high in refined carbohydrates and low in phytonutrients were associated with higher levels of circulating androgens, including DHT. Natural DHT-Blocking Ingredients: What the Research Says Several natural ingredients have been studied for their ability to inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity, thereby reducing DHT production in the scalp: Saw Palmetto: A review in Phytotherapy Research found that saw palmetto extract inhibited 5-AR activity by up to 32%, comparable to some pharmaceutical interventions in mild-to-moderate cases. Pumpkin Seed Oil: A 2014 randomised controlled trial in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that men taking pumpkin seed oil experienced a 40% increase in hair count after 24 weeks, compared to a 10% increase in the placebo group. Rosemary Oil: A 2015 randomised trial in the Journal SKINmed found that rosemary oil was as effective as 2% minoxidil in promoting hair growth after 6 months, with fewer side effects. Green Tea (EGCG): Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol found in green tea, has been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit 5-AR and promote hair follicle growth. The Solution: Long And Strong — Natural Support for DHT-Affected Hair Long And Strong by Tasic Pure Oils is formulated with DHT-conscious ingredients that work to: Support healthy scalp circulation to nourish miniaturising follicles Deliver botanical ingredients with evidence-based 5-AR inhibitory activity Strengthen fine, thinning strands to maximise density from existing follicles Reduce scalp inflammation — a co-factor in androgenetic alopecia progression Create an optimal scalp environment to support healthy hair emergence during regrowth While no topical product can reverse genetically determined follicle miniaturisation in advanced stages, early and consistent intervention — combined with a supportive formula like Long And Strong — can meaningfully slow progression, improve hair density, and maximise the health of every strand your follicles produce. Important Note: If you are experiencing significant or rapidly progressing hair loss, we recommend consulting a dermatologist or trichologist for a comprehensive assessment alongside your topical hair care routine. Final Thoughts DHT-related hair thinning is not a cosmetic inconvenience — it is a progressive medical condition that responds best to early, consistent, multi-pronged intervention. Understanding the science is your first line of defence. And Long And Strong is your daily ally in the fight to keep every follicle functioning at its best. You don't have to watch your hair disappear without a fight. Now you know exactly what you're up against — and what you can do about it. ✨ Ready to transform your hair? Try Long And Strong by Tasic Pure Oils today and experience the difference that nature-backed science can make. SHOP NOWhttps://tasicpureoils.com.au/products/long-and-strong?variant=46147003613349 References: Whiting DA. Possible mechanisms of miniaturisation during androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001. | Prager N et al. Pumpkin seed oil for androgenic alopecia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. | Panahi Y et al. Rosemary oil vs. minoxidil 2% for hair growth. SKINmed. 2015. | American Hair Loss Association. Androgenetic Alopecia Statistics.
