Picture of a man putting minoxidil foam on his hand.

Is minoxidil a DHT blocker?

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We know that minoxidil aids to slow down hair loss, and in some cases even to regrow lost hair.

But does minoxidil block DHT (dihydrotestosterone)? Or does it work because there’s another mechanism of action at play?

To answer briefly already, minoxidil does not work by blocking DHT, but because of another reason. Let me explain how it works instead.

 
 
 

 

 

Does minoxidil block DHT?

Mental representation of Kirkland minoxidil liquid.
 
Minoxidil does not block DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
 
However, minoxidil does open up the blood vessels in the scalp. Consequently, this allows more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to reach the hair follicles. Thus, minoxidil can help stave off, or regrow lost hair.
 

Does minoxidil reduce DHT?

Minoxidil does not reduce DHT.

But it has been suggested that minoxidil may inhibit androgen receptor-related workings.

 

Does minoxidil have DHT blocker ingredients?

No, minoxidil does not have DHT blocker ingredients.

This means that minoxidil shouldn’t be used as a DHT blocker, seeing as it doesn’t work through that mode of action.

 
 
 

 

 

Does Rogaine block DHT?

Image of Men's 5% topical Rogaine.

Minoxidil does not block DHT. This means that Rogaine does not block DHT either, since it’s a brand of minoxidil.

It stimulates hair growth by promoting the blood vessels to open up, thereby increasing blood flow, the amount of oxygen, and nutrients being delivered to the hair follicles.

 

Does Rogaine contain DHT blocker?

No, Rogaine does not contain DHT blocker.

Thus, since Rogaine doesn’t have DHT blocker ingredients, it shouldn’t be used as one.

 
 
 

 

 

What is a DHT blocker?

A DHT blocker prevents DHT (dihydrotestosterone) from bonding to the receptors in the scalp. That’s an advantage since DHT promotes hair loss.
 
DHT is a hormone that’s essential for the sexual evolution of males at birth. But having too much DHT can damage the hair follicles, and cause hair loss as a result.
 
While DHT blockers aid to slow down hair loss, and/or to prevent any further hair loss, they’re not going to stop male or female pattern baldness completely.
 

Can DHT blockers regrow hair?

DHT blockers do not regrow hair directly.
 
Yet, they help to slow down or halt hair loss entirely. They are so effective since DHT is such a major cause of balding in both males and females.
 

Does DHT permanently damage hair follicles?

 
Having too much DHT can permanently damage the hair follicles.
 
That’s why it’s essential to act quickly when you first start noticing hair loss. DHT blockers and utilizing minoxidil can help you to limit, or prevent further hair loss.
 

Final note

Minoxidil does not contain DHT blockers. This includes the brand Rogaine.

Nevertheless, minoxidil helps to prevent further hair loss, and to regrow lost hairs by promoting blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen being delivered to the hair follicles.

DHT blockers in turn can aid to stop progressive hair loss, even though they will not stop the balding process entirely.

Having too much DHT can damage hair follicles, and one should seriously consider hopping on a combination of DHT blockers and minoxidil as soon as you first notice you’re losing hair.

The faster you start using both, the less progressive hair loss can occur!