Article Edit Discuss

Stop Hair Loss by Eating These 18 DHT Blocking Foods Almonds vs Bananas vs Egg Yolks ... and 15 more

Edited by Donna, Eng, Doug Collins, Rashmi Shah and 17 others

18 Methods:

...More

Contents

1 The Cause of DHT Related Hair Loss
2 Tips and Tricks
3 Questions and Answers
4 Comments

The Cause of DHT Related Hair Loss

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a sex hormone is produced in hair follicles and adrenal glands in both sexes, as well as in the prostate and testes in men. Both sexes also produce the hormone testosterone. When the body's hormones are out of balance and produce too much testosterone, DHT blocks follicles from growing hair and balding is the result. The goal of eating foods that block excessive DHT production is to stop hair loss naturally, without having to take medications, or as a support for medications, you may already be taking.

Here are some foods you can eat now to block Excessive DHT Production and re-grow your hair.

Method 1: Almonds

Almonds are rich in L-lysine, which is a powerful DHT inhibitor. Almonds are also a healthy vegan source of protein that supports the growth of new hair. They are also rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, the "good" fats that are needed to produce healthy strands of hair with great tensile strength (meaning hair that is less likely to break).

1
Eat a handful of almonds every day as a snack to inhibit DHT.

A handful of almonds is a powerful DHT blocker.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Sprinkle crushed almonds on your cereal in the morning.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Add almonds as a topping to baked fish dishes for dinner.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 2: Bananas

Bananas are a vegetarian source of biotin, which helps prevent testosterone from converting into the active forms of DHT that causes balding. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which helps the circulatory system work to efficiently bring nutrients to the scalp. Bananas also contain FOS (fructooligosaccharides) that help maintain healthy gut bacteria, which in turn, helps reduce DHT overproduction.

1
Eat a banana, rather than a chocolate bar as a snack.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Slice bananas and top with yogurt for a high protein treat.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Add bananas to smoothies to give them the added kick of biotin and potassium.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 3: Egg Yolks

Egg yolks contain biotin, which is a nutrient that helps subdue the effects of DHT production. Egg yolks also help the body create essential fatty acids, which are necessary for growing healthy hair. The sulfur that occurs naturally in egg yolks can also help you grow thick long locks. Eggs are also an excellent source of protein and protein is what helps grow hair.

1
For best results, order eggs sunny side up or over easy so that the DHT blocking the ability of biotin in eggs is not destroyed by overcooking
.

The biotin in eggs is a DHT blocker.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Eat poached eggs, which allows you to enjoy the benefits of the cooked egg yolk.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Eat eggs Benedict, which features poached eggs with Hollandaise sauce; a sauce made of egg yolks.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 4: Cashews

Cashews are very rich in zinc, which directly stops testosterone from converting into the active forms of DHT that can cause baldness. Cashews are also very high in minerals that prompt the re-growth of hair, including copper, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc.

1
Eat a handful of salted or unsalted cashews every day as a snack to slow down DHT production.

Cashews are rich in zinc which help block DHT.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Top your desserts with cashew cream, made by blending water and cashews in a high-speed blender.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Combine chicken with cashews, green beans and spices for a high protein, nutritious meal that blocks DHT production.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 5: Carrots

Carrots are a rich source of lycopene, a substance that inhibits DHT naturally by damping down the effects of 5 alpha re-educate, the active constituent of testosterone that produces DHT.

1
Eat a raw carrot every day to help halt DHT hair loss.

The darker the carrot the more lycopene it may contain.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Drink carrot juice combined with mango juice, which will give you a double dose of DHT-blocking lycopene.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Roasted carrot with a high protein dish like lamb or beef to really enhance your hair's chances for re-growth
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 6: Kale

Kale is high in Zinc, a mineral that halts the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Kale also contains Isothiocyanates that play a primary role in the detoxification of excess hormones from the body. Kale also contains 45 flavonoids that help fight diseases of the scalp follicles as well as reduce hair follicle inflammation. Hair follicle inflammation is the first sign that an excess of DHT production is about to or is causing hair loss.

1
Stir-fry kale with garlic and serve it as a side dish.

Stir fry kale with garlic for a delicious DHT-blocking dish that also prevents scalp infections.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Eat kale raw in salads to enjoy the full detoxifying benefits of this leafy green.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Make kale chips by seasoning and roasting the leaves in the oven for twenty minutes and eating them as a snack.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 7: Mangoes

Mangoes are a delicious source of Lycopene, which helps reduce the conversion of testosterone into DHT. They are a rich source of Vitamin C, which helps heal damaged scalps, and also Vitamin E, which is a healer of the skin. Mangos are best eaten raw.

1
Mangoes are delicious served sliced and eaten raw.

Raw mango chunks help reduce DHT in scalp follicles.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Simply blend mangoes with ice to make a nutritious DHT blocking drink.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Top sliced mangoes with cashew cream for a delicious treat that that is doubly effective at blocking DHT.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 8: Oysters

Oysters, eaten raw, are especially high in Zinc, which makes them an ideal addition to a DHT-blocking diet. They are also a rich source of Potassium and Magnesium, needed for proper blood circulation and the carrying of nutrients from the bloodstream to the hair follicles. Additionally, oysters are a very generous source of Iron and other minerals that are beneficial for hair, including Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper, and Selenium. The high Vitamin C and E content in oysters can also help calm an inflamed scalp.

1
Swallow oysters raw on the half-shell for a powerful dose of DHT-blocking Zinc.

Raw oysters are one of the most compact and easy to digest sources of DHT blocking minerals.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Barbecue oysters on the grill and serve with your favorite oyster sauce.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Make Oysters Rockefeller, which is oysters grilled with spinach and grated parmesan for a high-protein, DHT blocking treat with an added dose of Iron (from the spinach)
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 9: Pecans

Pecans contain L-Lysine, which is a natural DHT blocker. This rich-flavored "nut" is actually a fruit full of monosaturated fatty acidic and ellagic acid, which help prevent compromised hair follicles from infection. Pecans are also an exceptional source of gamma-tocopherol; a very potent source of Vitamin E can that can help reduce scalp inflammation and subsequent hair loss. Furthermore, pecans contain several minerals, including Iron, Manganese, and Selenium, that are essential for the ongoing health of hair follicles.

1
Eat a handful of salted or unsalted pecans every day.

Pecan are a rich source of L-Lysine which prevents balding by blocking DHT.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Cook with pecans rather than other nuts when baking.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Every now and then, have a slice of pecan pie, to up your DHT blocking capacity.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 10: Peanuts

This nutritious legume contains L-Lysine and Biotin. Both are natural DHT inhibitors and they are also a heart-healthy source of protein, unusually rich in Folate and Molybdenum. These two nutrients help scalp follicles utilize the Iron and Copper needed to grow healthy hair. They are also rich in monounsaturated fats which help keep hair follicles nourished by a healthy cardiovascular system.

1
Eat a handful of salted or unsalted peanuts every day to increase your body's ability to block DHT
.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Use organic peanut butter with no additives to boost your L-Lysin and biotin levels.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Add peanuts to savory poultry dishes such as baked chicken or chicken stir-fry.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 11: Pumpkin Seeds

If you are suffering from hair loss, this should be one of your snacks of choice. Pumpkin seeds block DHT buildup in the hair follicle because they contain a steroid called Delta-7 Sterine. Pumpkin seeds are usually available at health food stores, pre-packaged as a snack.

1
You can make your own pumpkin seed snack by hollowing out a pumpkin and separating the seeds from the pulp
.
Wash with cold water, spread on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with spices and salt and roast them in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Seasoned pumpkin seeds are excellent DHT blockers.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Add whole unseasoned pumpkin seeds to loaves of bread and baked goods.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Crush pumpkin seeds until they are ground up fine and use as a condiment that you can sprinkle on your food.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 12: Swiss Chard

This healthy green helps block DHA and maintain healthy hair follicles due to the fact that it contains many powerful antioxidants that fight scalp inflammation. Swiss chard also contains a powerful flavonoid called syringic acid that lowers blood sugar and inflammation in the body, which in turn helps to prevent balding. A phytonutrient called Betalain in Swiss Chard can also help the body regulate its hormonal activity and detoxify itself of excess DHT.

1
Add Swiss Chard to a bean, barley or minestrone soup.

Swiss Chard is a DHT blocking food that is delicious when added to bean soups.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Stir fry Swiss Chard with garlic and a healthy oil like olive oil
.
It makes a tasty side dish.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Steam Swiss Chard and season with Iodized salt and apple cider vinegar to create a side dish that encourages hair growth.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 13: Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain the antioxidant Lycopene, which prevents Testosterone from converting into DHT and blocking hair growth. Cooked and canned tomatoes are an even better source of Lycopene than raw. The darker the tomato, the more Lycopene it contains. Tomatoes also contain Vitamin C which helps heal damaged hair follicles.

1
Eat cherry tomatoes or kumatoes as a snack to raise your Lycopene levels.

The darker the raw tomato, the more DHT blocking ability it contains.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Add cut up tomatoes to all of your pasta sauce or chili sauce recipes.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Make bruschetta by broiling garlic, tomatoes, and cheese on bread.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 14: Tuna

Tuna is a good source of Biotin, which helps prevent hair loss by slowing down the production of DHT on the scalp. Tuna also contains the mineral Selenium, in a form that is very nourishing and helps prevent inflammation, and dandruff. Tuna is also a very rich source of EP and DHA, two critical Omega-3 fatty acids that encourage hair growth and that are found in canned tuna.

1
Eat raw tuna as part of a sushi or sashimi Japanese meal.

Eat raw tuna sushi as often as possible to help slow down the production of DHT.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Eat tuna with basil and a touch of mayonnaise for a lunchtime snack.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Bake tuna with tomatoes and onions for a healthy, DHT-blocking supper.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 15: White Mushrooms

White cremini mushrooms are a bountiful source of Zinc, which directly blocks DHT production. They are also a rich vegetarian source of Vitamin D and pantothenic acid, which are needed to grow thick, flexible and glossy strands of hair.

1
Add sliced white mushrooms to salads.

White cremini mushrooms are an excellent source of Zinc, which blocks DHT.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Serve fried mushrooms with your main courses.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
White mushrooms that are served antipasto style in vinegar and oil are also a good source of DHT-blocking Zinc.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 16: Wheat Germ

Wheat germ is very high in Zinc, which blocks DHT production. Wheat germ is high in all of the essential components needed to grow healthy hair, including Folate, Vitamin E, all the B vitamins, Omega fatty acids, and protein.

1
Sprinkle raw wheat germ on cereals for breakfast.

Sprinkling raw wheat germ on breakfast cereal is a healthy way to discourage DHT production.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Top yogurt and fruit with a sprinkle of raw wheat germ.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Add raw wheat germ to a smoothie to make it a DHT-blocking drink.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 17: Walnuts

Like the other nuts on this list, walnuts contain the natural DHT inhibitor, L-Lysine. Walnuts are high in protein and contain a particularly beneficial source of Vitamin E called gamma-tocopherol, that encourages hair growth. This nut also contains rare anti-inflammatory nutrients such as Juglone, Tannin, and Morin that help combat hair loss due to problems with the prostate and prostate cancer.

1
Eat 7 walnuts a day to reap this nut's unusual hair growth and DHT blocking benefits.

Wanuts contain Vitamin E and DHT inhibitors.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Consume walnut tarts as an occasional treat to get the anti-inflammatory benefits in a tasty way.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
When making pesto, add a handful of walnuts to the basil and garlic mix to boost its Vitamin E content.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Method 18: Watermelon

Watermelon is an ample source of lycopene, which blocks DHT by not allowing testosterone to convert into HT. Watermelon is also a good source of Vitamin C, which helps heal the scalp, and is an organic source of B-12 and B6, which helps re-grow hair loss to metabolic issues such as Type II Diabetes. This rehydrating fruit also contains an amino acid called Citrulline, that supports kidney function and circulation, making sure that any excess DHT produced by the body is efficiently eliminated through waste

1
Eat slices of raw watermelon raw any time.

Watermelon is a natural DHT blocker with vitamins and minerals that encourage hair growth.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Freeze watermelon and then whirl in a blender with ice to make a watermelon smoothie.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Broil watermelon and serve on greens with feta cheese for a healthy DHT-blocking treat.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Tips and Tricks

The reddest part of the watermelon contains the most Lycopene, so it is best to wait for a watermelon to get fully ripe before you eat it.
Cooked egg yolks are richer in DHT-blocking Biotin than raw egg yolks.
Cooking white mushrooms enhances their DHT-blocking properties.
The richest source of Biotin from tuna is albacore, but albacore tuna is also more likely to be contaminated with mercury, which can sabotage hair growth.
If you are allergic to wheat, or you're gluten intolerant, it is best to stay away from wheat germ as a DHT blocker as those two conditions can provoke DHT production.

Questions and Answers

I am losing hair due to hypothyroidism.

I am losing hair due to hypothyroidism, What should I do?

Taking an iron supplement with Apply Cider vinegar will help with your hair loss. When you take an iron supplement, you will want to wait at least three hours before or after you take your thyroid medications. This will help with better absorption of the iron. The Apple Cider vinegar will give you some stomach acid. This is low with those that have hypothyroidism. Using a natural progesterone cream will balance your hormones which are depleted with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid Mom is an excellent website for information on how to manage symptoms of hypothyroidism. There is a regular newsletter you can subscribe to as well as a Facebook page. Check it out! It always helps when you can get input from someone else who suffers the same ailments. Often their trial and errors save time and frustration.

Here are two more VisiHow articles that pertain to hypothyroidism:

I am losing hair and it is not growing back?

I have recently undergone a hysterectomy. I have the problem of a lot of hair loss from the past 4-5 years. I am losing my hair from roots, and it has thinned, looking dull, with no shine. Also, I have graying hairs. Hair growth is also very slow. Please help. I have tried: Some hair oils. I think it was caused by: Hard water and stress

If your ovaries were removed in the hysterectomy, you are suffering a major hormonal imbalance. It is normal for hair loss during the first three months of a hysterectomy even if you keep your ovaries. Since you have been experiencing this for 4 to 5 years, there is something else involved with the hair loss. Many medications cause hair loss, so check to see if you are taking one. If you use facial creams that contain Retinol A, this too can cause hair loss. If you take a multi-vitamin, make sure it does not contain iron. After a hysterectomy, our bodies no longer require large levels of iron. Too much iron can cause your hair loss. You can take a Folic Acid supplement which has helped women with hair loss after a hysterectomy. Just make sure it does not contain iron as many over the counter supplements for folic acid are combined in a prenatal with iron.

How to avoid going bald on the forehead?

I going bald in the forehead region. How to stop this and promote new hair growth? I have tried: COCONUT OIL. I think it was caused by: CARBONS WHILE TRAVELLING BIKE IT CAUSES MOSTLY

If you travel by bike and wear a helmet (which you should), this can cause hair loss of the forehead region when hair follicles become clogged with sweat and dirt. There are hair caps you can wear under the helmet which keep sweat under control while also protecting your hair. Even a bandana would help.

Instead of Coconut Oil, try Castor Oil. This oil has been proven to be highly effective in promoting hair growth. If you are male, consider getting your testosterone tested. Low testosterone and High testosterone can both cause hair loss in the forehead region.

Can vellus hair grow into full terminal hair?

Diagnosed with male pattern loss. Using minoxidel-5% and biotin

Tricomin has a variety of hair products that contain their Triamino Copper Complex™. Many people report that using this has helped with the vellus that grows after using products like Minoxidil. It is worth a try to see if it helps you.

See more questions like this: Will hair grow back after telogen effluvium and hair texture?

Hello, it is a bit tough task to include all of them, so can I use some of them?

Density of my hair is getting less day by day. I have tried: Nothing yet. I think it was caused by: Definitely DHT I feel.

Even making a small change from this list in the article will help you. It is normal to shed up to 200 hairs a day. We also experience a seasonal shedding of hair just like a dog or cat does in the summer. The older you get, you lose more hair. Some medical conditions cause hair loss. The only way to really know what the cause is would be to speak with your medical doctor about labs to determine hormonal imbalances.

Can I regain my hair loss due to male pattern type baldness?

I lost my hair 10 Years back, can I regain hair without a hair transplant procedure?

After 10 years, you could try to use a medication for hair growth or over the counter hair products like Rogaine. This should be used for a minimum of 90 days before you give up. Also, there are new laser treatments meant to rejuvenate hair follicles. It is always recommended to start treatments as soon as hair loss is noticed. Resurrecting dead hair follicles is a time-consuming process with a 50/50 fail rate.

How many days it requires for a fallen hair with the white bulb to regrow?

Hi, I'm losing more hairs with the white bulb and doc said I am suffering from telogen effluvium, so my point is when do they regrow back? I have tried: Actual problem started with dandruff for which I have been to doc and said him lies that I have hair fall problem too for which he gave minoxidil solution which is only recommended for androgenic patients but unfortunately I was unaware of and continued to use that stuff and after 4 weeks a massive shed has taken place which was never before and I stopped that stuff after 3 months and I shaved my head and a few weeks later new hair has grown and after 1 month all new hairs have gone and again went another doc were he said it was telogen effluvium....and now I am shedding tiny thick hairs in large number, whereas my thick hairs are fine. I think it was caused by: Minoxidil is the culprit which was my big mistake!

You should know that it is common to have hair loss when using Minoxidil at the beginning as this is your hair follicles synchronizing. First, get your dandruff under control. Use a shampoo specifically for dandruff. Then start putting Castor Oil on your scalp three times a week for 30 minutes. Assess the hair loss within 6 months, then speak with your doctor again about possibly starting Propecia.

No hair on my front side of the head. Is it a hereditary problem?

I have almost nil hairs on my head mainly on the front side and top of the head. I had lost them when I was 22 years old. It is almost same as described in the article. I had used many medicated shampoos and also consumed many hair tonics. But it did not help much. I have tried: I got my hair transplant done. But it only worsened my situation. I also lost the hairs from my backside that were used for transplant. I think it was caused by: I think it is a hereditary problem as my father also had lost his hairs.

Hair loss can be an idiosyncratic matter, especially if you lost your hair young and if you lost the hairs that were used to perform a transplant at a young age. Not everybody can win the battle against an overproduction of DHT, which is usually very hereditary, especially if the hair loss is at the temples and on top of your head as you are describing. In some people, the DHT build-up problem can be continually rinsed away to delay the inevitable balding that can occur and in others, permanent damage to the hair roots happens early, and the damage is irreparable. Sometimes too, it is better for a guy to shave their head completely rather than deal with regrowth that is not quite taking as it should.

Can a receding hairline on the top be prevented before it worsens?

I have a problem with my top hairline always breaking just as they start growing after shaving and sometimes would completely unplug out. could this be a disease or something? I shampoo after every 4 days after noticing it. Mine seems to be a bit weird because most people's hairlines recede uniformly or either on the edges. I have been taking Omega 3 and many other DHT blocking foods but haven't any improvement yet after 30 days. I have tried: I have tried Aloe Vera, egg and onion extract so far. I think it was caused by: It began when I started using diluted lemon juice to rinse my head before going to bed

Hi there. It is doubtful that the lemon juice has anything to do with making the condition worse and it is quite likely, even if you are experiencing irregular balding at the hairline, that your condition is hereditary. However, your first step might be to stop using the lemon juice on the bald area and then wait six months to see if your hair grows back. This is to make sure that you don't have some rare allergy to citrus that is causing your follicles additional stress.

As for what might have caused the irregular balding in the first place, it is possible that it is due to a lack of B Vitamins in your diet? The type of irregular hairline you are describing might be due to balding due to malnutrition, and in particular, a lack of B vitamins. Are you vegan or vegetarian by any chance? People who don't eat meat or dairy tend to be deficient in B vitamins. Try taking B100 Mg Complex Timed Release once a day for six months and see if your hair starts growing back. If not, it might be time to see a doctor, naturopath or dermatologist, who may be able to use blood testing and oral evaluations to diagnose the cause of your premature hair loss.