DHT Blocker: What It Is, How It Works, and What Works Best

When you hear DHT blocker, a substance that stops dihydrotestosterone from attacking hair follicles. Also known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, it’s one of the few scientifically proven ways to slow male pattern baldness. DHT isn’t bad on its own—it’s a stronger form of testosterone that helps with muscle growth and libido. But in people genetically prone to hair loss, DHT shrinks scalp follicles over time, leading to thinning and eventual balding. A DHT blocker steps in to interrupt that process before it goes too far.

Most DHT blockers you’ll find work by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. The two main drugs that do this are finasteride and dutasteride. Finasteride cuts DHT by about 70%, while dutasteride drops it by 90% or more. Both are prescription meds, but finasteride is far more common because it’s been used for decades and has a solid safety record. You won’t find a true DHT blocker in most shampoos or supplements—those often just claim to "support hair health" without actually lowering DHT levels. Real results come from stopping the hormone at its source.

That’s why so many of the posts here compare DHT blockers to other hair loss treatments. You’ll find detailed looks at Mintop Solution, a topical treatment with minoxidil that boosts blood flow to follicles, and how it stacks up against finasteride. Some people use both together because they work differently—one blocks the hormone, the other wakes up dormant follicles. You’ll also see comparisons with laser therapy, PRP, and even hair transplants, all of which are options if DHT blockers alone aren’t enough. But if you’re trying to stop hair loss before it gets worse, starting with a proven DHT blocker makes sense.

It’s not just about hair, though. DHT plays a role in prostate health too, which is why finasteride is also used for benign prostatic hyperplasia. But most people looking for DHT blockers are focused on their scalp. The key is knowing what actually works, not what’s marketed as a miracle. There’s no magic pill that grows hair back overnight, but blocking DHT can stop the decline—and in many cases, help regrow some of what’s been lost. If you’ve noticed your hairline receding or your crown thinning, understanding DHT blockers is the first real step toward doing something about it.