6 Foods That May Block DHT and Fight Hair Loss

Key takeaways

Certain foods, including onions and edamame, may help lower DHT levels by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, potentially preventing hair loss.
Green tea, rich in EGCG, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that may protect hair follicles, stimulate hair growth, and prevent hair cell death, though more research is needed.
Pumpkin seed oil has shown promise in preventing female pattern hair loss and increasing hair growth, but further human trials are necessary to confirm these benefits.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone similar to testosterone. It plays a roleTrusted Source in the growth of facial, pubic, and body hair during puberty.

However, high levels of DHT may contribute to hair loss.

Your body naturally converts about 10% of testosterone into DHT using an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

Some researchTrusted Source suggests certain foods and nutrients may help block this enzyme, which could decrease DHT production and prevent hair loss.

Here are 6 foods that may fight hair loss by blocking DHT.

1. Green tea

Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is among the most popular drinks worldwide.

During production, green tea leaves are steamed, which maintains more of the tea’s natural compoundsTrusted Source. This includes one of green tea’s primary plant chemicals, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

A 2019 reviewTrusted Source found that EGCG may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that could help prevent hair loss by:

protecting hair follicles
stimulating hair growth
boosting the immune system
preventing apoptosis, or hair cell death

Despite these promising findings, the authors note that research on the effects of EGCG on hair loss is limited.

As such, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before taking green tea supplements for hair loss.

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2. Coconut oil

Coconut oil comes from the kernel or meat of coconuts.

It’s commonly used for cooking, but it also has various applications in beauty, skin care, hair care, and overall health.

Coconut oil contains a high percentage of fat from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), primarily in the form of lauric acid, which has been shownTrusted Source to block DHT production in test-tube and animal studies when provided orally.

While these types of studies — known as preclinical studies — help researchers identify whether a specific treatment may be effective or safe, their results can’t be translated to humans.

As such, clinical studies in humans are needed before coconut oil can be recommended for preventing or treating hair loss.

Learn more about coconut oil for hair growth.

3. Onions (and other foods rich in quercetin)

White onions add a sweet yet sharp flavor to many dishes.

They contain few calories but boast a high content of antioxidants. One antioxidant, quercetin, has been shown to inhibitTrusted Source the production of DHT from testosterone by blocking the action of the enzyme alpha-5 reductase and decreasing oxidative stress.

ResearchTrusted Source has also found that a microneedle combination medication containing copper, zinc, and quercetin may help:

block DHT
promote hair regeneration
inhibit inflammation

Despite these promising results, no studies have investigated the effects of eating onions or taking quercetin supplements on DHT levels in humans.

Other fruits and vegetables rich in quercetin includeTrusted Source:

Learn more about onion juice for hair loss prevention.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb widely used in cooking and as a powder extract for its health benefits, some of which includeTrusted Source:

reducing arthritis pain
improving cholesterol levels
enhancing exercise recovery

These effects are linked to turmeric’s high concentration of active compounds called curcuminoids, the most studied of which is curcumin.

Preclinical studies have demonstratedTrusted Source that curcumin lowers DHT levels by blocking the action of the alpha-5 reductase enzyme.

However, more research in humans is needed to support curcumin products as a treatment for hair loss.

5. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin is a winter squash and a symbol of fall festivities like Halloween.

Each pumpkin contains hundreds of nutritious seeds rich in iron, zinc, and magnesium.

A 2021 studyTrusted Source found that applying pumpkin seed oil for 3 months helped prevent female pattern hair loss and increase hair growth.

Similarly, a 2019 animal studyTrusted Source found that pumpkin seed oil helped promote hair growth.

Despite these findings, additional human trials are necessary before pumpkin seed oil can be recommended for fighting hair loss.

6. Edamame

Edamame beans are young soybeans typically enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Edamame beans contain isoflavones, which are beneficial plant compounds that may lower DHT levels by blocking the action of 5-alpha reductase.

In a 2007 study, 58 males were randomized to supplement their diets with either soy protein high in isoflavones, soy protein that had most of the isoflavones removed, or milk protein.

After 3 and 6 months, the soy protein supplements — regardless of isoflavone content — reduced DHT levels more than milk protein did. While this decrease in DHT was not significant after 6 months, it may still have clinical significance or practical importance.

Moreover, since the beneficial effects were also seen with soy protein that had most of its isoflavones removed, soy may contain other active components connected to these effects.

It’s worth noting that although consuming soy is commonly thought to decrease testosterone levels in males, research suggests this isn’t the case.

Regardless, additional studies in humans are needed to determine the effects of consuming edamame or other soy products on DHT levels and hair loss.

Other ways to treat hair loss

If you experience hair loss, speak with a healthcare professional. They could review your medical history and identify potential causes for your hair loss to determine the proper treatment.

Treatment for hair loss may include a combination of:

vitamins and supplements, such as protein, zinc, iron, and vitamins C and A
natural remedies, such as scalp massage, aloe vera, and fish oil
laser therapy
topical medications, such as minoxidil (Rogaine), finasteride (Propecia), and corticosteroids
injections, such as platelet-rich plasma therapy
hair transplant surgery

Learn more about how to treat hair loss.

Frequently asked questions

Which food will block DHT?

Some foods and beverages that may help block DHT include pumpkin seeds, onions, green tea, and turmeric, among others.

Does blocking DHT regrow hair?

Some researchTrusted Source suggests that blocking DHT may help regrow hair. However, more research is needed to fully understand the link between DHT and hair loss.

Is egg a DHT blocker?

Limited research exists on the association between DHT and dietary egg intake. However, adding egg yolks to your diet may help regrow hair or prevent further hair loss due to their high levels of biotin. Some researchTrusted Source suggests a biotin deficiency is associated with hair loss.

What reduces DHT the most?

Finasteride (Propecia) is a DHT-blocker medication most commonly prescribed to help treat hair loss associated with DHT.

Takeaway

DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss.

Green tea, onions, pumpkin seeds, and edamame, among other foods and beverages, contain nutrients that may help lower DHT levels and prevent hair loss.

However, based on the limited research, additional studies in humans are needed before any foods or specific nutrients can be recommended to prevent hair loss.

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How we reviewed this article:

Sources

History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Gavin Van De Walle

Medically Reviewed By

Megan Slomka, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Medically Reviewed By

Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN

Medically reviewed by Megan Slomka, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Written by Gavin Van De Walle, MS, RD — Updated on July 24, 2024

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