When most men start noticing thinning at the crown or a receding hairline, the first question is: Why is this happening? The answer often comes down to three letters, DHT.
What Is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a natural hormone derived from testosterone. While it’s important during puberty for developing male characteristics, in adulthood it plays a less welcome role: it can shrink hair follicles over time. In men who are genetically sensitive to DHT, the hormone binds to receptors in the scalp, shortening the hair growth cycle and eventually causing the follicle to stop producing visible hair. This process is what leads to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
How DHT Triggers Hair Loss
DHT affects certain areas more than others, particularly the temples, hairline, and crown. That’s why men often keep hair on the sides and back of the scalp; those follicles are more resistant to DHT. The hair loss process happens gradually:
1. Hair becomes thinner and shorter.
2. Growth cycles shorten.
3. Follicles become dormant.
Once a follicle is miniaturized long enough, regrowth becomes difficult without medical or surgical intervention.
Can You Block or Reduce DHT?
Yes, but it should be done under medical supervision. Options can include:
• Topical or oral medications that block the enzyme converting testosterone to DHT.
• Nutrient and scalp-health optimization guided by a physician.
• Advanced hair restoration treatments that help reverse follicle miniaturization.
Self-medicating or relying on internet products can lead to hormonal side effects or no results at all, so always discuss any treatment with a qualified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist.
When It’s Time to Consider Advanced Hair Restoration
If your hair loss has progressed beyond mild thinning, it may be time to step up from over-the-counter solutions to more advanced options. At Springs Hair Restoration in Sandy Springs, Dr. Zack Charkawi uses modern, minimally invasive hair transplant and hair restoration techniques tailored to each patient’s goals and hair type.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:
• FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) for natural, scar-minimal transplant results.
• Custom hairline design that complements your face and age.
• Adjunctive therapies to strengthen existing hair and maintain density after transplant.
Each procedure is performed with precision and artistry, ensuring the outcome looks natural from every angle.
Why Choose Springs Hair Restoration in Atlanta
Springs Hair Restoration is one of the leading clinics for advanced hair restoration in Atlanta, offering physician-led care and results rooted in medical expertise, not gimmicks. Dr. Charkawi, a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, personally designs and performs every procedure, combining medical accuracy with aesthetic detail.
Whether you’re in your early 30s noticing early thinning or further along in your hair loss journey, understanding your DHT sensitivity is the first step toward long-term success.
Bottom Line
DHT may be the biological trigger behind hair loss, but it doesn’t have to define your future. At Springs Hair Restoration in Sandy Springs, we specialize in restoring confidence through proven, advanced techniques that give men back their hair, and their peace of mind.
Book your consultation today to discover the best hair restoration solution for you.
Serving patients from Sandy Springs, Atlanta, and across Georgia.