If you’re scared of finasteride’s side effects but still want to keep your hair, you’re not alone. Many people look for plant‑based or supplement options that can lower DHT – the hormone that shrinks hair follicles – without a prescription.
Saw Saw tooth (Serenoa repens) is probably the most talked‑about natural DHT blocker. Studies show it can reduce scalp DHT by up to 30 % when taken in a 320 mg capsule daily. It’s easy to find online or at health stores.
Pygeum bark works similarly and is often combined with saw‑tooth for a stronger effect. A typical dose is 100 mg twice a day. Beta‑sitosterol, a plant sterol found in pumpkin seeds, also competes with DHT at the receptor level. Many hair‑loss formulas include 60–130 mg per serving.
If you prefer a single‑ingredient boost, try pumpkin seed oil. A study on men aged 30‑55 reported a 40 % increase in hair count after 24 weeks of 400 mg daily.
Diet matters. Foods rich in zinc (oysters, beef, lentils) keep the enzyme 5‑α‑reductase – which turns testosterone into DHT – under control. Aim for 15 mg of zinc a day.
Stress spikes cortisol, which can worsen hair shedding. A quick daily routine of 10 minutes of deep breathing or short walks helps keep stress hormones in check.
Don’t forget scalp massage. Using your fingertips for two minutes before shampooing improves blood flow and may help the natural DHT blockers you’re taking reach the follicles more effectively.
Finally, protect your hair from harsh chemicals. Swap sulfate shampoos for gentle, sulfate‑free options and limit heat styling to a few times a week.
These natural steps aren’t magic pills, but when combined they give many men and women a noticeable reduction in shedding and a slower thinning process – all without the prescription label that comes with finasteride.
Uncover the most promising natural finasteride alternatives for hair loss in 2025, including saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and proven topical DHT blockers.