Could a flaxseed-based hair mask help fight off the DHT effect in your scalp?**

Hair loss is a common concern for many people, both men and women. Although it can be caused by various factors—stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, or hereditary conditions—one of the most frequently identified culprits in cases of androgenetic alopecia is dihydrotestosterone, commonly known as DHT.

This hormone, derived from testosterone, has a direct impact on hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in finding natural solutions that can complement or, in some cases, replace pharmaceutical treatments. In this context, a flaxseed-based hair mask has started to draw attention.

Could such a tiny seed have any real effect on such a complex hormonal process? To answer this question, we must delve deeper into how DHT acts on the scalp, what active components flaxseed contains, and what scientific evidence says about their potential interaction.

DHT is an androgenic hormone, meaning it contributes to the development of male sexual characteristics. It is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT.

Although both men and women produce this hormone, individuals with a genetic predisposition experience DHT binding to receptors in hair follicles, disrupting their growth cycle.

Affected follicles gradually enter a miniaturization phase: they shrink, produce thinner hairs, and eventually stop producing hair altogether. This phenomenon is characteristic of androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness.

Conventional treatments include drugs such as finasteride, which blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme and thus reduces DHT production. However, these treatments can come with side effects and require long-term use. For this reason, more people are seeking natural alternatives that might offer similar or at least complementary effects.

Flaxseed and its lignans: a natural shield against DHT

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) is a seed rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, particularly lignans, especially secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG).

Lignans are phytochemicals with a structure similar to that of human estrogens and can interact with hormone receptors. These compounds are believed to act as natural hormone modulators, exerting a mild yet consistent effect on the balance of sex hormones.

One of the most intriguing properties of lignans is their potential to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This effect has been mainly observed in animal studies.

In a 2014 study conducted by the Department of Biochemistry at Maharshi Dayanand University (India), flaxseed extract was administered to male rats for 30 days. Hormone levels were measured before and after the intervention, revealing a significant reduction in DHT in the treated group. These results suggest that flaxseed may have an inhibitory effect on the production of this hormone.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this study used oral supplementation, not topical application. Also, while animal models are useful, they don’t always replicate what happens in the human body. So these findings should be interpreted with caution.

The topical potential of flaxseed in hair masks

Applying flaxseed as a hair mask has become popular due to its ability to form a viscous gel when boiled in water. This gel is applied directly to the scalp and hair, acting as a natural moisturizer and soothing agent. But can its active compounds actually penetrate the skin and reach the hair follicles in a meaningful way?

A 2011 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology evaluated the transdermal penetration of SDG in mice. While absorption levels were low, some transdermal bioavailability was detected. This finding opens the possibility that, with regular use, a mild local effect on hormonal activity in the scalp could occur.

Although this doesn’t represent a powerful or immediate solution, consistent use and letting the gel sit on the scalp for several minutes may enhance its cumulative effects. Furthermore, the indirect benefits of flaxseed—such as its calming, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory actions—may improve the environment in which hair grows, which is especially useful for people with sensitive or inflamed scalps.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: additional flaxseed benefits for the scalp

Beyond its potential interaction with DHT, flaxseed is a plant-based source of essential fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3. It also contains polyphenols and other natural antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level.

An inflamed, oxidized scalp is not ideal for healthy hair growth. In fact, several studies link chronic low-grade inflammation with increased sensitivity to DHT and accelerated hair loss. A literature review published in the journal Nutrients in 2020 compiled evidence on the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in various inflammatory skin conditions. The findings suggest that these compounds may reduce the production of prostaglandins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby improving overall skin health.

While these studies don’t directly address alopecia, they provide solid grounds to consider that reducing scalp inflammation and oxidative stress can support a comprehensive hair loss treatment approach.

A miracle solution? No, but perhaps an unexpected ally

So far, there are no clinical trials in humans confirming that a flaxseed hair mask applied to the scalp significantly reduces DHT levels or halts androgenetic alopecia on its own. Still, there are biochemical and experimental arguments supporting its use as part of a broader hair care strategy.

On one hand, flaxseed lignans have demonstrated hormonal activity in animal and cellular models. On the other, regular topical use of flaxseed gel may improve scalp hydration, reduce local inflammation, and supply antioxidants that help protect follicle health.

If you’re looking for a completely natural solution, free from side effects, that can easily be integrated into your personal care routine, flaxseed could be an accessible and safe option. It does not replace medications like finasteride but may offer complementary support. It might also be especially helpful for those beginning a preventive approach or seeking to reduce pharmaceutical use out of caution or personal conviction.

References

Kumar, N., Choudhary, D., & Kumbhare, S. (2014). Effect of Flaxseed Extract on Testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone Levels in Male Albino Rats. Maharshi Dayanand University. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30556013/

Liu, J., Burdette, J. E., Xu, H., Gu, C., van Breemen, R. B., Bhat, K. P., ... & Bolton, J. L. (2011). Evaluation of phytoestrogens for estrogenic activity by the E-SCREEN assay using MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Pharmaceutical Biology, 49(1), 27-34. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2010.492157

Swanson, D., Block, R., & Mousa, S. A. (2020). Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life. Nutrients, 12(1), 1-27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6982115/

U.S. National Library of Medicine (2023). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). MedlinePlus. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003606.htm

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). Finasteride Label and Drug Information. Available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020788s029lbl.pdf