DHT-blocking foods and supplements take months to produce visible changes. Men who quit after 4 to 6 weeks never give the compounds enough time to work. This timeline sets realistic expectations for each phase of treatment, from the first week through the two-year mark.
Why DHT Blockers Take Time
Hair follicles operate on cycles. The anagen (growth) phase lasts 2 to 6 years, the catagen (transition) phase lasts 2 to 3 weeks, and the telogen (resting) phase lasts 2 to 3 months. DHT-blocking supplements influence these cycles gradually.
When you reduce DHT levels, the effect is not instant regrowth. Instead, follicles that were in a shortened anagen phase begin to stay in growth mode longer with each new cycle. Each successive cycle produces a slightly thicker, slightly longer hair. This cumulative improvement is why visible results require months, not days.
Month-by-Month Timeline
Weeks 1-4: No Visible Change
What is happening internally: Active compounds (saw palmetto fatty acids, EGCG, pumpkin seed oil phytosterols) are reaching steady-state levels in your system. DHT levels begin to decrease at the scalp level, but follicles currently in telogen or catagen phase are unaffected.
What you will see: Nothing. Shedding continues at its normal rate. Hair density looks the same.
What to do: Take your supplements consistently every day. Start your baseline photo documentation (same angle, same lighting, same time of day).
Weeks 4-8: Shedding Begins to Slow
What is happening internally: Follicles entering new anagen cycles are doing so in a lower-DHT environment. The miniaturization pressure on these follicles is reduced. Follicles that were close to transitioning to telogen may stay in anagen slightly longer.
What you will see: A gradual reduction in the number of hairs on your pillow, in the shower drain, and on your hands when you run them through your hair. This is the first measurable sign that your protocol is working.
What to do: Count the hairs in your shower drain 3 times per week and log the numbers. A consistent downward trend over 4 weeks confirms that DHT reduction is affecting your follicle cycling.
Months 3-6: Early Density Changes
What is happening internally: Multiple follicles have now completed at least one full cycle in a lower-DHT environment. Some miniaturized follicles are producing slightly thicker hairs. The overall effect is a subtle increase in hair volume.
What you will see: Comparison photos taken at month 1 versus month 6 should show slight improvements in density, particularly in areas where thinning was mild. Temple recession typically responds slower than crown or mid-scalp thinning.
What to do: Take your 6-month comparison photos. This is the first meaningful checkpoint. If shedding has decreased and photos show stabilization or improvement, your protocol is working. If no change is visible, consider whether your Norwood stage requires escalation.
| Marker | Good Sign | Concerning Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding rate | Down 30%+ from baseline | No change from baseline |
| Photo comparison | Stable or improved | Visibly thinner than month 1 |
| Hair texture | Slightly thicker feel | Same or thinner feel |
Months 6-12: Visible Improvement Window
What is happening internally: Multiple hair cycles have now been influenced by reduced DHT. Follicles are spending more time in anagen and producing progressively thicker terminal hairs. The cumulative effect becomes visible.
What you will see: This is the window where friends or family may notice your hair looks fuller. Thinning areas show improved coverage. The part line may appear narrower. Hairline recession may appear to stabilize, though significant regrowth at the temples from natural supplements alone is uncommon.
What to do: Continue your protocol unchanged. This is not the time to experiment with dosages or switch products. Consistency is what got you here.
Months 12-18: Peak Natural Blocker Results
What is happening internally: You are approaching the maximum benefit that natural DHT blockers can deliver. Follicles that can be rescued by a 30-35% DHT reduction have been rescued. Follicles that require stronger intervention remain miniaturized.
What you will see: The best version of your results from this protocol. Hair density and coverage should be at their maximum for what natural supplements can achieve.
What to do: Take detailed comparison photos and evaluate honestly. If you are satisfied, your protocol becomes a maintenance plan. If you want further improvement, this is the point where escalation makes sense.
Months 18-24+: Maintenance Phase
What is happening internally: Your hair is in a new equilibrium. As long as you continue supplementation, the reduced-DHT environment is maintained. Follicles continue their improved cycling pattern.
What you will see: Stable results. Hair density should remain roughly constant as long as supplementation continues. Some age-related thinning may still occur independently of DHT.
What to do: Continue your protocol. Monitor with photos every 3 months. Any new acceleration in loss signals that your hair loss is outpacing the protection level of your current stack.
When the Timeline Says "Escalate"
If at the 6-month mark you see no improvement, your Norwood stage likely requires stronger treatment. Only 40% of men with pattern baldness are eligible for medication monotherapy.
Escalation options and their own timelines:
- Finasteride (1 mg daily): Results visible at 6-12 months. Halts loss in 80-90% of men. Side effects in 2-4%.
- Minoxidil (5% topical): Results visible at 4-6 months. 40-60% of users see moderate regrowth.
- PRP therapy: $500-$2,000 per session, 3-4 initial sessions. Density improvement of 30-40%.
- Hair transplant (FUE): Final results at 12-18 months. Recovery 7-10 days. Graft survival 90-95%.
For a detailed comparison, read our finasteride vs hair transplant guide.
Tracking Tools and Methods
Monthly selfies: Same bathroom, same lighting, same angle. Use your phone flash in a well-lit bathroom mirror.
Shedding log: Count shower drain hairs 3 times per week. Use a spreadsheet or simple note in your phone.
AI assessment: Use the free tool at myhairline.ai/analyze every 3 to 6 months to track your Norwood stage and compare against your baseline.
For the full supplement protocol with dosages and daily schedules, read our complete DHT-blocking guide.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary significantly based on genetics, Norwood stage, and adherence. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or adjusting any hair loss treatment protocol.