If you are a bodybuilder, then you know that one of the many risks associated with taking steroids is hair loss.
While it is impossible to completely avoid hair loss after a steroid cycle, there are some things that you can do to minimize its effects.
Steroids are commonly used by athletes to improve physical performance but are also used by recreational lifters in the hopes of increasing muscle mass.
Steroids are known to cause many side effects, including Androgenic side effects such as hair loss.
This is fairly common amongst Steroid users, especially if you are prone to baldness before using.
There are a few ways to avoid or stop hair loss from Steroid use, such as using specific Steroids or just using preventative measures.
It will still require management from your side, as these are only temporary solutions. Some of these will even stop working if you stop using them.
Thus, saying these completely stops hair loss is a bit much.
Lastly, it will always be wise to use the right Steroids, which won’t cause any hair loss – seeing as a specific compound that occurs due to Steroids that is the main cause of steroids.
Keep reading to learn which Steroids to avoid and what other products to use.
What causes hair loss during the steroid cycle?
When you use certain Steroids that will convert into Dihydrogentestosterone, these can decrease the size of hair follicles and shorten their lifespan.
The Steroids that are more prone to developing higher levels of DHT are:
- Testosterone
- Dianabol
- Boldenone
- Halotestin
- Turinabol
- Winstrol
- Masteron
How to prevent hair loss on a Steroid cycle
There are various ways to avoid hair loss on a Steroid cycle, and they all have different levels of succession.
This is how you prevent hair loss on a Steroid Cycle:
- Don’t use Steroids: This is what is supposed to pop into your brain first, and for a good reason. There is a direct correlation between Steroid use and hair loss, especially if you are genetically predisposed to hair loss. There are other options available, like the products made by CrazyBulk
- Use the correct Steroids: You might be surprised to learn that only certain Steroids are capable of causing hair loss. These include Testosterone, Dianabol, Boldenone, Halotestin, and Turinabol. Sure, other Steroids such as Anavar might also cause hair loss when you use too much. Typically, it is going to be the Steroids that convert into Dihydrogentestosterone that will cause hair loss
- Use reasonable dosages: The Steroids listed in point 2) are usually the ones that will cause hair loss. That said, using a lower dose of those might not always result in hair loss. Higher doses of other Steroids might also lead to hair loss – like Anavar
- Use Supplements: Certain over-the-counter supplements have been shown to counter the conversion of Testosterone into DHT. Look for Pygeum bark, Pumpkin seed oil, and Saw Palmetto. Other supplements such as Biotin and Vitamin B6/B12 can help hair growth
- Use other Drugs: Finasteride and Minoxidil have been shown to lower or reverse hair loss
- Use a Dermaroller: Using a Dermaroller with Minoxidil has been shown to help with hair loss significantly more than just Minoxidil
3 Ways how to stop hair loss after the steroid cycle
Use Hair Loss Supplementation
Here I will be referring to supplements you can buy off the shelf at your local pharmacy.
Certain supplements have been shown to help slightly:
- Biotin
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Collagen
That being said, these will be a lot more effective when combined with the other options below.
Use Hair Loss Drugs
Certain hair loss drugs will work by decreasing the conversion of Testosterone into DHT – the hormone responsible for hair loss in the first place.
Such compounds are:
- Minoxidil
- Finasteride
- Hair Loss Peptides
- Human Growth Hormone
These are not always legal, and discretion is advised.
Use a Dermaroller
A Dermaroller is a small roller with even smaller needles attached to it. This will increase blood flow to the scalp and potentially increase hair growth. This effect is amplified when used with Minoxidil.
Does hair loss from steroids be reversed or grow back?
Hair loss from Steroid use comes down to the hormone known as Dihydrogentestosterone.
This is a rather strong compound with much more potency than normal Testosterone.
This is why DHT derivatives are often used for their effects on strength; they are incredibly strong when creating force production.
Hair loss from Steroids can potentially be reversed. It all depends on how long you have been using steroids and how severe the hair loss is.
Steroid use can lead to the closure of the hair follicles and can result in the hair not regrowing.
If this has happened to you, the hair will not regrow.
If you have some hair loss that can still be saved, then using things like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dermarollers, and Saw Palmetto could help you save a lot of hair.
That being said, it also has to do with your genetics, which you have zero control over.
What Steroids cause hair loss?
1. Testosterone
Testosterone is one of the most common hormones individuals will use. This hormone can cause hair loss due to its conversion from Testosterone into DHT through 5-Alpha reductase.
2. Dianabol
While far less than normal Testosterone, Dianabol will still convert into a hormone called Dihydrogentestosterone, meaning it can result in hair loss in some individuals.
3. Equipoise
Equipoise or EQ (Boldenone) is commonly known as the horse steroid and will also convert into DHT similarly to Testosterone, just way less.
This means you could potentially see some hair loss from Equipoise.
4. Halotestin
Halotestin or Fluoxymesterone is simply one of the most powerful steroids on the market.
It is almost exclusively used for its effects on aggression, and its usage is limited to a few days, maybe a week or two at most.
It has one of the highest Androgenic ratings, meaning you will experience some hair loss on this drug.
5. Anadrol
While technically a DHT derivative, it acts much more like 19-Nor Testosterone.
This means it tends to be estrogenic. Combine this with the fact that it is a DHT; it can potentially lead to hair loss.
Another DHT derivative, but one that is not commonly linked to hair loss at all.
Many have reported that hair loss can be felt due to massive Androgenic build-up when they start running higher doses.
7. Winstrol
Winstrol is a compound many correlate to hair loss, for a good reason. It is a very potent DHT and will cause hair loss in most users.
Legal Alternative to Steroids without Hair Loss effects
A big cause of hair loss is that scientists have not been able to lower Androgenic side effects.
Not only that but a lot of Steroids will naturally convert into DHT, which will directly lead to hair loss, especially in those prone to hair loss.
Many will then opt for a Natural Alternative to Steroids, which won’t cause hair loss or other side effects.
It would also be nice to find something legal, as all Steroids are illegal.
You could look at all the products made by CrazyBulk. They have created several products to replace their Steroidal counterparts.
The positives of their products are immense. Not only are they clinically dosed for max results, but they are also completely free of side effects – including hair loss.
FAQs
Is hair loss permanent after Steroids?
It depends. See, Hair Loss is not a linear curve but rather exponential.
The more you lose or close those hair follicles, the less chance there is of you regrowing your hair. You could get a hair transplant.
Why is my hair falling out after Steroids?
You have imbalanced hormones.
When you introduce Steroids into your body, your hormonal levels will no longer be normal or optimal, and thus you can expect severe side effects.
Is hair growth from Steroids permanent?
Body hair growth from Steroids might be permanent, yes.
How do I lower my DHT levels?
There are a few ways to lower your DHT levels:
- Finasteride
- Saw Palmetto
- Living a healthy lifestyle
- Certain foods such as green tea, pumpkin seeds, and coconut oil
- Try stress less
Which Steroid does not cause hair loss?
The first thing you have to know is that most Steroids can cause hair loss. It depends on your genetics, and it will depend on the user.
So, any Steroid can cause hair loss, and none will 100% not cause any hair loss.
What are the Worst Steroids for hair loss?
There are plenty of steroids that will cause hair loss.
But the steroids that are the worst for hair loss are those that are very Androgenic or cause high levels of DHT:
- Testosterone
- Dianabol
- Boldenone
- Halotestin
- Turinabol
- Winstrol
- Masteron
Can DHT hair loss be reversed?
It depends on how much hair loss has occurred. Once you have closed/killed off too many follicles, they may never reopen to regrow hair.
The sooner you treat it, the better your chance of regrowing your hair.
Which vitamin is responsible for hair growth?
Biotin. Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, brittle nails, and rashes.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, our top tips for how to stop hair loss after a steroid cycle.
If you are looking for a safe and legal way to get the benefits of steroids without any of the negative side effects, we would highly recommend considering CrazyBulk’s range of supplements.
Their products are all-natural, and they have been proven to be both safe and effective. Plus, they come with a money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied