One of the main reasons people use SARMs instead of AAS (steroids) is to avoid androgenic side effects like hair loss, which is an issue many men face.
While SARMs are widely considered to be very hair-safe, some are notorious for being harsh on the hair and causing excessive shedding. On the other hand, some SARMs can reduce hair loss. Hair shedding from SARMs is common with some compounds, though rarely permanent and almost always 100% reversible.
In this article, I’ll delve into hair loss concerns regarding SARMs. Everything you read is based on the latest academic data, the mass analysis of empirical data online, as well as my own experiments with myself and over 500 lifetime clients in conditions deemed as controlled as possible. Enjoy./*! elementor - v3.16.0 - 17-10-2023 */<br /> .elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:5
TL;DR
Hair loss from SARMs is very rare, and almost always temporary. Unless you’re already experiencing hair loss, you shouldn’t worry about SARMs causing it. Though SARMs like RAD-140, S23, and YK11 are notorious for causing hair shedding, so avoid them if you are concerned. The rest of the SARMs are “hair-safe.”.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), also referred to as androgenic alopecia, is the cause of male hair loss. DHT is one of the, if not the most androgenic hormone in your body. It is reduced (created) from testosterone through an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT can be found in your skin, hair follicles, and prostate, and is responsible for a variety of bodily functions, especially during puberty.
DHT causes hair loss by attaching to hair follicles and shortening their lifespan. AAS cause hair loss because they are all derived from the hormones testosterone and DHT. The more testosterone you have, the more it will be reduced into DHT by the 5-ar enzyme.
But SARMs are not hormone-based and are selective, so how can they possibly cause hair loss?
SARMs suppress Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), this has been proven in numerous clinical trials.
SHBG is a hormone that binds testosterone. But it also binds DHT. In fact, DHT binds more strongly to SHBG. This high binding affinity means that a greater proportion of DHT, compared to testosterone, is bound to SHBG and is not biologically active. Testosterone, with its lower affinity for SHBG, is more readily available in its free form, which is the biologically active form.
This is why SARMs sometimes cause hair shedding.
Fortunately, this effect is short-lived and will only last during the first few weeks of the cycle, until the suppression of total testosterone offsets it.
During this period, you will also experience benefits like increased libido, motivation, and general well-being.
Fortunately, hair loss doesn’t happen overnight, and a slight spike in DHT won’t make you go bald.
The timeframe isn’t large enough for it to cause substantial damage to your hair follicles and end their life cycle. But if you are prone to it, you may experience hair shedding, depending on which SARM you take.
Needless to say, if you’re already experiencing a degree of hair loss, taking the SARMs which are known risk factors, at high doses will most definitely exacerbate it.
To conclude, hair shedding and hair loss from SARMs is very rare and only a vast minority of users experience it.
All SARMs will lower your SHBG and cause a short-lived increase in free testosterone and DHT. So theoretically, all have the potential to induce some level of hair shedding.
The stronger the SARM, the more this effect will be exacerbated. Here are the SARMs ranked from worst to best when it comes to hair safety:
RAD-140 is notorious for causing hair shedding. Even though it’s only considered a moderately strong SARM, it’s known to cause more hair shedding than other SARMs of its class.
Part of it is attributed to the initial DHT spike that all SARMs cause by lowering SHBG. However, a lot of users theorize that RAD 140 is not selective enough and is capable of attaching itself to androgen receptors in the scalp and causing hair loss directly. This is yet to be proven.
Hair shedding from RAD 140 is typically not permanent and completely reversible. It always stops as soon as the cycle ends. But everyone has a different response, so if you’re already experiencing hair loss and scared that you might make it worse, avoid RAD 140 altogether and take S4 or Ostarine.
YK-11 is a 19-Nor (Nandrolone) steroidal SARM and a theorized myostatin inhibitor.
Hair loss and hair shedding reports are not uncommon from YK11 (as well as other androgenic side effects). Considering its properties, this comes as no surprise.
On paper, S23 should not be androgenic, though there are numerous anecdotal reports of users who experienced hair loss and hair shedding (as well as other androgenic side effects like acne or aggression).
Hair loss or hair shedding from LGD-3303 is very rarely reported, even though it’s considered to be the strongest SARM in existence.
It should be safer than S23, YK11, and RAD 140.
LGD-4033 is often compared to RAD 140 in terms of potency, though it comes with its own set of side effects. Hair loss or shedding from it is very rare.
Ostarine and Andarine are considered mildly strong SARMs, and hair-shedding reports from either one of them are extremely rare.
In fact, there are many reports of Andarine even improving users’ hair.
Other research chemicals that are often referred to as SARMs include:
None of these can cause hair loss. MK-677 will even increase the quality and thickness of your hair.
Ketoconazole shampoo during and after your cycle will greatly aid against hair shedding and hair loss.
If you are experiencing a high degree of hair loss naturally, 5-ar inhibitors will completely stop and reverse it. Namely, Finasteride or Dutasteride. Though they come with their own risks, and I wouldn’t take either one of them on a whim.
Additionally, minoxidil can help by activating dormant hair follicles, though will not address the root cause, which is DHT.
Even though fake SARMs are not as common as they once were, only shop from reputable sources that have a good reputation in the community and have stood the test of time. My recommended sources are:
Use “POP10” and “POP20” for a discount. All ship worldwide but shipping times may vary from the US.
Chemyo (Liquids Only)
AminoAsylum (Liquids Only)
SwissChems (Pills Only)Use “POP20” for a discount. They ship worldwide but shipping times may vary.
CamoChem (Liquids Only)Rad 140, YK11 and S23 are the SARMs most likely to cause hair loss and shedding. Experiencing hair-related side effects from any other SARM is very rare and unlikely.
To prevent hair shedding supplement with ketoconazole shampoo during and after your cycle. If you’re already experiencing it, taking any of the above-mentioned SARMs can potentially exacerbate it.
A special gift to all my email subscribers. The PED Dictionary is a DOC designed to help you navigate the world of enhanced bodybuilding. A game changer for beginners that want to learn more but don't know where to start, and a must-have handbook for even the most advanced enhanced researchers.
