If you’re planning to take SARMs you’re probably doing it to achieve a better-looking physique and to be a better-looking version of yourself altogether. That’s why hair loss can be a major concern. Let’s take a look at how SARMs can cause hair loss and which SARMs are “hair safe” and which are not
How Can SARMs Cause Hair Loss
Just as a reminder the main cause of MPB (male pattern baldness) is DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) attaching to androgen receptors at the hair follicle site.
Even though DHT is the main reason behind MPB, any androgen that exhibits androgenicity has the potential to cause hair loss, although generally at a less concerning extent.
There are 2 mechanisms in which SARMs can cause hair loss.
Decrease in SHBG
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that SARMs can reduce Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG).
SHBG is a hormone responsible for binding to testosterone. However, what many people may not be aware of is that SHBG also binds DHT with a binding affinity that is 1.2 to 1.3 times higher than its affinity for testosterone.
The reduction of SHBG results in elevated levels of free testosterone and DHT, which explains why SARMs can occasionally lead to hair shedding.
Fortunately, this effect is temporary and typically lasts only during the initial weeks of the cycle.
Once the total testosterone suppression takes effect, it counterbalances the hair shedding effect.
Inherent Androgenicity of the SARM itself
SARMs are synthetic androgens, and even though they exhibit less androgenicity on paper than steroids, it is not always the case in practical application.
Some compounds simply exhibit a high amount of androgenicity when binding to the androgen receptors at the hair follicles sites and will absolutely have the potential to destroy your hair.
SARMs Considered not Hair Safe (From Least Safe to Safest)
YK 11 (Myostine)
YK11 is a 19-Nor (Nandrolone) steroidal SARM and a theorized myostatin inhibitor.
There are a lot of hair loss and hair shedding reports from YK11 (as well as other androgenic side effects).
It is generally considered one of the least hair safe compounds in the realm of SARMs.
Considering it’s basically an oral steroid labeled as a SARM, this comes as no surprise.
S23
On paper S23 should not be androgenic, but there are numerous anecdotal reports of hair loss and hair shedding (as well as other androgenic side effects like acne or aggression). This compound is also considered one of the least hair safe compounds in the realm of SARMs.
RAD 140 (Testolone)
RAD 140 is notorious for causing hair loss. And even though it’s only considered a moderately strong SARM, it’s known to cause comparable hair loss to stronger SARMs such as S23 and YK11.
RAD 140 is not hair safe whatsoever.
LGD 3033
Hair loss or hair shedding from LGD 3303 is not super common, but it’s considered to be the strongest SARM in existence.
So, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not consider it to be “hair safe”.
It should be safer than S23, YK11, and RAD 140 though.
LGD 4033
There were some reports of hair loss on this compound so I would not coin LGD 4033 as a “hair safe compound”, but it’s definitely not the worst SARM on the hair.
SARMs Considered hair Safe
Ostarine & S4 Andarine
Ostarine and Andarine are considered mildly strong SARMs, and hair loss reports from either one of them are extremely rare.
In fact, there are many reports of S4 even improving some users’ hair.
How to Avoid Hair Loss on SARMs That are not Hair Safe
You can still use SARMs that are not hair safe while being very prone to MPB and not lose a single hair.
I’m very prone to MPB (proof here) and I used RAD 140 and S23, at pretty high doses even (respectively 24mg and 20mg per day) without experiencing any hair loss.
I managed to do so by using RU58841 while on cycle (I’m still using it even off cycle).
To avoid hair loss on these SARMs though you must use a topical androgen, the one I recommend is RU58841.
5 AR Inhibitors like Finasteride or dutasteride will not be enough to protect your hair against those harsh compounds.
