The Effectiveness of Saw Palmetto and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

If you are suffering from hair loss, no doubt you have already done extensive research into treatments and therapies to fix or cure your hair loss, regardless of the cause. Many people hide their hair loss with hats, hairpieces, wigs, extensions, etc., while others turn to oral and topical medications and sometimes even hair transplants.

Because many medications have side effects and many people consider hair transplants a last resort or consider them too expensive, people often look for alternative treatments for alopecia, such as a natural hair supplement like saw palmetto, which treats thinning hair.

Here we will break down what exactly saw palmetto is, how it can help prevent hair loss.

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a shrub-like palm tree native to the southeastern United States, also known as the American dwarf palm tree or cabbage palm. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat a wide range of ailments from reproductive disorders to coughs.

Saw palmetto is most often used as a powder extract from the small berries produced by the palm.

Use as a dietary supplement

It is commonly used as a dietary supplement, particularly for urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) today, however. Studies have found that it is effective in treating these symptoms along with tackling chronic pelvic pain and migraines.

Saw palmetto has additionally been used to speed up the metabolism, stimulate appetite, improve nutrient absorption and increase sex drive.

Saw palmetto is also used to treat hair loss, particularly in men.

How does saw palmetto treat hair loss?

One of the most common forms of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which stems from genetic factors that influence the hair follicles and their response to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

This hormone causes the receptors in your scalp to shrink which in turn prevents hair follicles from creating new hairs.

When fewer hairs are being produced as a result of DHT, hair thinning, balding areas and eventually male pattern baldness can occur.

5-alpha reductase

An enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.

Saw palmetto acts like a competitive, non-selective inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

DHT is linked to male and female pattern hair loss, and preventing its absorption may reduce hair loss.

Saw palmetto decreases DHT binding capacity to androgen receptors by nearly 50%.

Fatty acids and sterols

The fatty acids and sterols that are found in saw palmetto berry extract are believed to be beneficial in improving pattern baldness and thickening existing hair.

What are the benefits of saw palmetto for hair loss?

Saw palmetto may help treat male and female pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.

Saw palmetto may improve hair density and hair count, leading to thicker and healthier-looking hair.

Experts believe that there could be further benefits to saw palmetto besides its treatment of hair at its source. If hair follicles are strengthened, it means that the hair that grows from those follicles will be thicker and stronger.

It may also help reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have shown different levels of efficacy in analysing the relationship between saw palmetto and hair loss.

In one study a 27% improvement in total hair count was reported with the use of saw palmetto. 60% of participants saw an improvement in their hair growth after taking an oral saw palmetto supplement. Additionally, increased hair density was observed in 83.3% of patients using saw palmetto products.

Who can benefit from saw palmetto?

Men who experience male pattern hair loss may benefit from saw palmetto with several studies showing its effectiveness in increasing hair density and thickness.

Saw palmetto can be used across all hair types and textures.

Can women use saw palmetto?

Women with female pattern hair loss may also benefit from saw palmetto however there has been less research into its effectiveness on its ability to treat thinning hair. As the effects on female sex hormones are not fully understood, pregnant/breastfeeding women are not recommended to take saw palmetto.

Some reports suggest that saw palmetto can cause vasomotor symptoms in premenopausal females.

In cases where women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), saw palmetto could help in balancing the hormones to reduce the excess body hair growth or facial hair associated with the condition.

Anyone experiencing hair loss or thinning hair may benefit from saw palmetto, particularly if it is caused by hormonal imbalances.

What different forms of saw palmetto are available?

Saw palmetto comes in different forms, including oral and topical supplements in the form of tablets, powder capsules, liquid extracts, and whole-dried berries.

It can also be found in hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners.

Topical saw palmetto solutions can be used to treat hair loss and promote hair growth.

Studies have shown that a daily dose of saw palmetto in a dried supplement or liquid is seen to be the most effective. This is because unless you are using a leave-in treatment, much of the active ingredients can be washed away before being utilised by the scalp.

Dosage and potential side effects of saw palmetto

The recommended dosage of saw palmetto is 320mg per day.

Saw palmetto is a natural supplement and is generally considered safe, with few reported side effects among users.

These may include mild headaches or stomach aches. These symptoms can be helped by taking the supplement during or after eating.

Saw palmetto may interact with other medications, particularly blood thinners like Aspirin, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking it.

A 2018 study which was conducted over 15 years found saw palmetto to be safe and effective in treating men.

Saw palmetto and hair loss; how does the treatment work?

Saw palmetto may take several months to show results, as it works to block the effect of androgen hormones and promote hair growth over time.

Additionally saw palmetto fights inflammation which can be the cause of many scalp-related issues as well as hair growth problems. A healthier scalp can lead to increased hair growth.

It may be used in combination with other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil or finasteride.

Combining saw palmetto with other hair loss treatments

Saw palmetto may be used in combination with other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil or finasteride which come in oral and topical formulations.

It may also be used in combination with other natural hair growth supplements, such as biotin or vitamin B.

In just one convenient daily pill, you can start to notice improved hair density and strength after around 6 months.

Best of all, the treatment can be done entirely at home, from consultation to delivery.

Final thoughts

Saw palmetto is a powerful natural ingredient which has a variety of uses. Having been used for centuries to address a range of ailments, its hair growth benefits have proven popular for treating hair loss.

Talk to Hairy Hair today to start your journey to hair regrowth and learn more about our handy daily pill which contains unique ingredients. Confidential and tailored to your needs, our doctors and customer support are on hand at every step of your hair regrowth journey. After only around 6 months you can start to enjoy thick, healthy hair.