How Saw Palmetto Helps in Dealing with Hair Loss

Hair loss affects an estimated 80 million Americans. By the time two-thirds of men turn 35, they will have experienced hair loss in one form or the other. And 40% of Americans experiencing hair loss are women. As you research natural remedies, you have likely read about saw palmetto oil for hair loss. So, what is saw palmetto and how does it work to stop hair loss? Find out in this guide.

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a small palm-like plant that grows across the Southeastern United States. The berries produce an extract. Used as an herbal supplement it is well known to treat urinary tract problems, inflammation and reduce hereditary hair loss. For many years, saw palmetto has been an active ingredient in hair loss treatment products.

Topical Saw Palmetto Oil For Hair Loss

Research continues to review the effect of saw palmetto oil for hair loss. Many studies have found benefits for those with androgenetic pattern baldness. To understand its benefits, it will be helpful to learn why genetic hair thinning occurs.

Genetic Hair Loss starts with testosterone

Testosterone is classified as an androgen, or male hormone. But women also produce testosterone. Too much testosterone causes an imbalance of hormones in the blood. This imbalance in women is often increased with age. Their genetic disposition can predispose men to hair thinning at any age. While men are affected by thinning on the top of and crown of their head, women will notice a gradual widening of the middle part.

Testosterone converts into DHT

Excess testosterone converts into a byproduct called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This conversion happens through an enzyme in our body called 5-aR (5-alpha-reductase). Follicles have receptors to which DHT will attach itself. When this happens, DHT chokes the hair follicle of the nutrients and oxygen vital for growth. Gradually the hair follicle weakens and the hair falls away. Starved of its nutrients the follicle does not produce new hair in its place. As this happens over time to each follicle, the hair will appear thinner. Science believes that the follicle is still alive, but unable to grow new hair. Reducing the impact of DHT at the root will allow the follicle to thrive again.

DHT must be blocked

Pharmaceuticals work to block DHT but come with unwanted side effects. How can the impact of DHT be reduced without drugs? Saw palmetto extract works to block DHT by blocking the enzymes’ conversion of testosterone. Its natural properties prevent testosterone from converting into DHT. This results in reduced hair loss and noticeably thicker hair. Freer testosterone in the bloodstream also improves libido. Saw palmetto can be ingested as a pill or applied to the scalp as a topical hair loss treatment. The medicinal value targets the exact areas of thinning hair when topically applied.

The best saw palmetto is CO2 extracted

Extraction using heat or solvents strips the properties of the berry. This results in a poor quality saw palmetto. While you may find a product with saw palmetto, the extraction process will determine its effectiveness. The higher the quality of the oil, the more medicinal value to you. Extraction methods matter: For potency and the earth.

Supercritical CO2 Green Technology retains natural properties, high efficiency and selectivity, natural sterilization and elimination of heavy metals and pesticides while offering no pollutants to the environment. 

Supporting Research Study

A 2002 Study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine involved 19 male subjects who used saw palmetto or a placebo over 5 months.  The group taking saw palmetto recorded significant improvements in their hair loss problem.

Numerous other studies have recorded positive results in the use of the natural topical DHT blocker.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7648777/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26010505/

Saw palmetto is an effective scalp treatment. Use it topically for targeted follicle absorption. For those who wish to avoid drug treatments, this is a safe option that works. Saw palmetto is one of the few natural remedies where research and evidence support its claims.