In today’s world, there are now more options than ever to treat hair loss. From natural oils like rosemary to treatments like minoxidil and even hair transplants, there’s a lot more hope than ever before for those suffering from hair loss to find a treatment that works for them. Another popular category that’s been on the rise? Treatments that block the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can contribute to hair loss, more specifically saw palmetto. This ingredient is backed by research and doctors alike as a way to help regrow hair. Here, we get into all there is to know about saw palmetto for women and hair loss, including how it works, the best way to apply it or take it orally and more.
What is saw palmetto and where does it come from?
The saw palmetto berry comes from a small type of palm tree called the Serenoa repens plant, which is native to Florida. Though traditionally used to support prostate health in men, saw palmetto for women is now gaining traction for its hormone-balancing benefits—especially for hair.“It’s been traditionally used for prostate health, but over the past couple of decades, it’s gained a lot of interest in the world of hair restoration because of its potential impact on hormones that affect hair loss,” affirms Ross Kopelman, DO, a hair restoration surgeon.
Saw palmetto for hair loss: does it actually work?
Clinical research supports saw palmetto for women with hair loss—especially those with androgenetic alopecia (a.k.a. male and female pattern hair loss). It’s believed the plant contains enzymes that block DHT, a hormone commonly associated with thinning strands when its levels get high.
“Excess DHT will make your hair follicles get smaller and your hair get thinner, particularly in the case of a condition called androgenetic alopecia,” says Stephanie Taylor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and senior consultant at Medpak Solutions. “That’s a fancy term for the most common cause of hair loss, like when individuals get a thinner hairline or thinning hair on top of the head. Saw palmetto slows down the process by preventing DHT from accumulating.”
Further, DHT can shorten the growing phase of the hair growth cycle, says Trevor Cates, ND, a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in women’s health and hormonal balance. “Saw palmetto works by naturally blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into DHT, thereby reducing its effects on the scalp,” she says.
Saw palmetto is backed by studies, too. In one study, women who took oral saw palmetto supplements for hair loss reported a 60% improvement in hair growth. Another study that looked at the topical application of saw palmetto extract found a 35% increase in their participants’ number of strands, plus a 67% reduction in sebum on the scalp (which can clog pores and cause hair fall). It’s important to note that in both cases, the study sizes were on the smaller side. That said, their results are still super promising!
Other benefits of saw palmetto for hair and scalp
While saw palmetto certainly has potential in terms of regrowing hair, it actually has quite a few other benefits to the hair and scalp that are worth noting.
Saw palmetto reduces oiliness
Saw palmetto can help balance an oily scalp, which in turn can help reduce hair fall. Oil tends to clog pores, so less oil equals fewer clogged pores. “Beyond potentially helping with hair density, some patients report that saw palmetto reduces scalp inflammation and oiliness, which can create a healthier environment for hair growth,” affirms Dr. Kopelman.
Saw palmetto is anti-inflammatory
For women dealing with scalp inflammation or dandruff, saw palmetto hair treatments may offer relief. “Saw palmetto also contains antioxidants and vitamins that may have anti-inflammatory properties,” says Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist and hair loss specialist and the owner of Dermatology Circle A in New York City. “A few studies have demonstrated its efficacy in conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.” So, whether you have a scalp condition or just the occasional itchiness on the scalp, saw palmetto may help.
Oral vs. topical: How to take saw palmetto for hair growth
Like many hair growth treatments, there are both oral supplements and topical forms of saw palmetto you can take. However, Dr. Kopelman says he typically prefers oral saw palmetto, as it has “more robust data behind it when it comes to impacting DHT levels systemically.” He says most doses are only taken once per day and offer 160 mg to 320 mg of saw palmetto. TK saw palmetto supplements to try if there’s one we can recommend or that these experts did.
Topical saw palmetto for hair loss in women is also available in shampoos, conditioners and serums for easy daily use. (We like Bondiboost HG Shampoo and Conditioner for Thinning Hair and Hair Thickness Maximizer Saw Palmetto Serum.) For max absorption and even more hair-loving benefits, massage it into the scalp.
Saw palmetto side effects: what women should know
Overall, saw palmetto tends to be well tolerated by most women, our experts say. Mild side effects, like a stomachache or headache, may occur—and if they do, talk to your doctor. For women specifically, it’s best to consult with your doctor first if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, “Because it can affect hormone levels, I always caution patients who are on medications like hormone therapy or anticoagulants to talk to their physician before starting it,” advises Dr. Kopelman.