Saw Palmetto Extract for Fixing Hair Loss: Everything Covered
- Written by Vivek Khullar
- Mar 6, 2024
- |
- 13 min read
Hair loss is pretty common nowadays. Whether it's related to genes, hormones, dietary gaps, or just aging, losing hair can be pretty disheartening. That's why most men and women losing hair look for ways to grow them back. One hair recovery solution that's getting a lot of attention in 2024 is Saw Palmetto extract.
Those who aren’t familiar with its origins, the magic hair gain solution comes from a small palm tree found in the southeastern United States. Native Americans have been using its berries for hundreds of years for a variety of reasons. But since we are here for hair gain, we will majorly talk about how saw palmetto extract can help fix hair loss and overall thinning.
Lordhair - global supplier of men’s hair pieces and women wigs - decided to write this extensive guide on using saw palmetto extract for fixing hair loss after coming across a lot of talk about its benefits. So, we will discuss about:
- How exactly saw palmetto extract work for hair health?
- Are there any side effects associated with saw palmetto extract?
- Is saw palmetto extract suitable for both men and women experiencing hair loss?
By the end, all your saw palmetto questions will be answered and you’ll feel confident deciding whether or not this natural remedy is right for you!
Let’s get started.
What is Saw Palmetto Extract, and How it Helps With Hair Loss?
Before delving into the sudden popularity of this natural hair loss remedy, let’s first understand what saw palmetto is, how it is obtained and how it helps in fixing hair loss. Saw Palmetto Extract is derived from the berries of the Saw Palmetto palm tree, scientifically known as Serenoa Repens. This extract is rich in bioactive compounds including fatty acids and sterols.
One of the primary ways in which saw palmetto helps in reducing hair loss is through its potential to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. By inhibiting 5 alpha reductase, saw palmetto reduces the DHT levels in the scalp. Eventually, this reduced DHT level prevents or slows down the shrinking of hair follicles, thereby potentially reducing hair thinning and promoting hair growth.
Using saw palmetto extract to promote hair growth has indeed become a modern-day trend. Thousands of Youtube videos, created by certified doctors, also explains how it helps in reducing hair thinning. Even celebrities like Ashley Tisdale have been using hair growth supplements that contain saw palmetto.
Fun Fact: Originally, Saw Palmetto was used in Europe and the United State to cure enlarged prostate!
Now that we know how saw palmetto helps in fixing hair loss, let’s move forward to the next question!
What Hair Changes are Triggered by Saw Palmetto Extract?
The following changes are usually observed after incorporating saw palmetto extract into your hair care routine:
Reduction in Hair Loss: As said earlier, saw palmetto extract inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing DHT levels, saw palmetto helps to slow down or prevent hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia.
Increase in Hair Growth: Saw palmetto extract promotes hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and improving blood circulation to the scalp. This can result in thicker, fuller hair over time.
Improved Hair Density: Saw palmetto extract increases hair density in individuals with male and female pattern baldness. By promoting the growth of new hair follicles and preventing existing ones from miniaturizing, saw palmetto contribute to a denser hair appearance.
Thicker and Stronger Hair: Saw palmetto extract contains fatty acids and phytosterols, which nourishes the hair follicles and strengthens the hair shaft. This leads to thicker, stronger hair that is less prone to breakage and damage.
Slowed Progression of Baldness: By inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase and reducing DHT levels, saw palmetto extract helps to slow down the progression of baldness in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. This can result in a longer retention of existing hair and delay the need for more aggressive treatments.
Decreased Scalp Inflammation: Saw palmetto extract has anti-inflammatory properties as well that helps to reduce scalp inflammation, which is often associated with hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata and scalp conditions like dandruff. A healthier scalp environment can support better hair growth.
Balanced Oil Production: Saw palmetto extract also helps to regulate sebum production in the scalp, which can be beneficial for individuals with oily scalp conditions. By balancing oil production, saw palmetto can promote a healthier scalp environment for optimal hair growth.
Improved Overall Hair Health: With regular use, saw palmetto extract contributes to overall improvements in hair health, including increased shine, resilience, and manageability. This can result in hair that looks and feels healthier from root to tip.
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Is Saw Palmetto Extract suitable for both men and women experiencing hair loss?
Yes, saw palmetto extract is suitable for both men and women experiencing hair loss. According to the reports, this hair loss remedy provides 60% improvement in the overall hair quality and 27% increase in the total hair count. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties present in the saw palmetto extract contributes to improve scalp health and hair growth for all genders.
Which Ingredients of Saw Palmetto Help with Hair Health?
Saw palmetto contains oleic acid, lauric acid, and capric acid that contributes to nourishing hair follicles, which is crucial to promote healthy hair growth.
Tannins is a polyphenolic compound present in the saw palmetto extract that brings astringent properties and helps in improving scalp circulations, which is again essential for strengthening hair follicles.
Put simply, the comprehensive range of nutrients found in saw palmetto makes it a holistic solution for addressing hair loss related problems.
Are there any side effects associated with Saw Palmetto Extract?
No hair recovery method, be it medicinal or natural ones comes without its share of side effects and risks. Saw palmetto extract, despite its growing popularity, is no exception. It’s important to explore its drawbacks as well!
Continue reading!
Gastrointestinal Disturbances: One of the most commonly reported side effects of saw palmetto extract is gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and constipation. These symptoms are typically mild but may appear in some individuals, especially when taking high doses of saw palmetto extract.
Headache: Some individuals have reported headaches or migraines as a side effect of saw palmetto extract. This saw palmetto side effect might be related to changes in hormone levels or individual sensitivity to the supplement.
Dizziness: This is another potential side effect associated with saw palmetto extract use. It is important to note that dizziness may occur more commonly in individuals who are sensitive to changes in blood pressure or have underlying cardiovascular issues.
Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to saw palmetto extract. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Individuals with a known allergy to saw palmetto or related plants should avoid its use and seek immediate medical attention if an allergic reaction occurs.
Hormonal Effects: Saw palmetto extract is believed to exert its effects on hormone levels, particularly by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While this mechanism of action is often considered beneficial for conditions like BPH and hair loss, it may also lead to hormonal imbalances in some individuals. Hormonal side effects may include changes in libido, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia), and alterations in menstrual cycle in women.
Interaction with Medications: Saw palmetto extract may interact with certain medications, including hormone therapies, anticoagulants (blood thinners), and medications metabolized by the liver. Individuals taking these medications should consult with a healthcare professional before using saw palmetto extract to avoid potential drug interactions.
Above are some known side effects that individuals may experience after using saw palmetto extract for hair loss or hair thinning. If you're contemplating this remedy as an initial treatment, let us tell you that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Various types of hair loss exist. While it may be effective for some, others may not experience the desired results.
What are other natural remedies for Aggressive Hair Loss?
The effect of saw palmetto extract on hair recovery is not immediate. That means it might take a few months or a year to deliver visible results. However, if saw palmetto extract is not working for you, here are a few more natural hair loss recovery methods that can help you get successful results:
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has soothing and moisturizing properties that can help maintain a healthy scalp environment. Applying aloe vera gel directly to the scalp can reduce inflammation, balance pH levels, and promote hair growth.
Onion Juice: Onion juice contains sulfur compounds that have been shown to improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, stimulate hair growth, and reduce inflammation. Apply freshly squeezed onion juice to the scalp and leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing with a mild shampoo.
Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants known as catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth. Brew green tea and allow it to cool before applying it to the scalp or rinsing hair with it.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a popular natural remedy for hair loss due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Massaging warm coconut oil into the scalp and leaving it on for several hours or overnight can improve hair health and promote growth.
Rice Water: Fermented rice water, in particular, contains antioxidants and nutrients that can strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and promote growth. To use rice water, rinse uncooked rice thoroughly, then soak it in water for 30 minutes to several hours. Strain the rice, and use the resulting water to rinse your hair after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing with plain water. Regular use of rice water for hair loss can improve hair texture and reduce hair fall.
In case your hair has already experienced major damage in the form of big bad patches, saw palmetto extract or other natural hair loss remedies will probably not provide major results. Infact, most natural hair loss remedies and medicinal treatment won’t help with drastic recovery.
So the question is, “which hair loss recovery alternative is safest to get a full head of hair?”
*enters hair systems*
For those who want to change up their look easily or need a quick fix for hair loss, hair systems are a great option. These are non-surgical solutions that look incredibly real, giving you a natural appearance without any side effects. Hair systems, also known as toupees, wigs, hair units, or hairpieces, are made from real human hair attached to a high-quality base that blends seamlessly with your scalp.
They're perfect for anyone who wants to hide their hair loss without affecting their existing hair or experiencing any negative reactions. Hair systems are comfortable to wear and last a long time, allowing men and women to try out different hairstyles while instantly addressing hair loss concerns. They come in various styles and colors, so both men and women can find the perfect match, whether they need a partial hairpiece or a full-head option.
Check out how amazing John looks after buying a hair system from Lordhair:
Saw Palmetto Extract for Hair loss: Final Words
We've addressed nearly all crucial questions related to using saw palmetto extract to combat hair loss on the scalp. Remember, finding the right solution for your hair concerns involves exploring various options. While saw palmetto extract may offer benefits for some, individual responses vary.
If you're seeking a quick and pain-free solution for hair loss, consider exploring our extensive catalog of men's wigs for sale and hair integration systems. Our products are crafted to meet diverse needs, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your unique hair requirements. Embrace the journey to healthier hair!
If you still have any queries or concerns, please feel free to drop the same in the comments section.