Saw Palmetto For Hair Loss: Side Effects And Precautions

Saw palmetto for hair loss is believed to be an effective solution for your hair-related woes. If you have tried chemically-laden hair loss products and none of them worked, you may try this natural remedy. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is famous for promoting prostate health but it also prevents hair loss and may reverse it. Native Americans used it centuries ago to treat a variety of ailments. Several studies suggest that this plant’s fruits lead to hair growth stimulation in men (1). This article examines what evidence is for the benefits of saw palmetto for hair loss. Additionally, we look at its dosage, ideal use, and potential side effects. Scroll down.

What Is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, is a slow-growing palm tree that is indigenous to the southeastern United States. It is a small-sized tree, and its ripe fruit contains bioactive compounds, including fatty acids and phytosterols. Thus, it is often used in various herbal remedies. The plant is also claimed to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and has recently gained popularity as a health supplement. It is mainly known for promoting prostate health in men and has been praised as a remedy for hair loss and urinary tract issues as well. However, it is important to note that there is limited research to fully support these claims.

How Does Saw Palmetto Help Curb Hair Loss?

Research on the benefits of saw palmetto for hair loss is limited. In one study, topical products containing saw palmetto extract helped treat male androgenetic alopecia (permanent hair loss on the scalp) (1). Saw palmetto might inhibit the action of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that can lead to male pattern baldness by converting testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone)  (2), (3). The formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one major cause of hair loss. DHT attaches itself to the hair follicles and blocks their nourishment. More information on the use of saw palmetto as a drug for reversing hair loss is warranted.

Saw palmetto’s anti-inflammatory properties help fight inflammation and might also help treat hair loss (4). This herb is available in various forms for use.

What Forms Is Saw Palmetto Available In?

Saw palmetto is available as tablets, powdered capsules, and liquid extracts. It is also available as whole dried fruit or fruit preparations (used in making tea or water extracts) and tinctures.

In the following section, we will explore how you can use this herb for promoting hair health.

How To Use Saw Palmetto?

1. Saw Palmetto And Olive Oil

An oil massage improves blood circulation and nourishes your hair follicles. Olive oil has excellent nutritional and conditioning properties that can improve hair and follicular health (5). You can use this remedy thrice a week.

You Will Need

• 6-8 drops of saw palmetto oil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  

Process

1. Mix both the oils in a bowl.
2. Heat the mixture for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
3. Rub the oil mixture into your scalp with your fingertips.
4. Massage your scalp for about 15 minutes.
5. Leave the mixture on for about another 30 minutes.
6. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
7. Let your hair air dry.

2. Saw Palmetto Extract

This extract may help minimize the production of DHT and reduce hair loss (3).

You Will Need

• 4 drops of saw palmetto extract
• 1 teaspoon of warm water

Process

1. Dilute the saw palmetto extract with warm water.
2. Massage the solution into your scalp.
3. Leave the extract on for an hour
4. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
5. Let your hair air dry.

Quick Tip

You can also add saw palmetto extract to rice water, cucumber water, or rose water. These alternatives are said to make your hair shiny and curb frizz.

3. Pumpkin Seed Oil And Saw Palmetto

Pumpkin seed oil may also help block DHT production (6).

It also may help stimulate hair regrowth (7).

You Will Need

• 6-8 drops of saw palmetto oil
• 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seed oil

Process

1. Mix both the oils in a bowl.
2. Heat the oil mixture for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
3. Rub the oil into your scalp with your fingertips.
4. Massage your scalp for about 15 minutes.
5. Leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
7. Let your hair air dry.

Along with pumpkin seed oil, some other oils that may help reduce hair loss are rosemary oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil.

4. Jaborandi And Saw Palmetto

Jaborandi is a well-known homeopathic remedy for hair loss. Extracts of jaborandi leaves contain pilocarpine that may help combat hair loss (8). However, more research is warranted in this regard.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of jaborandi oil
• 6-8 drops of saw palmetto oil

Process

1. Mix both the oils in a bowl.
2. Heat the oil blend for a couple of seconds until it is slightly warm.
3. Rub the blend into your scalp with your fingertips.
4. Massage your scalp for about 15 minutes.
5. Leave the oil on for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Wash your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo.
7. Let your hair air dry.

5. Saw Palmetto And Aloe Vera

Aloe vera

helps maintain the pH balance of your scalp and strengthens your hair follicles promoting scalp health. Its antimicrobial properties and antioxidants may help soothe scalp itching or aggravation (9).

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons of ground saw palmetto
• 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel (extracted from the leaf or store-bought)

Process

1. Mix the aloe vera and this, add 2 teaspoons of ground saw palmetto.
2. Apply this mixture to the affected areas on your scalp.
3. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
4. Optionally, you can also rinse your hair with a mild sulfate-free shampoo. Ensure you do not shampoo your hair more than thrice a week.

In addition to topical application, consuming saw palmetto may also help treat hair loss. It is important to take the herb in the right dosage.

Saw Palmetto Dosage For Hair Loss

Saw palmetto seems to be more effective when taken as a fruit or supplement. The recommended dosage of a saw palmetto supplement in adults is 160 mg twice a day (3). Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

In a study conducted on 381 androgenic alopecia patients, it was found that there was a 60% overall improvement in hair quality after taking oral and topical supplements of saw palmetto. It was also noted that supplements helped in 27% improvement in total hair count, 83.3% increased in hair density. So start your saw palmetto hair supplements to reduce hair loss.

StyleCraze Says Buy hair care products like serums, masks, and conditioners made with saw palmetto. You can also add saw palmetto extract to your shampoo or serum. How Long Does Saw Palmetto Take To Treat Hair Loss? You need to use saw palmetto regularly for 2-3 months to see any significant results. However, in some cases, the results may take up to a year to show. This information is based on anecdotal evidence.

Saw palmetto may also cause side effects in some cases. You must know them before you start using it.

Side Effects And Precautions

Saw palmetto is generally considered safe. A high intake of saw palmetto for a long time may cause mild headaches, nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset (10), (11). It also may increase the risk of bleeding (12). Avoid intake before surgery. Consult your doctor. The safety of saw palmetto during pregnancy or breastfeeding is yet to be studied. Stay safe and avoid use.

There is some concern that saw palmetto might cause liver damage in certain individuals (13). It also may reduce the levels of prostate-specific antigen in males, making the early detection of prostate cancer difficult (14).

Saw palmetto might also interact with a few medications, including blood thinners like warfarin. Do not take the herb along with blood thinners (15).

Infographic: 4 Easy Saw Palmetto Recipes For Hair Loss

Saw palmetto has been used for ages as a trusted homeopathic remedy for reducing extreme hair loss and managing various other hair concerns. The plant extract can be used in numerous ways to strengthen thin, brittle strands and minimize shedding. To learn more about the simple recipes, check out the infographic below and get on the journey to healthy, voluminous tresses.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 900 mg of saw palmetto too much?

While saw palmetto is used in doses of 320-960 mg for up to 3 years, you should consult a doctor to ascertain the correct dosage.

Does saw palmetto make hair thicker?

Animal studies indicate that saw palmetto might help reduce hair loss, thus maintaining your hair volume. However, further human studies and research is required to substantiate the claim.

Can I leave saw palmetto overnight in my hair?

Yes. If you use hair serums or leave-in conditioners containing saw palmetto, it is safe to leave it overnight in your hair.

Did you know that saw palmetto is considered to be a natural remedy for hair loss? Dive into this informative video to learn how it can help restore your hair health and growth.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

   

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

Read full bio of Dr. Shruti Chavan

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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