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Saw palmetto oil confers a range of benefits for hair, notably with its potential to promote hair growth through its blocking action on 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. We’ll discuss five great reasons to try saw palmetto oil for hair, and recommend one of the best hair health supplements on the market.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulata) is a plant in the palm tree family that is native to the southeast U.S. It has elongated, saw-toothed leaves, white flowers, and small dark berries. Native Seminole and Glades tribes in southern Florida used the fruit of the saw palmetto plant for hundreds of years as a natural medicine to treat urinary tract infections, boost libido, and improve fertility. Saw palmetto oil for hair may be taken orally or applied topically. We will discuss five reasons to try saw palmetto oil for hair and recommend a high-quality hair supplement that incorporates this plant.

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1. Saw palmetto oil may prevent hair loss

Saw palmetto berry extracts may stimulate healthy hair growth naturally and slow hair loss. Several active ingredients in saw palmetto oil include plant sterols, sugars, and fatty acids, as well as flavonoids and phytosterols. These compounds can help to block the effects of androgens, which are hormones that are crucial to male sexual development and regulate hair growth in males and females. Research has shown that increased levels of androgens in hair follicles can lead to a shorter cycle of hair growth and the growth of shorter and thinner strands of hair.

In a limited 2002 study of men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), 60% of the participants experienced reduced hair loss after taking a supplement containing saw palmetto oil for hair. Further clinical trials are needed to verify these preliminary findings.

Saw palmetto may also have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which could offer protection from some causes of hair loss.

2. Saw palmetto oil for hair works at the hormonal level

Saw palmetto oil for hair contains components that prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a naturally-occurring hormone that causes hair to thin by shrinking hair follicles in the scalp. According to a 2012 study, saw palmetto oil for hair inhibits 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Inhibitors of 5-alpha reductase reduce the rate of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia).

3. Saw palmetto oil for hair helps both men and women

“Many people think that hair loss only affects men. However, more than 50% of women will experience noticeable hair loss,” reports the Cleveland Clinic. Female pattern hair loss affects about 30 million women in the United States, and many women experience patchy or sporadic hair thinning.

In a 2004 study, 34 men and 28 women topically applied saw palmetto oil extract. Two-thirds of the participants showed reduced scalp sebum and one-third saw increased hair density. This demonstrates the effectiveness of saw palmetto oil for hair among women as well as men. Additional clinical testing will further verify these findings.

4. Saw palmetto oil for hair is drug-free

Saw palmetto oil for hair is drug-free and safe for all users, unlike the topical minoxidil (Rogaine) and the orally-consumed finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). These treatments for slowing hair loss and stimulating regrowth are designated as drugs by the FDA.

Minoxidil and finasteride may have undesirable side effects, including elevated blood pressure. On the other hand, saw palmetto oil is a natural plant extract that is free of synthetic chemicals. According to the NCCIH (NIH), research has shown that saw palmetto doesn’t interact with any medications and may be used daily.

5. Saw palmetto oil restores anagen phase hair

There are three phases of hair growth. First is the anagen phase, when your hair is healthy and growing. Next is the catagen stage, which is a transitional period without active growth. Finally, the telogen phase is when a hair shaft can easily be shed from the scalp or pulled out.

Supplements containing saw palmetto oil can nourish the hair follicles, revitalizing the anagen phase hair and supporting hair growth. Additionally, saw palmetto oil supplements can help to revive catagen phase hair, returning it to the anagen growth phase and prolonging its time in this state before it progresses to the telogen phase.

DeeplyRooted scientific hair care from Hush & Hush

The hair care market is challenging for consumers to navigate. One high-quality brand we recommend is Hush & Hush. Their scientifically-formulated DeeplyRooted dietary supplement is a hyper-concentrated nutraceutical for hair health. It harnesses the power of proven vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and patented ingredients to nourish the scalp and help to slow hair loss.  Furthermore, it contains saw palmetto 45% fatty acids, which block 5-alpha reductase before it converts to DHT.

Other exclusive organic ingredients in DeeplyRooted include KM-66® Ashwagandha root extract to help fight stress, Cococin™ coconut water to support blood circulation, Resvenox® resveratrol which assists with blood vessel formation, Bioperine which increases blood flow to the scalp, and green tea leaf extract, which is an antioxidant with androgenic effects. DeeplyRooted helps to improve the overall health of your hair and is suitable for women and men. It is available for purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, the Hush & Hush website, and Amazon.

Dr. Marc Ronert, the founder of Hush & Hush, is a European Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, dedicated to discovering and developing a new understanding of how the body and its cells age. He described his vision when creating Hush & Hush:

Hush & Hush was created to fill a large void in the beauty and wellness supplement space. There really wasn’t that upper echelon of problem-solution, evidence-based supplements composed of comprehensive formulations where you knew exactly what to expect after following the recommended dosage and—even better yet—actually saw results.

The best way to achieve healthy hair

If your hair is thinning and aging and you’re searching for a treatment that can safely restore your hair’s growth and vitality, supplements with saw palmetto oil for hair can be natural, drug-free holistic alternatives. Look for a formulation that combines saw palmetto with other beneficial nutraceuticals that work synergistically for optimal results. Read the product labels and look for organic, clinically-proven, comprehensive formulas that are truly ahead of their time.

Further Reading for Additional Knowledge:

Harvard Health Publishing: Hair Loss

Medical News Today: Can Saw Palmetto Help With Hair Loss?

Very Well Health: What is Saw Palmetto?

Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.

Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.