Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss: Does It Help?

Androgenetic alopecia is hair loss that affects both men and women, and it becomes more common with age. The hormone testosterone can convert into DHT, and that change makes hair follicles shrink, which leads to shedding. Because men typically have higher testosterone levels, balding is more frequent in men than women.

In men, thinning often follows an M-shaped pattern called male pattern baldness. Women usually notice diffuse thinning across the scalp and rarely go completely bald. Since hair loss is so widespread, many people try herbal options. Saw palmetto is a popular choice for slowing loss or encouraging regrowth.

Key Takeaways

• Androgenetic alopecia involves DHT shrinking follicles, and saw palmetto may reduce shedding.

• Research remains limited, small trials show improvement but finasteride demonstrates greater effectiveness.

• Evidence in women is limited, and safety is uncertain during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Possible side effects include stomach upset and bleeding risk, PSA levels remain unaffected.

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a small palm with medicinal berries. Native to the southeastern United States, it grows from South Carolina down through Florida. It’s also known as the American Dwarf Palm or Cabbage Palm. The tree reaches about 10 feet tall and produces fruit that darkens when ripe; extracts are made from this fruit.

Other Saw Palmetto Benefits for Hair Health

People often use saw palmetto to help with hair loss, but it may also support overall hair and scalp health so your strands look fuller.

• Helps strengthen hair: Some evidence suggests saw palmetto can fortify hair follicles so strands feel stronger and thicker.

• Helps fight inflammation: Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, saw palmetto may reduce scalp inflammation linked to eczema, dandruff, acne, and hair loss. Calming inflammation supports a healthier scalp environment.

• May support hair growth: Less inflammation can set the stage for new growth and fewer shedding episodes.

Does Saw Palmetto Work for Hair Loss?

So far, scientific research on saw palmetto for hair loss is limited. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes there isn’t enough solid evidence to recommend saw palmetto for any health condition.

Even so, some teams have explored saw palmetto and hair loss specifically.

According to a 2012 study, saw palmetto might inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. The drug finasteride (Proscar) works through this pathway to treat hair loss in males. By blocking 5-alpha reductase, finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, the hormone implicated in male pattern hair loss.

Saw palmetto may also have anti-inflammatory effects in the body, which could help protect against some causes of hair loss.

Learn more about the difference between saw palmetto and finasteride

In a small 2002 study, 10 males with androgenetic alopecia received a supplement containing saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol. Six of the 10 improved, but the sample was very small, so larger studies are needed.

In a 2012 study, 100 males with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia were enrolled. One group took 320 milligrams (mg) of saw palmetto daily for 2 years, and another group took 1 mg of finasteride each day.

By the end, 38% of those on saw palmetto showed improvement versus 68% taking finasteride. This suggests both had an effect, though finasteride was more effective. Researchers also noted that more severe hair loss was less likely to respond to saw palmetto.

Overall, early, small studies are promising but bigger, well-designed trials are still needed.

Can Women Use Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss?

Most research on saw palmetto has focused on men, so safety and effectiveness in women aren’t well established. It’s generally considered safe unless you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you take medications or have chronic conditions, talk with your healthcare provider first.

Who Should Avoid Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto isn’t right for everyone. I found a short pharmacist chat helpful before trying any herb. It is highly advised avoiding it, or at least speaking to your GP first, if the following applies to you:

• people on hormone therapy, such as testosterone replacement or medications used for prostate cancer

• if you’re pregnant or currently breastfeeding

• those taking blood thinners, since saw palmetto may raise bleeding risk

• if you have surgery planned, because it could affect clotting

• people with hormone-sensitive conditions where androgen levels are part of the disease process

If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for you, check with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects of Saw Palmetto

Side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Possible effects include:

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Changes in blood clotting (may affect blood pressure)

This plant may interact with certain medications. If you take a blood thinner, consult your doctor. You should proceed with caution when using this kind of treatment.

Also, taking saw palmetto does not affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Although some have worried it could lower PSA because it’s used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and might affect early prostate cancer detection, the NIH reports this concern isn’t supported.

Consider Saw Palmetto, Use Proven Care With Keyoma

Now that you know how DHT drives androgenetic hair loss and where saw palmetto may fit, keep expectations modest and use it carefully.

Evidence is early and mixed, small studies suggest possible benefit, and finasteride outperformed in a longer trial. If you try saw palmetto, check for interactions, avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, pause it before surgery, and talk with a clinician about your plan.

For clear routines, ingredient explainers, and research updates, follow Keyoma’s blog and social channels for ongoing hair care tips.