Re-Grow Your Hair with Saw Palmetto
In England there was a hair growing competition over the course of a year (no, I’m not kidding), the winner was a fella who had been taking freeze dried saw palmetto berries every day. Apparently he had pretty good hair re-growth.
Judging by hair loss forums and chat rooms saw palmetto appears to be one of the most popular “natural” hair loss remedies. Freeze dried saw palmetto berries are one option, another is to buy the extracted form in pills from your local health store. But before you rush out and stock up let me introduce you to…
…Saw Palmetto’s Big Brother, Beta Sitosterol
The main active ingredient in saw palmetto that is thought to stop hair loss is beta sitosterol (beta sitosterol hair loss article here which also explains the mechanisms how both substances work). And then consider that a typical serving of beta sitosterol has more active ingredient than 3000 capsules of dried saw palmetto berries…
One capsule of beta sitosterol usually contains 300 mg of pure beta-sitosterol. You would have to eat 2 lbs. of saw palmetto to get the same amount of beta-sitosterol one 300 mg capsule. This is 3000 times more potent than saw palmetto.
So Should I Forget About Saw Palmetto?
The logical solution seems to supplement with beta sitosterol rather than saw palmetto. There are substances in saw palmetto other than beta sitosterol including stigmasterol and campesterol, but nearly every beta sitosterol supplement I’ve seen also includes these anyway.
But, (there’s always a “but” isn’t there!) some people actually report good results with saw palmetto – and hey, if it works, it works. Saw palmetto might be strong enough to have the desired hair saving effect for certain people. On the other hand beta sitosterol might be too strong, with some people their scalp becomes unbearably oily and itchy. Again saw palmetto may be good enough in cases like this.
Also there may be other ingredients in saw palmetto that may also be beneficial for hair loss, that aren’t in a beta sitosterol supplement. It’s really a case of suck it and see. Some people like to combine the two, which might not be a bad idea. A study reported the results of men suffering from hair loss after using 50mg of beta sitosterol and 200mg of saw palmetto berry extract (standardized 85% to 95% liposterolic content) — sixty percent of them reported new hair growth with the rest reporting that hair loss had at least ceased. Whilst the placebo group many of them had continual hair loss.
If you do decide to try saw palmetto then read the label carefully, just because it says 200mg doesn’t mean there that’s much in there, you need to check the “standardized” percentage. If it’s standardized 1% then you can be sure your not getting very much.
Personally I’m giving saw palmetto a miss for a while as I’ve just started supplementing with beta sitosterol and want to see how that goes for a few months. I may well chuck it into the mix a bit later though. If you’ve tried saw palmetto, what have been your experiences…? Post a comment below. Go on!
Responses to This Article
-
said on December 6, 2006
Some great articles there, esp my respect to WindowsPeak.
I’m a 40+ male with very noticeable thinning top and crown areas and very receeded hairline.
My regimen so far:
300mg 85-95% Saw Palmetto extract (2 months) eve.
120mg Beta Sitosterol (1 month) morn.
Nioxin Cleanser type 1 shampoo daily (since 3 months).
Nioxin Cytonutrient Actives leave-on foam daily (3 months).
The last two contain S(Laureth)S and propylene glycol respectively. I’m a bit concerned about these kind of products, and might give “grunge” a shot. Thought about using Nizoral shampoo as it got good reviews against MPB but it also has SLS!
I’ve had good results so far, can see little @2mm hairs, also vellous hair, among the normal growth on top. My hair is growing faster and stronger, people have noticed.
Any comments? Thanks! -
said on December 11, 2006
I tried Saw Palmetto but it killed my libido. How much Beta Sis should I use per day?
-
Chris said on December 12, 2006
Jo — Your regime looks good, well done on sprouting some new hair.
Tony — I take 350mg beta-sis a day.
-
said on December 12, 2006
Thanks Chris and how is it going? I’m going to up my beta-sis intake to around 350mg and continue with morn and eve supplementation so that intake is evenly distibuted over 24hrs. Also i’m going for less shampoo, to about once or twice a week. I was using it daily, leaving it on for about 5mins, although i can’t complain about the condition of my scalp with Nioxin as it’s impeccable. However i’m considering opting for Revivogen shampoo and topical as they seem more specific.
The more i’m reading about hair loss the more i am convinced the problem should be tackled on different levels for effectiveness, namely, DHT inhibitors, hair stimulants (growth), SOD’s, anti-androgens, and anti-inflammatories. I’m sure there are products which can fit into more than one category… any suggestions for a natural all-rounder package?
My diet is vegetarian and i take multivitamins religiously, i’m trying to be as natural as possible. I also believe in cycling most supplements, 25 days on, 5 days off. Forgot to mention, since around 1 month i’ve been taking 200mg Gerovital GH3 (Procaine HCL). I’m not sure if this has had an effect on hair growth. Cheers. -
said on January 12, 2008
Before mankind, before the coming of the light, there was COSTCO. And in COSTCO there was TRUNATURE Saw PALMETTO. 85-95% fatty acids with active sterols.
I have had multiple hair transplants and scalp reductions. The reductions worked because moving entire scalp around is less invasive than one hair at a time transplantation, and, although the reductions worked, supplemental 3500 plugs was unfortunately, taking a hike at the rate of 100-150 hairs per day. That’s a lot when you start with 50% left to begin with. Not to mention the 18 grand it set me back.
Rogaine and Propecia did nothing. I then happened upon internet folklore about Saw Palmetto, and six pills morning and evening, and my hair just quit falling out. In three days it quit falling out. Stopped. Nada. Zilch.
Now, no new hairs came in but, funny thing, since 20% hairs are “always” at rest, if you aren’t losing the 20% those hairs are supposed to replace, in about two year, voila, you have 20% MORE hair. I stop taking the pills, five days later hair starts to fall out, so cycling the regimen for me won’t work.
I wish I’d known about this eons ago. And yeah, I am going to try a dual course with the concentrated derivative, and see if that “gooses” any dormant hair.
By the way, don’t believe overly frequent washing doesn’t make you lose hair. It does. They can transplant now, merely by PULLING the donor hair from the site. What killing do you might think is going on, when you tug away at wet chemically weakened hair with combs and such? That’s right, you are literally killing off hairs by tugging them out of your scalp.
I follow my shampoo with simple detanglers, like Johnson’s baby shampoo, and hold the hair while detangling so as not to pull on the root.
That’s intelligent procedure to me.
-
said on February 2, 2008
Hi!
Just wondering if the Saw Palmetto at vitacost.com is good enough?
http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?ss=1&previousText=apple&Ntk=products&Ntt=saw%20palmetto
The thing is, they have two kinds of Saw Palmetto. One is the Saw Palmetto 540mg, taken once a day, the other is the Saw Palmetto EXTRACT, 160mg taken twice a day. This also has pumpkin seed oil, 160mg. What is the difference between EXTRACT and non-extract?
Also, have you guys heard of Rene Furterer’s Vitalfan pills? They claim that the pumpkin seed oil in their pills can inhibit DHT.
I’m currently using the Hairmax lasercomb. Definitely thickened my hairs, grew some new hairs (but not enough even after 7 months), and it’s not stopping my hair loss. Either that or it needs a full year to kick in..? Ha. But I’m also taking Vimax, which contains Saw Palmetto, concentration unknown. I needed Vimax after Propecia killed my libido (and strength of ejaculation). And truth is, Vimax DOES help. I’ve stopped taking Propecia.
Thanks!
-
said on February 27, 2009
okay so ive been taking provillus and its says that it has 1000mg of saw palmetto per capsul. ive also read that they water down ecrything and its a scam. is this true. any information on this?
-
said on June 4, 2009
How much essential oils (saw palmetto / black pepper oil) to add to standard size shampoo (i will use Faith in nature seaweed type)??
Will use a hair tonic of pressed olive oil and Vit E
and take those beta pills!
-
said on July 1, 2009
I am only 18 and unfortunately loosing hair is hareditary, so I decided to do something about it.
I use:Avalon Thickening Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner
5000 mg biotin 2x daily
silica supplement 70mg 2x daily
1000mg MSM 2x daily
500mg Lysine 500mg 2x daily
MSM cream before bed
multivitamin
and will start Saw Palmetto Extract and Beta-Sis soon 2x daily in ~300mg dosesbefore ordering all this Iwas just taking the berry not the erxtract and actually have about 2 inch baby hairs starting which is good news as the extract is more potent
this is really giving me hope and even though I still look a little thin if I miss a hair washing, my hair looks good after drying, I have naturally oily hair anyway. MSM gives you more energy and bloodflow so I’m also a more awake teenage! hard to find I know! -
said on July 1, 2009
onyl taking the silica and biotin supplement and conditioner for about a month and already loose less than ~10 hairs per washing which is normal
-
said on July 19, 2009
Less than 10 hairs per washing is extremely ABnormal. The average human loses 100 hairs a day, give or take 25. Next time you take a shower, plug up the shower drain, let the bathtub fill while you’re taking a shower…I have a feeling you’ll find more than 10 hairs.
But you have a good point about biotin and silica. There’s a great liquid silica supplement called Biosil, that works great…much better than pills.
Anyway Matt…hope you don’t think I’m calling you a liar, just very surprised that anyone only loses 10 hairs a day. I’m going to up my dose of Saw Palmetto after reading these posts, and hopefully I can come back with the same statement.
-
said on July 30, 2009
I’ve been taking saw palmetto 2,500mg once a day for three to four months now and the results have been great! hair loss has stopped and I have seen new hair growth. existing hair is much thicker and the hair that was thinning is now becoming thick as well. My scalp was itching, so I tired DR. Hotting thickening shampoo and conditioner and then applied Softee herbal gro formula Maximum strength. this petroleum base application with natural herbs has helped a lot with the dry and itchy scalp. I will post again in about six months from now and let you know if I have more hair growth. Chao’
-
Chris said on July 30, 2009
Hey Javier, glad to hear the SP is working for you
I look forward to hearing your 6 month update!
-
said on August 5, 2009
Ive been using saw palmetto and biohair capsule its good and my hair less hairfall and now im using biohair soluiton with minoxidil and biotin i laso taking jason biotin shampoo
-
said on August 5, 2009
my Daily Regimen
biotin capsule 5000 mcg
Saw palmeto 520 mg
Jason biotin shampoo
Biohair solution topical lotion minoxidil and biotin ingredients
try myezshop.mall u see biohair product -
said on August 19, 2009
I have already started using saw palmetto since last week and also plan to incorporate beta sitosterol from this week.
-
said on August 28, 2009
I’ve been taking 500mg saw palmetto berry powder (tablet form) and beta sitosterol 450mg daily and noticed my libido went down (guessing 25%) and erections are less stronger. However, my hair is growing faster. No new sign of growth yet; I might take a break from these to see if libido increases.
-
said on August 28, 2009
I’ve been taking these for about 2 months. Remember guys, not that it will happen, but if you see any side effects, consider your most precious gift (penis) over anything else body-wise.
-
Chris said on August 29, 2009
E-man – I’ve eard of a few people suffering from lack of labido taking high levels of saw palmetto. Try laying off the saw palmetto for a while but stick with the beta-sis and see what happens.
-
said on September 10, 2009
the thing about Saw Palmetto is that it reduces Testosterone levels, thus preventing the hormones that are responsible for hair loss, acne and prostate cancer from developing. However, please go to a doctor and get your Testosterone levels checked before taking Saw Palmetto because if your Testosterone is already low, Saw Palmetto will only bring more harm! Because hair falls out in both cases, when your testosterone is TOO LOW and when your testosterone is TOO HIGH!!! If you go to a doctor and find out that your testosterone is normal, DO NOT take Saw Palmetto. There are other factors as to why your hair may be falling out. Try more research. Besides, there are so many other natural herbs and vitamins you can take .
-
said on September 24, 2009
Hi
Im using:
Minoxodil 5% solution day and before bed
Saw Palmetto tablets
Revivogen shampoo and Conditioner
Revivogen lotion in eveningAfter 3 moonths hair is very thick, the revivogen definatly gave the minoxidil a big boost as I have been using minoxidol for nearly 2 years and I was starting to loose hair again, so added revivogen, it started making a difference within the first momth of use.
Regards
-
said on October 8, 2009
Hi Joe,
I’m very interested in your formula for the hair loss treatment. I have been using Minoxodil 5% solution for about 10%. It does help to slow down the hair loss. But, the hair growth is very slow lately. I can only see very fine tiny hair growth. Does Revivogen help to boost the benefit of Minoxodil? I’m not sure about your condition. For your case, is your hair growth has become thicker and more dense? You mentioned that you apply Revivogen lotion in the evening. Then, you apply Minoxodil 5% before sleep, right?
thanks and regards.
-
said on November 16, 2009
Ive been taking:
Procerin which contains 1500mg of Saw Palmetto
1000μg of Biotin x2
100mg of B6 x1
Iron (14mg) and Vitamin C (60mg) x1
Choline & Inositol (500mg) x2Nisim Shampoo & Condition daily wash.
Nisim Extract twice a dayIve notice hair thicker and change in texture. But as of late, ive noticed a vast amount of shedding. This morning i lost 40 hairs, while doing my hair, which worries me alittle, when i shower, i barely lose anything. Not to sure if..
“Shedding” of the hair after taking a hair loss preventive product such as PROCERIN, CAN happen. It can happen with any hair loss preventative product and this is why; Hair grows in three phases, with obviously the third being a “fall-out” or release (Telogen) stage. With only 1/3 of the follicles growing hair at any given time the process must recycle itself to allow growth to previously dormant follicles. When you take a product such as PROCERIN and your hair starts to fall out faster that is NOT necessarily a bad sign. That means in some studies that I actually came across and looked into, that the hair that was SUPPOSED to fall out at the end of it’s cycle in the first place falls out at an accelerated rate. This is the scalp’s response to the product in order to stimulate “dormant” follicles. Many men discontinue their hair loss prevention products when this starts happening to them when this sign MAY actually be a good thing. I urge you to look into this study. “Shedding” has happened to people using Propecia, Minoxidil, Saw Palmetto and Ginseng scalp cleansing agents (Shampoos/Serums), AND orally taken internal DHT inhibiting supplements ASA “hair vitamins” which is the category that PROCERIN falls into. Why this happens is because again at any given time you are in one of the hair’s three phases (Anagen, Catagen, Telogen). Those in the third stage who start taking a DHT inhibitor or using a cleanser are more likely to notice an accelerated loss rate for up to 4 weeks (1 cycle). I again urge anyone interested to look this up for themselves. “
-
said on November 23, 2009
Stop taking everything and go with the flow!!!..Shave that head make it clean…
-
said on November 29, 2009
I took Propecia for 5 years. It worked for stopping hair loss, but it eventually started giving me the feeling of having crossed wires in my head. So, I got off of it like 6 months ago and my brain feels fine again. I did lose hair once I got off of it so now I am looking for more natural hair loss prevention methods.
-
said on January 1, 2010
A very informing site and article. Perhaps a recommended supplers / product page. I myself have since been looking at using Saw Palmetto but no suppliers (at least in the UK) seem to be stating what the standardized percentages are, which means I would have to go lucky dip as to their efficacy.
-
said on February 2, 2010
so what’s the correct dosis for was palmetto to use daily?
-
said on February 9, 2010
Saw Palmetto users…how long were you using it before you noticed any positive results? Thanks!
-
said on February 10, 2010
I tried the liquid form of saw palmetto and did not notice any difference! I guess I have to try the pill form, also I have been taking MSM in powder form and noticed little hairs growing back and now they are thick and long and wow MSM works there is also a MSM shampoo that is in health food stores and I sweat it works too and it has all natural stuff none of the bad things, I also use a shower filter, I never notice anyone using a shower filter! THIS IS GOOD TO DO! And I take biotin pills but the MSM powder(tastes nasty!) and shampoo is what got hair growing back for me!
-
said on February 16, 2010
I used saw palmetto for 6 months. have been off for 11 months. side effects are very serious. I have completely lost my sex drive and have become impotent. Not only that I have got many other serious health issues and fighting for my life. Please use saw palmetto with great caution. Naturatl does not mean safe.
-
said on February 16, 2010
Okay
to clarify,
I use the minoxidil extra strength lotion in the morning first thing and before bed.
I use the Revivogen Lotion in the afternoon, say 6 pm, after the gym (as I work out during the week after work), leave it in for at least 3 hours, preferably more, wash it out and apply minoxidil before bed.
( also sometimes i do they other way and apply minoxodil after the gym and revivogen at night before bed, it doesnt really matter which way, as long as you use both products and wash the scalp before each one)
I use Revivogen shampoo, but im sure any good DHT blocking shampoo is good as long as it has saw palmetto, dont use a normal shampoo, use a good hair loss one . I think they work better with minoxidil, gives it a boost.
I take saw palmetto tablets morning and lunch, ones from chemist or healthshop, the ones they advertise for prostate, nothing special, but i noticed they work well
I also use a scalp scrub shampoo at least twice a week, i notice this works really well to help clean the scalp and open up the pores, which helps minoxidil to penertrate the follicles, then apply minoxidl, youll feel the minoxidil working when you do this, as i noticed that if your scalp is not cleaned properly the monoxidl will be less effective, i think this may have been one of the causes that resulted in the minoxidil being less effective for me, so use the scalp scrub, it will clean the build up.
I think combining an FDA approved product with a DHT blocking herbal product is the best thing you can do.
I may consider a laser comb later if i need to, as they are supposed to work well with minoxidil as it increases absorption.My hair is thick and you cant see through it at all, the revivogen work really well and quickly, but that also could be due to the saw palmetto tablets, not sure as i started both at the same time. I also started the process early as soon as i noticed hair loss 2-3 years ago, i panicked and started with the FDA option which worked well for about 2 years, then went onto herbal which worked even better, but i did catch it early on.
regards
-
said on February 16, 2010
yes I also agree that shedding is a normal phase
so dont panic it grows back, stick to the program
-
said on February 18, 2010
hi i wanted to know where i can get beta and saw palmetto in one pill? or can someone link me to the saw palmetto and beta pills theya re using (either one in one pill or separate)?
-
said on February 23, 2010
How much saw palmetto should you use when you start? I’ve seen people say they take anywhere from 160mg a day to 2,500mg a day.
-
said on March 7, 2010
i used saw palmetto for about 4 months it was in my multi vitamins it wasnt much mgs any way my hair loss slowed alot i was losing over 150 hairs a day but it lowered to about maybe 50 hairs a day then i ran out about 5 days later my hair fell out more than maybe 200 hairs a day so i started on a new regimen it has saw palmetto beta sitosterol pumpkin seed and some other stuff i got it at the health food store go to one and you can find these pills there for prostate health but prostate and hair loss are linked. oh and my hair is falling out less every day
-
said on March 9, 2010
i also read that an unhealthy liver will cause hair loss look into milk thistle its a herb i read no more than 450 is good for liver function to help it and also look for a dht blocker to get rid of excess dht ill post soon after i try the milk thistle because i have been using dht blockers and so far i notice just one hair regrowth but shedding is still happening but not as much
-
said on March 10, 2010
I have been taking a combination of Saw Palmetto and beta sitosterol for over 2 months. Not only have I seen no improvement, I have actually had increased shedding. Before I had a receding hair line but now I am thin all over. Is this typical? I’ve heard regrowth sometimes follows shedding. Also, if I decide to stop now and call it quits will the additional hair that I shed grow back?
Say Something About This Article, Go On
This article was written on May 19, 2006 was posted in these categories DHT Blockers, Hair Nutrition, Hair Products .
