Saw palmetto is a small palm native to the southeastern United States, and its berries have become one of the most talked-about botanicals for hair. But talk is cheap — let’s look at what a controlled clinical study actually found.
The DHT connection
A hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) plays a central role in age-related hair thinning. In sensitive follicles, DHT can gradually shrink the follicle, producing finer, shorter hairs over time. Saw palmetto has been studied for its ability to support a healthier hormonal balance at the follicle by influencing the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT.
What the 16-week trial found
A 2023 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study tested a standardized saw palmetto oil in 80 adults with mild-to-moderate hair thinning over 16 weeks (PubMed). In the oral group, taking a standardized saw palmetto extract daily was associated with:
- A ~29% reduction in hair fall on a comb test versus baseline.
- A ~5% increase in hair density.
- A measurable reduction in serum DHT.
A separate 2025 study on a saw palmetto fatty-acid extract in adults with self-perceived thinning hair also reported improvements in hair growth and reduced shedding over 90 days (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology).
A gentler, plant-based option
Many people are drawn to saw palmetto because it is a botanical alternative for those who prefer to avoid pharmaceutical DHT blockers. It is generally well tolerated, though results are typically modest and gradual — think support over several months, not a dramatic overnight fix.
Why standardization matters
The benefits above came from a standardized saw palmetto extract with a consistent level of active fatty acids — not raw ground berries of unknown potency. That is the kind of extract worth looking for on a label, and it is what we use in Hair Density 40+.
The bottom line
Saw palmetto is one of the better-studied botanicals for supporting hair density and reducing shedding, working on the hormonal side of the equation. Paired with keratin-building amino acids and antioxidants, it becomes part of a well-rounded, multi-angle approach to fuller-looking hair.
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Hair Density 40+
Saw palmetto, L-cystine, tocotrienols, zinc and biotin — a multi-nutrient formula to support hair density and help reduce everyday shedding from the inside out.
Shop Hair Density 40+ →These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.