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There are many options that you can choose from when you’re looking for help with your hair loss. These include products from medications, over the counter treatments, specialty shampoos, lasers, and natural remedies. If you are looking for one of those natural alternatives, saw palmetto can be used to help treat hair loss.
What is saw palmetto? It is a plant that has small berries. Saw palmetto has been utilized by Native Americans for food and medicine for hundreds of years. This plant and berry have been proven to treat many ailments such as enlarged prostate, bladder infections, prostate cancer, and hair loss.
How does Saw Palmetto Oil Help?
The extract of the berries can block 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the molecule that is responsible for male pattern baldness.
While research is limited with the efficiency of saw palmetto treating hair loss, there are a few studies that have proven positive results with the oil. One study saw almost half of its participants see an increase in their hair count by almost 12 percent. This study did take place over the course of four months, so it’s important to remember that it is not an overnight remedy. Although, there truly aren’t any overnight remedies for hair loss. Practicing patience is important.
Ready to Apply?
There are a few different ways that you can use saw palmetto oil for your hair loss needs. The first is to take four drops of saw palmetto extract and dilute it with one teaspoon of water. After mixing, take the solutions and massage it into your scalp. After your scalp is covered, leave the extract in. This treatment is safe to use daily and will help give your scalp the boost it needs to decrease the production of DHT.
The next option you can try is to mix saw palmetto oil with olive oil. To use this option, mix six to eight drops of saw palmetto oil with a tablespoon of olive oil. Warm the liquid for a few seconds until it is slightly warm. Massage this solution into your scalp, continuing until fully covered. Wait for thirty minutes then wash your hair with a mild shampoo. You can use this treatment up to three times a week. When you add the olive oil to the saw palmetto, you will not only see a decrease in the DHT production, but you’ll also see an improvement in blood circulation which is needed to provide nourishment to the follicles of your hair.
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Side Effects
While many will not have any safety concerns when it comes to using saw palmetto, there are some who could have an allergic reaction to the oil (or plant). If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the saw palmetto oil and consult with your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Have you been searching for a natural way to slow your hair loss and improve new hair growth? If so, saw palmetto oil might be a great solution. As mentioned above, this will not be an overnight improvement and will take months before you see results but adding it to your hair care routine would be worth the try!
Tired of chasing down hair growth solutions without the results you’re after? Make sure you’re using the 3 hair loss products shown to help with hair growth before experimenting with alternative solutions – you may be surprised with how effective those 3 alone can be.
