Saw Palmetto in Shampoo: A Natural DHT Blocker

Do you have any experience facing the problem of Alopecia (Hair Loss)? If yes, then you must have rushed towards these harmful chemical bottles present in the market.

But what if the solution for your hair loss problem is not a complicated chemical from a laboratory, but a small berry that comes from a desert palm tree.

Most people suffering from baldness spend money like crazy on harsh clarifying shampoos. They are buying them without knowing the fact that it’s not about dirty hair and poor hygiene but about the hidden hormone that is Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that gradually kills off your hair roots on a daily basis. 

Here comes the most recommended ingredient: Saw Palmetto.

Saw palmetto is a highly effective natural DHT inhibitor that can be used to manufacture shampoos against hair loss as it can easily alter the way people address their hair loss problem today. 

If you were also looking for methods to prevent hair loss without using any chemical treatment, then this herb is for you. Then, you must go through this blog to get to know about the benefits of saw palmetto for hair care.

Key Takeaways

1. Saw palmetto assists in blocking the production of this hormone in your body responsible for hair loss genetically.
2. Instead of taking chemical hair loss tablets which may interfere with your body's hormonal functions, the saw palmetto is 100% natural.
3. In order to use this hair loss shampoo effectively, you need to let it remain in your scalp for 3-5 minutes before washing it off so that it gets deep into your roots.
4. If you want to have improved results, you should try this hair loss shampoo with saw palmetto and other ingredients such as caffeine, biotin, and rosemary oil.

What is DHT and why is it causing destruction to your hair?

Before we are able to understand the way saw palmetto works, we first need to become acquainted with the principal cause of hair loss: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is an androgenic hormone which is derived from testosterone. Although its presence in the body is entirely normal, some individuals have genetically more sensitive hair follicles to DHT.

The process involved in it is:

1. The process starts with 5-alfa-reductase (5-AR) converting testosterone into DHT.
2. Then, DHT will increase its activity in your body, connecting itself to the receptor of one of the follicles, where the hair is growing.
3. After DHT connection with your hair follicle, it will cause their shrinkage every single cycle.
4. As a result, your follicle becomes so small that it cannot produce any hair anymore.
5. This leads to growing only invisible hairs and causes Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

Why can saw palmetto only be used in shampoo formulation?

You may be wondering, then, why saw palmetto is used in a shampoo rather than being taken as a pill?

Using a specialized anti hair fall shampoo infused with saw palmetto offers unique advantages over systemic oral medications:

1. Targeted delivery: 

The active natural DHT blockers are applied directly to the skin of your scalp, at the place where the hair roots are having difficulties.

2. No systemic side effects: 

Although oral DHT blockers at times may alter hormone levels throughout the whole body and as a result cause unwanted complications, a shampoo limits the effect to your head.

3. Removes surface DHT: 

Sebum (scalp oil) can cause high concentrations of DHT to build up on the scalp, and using a shampoo designed for this purpose physically gets rid of the oil which is rich in the hormone while at the same time leaving the protective extracts behind.

Note: Scientific evidence shows that applying topical saw palmetto extract directly to the scalp for 24 weeks significantly increases hair count and density.

Natural Saw Palmetto Shampoo vs Chemical Hair Treatments

In order to assist you in choosing the best route for your present hair care journey, let's compare natural options with synthetic ones.

Comparison studies have indicated that saw palmetto enhances the growth rate of hair by 38% without causing any side effects compared to finasteride.

What are the active ingredients that can catalyse the activity of  Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto works at its most effective when it isn't acting by itself; when you're looking at the back of the label of your anti-hair-loss shampoo, check for these supportive ingredients which work in perfect harmony with it.

1. Caffeine

• It promotes blood circulation in the scalp.
• This is due to the fact that this method makes dead hair follicles come alive and grow into the pores using a saw palmetto.

2. Biotin (vitamin B7)

• Strengthen Keratin in the hair shafts.
• This is because saw palmetto's ability to stop hair loss and biotin helps to make hair healthy and thick.

3. Rosemary Oil

• It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and cellular regenerator.
• The reason it is beneficial is that rosemary oil can improve hair thickness just as effectively as mild minoxidil drops, without causing the chemical itching.

4. Ketoconazole or Salicylic Acid

• It removes dandruff, dead skin, and the excess oil build-up.
• The reason it is beneficial is that it thoroughly cleanses the scalp, thereby providing saw palmetto with a completely clear route to penetrate the follicles.

Step by step guide to use a DHT inhibiting shampoo 

The majority of people buy an excellent shampoo for preventing hair fall but use it completely incorrectly since it is a product which has to be rinsed off and so the ingredients need time to take effect.

For that, you should follow this simple checklist during your next shower:

1. Soak Your Hair

Soak your hair completely with lukewarm water since warm water causes the pores in the scalp to open up and thus prepare them to receive the botanical extracts.

2. Concentrate on the Roots

Put some quantity of a good quality shampoo or Tinfal Anti hair fall shampoo which should be similar to the one equivalent to the size of a coin and put it on your hair. Never apply shampoo as it is taken by your body not out of it. Massage the area for about one minute to get increased blood flow.

3. The Golden Time (3-5 minutes)

You should avoid washing your hair immediately after shampooing as well as keep it there for about three to five minutes. That is the process by which a fatty acid derived from the saw palmetto will get absorbed through your hair follicles.

4. Cooler water rinsing of your hair

You must rinse the hair with cold water as the cool temperature can easily seal the hair cuticles as well as shut down the skin pores.

Hence, this will result in proper locking of the vital nutrients inside your hair follicles.

What are the expected outcomes from the use of saw palmetto in various time zones?

Hair growth is a natural process which is slow. It takes some time for your hair follicles to get over the damage caused by DHT and to begin their growth cycles again.

This is a realistic plan that shows the way natural processes would occur.

1. Weeks 1 to 4 (Cleansing stage)

the scalp will be cleaner, not so itchy and much less oily. You will notice that there will be a constant situation regarding your daily hair loss.

2. Week 4 to week 12 (Increased hair strength)

Hair strands will be strengthened and thickened. In case you run your fingers on the hair, the hair will be thick at the root level.

3. Month 3 to month 6 (Visible results)

Fine new baby hair will start growing on your hairline or parting areas where the hair started thinning.

4. After the sixth month (during the maintenance phase)

Hair density increases and the general rate of hair loss falls down to a normal and healthy level.

Who should use saw palmetto shampoo?

This natural approach is highly versatile, but it is particularly beneficial for specific groups of people:

1. Early Starters

Those individuals who are only just becoming aware of a widening part line, a slightly receding hairline, or excess hair gathering in the shower drain.

2. Concerns over safety 

Individuals who would rather avoid synthetic substances and are experiencing problems caused by conventional hair loss treatments.

3. Proactive measures Caregivers 

Those who have a genetic tendency toward baldness and want to do something before they begin losing their hair.

Note: Saw palmetto can be used by both men and women as it is not a gender-specific drug. While there are some other drugs that are only designed for men or only for women due to their hormonal hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can shampoo with saw palmetto increase hair growth?

Yes, it will certainly help promote growth in cases of mild or moderate thinning due to hormonal reasons. It works by activating the dormant follicles and initiating the process of proliferation. But if your follicles have been dead and bald for a long period of time, then there is nothing that any type of shampoo can do about it.

2. How long should the saw palmetto shampoo stay on my head?

You should allow lather from this shampoo to remain on your scalp for 3-5 minutes. As this is a wash-off type of shampoo, there needs to be some time given for the extracts from saw palmetto to penetrate your skin and hair follicles.

3. Can saw palmetto cause shedding as it happens with minoxidil?

No, it will not. Minoxidil uses harsh chemicals that can create a dread shedding phase for your hairs. It is an unnatural ingredient that forces hair follicles to start up again. But you should know that saw palmetto acts on the body to decrease the DHT levels and inflammation.

Wrapping up

If you are seeking for an efficient, scientifically proven and totally safe remedy for preventing your hair from hormonal thinning, then using the shampoo with saw palmetto is a great decision for you. Being an active natural DHT blocker, it will protect your hair follicles from shrinking and guarantee an absolutely healthy environment for your scalp.

To achieve the very best results, choose the premium shampoo against hair loss which would contain not only saw palmetto but also such hair-loving ingredients as caffeine, biotin and rosemary oil.