Saw Palmetto Shows Promise for Fuller and Denser Hair

Hair density depends on the balance between the growth, resting, and shedding phases of the hair cycle. When this balance is disrupted, hair follicles may begin to produce thinner strands and fewer visible hairs, leading to gradual thinning.

Researchers are increasingly exploring whether certain plant-derived compounds can help support normal follicle activity.¹ One plant of particular interest is saw palmetto, whose berries contain fatty acids that may influence pathways involved in hair growth and follicle function.

The Study

The study included 60 healthy adults between 25 and 65 years old, with 40 assigned to the active treatment and 20 to a placebo. Both men and women participated, including menopausal women, allowing researchers to observe how saw palmetto performed across different groups.

Participants took one softgel containing saw palmetto extract daily for 180 days. Hair changes were evaluated at multiple points throughout the study.

Rather than relying only on visual assessment, researchers used precise measurements in selected scalp areas. These included terminal hairs (thicker, mature hairs), vellus hairs (finer hairs), total hair density, hair thickness, and follicular units.

The Results

After 6 months, the saw palmetto group showed clear improvements compared to placebo. By Day 180, participants taking the extract gained an average of 18.6 terminal hairs, while the placebo group lost 10.1.

Finer hairs followed the same trend, with vellus hair count increasing in the treatment group and decreasing in the placebo group. Overall hair density also improved, rising by 25.1 hairs in those taking saw palmetto, compared to a decline of 12.2 in the placebo group.

What Does this Mean?

These findings suggest that saw palmetto extract may help support thicker, denser hair in adults experiencing mild to moderate thinning, especially with consistent use over several months. Rather than simply maintaining existing hair, participants showed measurable increases in both hair count and density, with improvements building gradually over time instead of appearing immediately, an important point for setting realistic expectations.

Other plants that have been studied for hair and scalp support include rosemary, pumpkin seeds, and horsetail.