If you’re always on the lookout for naturally derived haircare ingredients, or you’ve been feeling like your hair could use a little boost of fullness, volume, and density, then you’re in luck! Meet saw palmetto, the new “it” ingredient must-have for naturally thick and full hair. It just may become a staple in your haircare routine.

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a member of the palm family, and the berries are harvested and made into a powder. The botanical extract from saw palmetto is found in teas, capsules, and liquid form, as well as in many topical products like serums, tonics, and shampoos designed to help with hair density. 

Benefits of saw palmetto for total body nutrition

Protects and rejuvenates hair’s natural beauty

This exceptionally potent berry extract is used to help promote healthy DHT levels, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that increases with age and causes shrinking hair follicles and shedding.

Promotes healthy hormone levels

DHT is a naturally occurring hormone that contributes to the normal thinning of hair associated with age by shrinking hair follicles. Saw palmetto has been shown to inhibit the production of these hormones. It's known that higher levels of these hormones are associated with hair thinning, so by lowering the level of DHT in the body, saw palmetto may help maintain healthy hair density.

Promotes healthy hair growth by strengthening the follicle

A healthy scalp is the key to healthy growth, and saw palmetto promotes the  . Additionally, with immune-supporting nutrients, it also promotes healthy hair and whole-body wellness from within.

How to use saw palmetto

The best way to incorporate this potent botanical into your health regimen is by taking a daily saw palmetto supplement to make a consistent amount available for your body. For a supplement formulated with other hair-healthy ingredients like biotin, amla, and bamboo extract, try Hair La Vie’s Clinical Hair Vitamins. They are a potent blend of naturally derived ingredients that promote lustrous, healthy hair. You can try the original formula, Hair La Vie’s Revitalizing Hair Blend Vitamins, formulated with iron and iodine-rich organic kelp for sheen and strength.

If the idea of taking capsules does not appeal to you, we get it! You might want to know if topically applied products have any effect. They can! The results are more subtle and require consistency as it's been shown that this type of saw palmetto promotes hair density over time. 

When it comes to promoting hair growth, it is important to focus on the scalp. You can incorporate the topical variety of saw palmetto into your routine by adding a leave-in product at the roots or applying a pre-shampoo scalp treatment. It is ideal to massage the product into the scalp and let it sit there for at least five minutes before rinsing out to ensure absorption. 

Your shampoo and conditioner are great ways to incorporate saw palmetto into your daily routine. Try Hair La Vie’s Shampoo and Conditioner Set! It’s great to massage the scalp for a minute and let it do its magic. Keeping the hair and scalp hydrated is a much-needed bonus for healthy hair and follicles, so be sure to follow with our lightweight and moisturizing conditioner. They’re both formulated with saw palmetto, keratin, and marula oil.

Saw palmetto F.A.Q.

How long does it take for saw palmetto to start working?

Typically, you should start to see the results of taking vitamin supplements within three to six months. When applied topically, results can vary depending on the potency of the product, but you should start seeing results in about four months.

Does saw palmetto work on all hair types?

Saw palmetto can be used on all hair types and textures, as they can all benefit from improved scalp health.

Is saw palmetto safe to take?

The good news is that saw palmetto is considered safe, with some mild side effects, including nausea, if taken on an empty stomach. It’s recommended to take it with food. As always, talk with your doctor before adding any new supplements to your routine. 

If you are experiencing severe hair loss, it can be caused by a number of hormonal imbalances and health issues, so it’s recommended to talk with a doctor to address any potential underlying health concerns.

Final thoughts

Now you can see what all the buzz is about on this potent tropical berry! We love that it’s a clean beauty ingredient, toxic-free, and naturally derived for your healthiest hair yet. There are so many ways to add it into your routine; whether you take it as part of a whole-body nutritional supplement or use it as a treatment, it can elevate your haircare game. As we know, healthy hair starts at the root, so get in on this wellness and beauty secret and give your hair a boost.