Saw palmetto and hair health: how effective is it against hair loss?

In this article

1. What is saw palmetto?
2. How might it affect hair follicles?
3. What do studies show?
4. Is it as effective as finasteride?
5. Capsule, serum and shampoo
6. Side effects
7. Choosing a product in Türkiye
8. Frequently asked questions

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a small palm native to the south-eastern United States. Extracts from its berries contain fatty acids and plant sterols and are studied for hair health both as oral supplements and as products applied to the scalp.

The type of extract and how it is produced can change its biological effect, so not every product labelled “contains saw palmetto” can be considered equivalent.

How might saw palmetto affect hair follicles?

The main reason saw palmetto is studied in hair loss is its possible inhibitory effect on 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In genetically sensitive follicles, DHT-related processes contribute to gradual thinning of the hair.

Laboratory studies in human hair follicle cells show that some saw palmetto extracts can reduce this enzyme’s activity. But an effect seen in the lab does not mean every product will produce the same hair growth in people.

What do clinical studies show?

A 2023 double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 80 people over 16 weeks tested standardised saw palmetto taken orally and applied topically. Compared with baseline, hair shedding fell by about 29% in the oral group and about 22% in the topical group, and hair density increased.

These figures are changes from baseline, not the margin over placebo. The small groups and the fact that some authors worked for the extract’s manufacturer should also be considered.

A six-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2026 assessed adults who reported thinning hair. The group taking a specific saw palmetto extract showed better results than placebo in terminal (thicker, visible) hair counts. The study was funded by the extract’s manufacturer; the finding is encouraging but comes from a small group and one extract, so it cannot be generalised to all saw palmetto products.

Is saw palmetto as effective as finasteride?

There is not enough evidence to call saw palmetto equivalent to finasteride. In a two-year study of 100 men with mild to moderate male-pattern hair loss, improvement in hair growth was reported in 38% of the saw palmetto group and 68% of the finasteride group.

These figures are the share of participants who improved, not the percentage increase in hair count. The study was also open-label, meaning participants knew which treatment they used, an important methodological limitation.

Are capsules, serums and shampoos the same?

Oral supplements and scalp products should be assessed separately. You cannot expect the same result from a shampoo as from a capsule with the same ingredient, and a study of a leave-on scalp product does not prove that a quickly rinsed shampoo works.

Results depend on the extract, its concentration, the carrier formula and how long it is used. An ingredient list alone is not enough to judge a product’s effect on hair loss.

Does saw palmetto have side effects?

Saw palmetto is generally well tolerated but can cause digestive complaints, headache and dizziness. Being plant-based does not make it risk-free for everyone.

• It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• People on regular medication, especially blood thinners or hormone therapy, should check with their doctor first.
• The safety of topical and oral products should be assessed separately.

Choosing a saw palmetto product in Türkiye

In Türkiye, saw palmetto capsules and tablets are usually sold as food supplements; they are not medicines and cannot be marketed as treating disease. Serums and shampoos are cosmetic products.

• For supplements, look for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry food supplement approval or permit details on the pack.
• Cosmetics should list the manufacturer and the responsible company in Türkiye.
• The amount of extract and its standardisation matter when comparing a product with those used in studies.
• Be cautious of products promising to “definitely stop hair loss”.

Hair loss can have other causes such as anaemia, thyroid disease, hormonal disorders or medication side effects. For patients in Ataşehir and Istanbul, the cause should be found first, then options such as PRP, mesotherapy or medication can be considered alongside saw palmetto.

Clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul and nearby districts

For questions on this topic and a personal assessment, you can book an appointment at Op. Dr. Salim Balin’s clinic in Ataşehir.

The clinic is in Atatürk Mahallesi, Ataşehir, in Metropol İstanbul Block B. Besides the Barbaros, İçerenköy, Küçükbakkalköy, Kayışdağı, Yenisahra and Ferhatpaşa neighbourhoods of Ataşehir, we see patients from Kadıköy (Kozyatağı, Bostancı, Göztepe, Erenköy), Ümraniye, Maltepe, Çekmeköy, Sancaktepe, Üsküdar, Kartal and other districts of Istanbul.

Address: Atatürk Mahallesi, Ertuğrul Gazi Cad. No: 2H, Metropol İstanbul B Blok, Floor 18, No: 282, 34750 Ataşehir/Istanbul · Monday–Saturday 09:00–18:00 · +90 506 520 30 55 · WhatsApp · Address and directions

Ask me

Get in touch with your questions about Saw palmetto and hair loss or to request an appointment.

💬 Ask me on WhatsApp — +90 506 520 30 55

✉️ Ask me by email — info@drsalimbalin.com