Finasteride (the main ingredient in Propecia) and minoxidil (the main ingredient in Rogaine) are among the most popular treatments that target DHT on the scalp and within the body. Hims Shampoo utilizes saw palmetto extract as its primary active ingredient. It is a natural substance that requires no prescription and shows promise in reducing scalp DHT in several studies. What is DHT? There’s some research supporting pumpkin seed oil for hair growth. A 2014 study found that men who took a 400-milligram pumpkin seed oil supplement daily for 24 weeks showed improvements in hair growth. On average, the supplement seemed to cause a 40 percent increase in hair count in balding men (compared to just 10 percent in the placebo group).

Both treatments have to be used every day and hair loss will resume once you have stopped using them. Both are most effective in people suffering from mild to moderate hair loss: Likewise, if you have other symptoms along with hair loss, such as itching, burning, or pain, consider talking with a doctor for their advice.

What Is a DHT-Blocker Shampoo?

As saw palmetto has been claimed by some as a herbal remedy for BPH, it has been studied to some extent. While most men are able to tolerate saw palmetto, for some it may cause mild side effects, including digestive symptoms or headache. It’s best to start using a product like this as soon as possible. But these products may take months to even a year to see full results. Who should use it: In general, anyone experiencing thinning hair. Saw palmetto can provide benefits across all hair types, as it promotes scalp health. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid saw palmetto.

Although saw palmetto can be brewed into a tasty tea, the likelihood of it helping with hair loss is minimal, as the key ingredients that work on hair loss are not soluble in water. Liquid extracts and whole berries could also be used (either taken internally or applied topically), but the research into the efficacy of whole saw palmetto berry and liquid saw palmetto extract is limited. Peter, R. U., & Richarz-Barthauer, U. (1995). Successful treatment and prophylaxis of scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff with 2% ketoconazole shampoo: Results of a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology, 132(3), 441-445. One small study reports that a daily 200-mg dose of saw palmetto — taken with another beneficial plant compound known as beta-sitosterol — reduced hair loss in 60% of men with androgenic alopecia compared to a placebo ( 16). Leyden, J. J., McGinley, K. J., Mills, O. H., Kyriakopoulos, A. A., & Kligman, A. M. (1987). Effects of sulfur and salicylic acid in a shampoo base in the treatment of dandruff: a double-blind study using corneocyte counts and clinical grading. Cutis, 39(6), 557–561. We think this sounds pretty promising, even though the studies were small. Alternatives to Saw Palmetto for Hair GrowthBussoletti C, et al. (2020). Efficacy of a cosmetic phyto-caffeine shampoo in female androgenetic alopecia. Hashemi, K., Pham, C., Sung, C., Mamaghani, T., Juhasz, M., & Mesinkovska, N. (2022). A Systematic Review: Application of Rice Products for Hair Growth. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD, 21(2), 177–185.