By Linda Woolven and Ted Snider, The Natural Path
Though often thought of exclusively as a problem for men, thinning hair is a problem for women too. The scientific evidence is mounting that this one herb can help both men and women.
You won’t be surprised to hear that 80% of men will experience thinning hair by the time they are 80. You might be more surprised to learn that 40% of women will by the time they’re 50.
The science is solidly building for the herb saw palmetto berry as a safe, natural solution.
Several studies support the use of saw palmetto for hair. A recently published study demonstrated saw palmetto berry’s ability to promote hair growth and reduce hair shedding in both men and women (J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025 Nov 30;24(12):e70585).
Now a carefully designed new study adds to the evidence.
The six-month, double-blind study included 30 men and 30 women between the ages of 25 and 65 (the average age was 50) who were concerned about their thinning hair. Each was given either a placebo or saw palmetto berry extract.
There are two kinds of hair: terminal and vellus. Terminal hairs are thick, fully developed hairs that you hope to see on your head; vellus hairs are the fine hairs that are sometimes called peach fuzz. When you are trying to regrow your hair, it’s the terminal hairs you’re hoping for.
In this study, saw palmetto berry increased both. But the truly important finding was that it significantly increased total terminal hair count. While terminal hair count continued to fall in the placebo group, it increased in the herb group. There was 283% greater improvement in the saw palmetto group.
The other important finding was that it helped both men and women. Compared to placebo, men in the saw palmetto group had a significant 154% greater improvement in terminal hair count and a 192% greater improvement in hair density.
Menopausal women had 312% greater improvement in terminal hair count and a 230% greater improvement in hair density.
Both men and women also experienced significant improvement in hair width compared to placebo. For men, the improvement in hair width was 144% better than placebo; for women, it was 606%.
The difference between the herb and the placebo continued to get better and better as the study went on, and the herbal treatment was safe, with zero adverse events.
This study helps establish saw palmetto berry extract as a safe, effective aid for thinning hair for both men and women.
Source
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026 Feb 6;25(2):e70717.
Find it at Nutrition World
Saw palmetto from several brands:
- Saw palmetto: Life Extension PalmettoGuard Saw Palmetto, Bluebonnet Saw Palmetto 320 mg Extract and Nature's Answer Saw Palmetto Extract (alcohol-free) (softgels, capsules or liquid)
Browse the full herbs and botanicals collection, or stop by the store at 2401 PGA Blvd in Palm Beach Gardens and we'll help you compare labels. Questions? Call (561) 626-4377.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.