Hair loss can be caused by various factors, including hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, the use of chemicals (such as perming or dyeing), as well as damage from environmental pollutants and free radicals.
Although there are many causes of hair loss, the primary reason most people experience hair loss is due to a hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), which is produced from the conversion of the hormone testosterone. (Testosterone) via an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. Hair loss caused by this hormone can occur in both men and women.
How to Treat Hair Loss Caused by the Hormone DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
Current medical treatments for hormone-related hair loss include both oral medications and topical treatments. The two medications most commonly prescribed by doctors for individuals experiencing hair loss are:
Finasteride
- Oral medications work by reducing the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into the hormone DHT.
- Finasteride is also available in topical form, but it is less effective than the oral form and is therefore less commonly used.
- Most commonly used to reduce hair loss in men rather than women.
- Results are visible when taken continuously for 3–6 months.
- Possible side effects include decreased sexual performance or libido, mood changes such as depression or anxiety, and in men, breast enlargement or tenderness may occur.
- Pregnant women and individuals with liver problems should not use this product.
Minoxidil
- Topical medication is applied to the scalp in the areas where new hair growth is desired, once or twice daily, at a concentration of 2–5%.
- Minoxidil was originally an oral medication used to lower blood pressure, but it had the side effect of promoting hair growth. This led to its development as a medication for treating hair loss.
- During the initial phase, hair loss may increase, but it will improve after continuous use for 1–2 months.
- If the solution comes into contact with areas where you do not want hair to grow, such as the face, mustache, or arms, it may cause unwanted hair growth in those areas.
- Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Although both medications are widely used to treat hair loss and promote new hair growth, their use is not without risks. Both have side effects and are contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, who often experience hair loss during pregnancy and postpartum. This has led many people to seek alternative extracts that can help address hair loss and promote new hair growth in a similar way to the two medications. Saw Palmetto is one such extract that helps treat hormone-related hair loss and is widely used in various hair loss products across the globe.
What is Saw Palmetto?
Saw Palmetto is an extract from a palm-like plant native to the southeastern United States. Native Americans have traditionally used Saw Palmetto as a herbal remedy for various conditions, such as inflammation and menstrual pain. Additionally, Native Americans have used the fruit of the Saw Palmetto plant to alleviate symptoms of hair loss, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic scalp inflammation caused by overactive sebaceous glands and the growth of the fungus Malassezia. Saw Palmetto is considered a native herbal remedy that has been used by Native Americans for centuries as a traditional substitute for modern medicine.
How does Saw Palmetto help with hair loss?
Inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase
Saw Palmetto is often compared to the drug Finasteride because both are primarily used to treat hormone-related hair loss. They share the same mechanism of action, which is to inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Prevents binding with testosterone hormone and conversion into DHT hormone, which is the main cause of hair loss.
Additionally, Saw Palmetto and Finasteride can both be used to treat hair loss, either orally or topically. However, Saw Palmetto is only available for topical use. Palmetto is commonly used in hair loss products in topical formulations and does not cause sexual performance side effects or mood swings. It can also be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Moisturize and lock in moisture.
Saw Palmetto contains sugar and polysaccharides, which help maintain the skin's moisture levels. The polysaccharides, which are large molecules, coat the surface layer, trapping moisture and helping to maintain the scalp's moisture levels. This prevents the scalp from producing excessive oil, which can lead to hair loss.
Anti-inflammatory
Saw Palmetto has been used as an herbal medicine for inflammation due to its ability to metabolize arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a significant role in the immune system and inflammation. It helps reduce irritation.
In summary, Saw Palmetto is currently widely used as an active ingredient in scalp care products due to its notable ability to inhibit the hormone DHT. (which helps regulate oil production from sebaceous glands), anti-inflammatory, and helps maintain the scalp's moisture balance. Without unwanted side effects like medication, Saw Palmetto is another alternative extract for those with hormone-related hair loss, making it a viable option instead of Finasteride.
Guidelines for Choosing Products Containing Saw Palmetto
To see results in addressing hair loss, choose products containing Saw Palmetto with a concentration between 0.5% and 51%. AloEx uses Saw Palmetto as an ingredient at a concentration of 1%, which is expected to reduce hair loss. Since Saw Palmetto is a local herbal plant, combining it with other herbs that have complementary effects can enhance its effectiveness and improve results. This is especially true when combined with herbs that have antifungal properties, such as kaffir lime extract. (Citrus Hystrix Leaf Extract) containing natural acids that help control fungi and bacteria, Aloe Vera that helps reduce inflammation and has mild antifungal properties, and Lawsonia Inermis Extract (henna) that has antimicrobial properties and helps heal the skin. All these are active ingredients from natural herbs found in the product. AloEx The synergistic action of Saw Palmetto with these natural ingredients can enhance the effectiveness in caring for seborrheic dermatitis, hair loss from oily scalp, and chronic scalp inflammation issues, providing more comprehensive results.
