Saw Palmetto is a natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, meaning it helps block the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage in androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness).

Scientific Evidence & Effectiveness:

• A 2002 study found that 60% of men taking 320 mg of Saw Palmetto extract daily showed improved hair regrowth.
• A 2012 study comparing Saw Palmetto to Finasteride found 38% hair regrowth improvement in the Saw Palmetto group versus 68% with Finasteride.
• A 2016 study confirmed that Saw Palmetto was effective, though Finasteride produced slightly better results.

Functional Medicine Benefits:

• Hormonal Balance – Lowers DHT naturally without the side effects of prescription drugs.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Supports scalp health by reducing inflammation that contributes to hair loss.
• Nutrient Synergy – Works well alongside zinc, biotin, and antioxidants for enhanced effects.

How to Use for Hair Regrowth:

• Dosage: 320 mg daily of standardized extract.
• Forms: Capsules, soft gels, or topical serums.
• Combination Therapy: Best results occur when combined with Pumpkin Seed Oil, Rosemary Oil, or Microneedling.

Bottom Line:

Saw Palmetto is a clinically supported, natural alternative for reducing hair loss and promoting regrowth. While not as potent as Finasteride, it offers a safer, side-effect-free option for those seeking a holistic approach to hair health.

Tocotrienols, a potent form of Vitamin E, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support hair follicle health. Unlike tocopherols (the more common form of Vitamin E), tocotrienols are more effective at reducing oxidative stress, which plays a key role in hair loss.

Scientific Evidence & Effectiveness:

• A 2010 clinical study found that 38.7% of participants taking 100 mg of tocotrienols daily experienced hair regrowth after 8 months.
• Another study showed lower oxidative stress markers in individuals supplementing with tocotrienols, improving scalp microcirculation and follicle health.

Functional Medicine Benefits:

• Reduces Oxidative Stress – Protects hair follicles from free radical damage, a major factor in hair thinning.
• Enhances Scalp Circulation – Supports blood flow to follicles, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery.
• Inhibits Hair Follicle Shrinkage – May help counteract the effects of DHT-related miniaturization.

How to Use for Hair Regrowth:

• Dosage: 125 mg daily of tocotrienols.
• Forms: Softgels or tocotrienol-rich oils applied topically.
• Combination Therapy: Works well alongside Saw Palmetto, Collagen, and Omega-3s for a holistic approach.

Bottom Line:

Tocotrienols are a clinically backed, natural antioxidant that supports hair regrowth by reducing oxidative stress and improving scalp health. While not a DHT blocker, they work well as part of a comprehensive hair loss protocol.

Pumpkin Seed Oil (PSO) is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acids that support hair growth by blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone), reducing inflammation, and improving scalp circulation. It is a natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, similar to Saw Palmetto but with additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Scientific Evidence & Effectiveness:

• A 2014 randomized controlled trial found that men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) taking 400 mg of PSO daily for 24 weeks experienced a 40% increase in hair count, compared to only 10% in the placebo group.
• Another study showed that PSO helps reduce scalp inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair thinning.

Functional Medicine Benefits:

• DHT Inhibition – Helps block 5-alpha reductase, reducing the hormonal cause of hair loss.
• Scalp & Follicle Nourishment – Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, promoting a healthier scalp environment.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects – Helps soothe chronic scalp inflammation, which can worsen hair loss.

How to Use for Hair Regrowth:

• Dosage: 400 mg daily of cold-pressed, organic pumpkin seed oil.
• Forms: Softgels or liquid oil (can also be used topically).
• Combination Therapy: Works best alongside Saw Palmetto, Tocotrienols, and Microneedling for a synergistic effect.

Bottom Line:

Pumpkin Seed Oil is a clinically supported, natural DHT blocker with additional anti-inflammatory and scalp health benefits. It is an excellent addition to a functional medicine approach for hair regrowth, especially for those looking for a gentler alternative to prescription medications.

Marine collagen, sourced from fish skin and scales, provides essential amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) that support hair follicle structure, scalp health, and keratin production. As a highly bioavailable protein, it strengthens hair from within and promotes follicular regeneration.

Scientific Evidence & Effectiveness:

• A 2022 study (Gueniche et al., 2022) showed that participants supplementing with marine collagen peptides experienced: Increased terminal hair count from 271 to 571 hairs at 3 months in a pilot subset, compared to no change in the placebo group. The study further showed significant reduction in hair shedding and improved overall hair density.

• Additional research suggests marine collagen stimulates fibroblasts, which are essential for hair follicle regeneration and extracellular matrix formation.

Functional Medicine Benefits:

• Promotes Hair Growth – Provides essential collagen peptides that support keratin production and follicle function.
• Reduces Hair Shedding – Strengthens follicle anchoring and improves scalp hydration, reducing breakage.
• Boosts Scalp Health – Supports collagen synthesis in the dermis, improving skin elasticity and hydration.

How to Use for Hair Regrowth:

• Dosage: 5-10 grams daily of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides.
• Forms: Powder (best mixed in water, smoothies, or coffee) or capsules.
• Combination Therapy: Works synergistically with Vitamin C (for collagen synthesis), Biotin, and Omega-3s.

Bottom Line:

Marine collagen is a clinically proven, highly absorbable protein source that supports hair regrowth, reduces shedding, and strengthens follicles. While not a DHT blocker, it is an essential component of a comprehensive hair restoration plan.

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a key role in keratin production, supporting hair growth, strength, and follicle function. It is commonly included in hair supplements due to its role in cell proliferation and protein synthesis.

Scientific Evidence & Effectiveness:

• A 2016 review (Patel et al., 2016) found that biotin deficiency is linked to hair thinning, brittle hair, and increased shedding.
• A 2015 study found that women with thinning hair who supplemented with biotin for 90 days experienced increased hair growth and reduced shedding compared to the placebo group.
• Biotin supports keratin infrastructure, which strengthens hair and improves follicular resilience against damage.

Functional Medicine Benefits:

• Supports Keratin Production – Strengthens hair structure and reduces brittleness.
• Reduces Hair Shedding – Plays a role in cellular metabolism that impacts follicle health.
• Improves Scalp Health – Helps maintain hydrated, nourished skin, which is crucial for hair follicle function.

How to Use for Hair Regrowth:

• Dosage: 2,500–10,000 mcg daily (higher doses may be beneficial in cases of deficiency).
• Forms: Capsules, softgels, gummies, or part of a B-complex vitamin.
• Combination Therapy: Works best alongside Collagen, Zinc, and Silica for enhanced hair strength and regrowth.

Bottom Line:

Biotin is a clinically supported vitamin that helps strengthen hair, reduce shedding, and improve follicle health. While not a DHT blocker, it is essential for keratin production and is best used with other hair-supportive nutrients for maximum benefit.

Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are essential for scalp health, follicle nourishment, and reducing inflammation, which can help prevent hair loss and support hair regrowth. These fatty acids play distinct but complementary roles in hydrating the scalp, improving blood flow, and reducing oxidative stress that contributes to thinning hair.

Scientific Evidence & Effectiveness:

• A 2015 study found that Omega-3 and Omega-6 supplementation for 6 months led to a significant reduction in hair loss and improved hair density in women with thinning hair.
• Omega-3s (EPA & DHA) help reduce inflammation and promote scalp circulation, ensuring follicles receive optimal nutrients.
• Omega-6 (GLA from borage or evening primrose oil) supports hair follicle function and scalp hydration, preventing dryness and brittleness.
• Omega-9s (Oleic acid from olive oil) help strengthen hair strands and improve elasticity, reducing breakage.

Functional Medicine Benefits:

• Reduces Scalp Inflammation – Helps combat inflammatory hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.
• Improves Follicle Nourishment – Enhances blood flow to hair roots, promoting stronger, thicker strands.
• Prevents Hair Dryness & Brittleness – Supports sebum production, maintaining moisturized, healthy hair.

How to Use for Hair Regrowth:

• Dosage: 1,000-2,000 mg daily of a balanced Omega-3-6-9 supplement.
• Forms: Softgels or liquid oils (fish oil, flaxseed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil).
• Combination Therapy: Best used with Biotin, Collagen, and Tocotrienols for a multi-faceted hair restoration approach.

Bottom Line:

Omega-3-6-9 fatty acids are clinically backed nutrients that support scalp health, reduce inflammation, and strengthen hair follicles. While not direct DHT blockers, they optimize follicle function and prevent excessive shedding and breakage.