How Men Can Reverse Hair Loss

Progressive hair loss may begin in early adulthood, affecting about 30% of men by age 30 and worsening with age.¹

For many men, hair loss can seem inevitable.

But researchers have identified three plant extracts that may help men save their hair.

In a clinical study, 95% of men taking a blend of two of these ingredients showed improvements in hair growth measures within six months.²

In another clinical trial, participants who took a third plant extract experienced a 29% decrease in hair loss and a 5% increase in hair density.³

These three plant-extract ingredients have been combined into an oral formula designed to support hair growth and reduce hair loss.

Why Men Lose Their Hair

Progressive hair loss in men is known as male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, caused by increased levels of a hormone called dihydro- testosterone (DHT).

DHT acts on genetically sensitive hair follicles, leading to gradual hair loss.⁴

When DHT binds to hair follicles, it causes them to shrink. Over time, thick, healthy hairs are replaced by thinner, shorter ones until only fine, barely visible hairs remain, gradually leading to the appearance of baldness.⁴

An enzyme in the body called 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT.^4,5 Men experiencing hair loss often have more of this (DHT) enzyme.⁵

Inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular changes affecting follicles can all accelerate hair loss and balding.^2,4,5

Conventional Therapies for Hair Loss

Currently, two FDA‑approved therapies—topical minoxidil and oral finasteride—are commonly used for male pattern baldness.^4,6 In addition, non-pharmacologic options including low-level laser and light-based devices (such as red-light therapy) have obtained FDA clearance for hair regrowth.⁷

Minoxidil, applied topically, improves blood flow to hair follicles, and promotes cell growth. Finasteride, taken orally, inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that contributes to DHT production.⁶

Both have limitations. Results can take six to twelve months to appear, so it should be used for up to a year before deciding whether treatment is a success, and any gains vanish when treatment stops. Both can prevent further hair loss but they only partially reverse baldness.⁴

Finasteride can cause decreased sex drive and erectile problems in some men.^8,9

Plant-Based Compounds for Hair Growth

To support individuals seeking non-drug alternatives, scientists evaluated several plant-derived extracts including standardized black rice and prickly pear flower extracts.

A preclinical cell study provided evidence that prickly pear flower extract is capable of inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase.¹⁰

Black rice provides cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), an anthocyanin with antioxidant properties that may help protect follicles from oxidative damage.²

When these two extracts were combined in a clinical study, supplementation with the standardized extracts resulted in increased hair growth and density, and a slowing of hair loss.²

Researchers tested the combination of black rice and prickly pear extracts in 86 men (18 – 55 years old) with mild-to-moderate male pattern hair loss. Half received 250 mg of the extract blend daily, while half took a placebo, for six months.

Treatment progress was evaluated using a high‑ resolution phototrichogram—a noninvasive tool for assessing hair growth—along with a self‑assessment questionnaire. Dermatologists analyzed high resolution scalp images to quantify hair density per square centimeter and to measure hair thickness and length.

After six months, advanced imaging technology revealed notable differences between the two groups. Men taking the extract blend had a:²

• 9.5% increase in total hair density,
• 28% increase in density of hair in the growing phase, and
• 31% decrease in dormant, non-growing hair.

Dermatologists reviewing before-and-after photos, rated a remarkable 95% of treated men as showing hair growth improvement, compared to just 34% in the placebo group.²

Overall, 75.6% of those receiving the extract blend were satisfied with the results, and 63.5% noticed visible improvements within just two months.²

Saw Palmetto May Help Reduce Hair Loss

Saw palmetto, long used in prostate health applications, has demonstrated potential benefits for hair health as well.³

In a cell study, standardized saw palmetto oil inhibited 5-alpha reductase and provided anti-inflammatory and angiogenic (forming new blood capillaries) effects.¹¹

Saw palmetto oil standardized to 2–3% beta sitosterol and 85% total fatty acids, has been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and support anti-inflammatory and angiogenic (forming new blood capillaries) effects.³

In a clinical trial, participants with mild to moderate hair loss who took 100 mg of standardized saw palmetto oil daily for 16 weeks had:³

• A 29% reduction in shedding during a hair comb test,
• A 20.5% decrease in shedding during a hair pull test, and
• A 5.17% increase in hair density (compared to a 3.23% decrease in those taking a placebo).

Half the men taking saw palmetto reported thicker, better-looking hair, compared to just 10.5% in the placebo group.³

Blood tests confirmed that DHT levels dropped by 22.2% in those taking saw palmetto while remaining within the normal range for healthy men.³ Saw palmetto does not appear to affect PSA levels, which may be relevant for men undergoing prostate screening.^12,13

Combining these three plant extracts may help reduce hair loss and support hair growth.

Summary

Progressive hair loss may be slowed or managed.

In a clinical trial, 95% of men taking a blend of black rice and prickly pear flower extracts showed increased hair growth measures by six months.²

In another trial, oral saw palmetto oil was associated with a 29% reduction in hair shedding.³

A combination of these three ingredients offers a promising approach to promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

1. Cortez GL, Hassun K, Linhares LRP, et al. Male androgenetic alopecia. An Bras Dermatol. 2025 Mar-Apr;100(2):308-21.
2. Enza Cestone1 ES, Vincenzo Nobile. Efficacy of Oryza Sativa L. (Black Rice) and Opuntia Ficus Indica L. Blend in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double−Blind, Placebo−Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of Cosmetology & Trichology. 2023;9(3).
3. Sudeep HV, Rashmi S, Jestin TV, et al. Oral and Topical Administration of a Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves the Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects - A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023;16:3251-66.
4. Asfour L CW, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. National Library of Medicine; 2023.
5. Owecka B, Tomaszewska A, Dobrzeniecki K, et al. The Hormonal Background of Hair Loss in Non-Scarring Alopecias. Biomedicines. 2024 Feb 24;12(3).
6. Devjani S, Ezemma O, Kelley KJ, et al. Androgenetic Alopecia: Therapy Update. Drugs. 2023 Jun;83(8):701-15.
7. Maghfour J, Mineroff J, Ozog DM, et al. Evidence-based consensus on the clinical application of photobiomodulation. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025 Aug;93(2):429-43.
8. Available at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6f904709-65aa-44ce-b144-b4c8a0416e36. Accessed April 24, 2026.
9. Available at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=6f988153-fc74-4ca4-b29a-111f750c4a4b. Accessed April 24, 2026.
10. Jonas A, Rosenblat G, Krapf D, et al. Cactus flower extracts may prove beneficial in benign prostatic hyperplasia due to inhibition of 5alpha reductase activity, aromatase activity and lipid peroxidation. Urol Res. 1998;26(4):265-70.
11. Sawaya ME, Price VH. Different levels of 5alpha-reductase type I and II, aromatase, and androgen receptor in hair follicles of women and men with androgenetic alopecia. J Invest Dermatol. 1997 Sep;109(3):296-300.
12. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto. Accessed April 24, 2026.
13. Andriole GL, McCullum-Hill C, Sandhu GS, et al. The effect of increasing doses of saw palmetto fruit extract on serum prostate specific antigen: analysis of the CAMUS randomized trial. J Urol. 2013 Feb;189(2):486-92.