The ingredient, extracted from the tree’s berries, is buzzy in the hair world — for good reason. It’s gained popularity as a dietary supplement that can help alleviate symptoms linked to an enlarged prostate gland (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).

Men looking to battle dandruff will appreciate Hims Dandruff Detox. Our testers found it to be effective and to smell better than most competitors containing similar ingredients. Keeps ketoconazole shampoo is likely more effective based on studies comparing its main ingredient to pyrithione zinc, but Hims includes other ingredients designed for scalp health that are not present in the Keeps product. You’ll need to pair that Keeps shampoo with an especially effective conditioner to safeguard against lingering dryness and potential irritation. You also should know that Keeps' ketoconazole shampoo has a medicinal smell, unlike its other hair products and unlike Hims Dandruff Detox. However, always read the directions on the label. Generally, you can expect to leave the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing. It’s also important to follow up with a conditioner. Hair loss is common as we age, but it has many other potential causes. Stress, hormones, illness, infections, and medications can all play a role in thinning hair. It’s important to seek advice from a medical professional if you’re concerned.Keeps’ ketoconazole shampoo contains sulfates and dyes, and it makes no claims of being cruelty-free or vegan. Little research exists on effective dosages when the saw palmetto berries are eaten whole or steeped to make a tea.

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:

If left untreated, the prostate can enlarge to the point of interfering with the ability to properly empty the bladder. It can also increase the frequency and urge to urinate, often causing excessive nighttime urination which may disrupt sleep. The other major issue here? You don’t typically eat your shampoo, and this study didn’t measure the effects of topical pumpkin seed oil — that doesn’t mean we should totally ignore it, though.

It may take a few months of consistent use, alongside a prescription treatment plan, to see results. What can you do to prevent hair loss? It is important to use saw palmetto shampoo as directed and not to use more than the recommended amount. Overusing the shampoo can lead to excess active ingredients, which can cause side effects. If you have any questions or concerns about using this shampoo, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. Another study found that almost 50% of men with androgenic alopecia saw a nearly 12% increase in hair count when using concentrated topical saw palmetto along with another substance (trichogen veg complex) not found in Hims Shampoo. 10 This pattern of studies showing positive results with saw palmetto used in conjunction with other botanical treatments is typical of the literature. As I mentioned previously, you can increase the effectiveness of saw palmetto by combining it with other natural ingredients that can promote hair growth:Ramírez-Marín, H. A., & Tosti, A. (2022). Role of Oral Minoxidil in Patterned Hair Loss. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 13(6), 729-733. Permixon may also protect libido and fertility in men. Conventional drug therapy for BPH and LUTS has been shown to negatively impact sexual function in men.