Apple Polyphenols & Hair Growth

Polyphenols are antioxidants found in plants that slow or stop other molecules from oxidizing. When molecules oxidize it can produce free radicals. Free radicals cause damage on the cellular level that can manifest as dry damaged hair and slow hair growth. There are shampoos, conditioners and topical solutions that claim to promote hair growth, hair health and fight baldness. Research suggests that these results are possible when using products containing polyphenolys as an ingredient.

Apples

One polyphenol that has been shown to promote hair growth is procyanidin B-2. This potent antioxidant is present in the skin of unripe apples. Ripe apples are not as highly concentrated in this compound; however, by eating apples as a regular part of your diet you will still get some procyanidin B-2 as well as other important nutrients. This extract is also available in a powder over the counter.

Polyphenol Reseach

Japanese researchers at the Tsukuba Research Laboratory spent years testing botanical extracts for their hair-growth properties. These researchers found two extracts that promote hair growth: one in grapes and one in apples. According to the research team, procyanidin B-2 purified from unripe apples aids in new hair growth. Specifically, procyanidin B-2 acts to lengthen the hair-growth phase and shorten the resting phase.

Three Studies

In the first Tsukuba study, 29 balding men were treated with apple procyanidin B-2 solution. After six months, researchers reported that vellus and terminal hair growth were significantly greater in men who received the procyanidin B-2 than placebo control group subjects. Vellus hairs are short hairs that contain little or no pigment while terminal hairs are long hairs that grow on the scalp. The Japanese researchers followed this study with one involving 21 men at various stages of hereditary hair loss. After 12 months of topical treatment, researchers reported that 71 percent of subjects showed an increased number of hairs. Their third study included following 29 balding men over four months of topical treatment. Of these men, 78.9 percent showed an increased mean value of hair diameter.

Choosing a Product

Studies comparing effectiveness of over-the-counter shampoos containing apple extracts have yet to be conducted. Researchers from the Tsukuba Research Laboratory used a topical solution. When choosing a product look for the highest concentration of extract, as research indicates that results are dose-dependent. If the concentration is not listed, be mindful that ingredients are listed in order of proportion of the product from highest to lowest.