The desire for healthy lustrous hair is pretty much universal. It’s a sign of good health, youth, and vitality and running our fingers through luscious locks just feels really good. But, is it all in our genetics or could there be a science-backed, biohacking-inspired way for us to grow and maintain strong hair? It’s a question that researchers have been trying to answer for decades. And it’s led to studies in a number of intriguing compounds that might be able to help.

Spermidine is one such natural compound gaining traction in more recent years for its potential to combat both hair loss and graying hair. And, although research into spermidine for hair growth is still relatively new, there are some promising findings. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which this compound might be able to help you on your hair growth journey.

What is spermidine?

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound that is found in all living organisms, from humans to animals and plants. It’s essential for growth and cellular regeneration. It’s present in many different foods such as:

• Cheese
• Wheatgerm
• Soya beans
• Mushrooms
• Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, passionfruit
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Hazelnuts

Spermidine has the ability to induce a critical cellular clean up mechanism in our bodies called  autophagy. This process allows our body to break down and recycle old cell parts so that our cells can function more effectively. It plays a key role in helping us to fight inflammation, infections, and age-related decline. Having cells that are operating optimally may indirectly support hair follicle health and the growth cycle.

How does spermidine impact hair growth?

Spermidine has gained attention for its potential role in supporting hair health. Here’s a closer look at its impact:

Supporting hair follicle regeneration

Hair growth occurs in three key stages, anagen, catogen, and telogen. The anagen phase is the key stage for growth and spermidine may act directly on the hair follicle during this critical time. One randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled study suggested that a spermidine supplement was able to prolong the anagen phase. This may have implications for helping hair loss conditions. However, the sample size was fairly small and researchers pointed out that there was a need for more studies to further evaluate its effectiveness.

Promoting scalp health

There is some research linking oxidative stress to premature hair loss, implying that our scalp health is foundational for effective follicle function. Recent research suggests that spermidine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce oxidative stress in our bodies. In turn, this may potentially lead to healthier skin on the scalp, positively affecting our hair growth cycle.

Delaying hair aging

We all know that as we age, the natural lustre of our hair begins to dim. It tends to start thinning and going gray which are visible hallmarks of the aging process. By helping our cells to stay healthier for longer by promoting autophagy and reducing oxidative stress, spermidine may counteract these effects. As a result, it’s possible that this could lead to more hair staying on our heads rather than falling out so much as we get older.

Incorporating spermidine for hair health

One way to get more spermidine into our bodies is to eat spermidine-rich foods more often. It’s found in varying quantities in a lot of foods we can eat regularly so here are a few quick-and-easy menu ideas that might inspire you in the kitchen:

• Buy wheat germ fortified cereals or try adding it into your baked goods. You could also use it as a sprinkle topping for yogurt or puddings.
• Make a stir-fry that is packed with mushrooms, green peppers, broccoli, and tofu
• Blend up a tropical fruit smoothie with mango, pineapple, and passionfruit

If you feel that eating high-spermidine foods every day might prove challenging, then supplementation may be a better fit for you.

Choosing the right one is crucial if you want to use spermidine for hair growth, and with so many options out there this can often be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips that may offer you some guidance when looking for the best supplement for your needs:

• Choose a reputable brand with lots of reviews and a good standing in the supplement industry
• Look for third-party lab testing to ensure the product is pure, safe, and effective.
• Consult with a healthcare practitioner to work out your dosage needs based on your specific health and hair growth goals.

Safety and limitations of spermidine for hair growth

Generally, it’s considered safe to use spermidine for hair growth, but it’s always worth being aware of any potential side effects. It may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, especially if it’s taken in high doses.

Because there’s not a great deal of human research into the safety and efficacy of spermidine supplements, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before taking it. They’ll make sure that spermidine is safe for you and won’t interact with any health conditions or medications you might be taking.

Conclusion

In the search for key nutrients to help us maintain healthy, shiny, strong hair as we age, spermidine holds some exciting promise. It’s a natural approach which may help support our scalp health and the growth phase of our hair. However, more research is needed before we can say for definite that it helps us retain our lustrous tresses.

Spermidine supplementation may be used as part of a broader strategy for hair health. While it’s convenient to take a pill, we should always remember the importance of combining a balanced diet, effective stress management, and proper scalp care. Taking care of the way we function on the inside will go a long way in helping that outer glow to shine.

FAQs

• How long does it take to see hair growth results from spermidine?

Because we are all biologically unique and respond to supplements differently, it’s impossible to give a time frame that applies to everyone. Some people might notice their hair feels stronger in a matter of weeks. Others might not notice any changes until a few months of taking spermidine.

• Is spermidine safe for daily use?

In general spermidine is considered safe for daily use. However, because there aren’t any long-term human clinical trials we cannot say for certain if it is safe for use over a long period of time. It’s always best to see your healthcare team for advice on whether a certain supplement is safe and effective for you and your unique health needs.

• What is the recommended daily dose of spermidine for hair health?

There isn’t a universally recommended dose for spermidine. In general it seems to be well tolerated in doses between 500 – 1000 mg per day. Make sure you follow the manufacturer dosage guidelines and do not take more than the recommended amount. If you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare provider.

• Can spermidine reverse hair thinning caused by aging?

There isn’t any robust evidence to prove that spermidine can reverse thinning hair caused by aging. However, by supporting our cells to work optimally and reducing oxidative stress, spermidine may help our hair to stay in the growth phase for longer. This may help slow down the hair thinning process, but it may not actually reverse it.