Supplementation with a French maritime pine bark extract branded by Horphag Research as Pycnogenol was linked to a significant increase in hair density in a group of 63 menopausal women. Further, supplementation was associated with reduced transepidermal water loss in scalp skin, and improved resting flux of the scalp.
 
The findings appeared in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study published in Health Sciences Reports.
 
“Hormonal changes during menopause can affect hair growth rate, hair diameter, and diameter distribution,” said Dr. Fred Pescatore, author, natural physician, and spokesperson for Pycnogenol. “Scalp hair density often decreases with age, leading to a heightened perception of hair thinning. Poor hair quality can have a significant psychological impact and may even lead to increased anxiety and depression. For women seeking hair health support and those frustrated by hair loss during menopause or a continued pattern of hair thinning, this study reveals a new application for an ingredient that has proven antioxidant and circulatory benefits, in addition to its already established benefits in menopause and skin care.”
 
Results
 
In total, 33 women took 150 mg of Pycnogenol daily for six months, while 30 women took a placebo. Hair status and response to treatment were documented at baseline, two months, and six months.
 
Hair density saw significant increases in the treatment group from the baseline of 225.8 hairs/cm² on average to 293.6 hairs/cm², a significant density increase of 30% by two months. At six months, the Pycnogenol group saw an additional 23% increase in hair density.
 
The placebo group experienced a clinically insignificant increase in hair density after two and six months.
 
The results were measured through digital photographs which were further evaluated using Trichoscan software.
 
The increased hair density in the Pycnogenol group was associated with a decrease in resting flux of the scalp skin by 21% after two months and 44% after six months. Resting flux indicates blood volume variations in the skin, and these results suggest an improvement in scalp microcirculation as blood flow improved.
 
A significant transient decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was observed in the scalp skin of the Pycnogenol group but not the placebo group. A significant decrease of TEWL values by 2.5 was measured after two months in the treatment group, while the placebo group saw an increase of 6. After six months, the placebo group saw an increase of 4.8, while the Pycnogenol group saw an increase of 1.0. Results were measured with a Vapometer.
 
“This study included various complex and sophisticated measurement tools, which embeds an added layer of trust in the results of this study for those looking for a natural path to address female pattern hair loss or overall hair health,” said Pescatore. “Pycnogenol is a leading ingredient for circulation, healthy skin, joint health, and more, supported as safe and effective by 40 years of research. This study reveals an exciting new application of a trusted and effective ingredient with powerful antioxidant properties to benefit hair quality.”
 
Horphag research reports that it will further investigate associations between Pycnogenol intake and hair density in future clinical studies.