Red Clover Extract for Hair: What the Research Shows

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is one of a handful of plants with randomized-trial evidence for hair loss, though the trial was of a cosmetic combination and in a small group. A review lists it among the plants with the most evidence-based effect against alopecia. Its isoflavones are phytoestrogens, which makes safety worth a look.

Here's what the studies found and how to read them.

I LOVE MY HAIR NOW

FullyVital hair serum and hair vitamins made tremendous improvements in my hair. I truly love my hair now.

Dorit S.,

Shop Hair Products 

Key Takeaways

• In a 30-volunteer, randomized, placebo-controlled study, a daily scalp product combining red clover flower extract with a biomimetic peptide increased anagen hair and decreased telogen hair after 4 months.
• A review of herbal preparations for hair loss lists red clover among the plants with the most evidence-based effect against alopecia, with 5α-reductase inhibition the assumed main mechanism.
• In mice, red clover extract in transferosomes increased hair growth with effects comparable to minoxidil.
• In a three-year trial in women with a family history of breast cancer, red clover isoflavones were safe and well tolerated, with no significant differences from placebo.

What Is Red Clover Extract?

Red clover is a legume, and its extract contains isoflavones. It's used in supplements, often for menopausal symptoms, and in some cosmetic products.

Does Red Clover Help Hair?

Possibly as part of a topical combination. The human trial tested a combination of the extract with a peptide, so the extract's own effect is not isolated. Oral red clover for hair hasn't been tested.

Our Best Sellers

Hair Growth Serum

$44.25

Shop Serum

Anti-Gray Serum

$44.25

Shop Serum

Using Red Clover

• Match the form to the evidence. The human trial was a topical cosmetic.
• Give it time. The trial lasted 4 months.
• Ask your doctor about isoflavone supplements if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a hormone-sensitive condition or take medication.

Our Best Sellers

Hair Vitamins

$44.25

Shop Vitamins

Anti-Gray Vitamins

$44.25

Shop Vitamins

What The Research Shows

A Randomized Trial Of A Combination

Thirty volunteers with recessing hair were randomized to a daily topical mix of a Trifolium pratense flower extract and a biomimetic peptide, or placebo, and assessed with TrichoScan. Within 4 months, anagen hair increased by 13% on average, telogen hair density decreased by 29% and the anagen/telogen ratio rose by 46% over baseline in the treated group, differing strongly from placebo. Investigations pointed to inhibition of 5-α-reductase activity, reduced inflammation and stimulation of extracellular matrix protein synthesis (Loing et al., 2013).

A Review Of Herbal Preparations

A review of studies, mostly randomized and placebo-controlled, of plants and plant preparations for hair loss concluded that the plants with the most evidence-based effect against alopecia are Curcuma aeruginosa, Serenoa repens, Cucurbita pepo, Trifolium pratense and Panax ginseng. The assumed mechanism is mainly inhibition of 5α-reductase, with nutritional support and scalp blood circulation also playing a role (Zgonc Škulj et al., 2020).

Safety Of Red Clover Isoflavones

In 401 healthy women aged 35 to 70 with a family history of breast cancer, 40 mg a day of red clover isoflavones or placebo was given for three years. There were no significant differences in breast density, endometrial thickness, cholesterol, FSH or bone density, and adverse events were similar between groups (Powles et al., 2008).

See also: Stinging Nettle for Hair: What the Research Shows · Soy Isoflavones for Hair: What the Research Shows

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) extract is one of the ingredients in FullyVital's Hair Revival Serum. For how the evidence for each ingredient in the line stacks up, see our evidence-tier breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does red clover help hair growth?

A topical combination containing red clover extract increased anagen hair in a placebo-controlled trial of 30 people. The extract alone and oral red clover haven't been tested for hair.

Is red clover safe?

In a three-year trial in women with a family history of breast cancer, red clover isoflavones were safe and well tolerated. Talk to your doctor first.

Does red clover block DHT?

A review names 5α-reductase inhibition as the assumed mechanism for several plants, including red clover. That is a lab-based mechanism; we found no study measuring DHT in people.

References

1. Loing E, Lachance R, Ollier V, et al. A new strategy to modulate alopecia using a combination of two specific and unique ingredients. J Cosmet Sci. 2013. PubMed
2. Zgonc Škulj A, Poljšak N, Kočevar Glavač N, et al. Herbal preparations for the treatment of hair loss. Arch Dermatol Res. 2020. PubMed
3. Powles TJ, Howell A, Evans DG, et al. Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancer. Menopause Int. 2008. PubMed