Genetics & DHT
For many men, pattern hair loss is largely genetic. Hair follicles that are genetically susceptible to DHT can gradually miniaturise, producing progressively finer and shorter hairs over time.
THE FOLIUM FORMULA
Hair supplements shouldn’t be complicated.
They should make sense.
Hair loss is complex. Genetics, hormones, nutrition and the hair growth cycle can all play a role. No supplement is a miracle treatment - and no responsible formula should pretend to be.
We believe good hair support starts with understanding what matters, choosing ingredients for a reason, and being transparent about every dose.
UNDERSTANDING HAIR LOSS
First, understand what you’re dealing with.
Hair loss isn't one single process. Genetics, hormones, nutrition, the natural hair cycle and the health of the scalp can all influence what happens to your hair.
Nutrition
Normal hair growth depends on adequate nutrition. Deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can contribute to changes in hair health — but taking more isn't automatically better.
Hair Cycle
Every hair moves through a natural cycle of growth, transition, rest and shedding. Illness, stress, significant weight loss and other factors can sometimes disrupt this cycle and increase shedding.
Scalp Health
The scalp is the environment in which hair follicles sit. Keeping it healthy matters, although scalp care and hair-loss treatment are not the same thing.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FORMULA?
Don't count ingredients.
Read the doses.
A long ingredient list can look impressive. But ingredient count alone tells you very little about the quality of a formula. What matters is why each ingredient is there, how much is included, and the evidence behind it.
Purpose
Every ingredient should have a reason to be there. A formula should be built around a clear purpose — not around making the ingredient list longer.
Meaningful doses
An ingredient being present doesn't tell you whether enough has been included to matter. The dose is part of the formula.
Transparency
You should be able to see exactly what's inside your supplement and how much you're taking. No proprietary blends. No hidden doses.
Evidence
Formulation should be informed by credible research and established nutritional science — not simply by whichever ingredients are currently trending.
UNDERSTANDING DHT
You've probably heard of DHT. Here's why it matters.
Dihydrotestosterone — or DHT — is an androgen produced when the enzyme 5α-reductase converts testosterone into DHT.
In people who are genetically susceptible to male-pattern hair loss, DHT can bind to androgen receptors within certain hair follicles. Over time, those follicles can gradually miniaturise, producing finer, shorter hairs.
DHT isn't inherently ‘bad’. The issue is how genetically susceptible hair follicles respond to it.
Add your scientific DHT graphic
THE FORMULA / 06 INGREDIENTS
What's inside. And why it's there.
Every ingredient in Folium Core was selected with a specific role in mind.
Why it’s here
Pumpkin seed has become an increasingly studied ingredient in men’s hair health. It naturally contains phytosterols, fatty acids and other plant compounds that have led researchers to investigate its potential role in supporting hair health and pathways associated with androgen metabolism.
Why 1,000 mg?
Folium Core provides 1,000 mg of pumpkin seed powder per daily serving as a substantial botanical component of the formula, rather than adding a token amount simply to include it on the label.
Why it’s here
Nettle root (Urtica dioica) has a long history of use in botanical formulations and contains a range of naturally occurring plant compounds.
It has attracted interest in relation to androgen-related biological pathways, although direct clinical evidence for nettle root and male hair loss remains limited. That’s an important distinction: we include nettle root as part of Folium’s broader botanical approach, not because it has been proven to treat hair loss.
Why a 4:1 extract?
Folium uses 500 mg of a 4:1 nettle root extract. An extract ratio describes the relationship between the amount of starting plant material and the resulting extract. It shouldn’t automatically be interpreted as being “four times stronger”, but it provides useful transparency about the ingredient we’re using.
Why it’s here
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is one of the most recognisable botanicals studied in relation to androgen metabolism.
Its naturally occurring fatty acids and phytosterols have led to research into its interaction with 5α-reductase, the enzyme involved in converting testosterone into DHT. Some small studies have investigated saw palmetto in people experiencing androgenetic alopecia, but the evidence is much less established than for licensed hair-loss medicines.
That’s why Folium describes saw palmetto as part of our natural DHT-support approach, rather than presenting it as an alternative to medical treatment.
Why 320 mg?
Folium Core contains 320 mg of 20:1 saw palmetto berry extract per daily serving, with the extract ratio clearly disclosed on the label.
Why it’s here
Zinc is an essential mineral involved in numerous processes throughout the body and has a recognised role in maintaining normal hair.
Nutritional deficiency can affect hair health, but that doesn’t mean increasingly large amounts of zinc produce increasingly better hair. Our philosophy is to provide a considered amount rather than chase extreme doses.
The role of zinc
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Folium Core provides 15 mg per daily serving.
Why it’s here
Vitamin D is involved in numerous processes throughout the body and has attracted considerable scientific interest in relation to hair follicle biology.
Research has found associations between vitamin D status and some forms of hair loss, although an association does not mean that taking vitamin D will prevent or reverse hair loss.
Why D3?
Folium uses vegan vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and provides 50 µg (2,000 IU) per daily serving.
Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function.
Why it’s here
Selenium is an essential trace mineral. Although required only in relatively small quantities, it performs important functions throughout the body.
For hair specifically, selenium has an established nutritional role in the maintenance of normal hair. It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and normal thyroid function.
And selenium is a particularly good example of why more isn’t always better. Excessive selenium intake can itself cause adverse effects, including hair loss.
Folium Core therefore provides a considered 50 µg per daily serving.
Six considered ingredients. Every dose disclosed.
Hair loss, Taken seriously.