Is Pumpkin Seed Oil the All-Natural Answer to Hair Loss?

From weight control to dry or itchy skin, plant-based oils have become a go-to for many in treating a number of conditions, often with amazing results. While we’re all quite familiar with the health and wellness benefits that come from avocado, coconut, and flaxseed oil, there are now a number of claims surfacing about the advantages of taking pumpkin seed oil.

One of the most popular claims as of late is that it may help treat hair loss, but the question remains, does it actually work? There are a number of scientific theories floating around out there supporting the idea that pumpkin seed oil is a must-have in your hair care product collection.

For those who want to do something about their hair loss, but do not want to subject their scalp (and the rest of their body) to a host of chemicals and potential unwanted side effects, plant-based therapy could be the answer. Let’s explore the possibilities of pumpkin seed oil.

Theories behind pumpkin seed oil’s benefits

One official study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in 2014 claims that pumpkin seed oil was shown to block the action of 5-alpha-reductase, one of the main causes of male or female pattern baldness. In this study, 76 male patients received a pumpkin seed oil supplement or a placebo for a varying degree of hair loss. Among the subjects, those who received the pumpkin seed oil showed growth increases up to 40%, while those who were given the placebo showed 10% growth.

Another scientific theory claims that pumpkin seed oil’s phytosterols can promote hair growth. These are sterols that are found in a number of plants; think of them like cholesterols, only these actually carry a host of positive health benefits. One 2017 study on phytosterol-rich plant-based oils suggests these sterols could block enzymes and hormones in the scalp that cause hair loss, so in theory, pumpkin seed oil might help.

Further studies

Thanks to these and a number of other studies, hair growth promoters have turned their focus to pumpkin seed oil in providing treatment to those looking for new ways to try to fight baldness. In 2014, a thorough study was held to try to determine if it could be used as a successful hair growth alternative. In the study, 90 men between the ages of 20 and 65 years old participated; all of whom had experienced mild to moderate hair loss.

Among this group, participants were randomly given pumpkin seed supplements, and others were given a placebo. Those who took the oil supplements experienced 30 percent more hair growth than the participants who were administered the placebo. While this was a positive outcome, there may be some misleading conclusions made in the research.

One of the more substantial issues was the fact that pumpkin seed oil wasn’t tested by itself, it was an ingredient in a multi-ingredient supplement. The supplement also included ingredients like mixed vegetable powder, evening primrose powder, corn silk powder and tomato powder. The study was also very short and found no evidence supporting side effects for women, as men were the only subjects.

Still, while there may need to be more evidence of pumpkin seed oil’s ability to treat hair loss, there’s no arguing the many other health benefits, like possible treatment for blood pressure, prevention of heart disease, and relief of menopausal symptoms.

How to use pumpkin seed oil to stimulate hair growth

If you want to try pumpkin seed oil as a natural hair restorative, there are a few ways you can use it.

Pumpkin seed oil capsules
First, you can take pumpkin seed oil supplements, which typically come in the form of oil gel capsules. If you do this, remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA. This means that the quality of the capsule and the dosage may vary. So, do your research and make sure the source you are getting your supplements from is reputable and cares about safety. Follow directions on the label and discontinue use if you have any adverse reactions to the supplement.

Pumpkin seed oil
You can also just take straight pumpkin seed oil. Again, you will need to pay attention to the label directions, as quality and dosage will vary product to product. Do also keep in mind that there are some supplement forms of pumpkin seed oil that are marketed strictly for health purposes; know which product you are buying for sure. Furthermore, keep in mind there are also pumpkin seed oils marketed for culinary use, much like olive oil. You can still use these oils for health purposes, but to some extent; they could be less rich in the nutrients you would find in the other oils, due to their production process.

Topical pumpkin seed oil
You can also put the pumpkin seed oil right where you want to see results - directly on your scalp! It is best to do this with a hot oil hair treatment, no more than once a week. You can follow these directions for a few ways you can make your own pumpkin seed oil mask at home! An even better, easier option is to use our thickening shampoo that features pumpkin seed oil.

No matter how you consume or use the oil, be sure you store it in a cool, dark place, as it could actually go bad if stored otherwise.

So, should you use pumpkin seed oil for hair loss?

When it comes to your hair thinning or falling out, it really doesn’t hurt to try a few remedies, especially when one of those is a natural solution. While there ultimately needs to be more studies done on the true effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair re-growth, there is some convincing support it could actually work. Just keep in mind it may take several weeks before you see results.

If you are even slightly concerned about the effect pumpkin seed oil could have, be sure to talk with your doctor before trying any supplements or oil treatments.