Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair: How To Use It And Side Effects

Pumpkin seed oil is a plant-based oil with hair nourishing properties. The benefits of pumpkin seed oil for hair can be attributed to its rich phytosterol and nutrient composition. Using this plant-based oil helps prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. But what do studies say? Does the oil have any side effects? This article explains everything about this oil in detail. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Pumpkin Seed Oil

What Is It?
Oil extracted from pumpkin seeds.

What Are Its Benefits?
Being rich in zinc, the topical application of pumpkin seed oil can help with hair growth.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone not allergic to pumpkin seeds can use it.

How Often?
You can use it daily.

Caution
There are no such side effects of this oil, unless you are allergic to it.

What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil?

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Pumpkin seed oil is extracted by cold pressing pumpkin seeds. These seeds are dried, hulled, and roasted before the extraction of the oil. The oil was first discovered in Austria in the seventeenth century. The oil is used as a topical treatment for skin and hair. How does it benefit hair? Let us understand in the following section.

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Promote Hair Growth?

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One study suggests that pumpkin seed oil may help promote hair growth (1). Men who took 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil every day for 24 weeks saw a 40 percent increase in their hair growth. But the exact mechanism of the oil that led to the hair growth is yet to be studied.

Also, the study had a couple of limitations. One was the use of a multi-ingredient supplement that included pumpkin seed oil and other components like tomato powder and corn silk powder. The contribution of pumpkin oil alone was hard to determine. The other limitation was the absence of any women participants in the study. Hence, the effects of the oil in women are still unknown.

Although the research concludes that pumpkin seed oil could be considered an alternative treatment option for hair loss, more studies are warranted in this regard.

In the following section, we have discussed how you can use the oil for promoting hair growth.

How To Use Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair Growth

1. Topical Application Of Pumpkin Seed Oil

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You Will Need

• Pumpkin seed oil, 2 to 3 drops

What You Have To Do

• Apply the oil to the scalp.
• Massage for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse as usual.

How Often You Should Do It

2 to 3 times a week

Quick Tip

Do a patch test to ensure you have no adverse reactions to pumpkin seed oil before applying it to your scalp

2. Pumpkin Seed Oil And Peppermint Oil

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Peppermint oil may promote hair growth without any toxic effects (2). Using it along with pumpkin seed oil may help promote hair health.

You Will Need

• Pumpkin seed oil, 2 to 3 drops
• Peppermint oil, 2 to 3 drops

What You Have To Do

• Mix both oils in your palm.
• Apply the mixture to the scalp.
• Massage for 15 to 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do It

Twice a week

The benefits of pumpkin oil for hair growth are inconclusive. But people still use it. Does this mean it has no side effects?

Side Effects Of Pumpkin Seed Oil

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Pumpkin seed oil is considered safe for use. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil is safe for ingestion as well as topical application. Limited information is available about its side effects. Also, research on the effects of pumpkin seed oil on pregnant and breastfeeding women is scarce (they may avoid the oil to be on the safe side).

Quick Tip

It is advisable for individuals taking lithium to consult their doctor before consuming supplements containing pumpkin seed oil.

Infographic: How To Prepare Pumpkin Seed Oil Hair Mist

Though more research is warranted regarding the benefits of using pumpkin seed oil for hair growth, there is no harm in using it for hair nourishment. Apart from the oil massage, you can also prepare a pumpkin seed oil hair mist to refresh your tresses and improve their shine.

Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare pumpkin seed oil hair mist.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does pumpkin seed oil have biotin?

Though it is widely believed that pumpkin seeds are high in vitamin B7, i.e., biotinⁱ  XA water-soluble vitamin found in food sources, such as egg and avocado that can promote strong hair and combat hair loss. , there is not enough research to prove the same. These seeds are said to aid in raising the amount of keratinⁱ  XA fibrous protein found in the body that helps provide structure to nails, skin, and hair and promotes their overall health. in the hair strands to strengthen them.

Does pumpkin seed oil thicken hair?

In addition to nourishing hair follicles, pumpkin seed oil is said to be an excellent hair moisturizer that can increase hair thickness and density. However, further research is required to prove the same.

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Ky SmithCertified Trichologist

   

Ky Smith is a certified trichologist and holistic health practitioner who specializes in hair and scalp diseases. She has over 30 years of experience and has dedicated her career to educating and empowering women to stabilize their hair loss and restore their health and hair.   As Ky’s success grew with trichology, she expanded her territory and founded The American...more

Anjali SayeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy. She has taken it upon herself to show women how to love their hair and...more