Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair: How To Use It And Side Effects
You can topically apply the oil by itself or pair it with an essential oil to stimulate hair growth.
Image: Shutterstock
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 pumpkin seed oil for hair have any side effects? This article explains everything about this oil in detail. Keep reading to learn more!
Know Your Ingredient: Pumpkin Seed OilWhat 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.
In This Article
What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil?
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. While pumpkin seed oil for skin has many benefits, including being effective against acne, minimizing aging signs, and having wound-healing properties, it also offers many benefits for hair.
But how does it benefit hair? Let us understand in the following section.
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin seed oil helps prevent hair loss and promote hair growth
- Pumpkin oil is considered a DHT blocker and may effectively treat hair loss associated with excess DHTi An androgen sex hormone known as dihydrotestosterone that increases the risk of hair loss and conditions like male pattern baldness. .
- Although safe for ingestion and topical application, pregnant and breastfeeding women may avoid the oil to be on the safe side.
Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Promote Hair Growth?
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 on women are still unknown.
Another study also tested the effects of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in mice. This study tested pumpkin seed oil (PSO) for hair growth in male mice using both oral and topical applications. Mice were divided into six groups receiving different treatments, including saline, finasteride, minoxidil, and PSO. After shaving their dorsal hair, treatments were applied for 7 to 14 days. After 22 days, researchers examined the skin samples and found that the topical PSO group had more hair follicles, though they were loosely structured with less organized collagen (2). Therefore, it might not be a very bad idea if you use pumpkin seed oil for hair growth. It could be considered a natural hair care ingredient and 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 to promote hair growth.
How To Use Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair Growth
1. Topical Application Of Pumpkin Seed Oil
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
Joanne, a blogger, shares how she used pumpkin seed oil for hair growth on her personal blog. She writes, “I started off by parting my hair into four parts and pre pooing each part with pumpkin seed oil for the first time…it was ok apart from the nut-like smell it has (i).”
Quick Tip2. Pumpkin Seed Oil And Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil may promote hair growth without any toxic effects (3). It was tested for hair growth effects on mice and after four weeks, the peppermint oil showed the best results, with increased hair growth, thicker skin, and more hair follicles. 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
3. Pumpkin Seed Oil And Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil revitalizes thinning hair, promoting thicker locks and dandruff relief. Also, this essential oil along with other essential oils, may prove to be an effective treatment for hair problems like androgenic areata (4). The study compared rosemary oil and 2% minoxidil for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) over six months. Both groups showed significant hair growth after six months, with no major difference between them. However, scalp itching was more common in the minoxidil group, suggesting rosemary oil may be an effective alternative for AGA treatment. Therefore, using this oil with pumpkin seed oil may be beneficial for your hair.
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil
- 5-6 drops of rosemary oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix the pumpkin seed oil with rosemary oil.
- Gently massage this blend on your scalp.
- Leave it on overnight for deep conditioning.
- Shampoo and rinse your hair thoroughly the next day.
How Often You Should Do It
2-3 times a week
The benefits of pumpkin seed 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
Pumpkin seed oil is considered safe for use. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the oil is safe for ingestion as well as topical application.
The study on the effect of pumpkin seed oil on mice also tested its potential toxicity. Researchers measured oxidative stress in the liver and assessed DNA damage. Unlike finasteride and minoxidil, which caused oxidative stress and DNA damage, pumpkin seed oil did not show any harmful effects (2). These findings suggest that it may promote hair growth safely, without the side effects associated with other hair loss treatments.
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).
Note: It is always best to patch-test pumpkin seed oil or any new ingredient before using it widely to check for and prevent possible allergic reactions like skin irritation. This is especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or any history of allergies.
Quick TipInfographic: 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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Pumpkin seed oil is a plant-based oil frequently used as a topical skin and hair treatment. Studies indicate that pumpkin seed oil may stimulate hair growth. One can directly apply pumpkin seed oil for hair growth or combine it with peppermint oil. Pumpkin seed oil is considered safe for use. However, due to limited studies on its side effects, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid pumpkin seed oil to be on the safe side. If you do develop an adverse reaction, consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pumpkin seed oil better than the other popular hair oils?
Pumpkin seed oil is often compared to other natural oils like coconut, castor, and rosemary oil, all known for their hair benefits. While PSO may help block DHT, a key factor in hair loss, coconut oil prevents protein loss, almond oil protects against UV damage, castor oil nourishes deeply, argan oil regulates sebum, and rosemary oil boosts scalp circulation (1) (4) (5). Each oil has unique benefits. So, the best choice depends on individual hair needs. A combination of a few of them may also be beneficial.
How soon can I expect results from using pumpkin seed oil?
Individual results may vary, but many people notice improvements from using pumpkin seed oil for hair within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Does pumpkin seed oil have biotin?
Though it is widely believed that pumpkin seeds are high in vitamin B7, i.e., biotini A 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 A 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 hair 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.
What nutrients are found in pumpkin seed oil that benefit hair health?
It contains nutrients such as zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, copper, and vitamin A, B, and C that support hair health and growth.
Is pumpkin seed oil safe to use on color-treated or chemically-treated hair?
Yes, it can be used on color-treated or chemically-treated hair and is suitable for all hair types as well.
Can pumpkin seed oil help with dandruff or dry scalp?
Yes, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that aid in tackling dandruff and dry, irritated scalp.
Illustration: Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair: How To Use It And Side Effects
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Experience the wonders of pumpkin seed oil for healthy hair and skin. Learn how to create your own homemade pumpkin seed oil through this tutorial video for effective hair and skincare. Take a look now!
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Wash day at 8 weeks post relaxerhttps://growafricanhairlong.blogspot.com/2012/06/wash-day.html
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/ - Evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of oral and topical pumpkin oil on the hair growth of mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35447441/ - Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/ - Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828867/ - Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9231528/
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