Pumpkin Seed Oil is One of the Few Hair Oils Doctors Recommend for Hair Growth—Here’s How It Works
Learn how it also leaves hair with a healthy sheen and treats an itchy, inflamed scalp
If you’re like us, you’re always on the hunt for a good, inexpensive and DIY hair treatment—especially one that’s au naturel. You probably know how amazing natural oils can be for hair and skin, from rosemary to coconut and olive oil. But there’s one we don’t hear talked about enough, despite its scientific evidence that it may regrow thinning hair: pumpkin seed oil. While many different oils can do wonders for moisturizing parched strands, promoting overall hair health and nourishing locks, not all actually help with female pattern hair loss, for example. But experts say pumpkin seed oil may be an exception, especially for those with androgenetic alopecia. Here, we get into all the benefits of pumpkin seed oil for hair, the best way to apply it and more.
Pumpkin seed oil for hair growth: Does it work?
“In my experience as a hair transplant surgeon, pumpkin seed oil can be a really interesting natural option for patients looking to support their hair health,” says Ross Kopelman, DO, a hair transplant surgeon. “It’s rich in phytosterols, which are plant-based compounds that may help block the action of [dihydrotestosterone] DHT—a hormone that contributes to androgenetic hair loss.”
In fact, there was even a study done in 2014 looking at oral pumpkin seed oil supplements for hair growth. “A small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2014 showed that men with androgenic alopecia who took pumpkin seed oil supplements experienced increased hair count compared to placebo,” affirms Trevor Cates, ND, a licensed naturopathic physician specializing in women’s health and hormonal balance, and founder of The Spa Dr. “The mechanism may involve inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase, which affects levels of DHT. While more research is needed, the early findings are promising.”
Even though pumpkin seed oil shows promising results in the potential to regrow hair, Dr. Kopelman wants to note that it’s not as potent as FDA-approved medications for hair loss, such as minoxidil. “I often tell patients that it can be a supportive therapy, but it’s usually best when combined with more proven treatments,” he advises.
Other pumpkin seed oil benefits for hair
The reason why natural oils are often so helpful for beauty woes is that they are rich in nutrients and vitamins. So aside from potentially helping to increase hair growth, pumpkin seed oil can also nourish and strengthen overall hair and scalp health. “Pumpkin seed oil is rich in nutrients like zinc, vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants—all of which support scalp health and may help strengthen hair,” says Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology.
Pumpkin seed oil nourishes the scalp
Since pumpkin seed oil contains antioxidants, it helps treat any inflammation on the scalp. “Its anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe the scalp and promote a healthy hair environment,” affirms Dr. Cates. Plus, we know hair growth is only possible with a healthy scalp, and Dr. Kopelman says pumpkin seed oil may encourage a “healthier environment for hair growth.”
Pumpkin seed oil strengthens the hair shaft
In order to have healthy hair, we must have strong hair! Both Dr. Kopelman and Dr. Cates say pumpkin seed oil can help strengthen the hair shaft—and stronger hair means less breakage and split ends.
Pumpkin seed oil boosts shine
One of the main benefits of hair oils is that they can help add shine to dull, lackluster hair, and pumpkin seed oil is no exception. It helps “improve moisture retention” of strands, says Dr. Cates, thanks to its fatty acids, and Dr. Collins adds that pumpkin seed oil helps “improve hair shaft hydration and shine.”
The best way to apply pumpkin seed oil for hair growth
If you’re ready to start adding pumpkin seed oil into your hair care routine, our experts have a few tips and tricks to get the most out of the natural oil.
Give the scalp some TLC with a massage
The first trick is to massage the oil into the scalp when applying, rather than just pouring it on. “When patients want to apply it topically, I usually recommend massaging pure, cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil directly into the scalp, focusing on areas where thinning is most noticeable,” advises Dr. Kopelman. Massaging helps promote blood flow to the scalp, which may help boost hair growth.
Use it as a leave-in treatment
If you suffer from dry ends and parched hair overall, Dr. Collins and Dr. Cates recommend applying pumpkin seed oil to the mid-lengths and ends in addition to the scalp. The oil will help add moisture and hydration back into the hair shaft.
Application tricks
When it comes to how long to leave pumpkin seed oil on the hair, there are a few options you can try. Dr. Collins recommends leaving it on for 20 to 30 minutes for a pre-shampoo treatment, as it “works well to nourish the scalp and soften hair.” However, you can also use pumpkin seed oil as a deeply nourishing, overnight treatment. “Leaving it on for 30 to 60 minutes is often sufficient, but some people prefer to leave it on overnight for deeper hydration,” says Dr. Cates. To minimize any mess, Dr. Collins suggests wearing a shower cap when leaving it on overnight.
No matter how long you leave it on, make sure to wash your hair thoroughly afterward, our experts say. “Pumpkin seed oil is generally safe and well-tolerated when applied topically. However, some individuals may experience mild irritation or clogged pores on the scalp if the oil is not shampooed out thoroughly,” warns Dr. Cates. Those with acne-prone scalps, oily scalps or very fine hair may want to skip using pumpkin seed oil since it may clog pores and is a bit more on the greasy side when it comes to hair oils.
If you’re on the hunt for a good pumpkin seed oil for hair, there are a few that our experts recommend. For a standard, pure pumpkin seed oil, Dr. Kopelman likes PURA D’OR Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil, “which is a pure, cold-pressed oil that’s very clean and easy to use for scalp massages,” he says.
Dr. Cates likes The Spa Dr. Hair Repair Serum, “which combines pumpkin seed extract with other clean, plant-based ingredients to support a healthy scalp and hair,” she says. “It’s formulated to deliver nourishment without leaving heavy residue, aligning with a commitment to clean, effective beauty solutions.” Another great pick is Nature Spell Pumpkin Oil for Hair & Body, which costs just $10.
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