CBD for Hair Growth – Does It Work?

CBD For Hair Growth

Can CBD Really Stop Hair Loss?

Hair loss can result from hormonal changes, a medical condition, mechanical follicle damage, heredity, or a normal part of the aging process – but can CBD for hair growth actually work?

Unfortunately, hair loss affects millions of men and women. It can be a source of distress for some people, putting a damper on their self-esteem and confidence. 

CBD For Hair Growth
CBD For Hair Growth

Yet, despite thousands of years of research, a cure for alopecia is still unavailable. In fact, most hair loss treatments are not a permanent solution.

Research into CBD for hair growth has been done, and the results are promising. Perhaps you’re wondering, can CBD really stop hair loss? Read on to find out.

What Is CBD?

Before we step into the world of CBD for hair growth, it’s important that you first understand what exactly CBD is.

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is an active ingredient that occurs naturally in the cannabis sativa plants – hemp and marijuana. 

However, legal CBD products are specifically made from hemp plants. That’s because hemp meets the legal THC limit required by federal law (0.3 percent or less THC).

CBD For Hair Growth
CBD For Hair Growth

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-intoxicating and is not addictive. Instead, studies show that CBD-rich hemp extracts mixed with an appropriate carrier oil can induce numerous physiological and pharmacological effects.

Preliminary findings suggest that applying topical CBD products to the hair and scalp may help with hair loss while promoting successful regrowth. 

And the best part is that CBD for hair growth does not trigger the euphoric high of marijuana.

Causes and Risk Factors of Hair Loss

Generally, it’s normal for people to lose up to 100 hair strands per day. 

This is often not noticeable since new hair grows almost simultaneously. However, when a lot of hair falls out and new hair doesn’t grow to replace it, it is considered hair loss.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is the most common type of hair loss and can be temporary or permanent.

The amount of hair loss differs between individuals – some people may lose hair in large clumps while others only lose a small patch. 

Sometimes, hair can grow back for good, but in other cases, it can grow back only to fall out again later.

This disorder can occur when a person has an autoimmune disease, where their immune system attacks hair follicles. Doctors are yet to understand why this happens. 

But according to some experts, people with this type of hair loss have something in their genes that increases the risk of alopecia.

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Male & Female Pattern Baldness / Hair Loss

Hair loss in men mainly occurs due to androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Androgenic alopecia is hereditary hair loss and has been linked to male sex hormones. 

This type of hair loss affects approximately 50 million men in the United States alone.

Both male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) occur when the scalp becomes highly sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

And it can start at any age, including during adolescence.

Both male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) occur when the scalp becomes highly sensitive to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

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DHT And Its Role In Hair Loss

Studies have found that DHT shortens the anagen phase (active phase of hair growth) and lengthens the telogen phase (resting phase of hair growth). 

In other words, DHT makes the catagen phase (transition stage) occur much sooner.

That means your hair doesn’t grow as thick, long, or strong before it reaches the resting phase. This type of hair is easily breakable.

Yet, DHT also makes your follicles take much longer to produce new hair once the old brittle hair falls out.  

With alopecia affecting so many men and women, an effective cure would help lessen anxiety and self-esteem issues for a huge percentage of the population.

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How Does CBD Produce Its Effects?

All cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, produce their effects by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our bodies produce two receptors- the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 Receptors

CB1 receptors are found throughout the body, particularly on the nerve cells in the brain. They regulate and coordinate important body functions such as;

  • Appetite
  • Memory
  • Mood
  • Movement
  • Pain
  • Thinking 

CB2 Receptors

On the other hand, CB2 receptors are primarily located in the immune system. They are principally involved in pain and anti-inflammatory actions.  

Our bodies produce natural endocannabinoids that bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to maintain homeostasis.

THC binds directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, just like our natural endocannabinoids.

Comparably, CBD doesn’t bind to the receptors as THC does. Instead, it prevents the breakdown of your endocannabinoids, allowing them to produce more powerful effects on your body.

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How Can CBD Oil Help Hair Growth?

High-stress levels are commonly associated with hair loss. Telogen effluvium is a condition where your hair falls out temporarily after a stressful or traumatic situation, for instance, surgery, childbirth, or losing a loved one. 

Stress tends to push many hair follicles into the resting phase, causing hair to fall out within a few months.

Most medical conditions that cause hair loss have one thing in common – inflammation. In fact, inflammation is a leading cause of scarring hair. 

It can destroy hair follicles, making it impossible for hair to regrow.

To stop this kind of irreversible damage, inflammation must be stopped fast and effectively.

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Antioxidant Properties

CBD has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate inflammation and pain.

Studies have also revealed that this cannabinoid can dampen stress responses and protect a user against chronic stress.

Cannabis use may also help treat and prevent stress-related mental health conditions.

4 Benefits Of CBD Oil For Hair Growth

1. Better Quality Sleep and Less Stress

Lack of sufficient, quality sleep can have devastating effects on your body.

For instance, insufficient amounts of sleep can lead to higher stress levels which cause alopecia due to telogen effluvium. 

A prolonged lack of restful sleep can also negatively impact your general health, which can cause thinning hair.

During high stress, your body secretes a lot of cortisol (the stress hormone that triggers a fight or flight response’). 

High cortisol levels have been shown to hinder the normal activity of hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

To stop alopecia, a person must take the necessary steps to promote better sleep.

Research shows that CBD can help reduce anxiety and stress and promote better quality sleep. This potentially reduces the risk of hair loss.

2. Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can cause your body’s inflammatory response to start damaging your healthy cells, organs, and tissues. 

This can eventually lead to tissue death and DNA damage which are linked to conditions such as;

  • Cancer
  • Weight gain
  • Acne
  • Digestive issues

Such inflammation can also harm your hair’s health and growth.

The good news is that CBD can alleviate inflammation and promote the ideal environment for healthy hair growth. 

Reduced inflammation can also help your sebaceous glands to secrete sebum, an oily substance that coats and moisturizes hair in follicles, preventing dry hair.

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3. Supports Homeostasis

Hormonal imbalance can lead to hair loss. As mentioned above, the ECS helps maintain homeostasis in the body. 

Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium where all body organs function effectively, maintaining hormonal, cognitive, and physiological balance.

CBD oil interacts with the ECS, helping modulate its activities. 

This way, your body is able to maintain a healthy state of balance between biological and physiological processes, including new cell growth and hair follicle growth.

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4. Improving Blood Circulation

Increased blood circulation in the scalp can boost the anagen phase of hair growth. 

The duration of this active phase typically depends on the nourishment of your hair follicles.

Hair follicles obtain nourishment from the blood, which contains oxygen and hair-building components.

CBD can increase cerebral blood flow, helping bring more hair-building nutrients to the follicles and eliminate harmful toxins. 

This not only encourages hair growth but also leads to stronger and healthier hair.

2 Ways to Use CBD Oil for Hair Loss

CBD oil is available in many different forms, from edibles, tinctures, pills, and hair care products like CBD shampoos. 

The best way to use CBD depends on the effects you’re looking for.

For instance, organic hemp seed oil has an excellent nutrient profile, including;

  • Essential fatty acids
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Proteins

It is the best scalp treatment option alongside CBD oil for hair growth.

Here are 2 different ways to use CBD for hair growth:

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1. CBD Oil for Dry Hair and Scalp Health

A healthy scalp enhances hair health. On the flip side, an unhealthy scalp is linked to hair breakage, roughness, and dryness, among other problems. 

If your scalp is often itchy, burning, irritated, or prone to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, that is normally a sign that it is not the healthiest.

Regular use of CBD oil and hemp seed oil can enhance scalp health and stimulate the formation of new cells.  This promotes the growth of new, strong, and properly moisturized hair.

Regular use of CBD oil and hemp seed oil can enhance scalp health and stimulate the formation of new cells. 

This promotes the growth of new, strong, and properly moisturized hair.

In addition, CBD possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that protect your hair against harsh environmental factors.

CBD tinctures can also help remedy an itchy scalp by treating inflammation from the inside.

Alternatively, you can use topical cannabinoids like shampoos and repair hair masks to manage the condition locally.

2. CBD Oil to Encourage Hair Growth

Clinical studies to support the efficacy of CBD for hair growth are still limited. 

However, this cannabinoid possesses proven hair growth nutrients such as the three dietary fatty acids omega-3, 6, & 9. 

These essential fatty acids may accelerate hair growth and reduce hair loss.

Studies also indicate that once absorbed by the scalp, they can nourish hair follicles. 

This way, CBD topical products indirectly encourage hair regrowth while increasing hair strength and thickness.

Hemp Seed Oil vs CBD Oil

CBD oil and hemp oil are both extracted from hemp plants. However, just as its name suggests, hemp seed oil is obtained from the seeds of hemp plants. 

On the other hand, CBD oil is typically sourced from the flowers and leaves of hemp plants.

It’s important to note that CBD oil can also be obtained from cannabis plants.

These oils can be infused in various cannabis products, from foods to beauty. However, hemp oil provides more nutritional benefits than CBD oil.

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Is CBD A Superfood?

It is considered a superfood as it provides an adequate supply of vitamin E, phospholipids, carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. 

Note that hemp seed oil does not contain any cannabinoids.

Comparably, CBD contains Vitamins A, B, C, and E, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and potent therapeutic effects. 

It is best for treating conditions like stress, inflammation, and anxiety.

Combining these two oils can help you achieve better results of CBD for hair growth and hair loss treatment.

Choosing the Best CBD for Hair Growth

There are three different types of CBD and a huge variety of products on the market today. 

It can be confusing to choose the best CBD product that gives the most bang for your buck.

This guide will help you select the best CBD for your hair:

Choosing CBD For Hair Growth - 4 Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Full-Spectrum Products

As mentioned, there are three different types of CBD, including CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the compounds in hemp, including terpenes, essential oils, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, such as 0.3% or less THC. 

These compounds work in synergy to maximize the effects of CBD, allowing a small dose to provide effective results.

Step 2: Consider The Hemp Source

The best CBD for hair growth is extracted from organically grown and non-GMO hemp plants. 

Check the product labeling and confirm hemp was grown free of pesticides and synthetic growth boosters. This ensures you get pure CBD oil with reduced risk of side effects.

Step 3: Check The COA

An updated and comprehensive certificate of analysis (COA) communicates that the product is third-party lab tested.

This document allows you to analyze the amount of cannabinoids in your CBD hair product and confirm that it is free of contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes.

Step 4: Check Brand Reputation And Customer Reviews

Go through the company’s website to see what their customers are saying. You may want to specifically scan reviews from people who have used their CBD for hair growth. 

Finally, avoid a company that makes outrageous claims about CBD hair oils. Remember that CBD is not a miracle cure for any disease.

CBD For Hair Growth - The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that CBD is a promising treatment option for hair loss and growth, without adverse effects. 

CBD has not been shown to treat medical conditions that cause hair loss. However, it can help relieve the symptoms that affect your scalp’s health and weaken your hair follicles. 

For the best results, you should consider combining hemp seed oil and CBD oil for hair growth.