The Tamesis
Short hair may be trendy, but anyone who’s committed to growing their hair knows that new growth and retention are key to healthy hair. We’ve seen rosemary oil, peptides, and even red light therapy linked to hair growth over the years, and now we’re seeing another option: pumpkin seed oil. Pumpkin oil isn’t just used in jack-o’-lanterns and lattes, but more specifically, pumpkin oil, which comes from roasting, grinding, and pressing the seeds, is emerging as a beneficial ingredient for your scalp and hair. This is all we know.
How does pumpkin seed oil work?
“Pumpkin seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6, which help maintain healthy cell membranes and support normal cell function,” says Brendan Camp, MD, of Manhattan, who is double board certified in dermatology and dermatopathology.
He adds, “It also contains antioxidants like vitamin E, zinc, and phytosterols, which help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can lead to thinning hair.” These nutrients create an environment that supports a healthy scalp, healthy hair follicles, and keratin production while reducing potential damage.
What are the benefits of using pumpkin seed oil?
Pumpkin seed oil may help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth.
Prevent hair loss
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil (applied topically) in treating female pattern hair loss and compared it to 5% minoxidil foam (an FDA-approved hair growth treatment) for three months and showed promising results.
One theory behind pumpkin seed oil’s success lies in its phytosterols. While phytosterols are most commonly thought to help lower cholesterol, they may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Excessive amounts of DHT are associated with hair loss in both men and women, so “lowering DHT could theoretically reduce hair thinning,” says Dr. Kemp. However, he noted that “evidence is limited and comes primarily from small clinical trials” and that “individual responses may vary.”
Shab Caspara, a New York board-certified trichologist and hair growth expert, agrees. “While small clinical studies have shown promising results, [pumpkin seed oil] “DHT blockers are not as effective or predictable as medical DHT blockers, so they are best viewed as a supportive rather than standalone intervention,” she says. For example, oral finasteride is an FDA-approved DHT blocker.
Promote hair growth
A widely cited 2014 study examined the effects of a 400 mg pumpkin seed oil supplement on hair growth in men with pattern baldness over 24 weeks and found that the average hair count increased by 40% in the pumpkin seed oil group, compared with a 10% increase in the placebo group. However, it’s worth noting that there are other ingredients present in the supplement, and the study said it couldn’t explain the exact effects of pumpkin seed oil on their group. Kaspala called the results “promising,” but added that larger studies are needed to confirm them.
Still, both she and Dr. Kemp pointed to some positive signs. “Pumpkin seed oil may support hair growth by providing essential fatty acids and micronutrients that promote healthy hair follicles and reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Kemp. “A healthy scalp environment is essential for hair growth, and the antioxidant activity in the oil protects hair follicles from damage.”
Kaspala adds, “Its antioxidants and nutrients also support hair follicle function, improving the quality and thickness of new hair over time.”
How to use pumpkin seed oil?
Pumpkin seed oil comes in capsule and topical oil form, and Dr. Caspala and Kemp have different preferences on which one to use.
