Does CBD oil for hair loss work?

We use CBD for many symptoms — from controlling pain to managing sleep. CBD also helps reduce stress and anxiety. It can even help improve mood in people dealing with depression.

But have you ever wondered if CBD oil can also help improve hair loss?

It can. Some people are also using CBD oil for hair loss, and they find it can be pretty effective.

So, how does CBD oil for hair loss work? Is there a study that backs this up?

More importantly, is it safe to use CBD for hair loss?

Read on to find out how CBD helps.

Low-Dose CBD Increases Hair Growth

One study showed that low-dose CBD applied at least once a day can increase hair growth by more than 90%.

The study involved 35 people with androgenic alopecia. It’s the most common type of hair loss that affects about 50% of men and women. It’s caused not only by genetic factors but by a high level of androgen as well.

Androgenic alopecia is also a progressive type of hair loss.

In men, hair thinning typically starts on the vertex and spreads to the frontotemporal regions. In women, it starts at the part line and then gradually spreads to the top of the head. It usually spares the frontal region in women.

Before the study started, a hair count was done on the areas affected the most by alopecia.

During the six-month study, the subjects applied low-dose CBD on the areas with the greatest hair loss topically. The dose ranged between 3 mg and 4 mg of CBD.

After six months, another hair count was done.

On average, there had been a 93.5% improvement in hair growth, with men showing more improvement than women.

The baseline hair count in men was 18.28 at the start of the study. After the study, this increased by 81.7% to 33.21.

For females, the baseline hair count was 19.57 at the start of the study. This increased by 56.21% at the end of the study, a more modest improvement than males.

Hair growth was also more pronounced on the vertex area than on the temporal areas.

On the temporal area, the hair count in men improved by 74.1%, while the hair count in women improved by 55.2%.

Hair count in men improved by 120.1% along the vertex area. Women also showed a 64.9% improvement in hair count on the vertex area.

About 1 in 3 (one-third) participants reported some increased hair shedding at the start of the study (first month). But by the second visit, this side effect has stopped.

All in all, CBD oil for hair loss showed significant improvement. All participants reported no significant adverse side effects.

How Does CBD for Hair Loss Work?

The exact mechanism of how CBD for hair loss works remains unknown. However, the study suggests that cannabinoid receptor type 1 as well as TRPV1 receptors may be involved. 

When CBD stimulates these receptors, not only can it help reduce hair loss, but it can also help stimulate hair shaft elongation.

How to Use CBD Oil for Hair Loss

If you want to use CBD oil for hair loss, you may want to start with a lower dose. Instead of the 3 mg to 4 mg used in the study, you can start with half the dose.

To use, wash the area with soap and clean water. Once done, dry the area thoroughly, and with clean hands, rub the CBD oil over the affected areas.

You may do this once a day for six months or at least when you’re satisfied with the outcome.

If you developed some side effects, then decrease your CBD oil dosage. If you didn’t notice a significant improvement, then you can also increase the dosage accordingly.

Side Effects of CBD for Hair Loss

The participants in the study reported no significant side effects while using topical CBD. 

However, you might want to exercise some caution when using CBD for hair loss. This is especially important if you’re new to any type of CBD product.

To check if you’re allergic to CBD, you can do a patch test.

• Apply a tiny amount on the inner side of your forearm.
• Wait for at least 20 to 40 minutes.

If you’re allergic, the area where you applied CBD on will turn red and a bit swollen. You may also experience some skin itching. If this happens, don’t use topical CBD oil for hair loss.

If there are no changes, then you’re not allergic to CBD, and you can continue as planned.

Other Effects of CBD Oil

In addition to reducing hair loss and increasing hair growth, you can also apply CBD to acne.

Inflamed acne causes red, swollen, painful bumps on the skin. These bumps contain not only dead skin cells but also excess oils and pus.

To use CBD oil for acne, you need to wash the area thoroughly with soap and clean water. Pat dry and apply topical CBD with clean hands.

You may also rub CBD oil on your painful knees and sore muscles. You can add a few drops to your favourite massage oil and apply them as needed to the affected areas.

CBD helps reduce pain and decrease swelling.

How to Choose a Good CBD Oil for Hair Loss

Before buying CBD oil for hair loss, be sure to read reviews about the product first. These reviews and customer feedback can already give you a good idea of how effective CBD oil can be.

Second, look for the product’s certificate of analysis. Trusted brands always send their products to certified laboratory testing facilities where they’re checked for contaminants, potency, safety, and quality. Never buy CBD products without laboratory test results.

Third, you should also check the product’s ingredients. Make sure the provider used organic ingredients. Check, that it doesn’t contain any artificial fertilizers or pesticides.

Final Thoughts

CBD oil for hair loss is effective. Not only can it improve hair count and hair growth, but it can also reduce hair loss. It’s also well-tolerated by users and doesn’t produce significant adverse effects.