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. 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.
But how does it benefit hair? Let us understand in the following section.
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 in women are still unknown. Although the research concludes that pumpkin seed oil 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 for promoting 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).”
2. Pumpkin Seed Oil And Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil may promote hair growth without any toxic effects (2). 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 (3). 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 How Often You Should Do It 2-3 times a week The benefits of pumpkin 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. 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).
Does pumpkin seed oil have biotin? Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare pumpkin seed oil hair mist.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team 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
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!
