
Andros
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Is it another cope?
www.healthline.com
Many plant-based oils have gained great reputations for their healthy fats and wellness benefits. One of these is pumpkin seed oil.
Some scientific theories support pumpkin seed oil for hair loss prevention. So far, none have been solidly proven in studies.
A significant study about pumpkin seed oil and hair loss was published in 2014. It might be the most rigorous study on a plant-based hair growth alternative thus far.
In the study, men with pattern baldness took either pumpkin seed supplements or a placebo. The results showed those who took supplements experienced 30 percent more hair growth than those who received the placebo.
These findings rocketed pumpkin seed oil to the forefront among natural hair growth promoters. Still, there were a few missing links and misleading conclusions made in the research:
- Pumpkin seed wasn’t tested alone in the study. It was tested as only one ingredient in a multi-ingredient supplement. This included octacosanol (a plant wax), mixed vegetable powder, evening primrose powder, corn silk powder, red clover powder, and tomato powder.
- The study was short, small, and only performed on men. Less than 100 men were given the supplement over 24 weeks and women were not part of the test group. There’s no clinical evidence of side effects of pumpkin seed supplementation over a longer period of time or for women.
One scientific theory for how pumpkin seed works for hair loss is that the oil’s phytosterols promote hair growth.
Phytosterols are sterols found in many plants. They’re a lot like cholesterols, only they show mostly positive health benefits.
Supposedly, phytosterols could block enzymes and hormones in your scalp that cause hair loss. This would mean phytosterol-rich pumpkin seed oil might help.

Pumpkin Oil for Hair: Can Pumpkin Oil Treat Hair Loss?
Many plant-based natural oils have gained great reputations for their health and wellness benefits. Pumpkin seed oil has many health claims and properties attributed to it, including uses for hair and hair loss. We explain if it works, how you can add it to your daily routine, and whether it's a...
