Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair: How To Use It And Side Effects

You can topically apply the oil by itself or pair it with an essential oil to stimulate hair growth.

Reviewed by Ky Smith, Certified Trichologist Ky Smith Ky SmithCertified Trichologist facebook_icontwitter_iconyoutube_iconinsta_icon
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
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Pumpkin seed oil is a plant-based oil with hair nourishing properties. The benefits of pumpkin seed oil for hair can be attributed to its rich phytosterol and nutrient composition. Using this plant-based oil helps prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. But what do studies say? Does pumpkin seed oil for hair have any side effects? This article explains everything about this oil in detail. Keep reading to learn more!

protip_icon Know Your Ingredient: Pumpkin Seed Oil

What Is It?
Oil extracted from pumpkin seeds.

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.

What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil?

Pumpkin seed oil for hair.
Image: Shutterstock

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.

But how does it benefit hair? Let us understand in the following section.

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Promote Hair Growth?

Pumpkin seed oil promotes hair growth
Image: Shutterstock

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

Pumpkin seed oil can be applied topically for hair growth
Image: Shutterstock

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).”


protip_icon Quick Tip
Do a patch test to ensure you have no adverse reactions to pumpkin seed oil before applying it to your scalp

2. Pumpkin Seed Oil And Peppermint Oil

Pumpkin seed oil and peppermint oil promote hair growth
Image: Shutterstock

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

  1. Mix the pumpkin seed oil with rosemary oil.
  2. Gently massage this blend on your scalp.
  3. Leave it on overnight for deep conditioning.
  4. Shampoo and rinse your hair thoroughly the next day.

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

Pregnant woman should avoid pumpkin seed oil.
Image: Shutterstock

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).


protip_icon Quick Tip
It is advisable for individuals taking lithium to consult their doctor before consuming supplements containing pumpkin seed oil.

Infographic: How To Prepare Pumpkin Seed Oil Hair Mist

Though more research is warranted regarding the benefits of using pumpkin seed oil for hair growth, there is no harm in using it for hair nourishment. Apart from the oil massage, you can also prepare a pumpkin seed oil hair mist to refresh your tresses and improve their shine.

Check out the infographic below to learn how to prepare pumpkin seed oil hair mist.

how to prepare pumpkin seed oil hair mist (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Pumpkin seed oil is a plant-based oil frequently used as a topical skin and hair treatment. Studies indicate that pumpkin seed oil may stimulate hair growth. One can directly apply pumpkin seed oil for hair growth or combine it with peppermint oil. Pumpkin seed oil is considered safe for use. However, due to limited studies on its side effects, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid pumpkin seed oil to be on the safe side. If you do develop an adverse reaction, consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pumpkin seed oil have biotin?

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.

Key Takeaways

  • Pumpkin seed oil helps prevent hair loss and promote hair growth
  • Pumpkin oil is considered a DHT blocker and may effectively treat hair loss associated with excess DHTi  An androgen sex hormone known as dihydrotestosterone that increases the risk of hair loss and conditions like male pattern baldness. .
  • Although safe for ingestion and topical application, pregnant and breastfeeding women may avoid the oil to be on the safe side.

Illustration: Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair: How To Use It And Side Effects

pumpkin seed oil for hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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!

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017725/
  2. Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/
  3. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9828867/
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Ky Smith
Ky SmithCertified Trichologist
Ky Smith is a certified trichologist and holistic health practitioner who specializes in hair and scalp diseases. She has over 30 years of experience and has dedicated her career to educating and empowering women to stabilize their hair loss and restore their health and hair.

Read full bio of Ky Smith
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

Read full bio of Eshna Das
Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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