It’s common for anyone to shed anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, hair loss looks different. 80 million men and women have hereditary hair loss (also known as alopecia).
Hair loss can be caused by many things, like:
- genetics
- change in hormones (such as with childbirth or menopause)
- medical conditions
- physical or emotional trauma
Persistent hair loss is often a sign of an underlying health condition. Your doctor or dermatologist can determine the cause of your hair loss based on your symptoms.
While standard treatments for hair loss can include prescribed medications and shampoos, cannabidiol (CBD) has recently surfaced as a possible alternative to assist with hair loss.
This article takes a closer look at how CBD oil may help with hair loss, as well as CBD’s use, side effects, and more.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil comes from the cannabis plant and is said to provide many therapeutic benefits, ranging from promoting calmness to relieving sore muscles.
Over-the-counter CBD products aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the FDA will send warning lettersTrusted Source to any companies making false claims.
These days, there’s a wide array of CBD products, like oils, tinctures, creams, and capsules, that are available for consumer use.
However, it’s important to note that CBD affects people differently, so you should be mindful of any reactions you may experience as you try them out.
Research has shown that CBD oil may help with hair regrowth after hair loss, as CBD-rich hemp extracts added to carrier oils may promote hair growth over time.
A 2021 study showed that people who topically applied CBD oil to their hair and scalp for 6 months saw successful regrowth, though results were more promising in men than women.
CBD may also help people achieve better sleep and reduced anxiety, which may also impact hair growth. Stress is a common cause of excessive hair loss, so a decrease in daily stressors may affect the regrowth of hair follicles.
CBD is also not a fix-all solution. CBD oil may help with hair loss, but there are other ways to approach hair regeneration that have more consistent results.
Additionally, research has been primarily done on CBD oil, so other forms of CBD (gummies, capsules, and vapes) might not help with hair loss.
According to recent findings, the effects of CBD on hair regrowth depend on the dosage. In the same 2021 study, an average of 3 to 4 mg of CBD for 6 months increased hair growth by 93.5 percent.
However, there hasn’t been much research done on the topic, so results may vary depending on the person, cause of hair loss, age, gender, and other variables. Altogether, though, CBD oil might not be extremely effective for hair loss.
Should you decide to try CBD oil for hair loss, you can apply it topically to your scalp.
You may want to mix it with your shampoo or conditioner, but it might not be as effective. The 2021 study referenced above only spoke to effectiveness when CBD was applied directly to the scalp, not when it was diluted.
The World Health OrganizationTrusted Source classifies CBD as safe to use. But, oils that are not FDA approved don’t receive regulation, meaning that the ingredients and quality can vary based on the company.
Common side effects of CBD include:
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite and weight
- fatigue
CBD has also been found to interact with several medications. If you’re currently prescribed any other supplements or medications, you should check with your doctor prior to trying CBD.
If you decide to try CBD oil for hair loss, you may want to choose one that’s:
- Full-spectrum. This means it contains all cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabisplant, including low levels of THC. You can also opt for a broad-spectrum CBD, which means that it contains multiple cannabinoids (CBG and CBN) naturally found in the cannabis plant, not including THC.
- Made from U.S.-grown hemp
- Third-party tested
You should also check out customer reviews and avoid oil brands that make unsupported health claims.
Finally, if you have any known allergies or sensitivities, you’ll want to review the ingredient list prior to application.
If you’re interested in lifestyle remedies for hair loss, some habits include:
- Adding iron and zinc to your diet. Scientists believe that a deficiency in these vitamins may lead to hair loss.
- Managing your stress. Stress is a common cause of hair loss, and soe researchersbelieve that anxiety-busting activities, like yoga and meditation, may help promote regrowth.
- Eating a balanced diet. High-protein foods and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be associated with healthy hair.
Common treatments and supplements include:
- Minoxidil (generic Rogaine). This over-the-counter medication can be used for alopecia areata or androgenic alopecia.
- Spironolactone pills. This prescription medication treats hair loss by addressing hormones. However, it’s not labeled by the FDA as an effective method for treating alopecia, but is prescribed off-label for hair loss.
- Topical tretinoin. This medication is commonly used in combination with minoxidil.
- Ketoconazole shampoo (also known as Nizoral). This antifungal agent may help reduce the body’s production of testosterone and other androgens that lead to hair loss.
Hair loss is one of the many conditions that may potentially be remedied by using CBD oil. But, again, not all CBD products are created equal. If you’re considering using one, do your research to ensure it meets the above parameters.
