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Hemp Oil For Hair: Benefits & How To Use For Hair Growth In 2024
Updated on
- Written by Ellie Busby, MS, RDN
Medically reviewed by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
Are you tired of using chemical-laden hair products that promise hair growth but never seem to deliver the desired results? If so, you might consider using hemp oil for hair.
Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds and has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties. Recently, it has gained popularity as a natural hair care ingredient due to its nutrient content and numerous benefits for hair health, including growth, strength, and shine.
This article will explore what hemp seed oil is, its benefits for your hair, how to use it for hair growth, and potential side effects. Is hemp oil good for hair? Read on to find out.
Is Hemp Oil Good For Your Hair?
Yes, hemp oil is good for your hair. It is rich in nutrients, such as fatty acids and antioxidants, that can help moisturize, strengthen, and protect your hair. Hemp oil can also soothe a dry, itchy scalp and promote healthy hair growth thanks to its essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and to use hemp oil safely and responsibly. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about using hemp oil for your hair.
Hemp Oil For Hair: What Is It?
Hemp seed oil is a natural oil derived from the hemp seeds of the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis sativa. It is often referred to as hemp oil or cannabis oil. Still, it is important to note that hemp seed oil does not contain any THC,[1] the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids. It is including omega-3 and omega-6, hair vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant cannabinoids,[2] such as cannabidiol or CBD oil. These nutrients can all nourish and protect the hair.
This oil is also a great source of protein,[3] which is essential for hair strength and growth.
Benefits Of Hemp Oil For Hair
Due to its numerous benefits, hemp seed oil is used in various hair cosmetics. Here are a few of its proven benefits for hair health.
Increases Hair Growth
One of its most significant benefits is its ability to promote healthy hair growth[4] and increase hair density, similar to coconut oil’s. The fatty acids in the hemp oil help strengthen the hair strands and prevent hair breakage, which is particularly beneficial for those with thinning hair or hair loss.
Improves Hair And Scalp Hydration
Another benefit of this oil is its ability to moisturize the hair and scalp. Hemp oil is easily absorbed into the scalp, providing much-needed hydration for scalp health. It also helps to prevent dryness and itchiness, which can lead to flaking and dandruff.
Repairs And Prevents Hair Damage
The moisturizing properties of hemp oil[5] also help repair hair follicles and the damaged hair shaft, improving the overall appearance of the hair and making it look shinier and healthier.
Cold-pressed oil is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the hair from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body, including hair cells. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing damage to the hair and keeping the hair healthy and strong.
How To Use Hemp Seeds For Hair Growth
This seed oil can be used in various ways to promote healthy hair. Here are some of the most common methods of use:
- Scalp massage: One of the most effective ways to use hemp oil for hair growth care is to massage it into the scalp. This helps promote blood flow to the scalp, stimulating hair regrowth. To do this, warm up some hemp oil and massage it into your scalp using circular motions. Leave the oil on your scalp for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out with shampoo.
- Deep conditioning treatment: Hemp oil can also be used for the hair’s deep conditioning treatment. To do this, warm up some hemp oil and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave the oil on your hair for at least 30 minutes before washing it out with shampoo.
- Hair mask: Hemp oil can be combined with other ingredients to create a nourishing hair mask. To make a hemp oil hair mask, mix two tablespoons of hemp oil, one tablespoon of honey, and one mashed avocado. Apply the mixture to wet hair, focusing on the ends, and leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it with shampoo.
- Styling product: Hemp oil can also be used as a styling product for the hair. It can help to tame frizz and add shine to the hair. To use hemp oil as a styling product, warm up a small amount of oil in your hands and apply it to the ends of your hair.
- Consumed as a food supplement:[6] Some types of hemp oil may be consumed by mouth and might improve skin and hair health.
Potential Side Effects
While hemp seed oil is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These include:
- Allergic Reaction: Some people may be allergic to hemp seed oil.[7] If you experience any itching, redness, or swelling after using hemp oil, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor.
- Drug Interactions: Hemp seed oil can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners such as warfarin.[8] If you take any medication, talk to your doctor before using hemp oil.
- Skin Irritation: Hemp seed oil can cause skin irritation[9] in some people, particularly if applied directly to the skin without diluting it. Always perform a patch test before using hemp oil on your skin or hair.
The Takeaway
In summary, hemp seed oil offers several benefits for hair care. It can be a great natural alternative to traditional hair care products. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and to add hemp seed oil safely and responsibly. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about using oil for your hair.
As well as hemp seed oil, make sure to eat many important foods for hair to achieve optimal hair growth, shine, and health. For example, getting enough collagen for hair health and eating plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables will promote healthier hair.
+ 9 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- Cerino, P., Buonerba, C., Cannazza, G., Jacopo D’Auria, Ermete Ottoni, Fulgione, A., Antonio Di Stasio, Pierri, B. and Lacadena, A. (2021). A Review of Hemp as Food and Nutritional Supplement. [online] 6(1), pp.19–27. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0001.
- Citti, C., Pacchetti, B., Maria Angela Vandelli, Forni, F. and Cannazza, G. (2018). Analysis of cannabinoids in commercial hemp seed oil and decarboxylation kinetics studies of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). [online] 149, pp.532–540. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2017.11.044.
- Farinon, B., Molinari, R., Costantini, L. and Merendino, N. (2020). The Seed of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition. [online] 12(7), pp.1935–1935. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071935.
- Gupta, A. and Mesbah Uddin Talukder (2021). Cannabinoids for skin diseases and hair regrowth. [online] 20(9), pp.2703–2711. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14352.
- Metwally, S., Ura, D.P., Krysiak, Z.J., Łukasz Kaniuk, Szewczyk, P.K. and Stachewicz, U. (2020). Electrospun PCL Patches with Controlled Fiber Morphology and Mechanical Performance for Skin Moisturization via Long-Term Release of Hemp Oil for Atopic Dermatitis. [online] 11(1), pp.26–26. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11010026.
- Farinon, B., Molinari, R., Costantini, L. and Merendino, N. (2020). The Seed of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition. [online] 12(7), pp.1935–1935. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071935.
- Salma Alkhammash, Tsui, H. and Thomson, D.J. (2019). Cannabis and hemp seed allergy. [online] 7(7), pp.2429-2430.e1. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2019.02.045.
- San, C. and Wen, S. (2020). Warfarin and food, herbal or dietary supplement interactions: A systematic review. [online] 87(2), pp.352–374. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14404.
- Gupta, A. and Mesbah Uddin Talukder (2021). Cannabinoids for skin diseases and hair regrowth. [online] 20(9), pp.2703–2711. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14352.
Written by:
Ellie Busby, MS, RDN
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
