Can pumpkin seed oil make your hair grow thicker?
Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Pumpkin seed oil increased hair count by 40% without altering serum free testosterone levels.
Most hair loss treatments (like finasteride) work by blocking DHT, a testosterone derivative—so it was expected that hormone levels would shift. They didn’t.
Practical Takeaways
Take 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily (two 200 mg capsules twice a day) for at least 6 months if you have mild to moderate male pattern baldness.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Pumpkin seed oil increased hair count by 40% without altering serum free testosterone levels.
Most hair loss treatments (like finasteride) work by blocking DHT, a testosterone derivative—so it was expected that hormone levels would shift. They didn’t.
Practical Takeaways
Take 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil daily (two 200 mg capsules twice a day) for at least 6 months if you have mild to moderate male pattern baldness.
Publication
Journal
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM
Year
2014
Authors
Y. Cho, S. Y. Lee, D. Jeong, E. Choi, Y. Kim, Jeong Gyu Lee, Y. Yi, Hyeong Soo Cha
Related Content
Claims (8)
Pumpkin seeds contain a natural compound that may block a process in the body that turns testosterone into a stronger hormone called DHT, which some people want to reduce.
A study found that men with hair loss who took pumpkin seed oil pills every day for 6 months were much more likely to see noticeable hair growth when a doctor looked at their scalp photos, compared to men who took a fake pill.
Taking pumpkin seed oil pills every day for 6 months doesn't change the level of testosterone in the blood of men who are losing their hair due to genetics. So, if it helps their hair, it's probably not because it's affecting their hormones.
Taking a pumpkin seed oil pill every day for 6 months may help men with thinning hair grow more hair—about 40% more—compared to just taking a fake pill.
Men with thinning hair who take pumpkin seed oil pills every day for 6 months say they notice better hair growth and are happier with the results than men who take dummy pills.