Can CBD Oil Help with Hair Loss and Hair Growth? Here's What the Research Says

Early research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD oil may help promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with one notable 2021 study showing significant regrowth results after six months of consistent topical use. CBD's potential benefits for hair may stem from several of its well-documented properties: it's a powerful anti-inflammatory, it's rich in fatty acids that hydrate and nourish the scalp, and it interacts directly with CB1 receptors found on hair follicle cells through the body's endocannabinoid system. Together, these properties might help create a healthier scalp environment that supports stronger, fuller hair over time. Read on for a closer look at what the research shows, how to add CBD to your daily hair care routine, and what to realistically expect from results.

How would CBD help hair?

CBD oil is an anti-inflammatory machine. That translates into a whole host of potential benefits for our bodies, from pain and arthritis relief, to sunburn treatment, immune health, digestive health, and many others. It also naturally contains high concentrations of antioxidants like vitamin A and C. These properties make CBD an option for people experiencing hair issues caused by inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis.

One of the most important conditions for healthy hair is the ability to hold in moisture to avoid drying out. CBD is full of fatty acids that help keep your hair and scalp hydrated and nourish your roots.

We’ve written several articles about how CBD may help prevent dry skin, and it works similarly on your scalp. When it comes to skin,  CBD has been found to have a positive impact on the regulation and production of oil in our epidermis. This study found that CBD acts as an effective sebostatic agent, possibly inducing the sebaceous glands to produce more oil when necessary, combatting dryness.

Does CBD Prevent Hair Loss?

The research about CBD and hair loss is in its early stages, but a study completed in 2021 is very promising. It showed that participants who applied a CBD topical to their hair and scalp for six months saw successful regrowth, especially in men.

Here is how the study worked:

The subjects were given a CBD topical in a 2 oz jar once a month and advised to apply a thin layer once each morning to the areas of baldness. The subjects were told that they could use blow dryers, conditioners, and other hair preparations. The 2 oz topical was replaced as needed at monthly visits throughout the six month study. 

The results:

Participants were advised to use about 3 Mg – 4 Mg of CBD once a day, which after six months led to a 74.1% increase in hair in the temporal area for men and a 55.2% for women. The vertex region of the head saw an increase in hair growth of 120.1% for men and 64.9% for women over the same period of time.

These positive results are thought to be the result of CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, a biochemical communication highway throughout the body. CB1 receptors, key components of this system, are found on hair follicle cells, allowing CBD and other cannabinoids to interact with them and regulate their behavior. Stimulating the CB1 receptors found on follicle cells may help decrease hair loss.

How to Add CBD to Your Daily Hair Regimen

One of the simplest ways to start using CBD to promote hair health is to simply massage the oil directly into your hair and scalp. Coat your palms and fingers with a thin layer of CBD oil, then apply directly on your head. Rub the oil into your scalp and work your way across the entire surface of your head. Apply more oil as necessary and then rinse the excess oil out of your hair. You should do this every day or at least every time you wash and condition your hair.

It's best to avoid “gimmicky” products, like many CBD shampoos or other CBD hair products. Those will typically wash out too quickly and don’t have the necessary absorption rates to see the benefits that the study we referenced mentions. To ensure you get the full effect, use the oil directly and ensure it is lab tested for quality and CBD content.

We also recommend consuming CBD oil or capsules orally as well. Although topicals are great for help local issues, having a daily dose of a tincture or capsule product will help CBD build up in your body faster and may help you experience the desired effect more quickly.

Important Things to Remember about CBD Dosage and Effects

Whether consuming topicals, oral products, or both, you should start off with a lower dose and then slowly increase it as needed once you see how it affects your body. It’s also important to remember that CBD is not some miracle drug that will immediately work overnight. You can’t apply it to your scalp for a week and then expect to wake up on the weekend with thick, luscious hair. It takes time. Apply the topical consistently, consume CBD orally, and stick to a daily schedule for months.

You don’t have to worry about “overdosing” or any other serious negative side effects. The most important thing is to just go at your own pace and pay close attention to how your body responds to it.

If you have any questions about how to use CBD for your hair, proper dosage, or anything else, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to help you through your CBD journey!

Work with Local Small Hemp Businesses

When starting out with CBD, it’s important to choose products from reputable brands that use only the highest quality ingredients. Try to avoid getting caught up in “hype products” you see being advertised by celebrities, as they are not necessarily the most high quality or sustainably sourced options.

Plus, if you’re like us then you love to support small businesses! At Urban Roots Hemp Co., our CBD topicals are tested by independent labs for quality and CBD levels, so you can be sure that you’re purchasing a reputable product.

We provide a variety of tincture, capsule, topical, edible, and pet CBD products, so you can find the one that best fits your health and wellness needs and goals. And remember, we are always available to answer your questions!

Frequently Asked Questions: CBD for Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Can CBD oil really help with hair loss? Research is still in its early stages, but the results so far are promising. A 2021 study found that participants who applied a CBD topical to areas of baldness once daily for six months experienced significant hair regrowth — with men seeing up to a 120.1% increase in hair growth in the vertex region of the head, and women seeing up to 64.9% growth in the same area.

How does CBD interact with hair follicles? CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which includes CB1 receptors found directly on hair follicle cells. When CBD stimulates these receptors, it may help regulate follicle behavior and reduce the factors that contribute to hair loss, such as inflammation and poor scalp circulation.

What is the best way to use CBD oil for hair growth? The most effective method is to apply CBD oil directly to your scalp rather than relying on CBD shampoos or other rinse-out products, which don't stay on long enough for adequate absorption. Coat your palms with a thin layer of CBD oil, massage it thoroughly into your scalp, and rinse after application. For best results, do this daily or every time you wash your hair, and combine it with an oral CBD product like a tincture or capsule to help CBD build up in your system faster.

How long does it take to see results from using CBD oil on your hair? Consistency and patience are key. The 2021 study referenced in this article used daily topical application over a six-month period before measuring results. CBD is not an overnight solution; expect to commit to a daily routine for several months before evaluating whether it's working for your hair.

Will CBD oil keep my scalp hydrated? CBD oil is rich in fatty acids and has been shown to help regulate oil production in the skin, including the scalp. These properties can help keep your scalp moisturized and combat dryness, which is one of the foundational conditions for maintaining healthy hair growth.

Is CBD oil safe to use on your hair and scalp? CBD topicals are generally considered safe with no serious known side effects. As with any new product, it's a good idea to start with a lower dose and pay attention to how your scalp responds before increasing usage. Always choose products that are independently lab-tested for quality and CBD content to ensure you're getting a reliable, effective product.