CBD oil has taken the beauty industry by storm in recent years. Aside from its reported effects on anxiety, pain, and inflammation, there are also claims that CBD products may help hydrate your skin, reduce acne, smooth wrinkles, and more. There is an increasing number of studies that are being conducted to back up these claims, and there is still a lot to learn. But many people are trying CBD on their own to see what positive effects it has on them.
One of the reasons people are trying CBD is to promote hair health and regrowth. Let’s take a look at what we know so far.
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!