Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair: What the Research Shows

Pumpkin seed oil has more hair evidence than most plant oils: a placebo-controlled trial in men with androgenetic alopecia found a larger increase in hair count after 24 weeks of 400 mg a day, and a small trial in women found it improved hair measures over 3 months. The trials are small, and only one was placebo-controlled.

Here's what the trials found, what a review says about the oil, and how to think about it.

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Key Takeaways

• In a 24-week, placebo-controlled trial of 76 men with androgenetic alopecia, 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil a day increased hair count by 40%, versus 10% with placebo.
• In a 3-month trial of 60 women with female pattern hair loss, pumpkin seed oil improved hair shaft diversity, vellus hairs and upright regrowing hairs. It was compared with minoxidil foam, with no placebo.
• A review found most pumpkin seed oil studies were done in vitro, with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity; clinical studies suggest benefits for menopausal heart problems and hormone-related ailments.
• Adverse effects did not differ from placebo in the men's trial.

What Is Pumpkin Seed Oil?

Pumpkin seed oil comes from the seeds of the pumpkin plant (Cucurbita pepo). It's used in cooking and traditional medicine, and in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Does Pumpkin Seed Oil Help Hair?

The evidence is early. The trials are small, and the benefits were measured in people with pattern hair loss.

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Using Pumpkin Seed Oil

• Match the dose to the evidence. The placebo-controlled trial used 400 mg a day for 24 weeks.
• Give it time. Results were measured at 3 to 6 months.
• See a dermatologist for the cause of hair loss.

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What The Research Shows

Trial In Men

Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to block 5-alpha reductase and have antiandrogenic effects in rats. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 76 men with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia took 400 mg of pumpkin seed oil or placebo daily for 24 weeks. Hair count increased 40% in the oil group versus 10% in the placebo group (P < 0.001), and self-rated improvement and satisfaction were higher. Adverse effects were not different between the groups (Cho et al., 2014).

Trial In Women

Sixty women with female pattern hair loss were randomized to pumpkin seed oil or minoxidil 5% foam for 3 months. Both groups had reductions in hair shaft diversity and vellus hairs, and the oil group had more upright regrowing hairs. The authors called it promising. There was no placebo group (Ibrahim et al., 2021).

What The Oil Contains

A comprehensive review found that most studies of pumpkin seed oil are in vitro, supporting antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The main phytochemicals with health-related properties are polyphenols, phytoestrogens and fatty acids, with carotenoids, squalene, tocopherols and minerals possibly contributing. The production process can alter the oil's components (Šamec et al., 2022).

See also: Raspberry Seed Oil for Hair: What the Research Shows · Hair Growth Products: What the Research Supports

Comparing oils? See our guide to rosemary oil for hair growth, the oil with the most research behind it.

Pumpkin seed oil is one of the ingredients in FullyVital's Hair Revival Supplements. For how the evidence for each ingredient in the line stacks up, see our evidence-tier breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pumpkin seed oil help hair growth?

In a 24-week placebo-controlled trial in men with androgenetic alopecia, 400 mg a day increased hair count more than placebo. Larger trials are needed.

Is pumpkin seed oil safe?

Adverse effects did not differ from placebo in the men's trial. Talk to your doctor first.

Does the production method matter?

A review notes the production process may affect the oil's components, and so its activity.

References

1. Cho YH, Lee SY, Jeong DW, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. PubMed
2. Ibrahim IM, Hasan MS, Elsabaa KI, et al. Pumpkin seed oil vs. minoxidil 5% topical foam for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: A randomized comparative trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021. PubMed
3. Šamec D, Loizzo MR, Gortzi O, et al. The potential of pumpkin seed oil as a functional food-A comprehensive review of chemical composition, health benefits, and safety. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2022. PubMed