In this article we’ll be covering how CBD works for hair loss, alopecia and other hair conditions that cause hair to thin. We’ll explore not only cannabinoids found inside hemp, but also how the endocannabinoid system inside all living mammals produces its own cannabinoids that assist in regulating healthy hair growth and loss.
HEMP & HAIR LOSS
Hair loss and thinning of the scalp are common issues that a lot of people struggle with. In fact, an estimated 1.5 billion is spent around the world trying to resolve them.
Most of the time, hair loss is hereditary and comes as a result of aging. Hormonal factors can play a role during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause, or when there are problems with the thyroid.
A common disease called alopecia occurs when bald patches form, possibly overlapping each other. Certain prescription medications for common conditions note hair loss as a side effect.
High levels of stress can cause hair to thin or fall out. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause hair loss. Did you know styling your hair can be a culprit in hair loss?
Styling hair in tight styles frequently, or over-processing your hair are unforgiving to your hair. While hair loss can hurt one's confidence and take a toll on self-esteem, cannabinoids found inside hemp and CBD products can offer help to treat hair loss related conditions.
CBD OIL FOR HAIR
One important factor to consider is the amount of anti-inflammatory nutrients, amino acids and essential fatty acids that hemp oil contains. Coming from the whole plant, it is a rich source of omega fatty acids, linolenic, and gamma acids. These acids help sustain normal growth of hair follicles and prevent hair loss and thinning hair.
Reduce inflammation with cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) boasting high levels of vitamin E, which restore damaged cells and can thicken hair and regulate hormones in the body.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hair-loss/medications-that-can-cause-hair-loss.aspx
While alopecia and hereditary baldness may continue, using hemp can improve the current hair by strengthening it, thickening it, and slowing down the rate of loss.
Other dietary deficiencies can result in hair loss, so CBD’s nutrient-dense composition can best help to increase the user’s levels of these deficiencies.
Many people using CBD oil find relief from their conditions and ailments, which can allow them to reduce or stop taking certain prescription medications after discussion with their physician.
Medications for high blood pressure, arthritis, depression and heart problems can all be culprits for hair loss.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423
Cannabinoids can improve cardiovascular health, pain, and inflammation, mood and blood pressure. In therapeutic doses, whole plant hemp oil does not have adverse side effects and can even help your hair.
CBD BENEFITS FOR HAIR
One of CBD’s most impressive capabilities is that it can relieve anxiety and stress within the body. CBD has sedative properties, promoting and maintaining a sense of relaxation for the user.
CBD rich hemp oil reduces stress level and responses within the body down to the chemical and cellular level. Cannabidiol is full of antioxidants to fight off free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within the body.
CBD oil is safe for everyday use in supporting anxiety and stress, doesn’t have negative health impacts, and doesn’t negatively affect mental processes.
One study found the endocannabinoid system (ECS) highly relevant in hair follicle growth and inhibition. Based on what was required to maintain hair balance, the ECS was an active participant in growing hair that's thinning, and inhibiting over-growth of hair.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17567570/
Another study looked at the promising effects of CBD in regulating the growth of hair directly.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31369737/
Again, another study from 2019 went on to mention that research over the past two decades has found the endocannabinoid system and both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids to be “deeply involved” in the regulation, balance and regeneration of the hair and skin.
They went on to say that this included conditions such as “atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, acne, hair growth and pigmentation disorders, keratin diseases, various tumors, and itch.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429381/
Hemp seed oil vs full spectrum
It’s important to keep in mind that the hempseed oil benefits for hair reach about as far the fatty acids and flavonoid content. Acknowledging most hemp seed oil products do not contain any appreciable amounts of cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, CBG, THCA etc.
Whereas in a whole plant or full spectrum hemp oil you’ll benefit from a wide range of the 120+ cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, terpenes, fatty acids and other bioavailable plant compounds that all work in synergy to increase the products efficiency and effectiveness.
This is why it’s crucial that when searching for a hemp oil for hair loss or growth, that you take the time to read the product reviews and ensure that it’s not just a run of the mill hemp seed oil product used in salads, baking and on cereal.
Without a wide range of cannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system isn’t able to be reactivated and brought back ‘online’ to assist with hair loss or hair growth. The ECS is a master regulator of all systems in the body; when one system falls out of balance, the ECS is there to help pick it back up and bring it back into normal healthy functioning.
The endocannabinoid system has two main “locks” located throughout the entire body from head to toe called “cannabinoid receptor 1” and “cannabinoid receptor 2.” These receptors await the right keys to fit into these locks, to unlock your body’s own internal medicine cabinet - so to speak.
The keys are the cannabinoids your body produces and the cannabinoids found inside the cannabis (hemp) plant. When you supply the body with enough cannabinoids, this system turns on and goes to work, bringing balance and order to areas of the body that are experiencing dysfunction.
This is powerful and in coming years will prove to be the most important system of physiology in the body, paving the way for hemp and other cannabis products to transform the health of the population.
If you enjoyed this article you may enjoy scanning our blog for the latest research on all things hemp, cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system as we uncover the vast ways this system impacts our health and ultimately, our lives.
As always, prior to making any changes to your lifestyle or treatment plan, be sure to consult with a licenced medical professional.