What to Know About Using Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Growth, According to Experts
When it comes to oils that can help promote hair growth, rosemary tends to get the most attention, but pumpkin seed oil is another worthy contender. Besides making decadent seasonal lattes, fall's favorite fruit contains oil that's rich in essential fatty acids and phytosterols. These nutrients support scalp and hair health—and research shows they may help address the root cause of hair loss.
Meet Our Expert
Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
Penny James is a certified trichologist and founder of the Penny James Trichology Center.
Sophia Emmanuel is a certified trichologist and founder of Crown Worthy.
Ahead, we tapped experts to break down the science and explain how best to use pumpkin seed oil for hair growth.
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Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil is rich in several vitamins, essential fatty acids, and phytosterols, which support hair and scalp health in multiple ways. "Pumpkin seed oil's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help soothe the scalp, stop an itchy scalp, and promote healthier conditions for hair follicles," says trichologist Penny James.
Of course, pumpkin seed oil's benefits depend on whether you're ingesting the oil or applying it topically. Here's what the research says on how to reap each benefit.
Supports Hair Follicle Health
Dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. says that the fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil help "support the health of the hair follicles because of their emollient properties." This translates to better skin barrier function, membrane fluidity, and cell signaling. James says the omega-3s in particular "help reduce inflammation, support hair follicle health, and improve hair texture." On the flip side, a fatty acid deficiency can lead to hair loss, Dr. King says.
Strengthens Hair
Another key role that fatty acids play is supporting the hair's structural integrity. "They help strengthen hair strands, reducing breakage and split ends. By providing necessary building blocks, they support hair's overall resilience," James says.
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May Reduce Hair Loss
One of the main hormones responsible for female pattern hair thinning is dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, Dr. King explains. Trichologist Sophia Emmanuel adds: "DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, causing healthy, thick strands of hair to grow thin at the temples, top, and front of the scalp."
Research shows that when ingested, pumpkin seed oil influences the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. So by lowering levels of DHT, the phytosterols in pumpkin seed oil can help mitigate hair loss and thinning, James says.Research suggests fatty acids like oleic acid and linoleic acid, which pumpkin seed oil is rich in, may also inhibit 5-alpha reductase.
Though these results are promising, the scope of research is limited. Dr. King says we need more data to determine how effective pumpkin seed oil is in reducing shedding and thinning.
May Support Hair Growth
James explains that the omega-6 fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil "promote hydration and maintain the scalp’s moisture balance, which is crucial for healthy hair growth." The oil also contains vitamin E, which James says may help improve circulation to the scalp, and therefore promote hair growth.
Additionally, Dr. King cites a 2014 study that showed men who took pumpkin seed oil supplements experienced 30 percent more hair growth than the placebo group. However, the study was done exclusively on men, and the pumpkin supplements that participants took included other ingredients, so we can't say for sure that the pumpkin seed oil alone improved hair growth.
A small 2021 study of women with female pattern hair loss compared the effects of applying topical pumpkin seed oil to minoxidil, the gold standard medication for hair loss. After three months, both groups saw significant increases in hair regrowth and reductions in hair shaft diversity (a measure that indicates alopecia), though those in the minoxidil groups saw slightly larger improvements.
Side Effects
"Pumpkin oil is well-tolerated, but it can cause redness on the skin and an itchy scalp," James says. She suggests using only small quantities, and that individuals with rosacea or very oily roots skip pumpkin seed oil altogether. Dr. King adds that people with pumpkin allergies should stay clear of the oil.
Hair Type Considerations
Emmanuel says that "Your hair type has nothing to do with whether pumpkin seed oil will be beneficial." Though people with all kinds of hair have the potential to benefit from pumpkin seed oil, Emmanuel says that results will vary from person to person.
How to Use it
Ingest it
You can consume pumpkin seed oil alone or in supplements. "When you use pumpkin seed orally, it will be delivered to your bloodstream," says Emmanuel, "which may help absorb the nutrients and vitamins instead of being used topically." That said, she warns that supplements are best taken under the supervision of a doctor, who can discuss your specific health needs and potential side effects.
Apply it
You can also apply pumpkin seed oil by heating it up slightly and rubbing it into the scalp. Alternatively, you can use products that list pumpkin seed oil as one of the ingredients. But keep in mind that "when pumpkin seed oil is applied topically, the benefits are localized to the areas it is applied to," says Emmanuel.
The Takeaway
Research suggests the essential fatty acids, phytoseterols, and vitamins E, A, and K present in pumpkin seed oil can support hair and scalp health. Researchers think pumpkin seed oil may mitigate certain types of hair loss and support hair growth, but larger, more comprehensive studies are needed.
Emmanuel suggests working with a professional to determine the root causes of your hair concerns before trying anything yourself. "Taking pumpkin seed oil orally does not guarantee that your hair will regrow if there are underlying causes of hair loss, such as poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, hormones, stress, and taking certain medications," Emmanuel says.
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