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Summary: Can pumpkin make your hair grow? Pumpkin is thought to have many beneficial properties that can contribute to hair growth and quality. Read on to discover what, why and how... 

Not sure what benefits pumpkins have, apart from making jack-o'-lanterns over Hallowe’en? Surprisingly, pumpkin is a natural and powerful method of encouraging hair growth.

So, we thought we'd explain exactly how it works and how you can use pumpkin and pumpkin seed oil for hair that’s thicker and stronger!

Pumpkin & Hair: How Does Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair Growth Work?

When it comes to plant-based oils, they have a great reputation for their healthy fats and amino acids, and the benefits of these for hair’s quality and growth rate.

One of the main studies about pumpkin seed oil for hair growth was carried out in 2014. The participants were a group of cis men with male pattern baldness, half of which took pumpkin seed supplements and the other half took a placebo. Those who had taken the pumpkin supplement experienced 30% more hair growth than the other group! Wow, huh!?

Read more on hair loss in men and how to fix it here!

It's argued that the reason why pumpkin seed oil helps hair growth is because it contains phytosterols. Phytosterols, which are found in most plants, act a little like cholesterols, but they show only positive health benefits.

Phytosterols work by blocking the enzymes and hormones in your scalp (Like DHT: dihydrotestosterone) which cause hair loss, and slow that process down.

Pumpkin is also full of minerals such as potassium and zinc which work to help to keep hair healthy and encourage hair re-growth. Zinc helps to encourage collagen production, which stimulates dying hair follicles and encourages stronger re-growth.

It also includes folate, a B vitamin that helps to stimulate hair growth by improving your blood circulation!

Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair Growth: How To Use Pumpkin With Hair

Use Your Leftover Pumpkin With Hair

Rather than throwing out your discarded pumpkin flesh, why not skip your soup making and turn it into a nourishing hair mask, which will help restore shine and boost growth!?

Simply mash the pumpkin flesh with a carrier oil (either coconut or castor oil), apply to your hair and leave in for 30 minutes. Wash out thoroughly with a sulphate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner, and repeat once a week for best results!

Use Pumpkin Seed Oil For Hair Growth Supplements

Pumpkin Seed Oil supplements are normally made and sold in the form of oil gel capsules. Follow the instructions which are provided with the supplement packet, but usually if the capsule is around 1000mg it will suggest taking a capsule 2-3 times a day. Supplements make it really easy to get a needed nutrient into your routine. Pumpkin seed oil supplements should start to show results after around 8 weeks, so be patient!

Apply Pumpkin Seed Oil On Scalp Topically

You can topically apply pumpkin seed oil on your scalp! Usually this works best as a hot oil treatment, conducted once a week to once a month. (If used too much your hair could become oilier over time. If you’re already prone to greasy hair, once a month is definitely the route for you!)

1. Wash your hair like normal, with your go-to shampoo. Don’t put any additional products in afterward.

2. Warm your pumpkin seed oil through, preferably with a double boiler pan, and test it on the inside of your wrist to make sure it is warm, and not scolding hot!

3. Wet your hair and massage the oil all over and into your scalp. Remember, it should feel pleasantly warm, not hot or you’ll burn your skin!

4. After your scalp feels covered, wrap your hair in a heated towel and leave the pumpkin seed oil on your hair and scalp for at least 20 minutes.

5. Remove the towel, and wash your hair through again with your hypoallergenic shampoo, and this time around you can continue your usual hair routine as normal.

Pumpkin & Hair: What Can Help Your Hair Grow? Pumpkin!

Although there hasn’t been extensive research into what pumpkin seed oil can do for your hair; it’s a fairly safe treatment which should increase and support the strength and quality of your hair over time.

For signs of hair growth, be patient as this will always take around 6-8 weeks.

If you start to experience redness, burning, discomfort, pain, or develop a rash after using an essential oil, this can indicate an allergic reaction, so stop using the pumpkin seed oil immediately and wash the area with cool water.

For more ideas on how to use pumpkin as part of your beauty regime, click here!

Pumpkin Oil For Hair Not For You? Try Cel Products For Hair Growth…

At Cel, we've done extensive research into preventing hair loss and encouraging growth. It’s our speciality!

The stem cell technology we’ve invested in researching and utilising in our Microstem products, works to strengthen hair, and promote fuller looking hair even in stubborn areas!

Depending on your routine, or the type of hair loss you're experiencing, we have a variety of scientifically optimised haircare products for you to experience! Don’t just take our word for it: Try Cel today!