CBD for Hair Loss
CBD for Hair Loss and Hair Growth
Did you know that 50% of men experience baldness? By the time men reach 70 years old, more than 80% have witnessed some degree of hair loss or baldness. Alas, hair loss is not a thing only men worry about: research is showing that up to 40% of women experience hair loss and hair thinning by the time they reach 50.
As people grow older, hair loss can become more visible and sustained. Baldness and hair loss can damage people’s own view of themselves and lower their self-esteem — which explains why there are so many hair loss products in the market.
With the increasing spread of CBD products, it was inevitable that research would go into the possible connection between CBD and hair growth. Can CBD help with hair growth? Can CBD minimize hair loss? Quick answer: yes, but it depends on the dose. Too little and it has no effect; too much and it has the opposite effect!
Here’s what the latest findings are showing us.
Does hair loss matter?
Most people will say that hair loss bothers them because they feel it makes them look less attractive and may even feel embarrassed about their looks. There is a big psychological impact, which is why there is increasing demand for hair growth products and therapies.
Sudden hair loss may also be a symptom of important underlying conditions like hypothyroidism, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, lupus, protein deficiency, and even diabetes.
If you have excluded any connection between hair loss and a health issue, then you can move to exploring new ways to fight baldness.
How does a hair follicle function?
Let’s take a quick look at how hair follicles work. The hair follicle comes out of a bulb. The bulb is located in the surface layers of the skin; hair grows out of the bulb.
The human body has more than 5 million hair follicles spread across the body. Most people are concerned about their heads but we have follicles everywhere. Remember the goosebumps you get when you are cold or scared? There is a small muscle inside the hair that makes it stand up.
Interestingly enough, the hair follicle is part of the skin system and has the colour of your skin. The hair itself isn’t the same colour as the hair follicle.
Now let’s move on to the hair growth cycle, which will explain how and when we lose hair.
Hair Growth Cycle
The hair follicle undergoes a cyclical process consisting of three main phases:
Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)
This is the active phase, where cells in the hair matrix divide rapidly and produce new hair. This phase can last from two to seven years, depending on genetics and other factors.
Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase)
This is a short transitional phase lasting about two to three weeks. During catagen, hair growth stops and the hair follicle shrinks. The lower part of the follicle is absorbed and the hair transitions from an active growth phase to a resting phase.
Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)
Lasting about three months, this phase is when the hair follicle is inactive. The old hair remains in the follicle while a new hair begins to grow underneath. Eventually, the old hair is shed to make way for the new hair, marking the beginning of a new anagen phase.
Hair Shedding and Renewal
At any given time, a significant portion of hair follicles are in the anagen phase, while the rest are in catagen or telogen phases. It’s normal to shed some hairs daily as part of the telogen phase. The balance between hair loss and hair growth is maintained by the cycling of hair follicles through these phases.
Male genes and sex hormones can cause men to develop thinning hair and a receding hairline, especially along the crown of the head. In these cases, the respective follicles go dormant and no longer produce any hair.
Can CBD help with hair loss?
So, how might CBD benefit hair thinning and hair loss? The answer lies in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is affected by CBD. The ECS is found in the hair follicles and plays in an important role in the hair follicle life cycle.
Since CBD interacts with the ECS, researchers wondered if it might help hair follicles produce more hair.
Research is tentatively showing that CBD may be helpful, although there are no definitive findings. A recent study on male baldness showed that men who used a CBD-rich topical on hair witnessed hair regrowth to varying degrees. Interestingly, the hemp extract used seemed to work better than conventional anti-hair loss formulations like finasteride and minoxidil.
However, there is a catch: it’s still unclear how much CBD should be administered. It seems that too much CBD causes hair loss, so people have to find the right CBD dosage that works for their hair follicles. An article published in 2022 concluded that “the effect of CBD on hair growth may be concentration-dependent… CBD may cause hair loss at high concentrations.”
Other ways CBD can help with hair health
CBD for scalp inflammation
Besides its connection with the ECS, another way CBD may help with hair loss is through its anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many types of hair loss, including conditions like alopecia areata. Topical CBD-rich lotions and oral CBD may help reduce inflammation in the scalp and create a healthier environment for hair follicles to grow new hair.
Another benefit of CBD is that it’s rich in essential fatty acids like Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9, which are important for healthy hair. These fatty acids help nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair as they reduce breakage and improve overall hair health.
Some inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can affect hair growth as well. CBD topicals may help patients better handle their skin conditions, thus indirectly improving hair health and hair growth.
CBD for stress
Stress can affect almost every part of our body and mind. Unsurprisingly, it also impacts on hair health.
High levels of stress can cause hair follicles to enter a resting phase and shed prematurely. CBD is known for its anxiolytic properties, meaning it may help reduce anxiety and stress. The calmer we feel in our mind, the calmer our whole body, including the scalp, feels. If CBD can promote a sense of calm and well-being, it may indirectly contribute to healthier hair growth.
CBD for better blood circulation
Finally, CBD has been shown to improve blood circulation. Better blood circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to hair follicles, which supports their health and function. Boosted blood flow to the scalp can result in stronger, thicker hair.
CBD for healthy hair
Hair loss and hair thinning may cause people to feel less well about themselves and their image. While male baldness has a genetic and hormonal cause, there is also hope for improved hair growth and better hair health.
Initial trials and studies have shown that CBD may be helpful with hair growth, limiting hair loss. But we still don’t know how this is done and how to fine-tune the CBD dosage to achieve the perfect balance.
Indirectly, CBD may help with inflammation, stress, and blood circulation—all of which can cause hair loss and hair thinning. Although the effects are indirect, this might improve hair and scalp health.
Which CBD product is right for you?
There are various ways to take CBD. Most people opt to take it orally but for the purpose of hair growth, there are many topical CBD products that can be applied locally to boost hair growth and scalp health. Here’s how to choose your CBD dosage depending on the product you’re using.
Whenever possible, choose organic CBD products. Check the manufacturer and verify they run tests on their products which prove the CBD content, the existence of harmful chemicals or heavy metals and the content of other cannabinoids. You want to get the purest, safest CBD products so doing some research is always useful. The best way to ensure this is to check our reviews for the best UK CBD oil brands and the best UK CBD stores.
Finally, verify with your GP that you can get CBD. Topical CBD rarely enters the bloodstream thanks to the seven layers of skin we humans have, so there is much less concern about CBD skin products interacting with other compounds. However, edible CBD such as oils, tinctures, capsules, pills, or gummies may interact with other medications you could be on, so remember to mention even any over-the-counter medications you may be using.
Nicholas Rossis, PhD is a specialized, NSF-trained writer who has written hundreds of posts on CBD and nutritional supplements. His work combines critical acclaim with the analysis of the latest news, studies, research, and legal developments in the world of CBD, providing readers with valuable data and insights.
