Hair loss and hair problems have become one of the main concerns of people around the world, and few solutions are available to address the problem with significant results. While traditional treatments have some benefits, they may not always produce the desired outcome. However, some research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a natural component found in cannabis, could be a promising option to promote health and potentially help hair loss and related issues.

CBD is a non-psychoactive molecule found in cannabis that has attracted the attention of researchers and industry professionals for its therapeutic and wellness properties. Recently, interest in CBD has expanded to the hair field with studies exploring its potential to improve hair and scalp health. In this blog post, we explore the different ways CBD could potentially help with several hair problems, such as hair loss, dry and itchy scalp, as well as the benefits for overall hair growth and health.

Can CBD promote hair growth?

There is some evidence that suggests that CBD may have a role in promoting hair growth by potentially reducing inflammation on the scalp. Inflammation can sometimes contribute to hair loss by causing hair follicles to shrink, which in turn can affect hair growth. While the exact mechanisms behind CBD's potential benefits for hair growth are not yet fully understood, some researchers believe that it may help to prevent hair loss and stimulate the growth of new hair by reducing inflammation.

Another way in which CBD can support hair growth is by improving blood flow to the scalp. Good blood circulation is essential for the health of hair follicles, as it provides them with the nutrients they need to grow. By improving blood flow, CBD may help to ensure that hair follicles receive the nutrients they need, leading to stronger and healthier hair.

Hormonal imbalances, in particular, can have a significant impact on hair growth and can cause hair loss. This is because hormones play a crucial role in regulating the hair growth cycle, and any changes to hormone levels can disrupt the normal functioning of hair follicles and cause hair loss.

CBD is believed to have a positive impact on hormonal balance, which can help to improve hair growth. This is because CBD has been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating many physiological processes in the body, including hormone regulation. By interacting with this system, CBD can help to regulate hormones (Hillard, 2015) and reduce the impact of hormonal changes on hair growth.

CBD for hair damage and breakage

CBD can also play an important role in preventing hair damage and breakage. Some studies suggest that CBD is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect hair from damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and exposure to dust and other pollutants (Atalay et al., 2019). Antioxidants can also help in repairing damaged hair, as they work to neutralize free radicals that can break down hair strands and cause breakage.

Another way in which CBD can help to prevent hair damage and breakage is by providing the hair and scalp with essential nutrients. For example, CBD is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins E and B, which are important for healthy hair growth. Additionally, CBD contains fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6:

Essential nutrients, such as Vitamin E, B vitamins (biotin and niacin), and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) may have potential benefits for the hair and scalp. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may protect against damage and improve blood circulation to the scalp. B vitamins play a critical role in healthy hair growth, with biotin contributing to hair health and niacin enhancing blood circulation. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, can help maintain the moisture balance of the scalp and hair, reducing damage and breakage.

Therefore, according to Health Europa (2019), CBD contains essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that contribute to healthy hair growth and prevent damage and breakage. Using CBD in your hair care routine can provide your hair and scalp with the nutrients they need for strong and healthy growth.

Can CBD treat Scalp Conditions?

One of the ways in which CBD can help to treat scalp conditions is by its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and signalling molecules that regulate many physiological processes in the body, including skin health. CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which are found on the skin and scalp.

CBD may have potential benefits for reducing inflammation on the scalp, such as in the case of eczema. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may work by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing the activation of immune cells, such as T-cells and mast cells, which are involved in the inflammatory response. This could potentially lead to a reduction in inflammation and itching, improving the symptoms of eczema.

Besides, CBD may have potential benefits for regulating hair sebum production, reducing the risk of scalp infections, and improving the overall health of the scalp. An imbalance in sebum production can lead to conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, while scalp infections can cause dandruff and other skin conditions. CBD's antimicrobial properties may help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of scalp infections. These effects may potentially lead to an improvement in the health of the scalp.

As you may already know, one of our main ingredients is CBD, and we have incorporated it into our Huile Précieuse Face Oil, a versatile oil that can be used for the face, body, and hair. This product is a combination of nine plant-based oils and can be a beneficial addition to your hair care routine. 

Here are some recommendations on how to incorporate it into your hair care routine.

How to use SOWÉ's Huile Précieuse on your hair

On dry hair

• Amount to use: Approximately 1 teaspoon of the oil.
• Apply the CBD oil on your dry hair by massaging the scalp to distribute the product evenly.
• Leave it on for 5 minutes.
• Use a comb or brush to spread the oil throughout the length of your hair, focusing on the ends but not the roots.
• Leave it on for as long as possible (at least 1 hour).
• Wash your hair as usual.

On wet hair

• Amount to use: A small amount of the oil (about 1 tablespoon).
• Wash your hair with shampoo and gently squeeze out excess water.
• Apply the CBD oil on your wet hair, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends.
• Gently massage to distribute the oil evenly throughout your hair.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with clear water and style as usual.

Mixing Huile Precieuse with a carrier oil

• Amount to use: 1 teaspoon of the oil and 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (such as coconut oil, argan oil, or sweet almond oil).
• Mix the two oils in a bowl.
• Apply the mixture on your dry or wet hair following the steps previously described for dry or wet hair application.
• Leave it on for the recommended time and then wash or rinse your hair.

Mixing Huile Precieuse with a hair mask

• Amount to use:1 teaspoon of the oil and the usual amount of hair mask for your hair length.
• Mix the CBD oil with the hair mask in a bowl.
• Apply the mixture on your clean and wet hair.
• Leave it on for the recommended time on the hair mask packaging (usually between 10 and 30 minutes).
• Rinse your hair with clear water and style as usual.

Mixing Huile Precieuse with shampoo or conditioner:

• Amount to use: Add a few drops of the oil to the usual amount of shampoo or conditioner you use.
• Mix the precious oil with the shampoo or conditioner in your hand.
• Apply the mixture on your wet hair and gently massage your scalp and hair.
• Leave it on for the recommended time on the shampoo or conditioner packaging.
• Rinse your hair with clear water and style as usual.

It is important to note that the use of oil can vary depending on the concentration of CBD present in the oil and the sensitivity of your scalp and hair. It is recommended to start with small amounts of oil and gradually increase as you need it.

Try our Huile Précieuse and find out for yourself its amazing benefits.

Friendly Note: Consult a healthcare professional before using CBD oil for hair. It might not suit everyone and could cause irritation. Your doctor can guide you on its suitability for your hair loss. Identify the root cause of hair loss before using CBD oil, and seek medical advice if needed.

Sources

• Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 13, 927–942. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s286411
• Gupta, A. K., & Talukder, M. (2021). Cannabinoids for skin diseases and hair regrowth. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(9), 2703–2711. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14352
• Katikaneni, R., Ponnapakkam, T., Seymour, A., Sakon, J., & Gensure, R. (2014). Parathyroid hormone linked to a collagen binding domain promotes hair growth in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-Cancer Drugs, 25(7), 819–825. https://doi.org/10.1097/cad.0000000000000110
• Smith, Gregory L. & Satino John (2021) Hair Regrowth with Cannabidiol (CBD)-rich Hemp Extract – A Case Series, Cannabis 2021 Volume 4 (1) DOI: 10.26828/cannabis/2021.01.003