Can CBD Help Hair Growth?
There’s no doubt: CBD oil is one of the best hair growth remedies. It’s an incredible ingredient that calms the body and mind, and amazingly enough, offers hair-growth benefits both when consumed and when applied straight to the skin.
We can go on and on about the benefits of CBD, but it’s also important to be realistic and scientifically minded. Just because an ingredient is fantastic in certain ways doesn’t mean it can do it all. The fact of the matter is, the Internet is rife with overblown and pseudoscientfic claims about what CBD can do, so it’s time to bust some myths, especially about how CBD can impact your precious hair.
First, a Quick Briefer on What CBD Is
The acronym CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is one of the most intriguing constituents naturally found in the cannabis sativa plant, particularly hemp. Though the notion of something coming from cannabis might seem worrisome, the World Health Organization considers CBD safe and well-tolerated, which is why it has been legalized by the U.S. federal government -- the greatest news for hair since the discovery of biotin.
Myth #1: It Doesn’t Directly Thicken Hair Strands
CBD’s awesome effect on hair growth doesn’t happen by transforming hair strands themselves. (A nice coating of hemp oil might help lubricate and add visible shine to your locks, but because it’s rich in poly-unsaturated fatty acids it probably isn’t the best oil for the job.) Save your CBD bucks for the scalp and skin instead, where the real growth happens.
CBD oil works topically by influencing the scalp, specifically by playing a role in reducing inflammation and helping improve blood circulation, both of which are necessary in providing the ideal environment for a luscious mane.
Myth #2: It Doesn’t Make the Follicles Sprout Hairs At Any Time
When applied topically, CBD can impact the hair follicle not by magically making it sprout hairs as soon as you start applying topical treatments, but by making your scalp balanced and healthy so that when the anagen growth phase occurs, the follicles are soothed and in prime condition to grow more hair, for longer.
For instance, inflammation is a common cause of hair loss since it damages the follicle and puts it in a state where it struggles to function. CBD counters that because it can suppress inflammation and as a result, helps bring the hair follicle back to a healthier state where it can resume normal hair growth.
That said, there is no guarantee that topically applied CBD will actually penetrate into where it can help. In order for CBD to find its way in, it’s important that it’s formulated in a way that allows it to actually get into the skin. This is why our Gro+ Advanced Hair Serum was formulated with CBD that had been broken down into 100 nanometers from 1,200 to 2,000 nanometers, and then micro-encapsulated in order to enhance its ability to penetrate into the hair follicle.
When consumed, CBD may help by promoting blood circulation and increasing the amount of nutrients the hair follicles receive.
Myth #3: It Can’t Influence Pattern Baldness (At Least Not Alone)
Male and female pattern baldness, which is the type of baldness that normally occurs with age, cannot be treated with CBD by itself. The mechanism by which CBD helps with hair growth is primarily a soothing one, but pattern baldness, which is also known as androgenic alopecia, is caused by hormonal fluctuations in the body, and specifically, by the conversion of regular testosterone into DHT. While taking CBD or applying it topically certainly won’t hurt, especially since it helps increase penetration, DHT inhibitors like red clover will be the better treatment for androgenic alopecia. This is why our Gro+ Advanced Hair Serum includes both CBD and red clover, as well as other ingredients beneficial to the state of the scalp like turmeric and caffeine.
Myth #4: It’s Not Regulated
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is currently in the process of researching and hammering out CBD-related regulations, but as it stands, there is very little oversight over companies that produce products with CBD. It’s difficult to know what the concentrations are, not to mention that there are concerns about farming methods and the quality of the soil.
It’s not unheard of for CBD products from sketchy sources to include heavy metal or pesticide contaminants. This is why it is so important to only purchase CBD products from companies that are trust-worthy and transparent. At Vegamour, the full-spectrum hemp oil we use is carefully sourced, so we can guarantee its purity.
Myth #5: It Won’t Work Overnight
Always be skeptical when someone suggests that a remedy will work instantly -- there are very few, if any, treatments out there that can make an instant difference. The simple soothing effects of CBD can come within minutes to an hour after it is consumed, but its beneficial effects on hair growth only come after regular and consistent use. Whether hair loss is caused by chronic inflammation or high stress levels, the body needs to reach a state of balance before normal hair growth can resume.
With topical use of CBD, results usually come after 90 days of consistent use, though it takes another 30 days to see peek effects, and when it comes to supplementation with full-spectrum hemp, though it certainly works to alleviate stress and reduce cortisol levels fairly quickly, the results eventually fade away once stress returns, so it needs to be taken consistently.
Myth #6: It Might Not Be Enough on Its Own
Hair growth is often impacted by a variety of factors rather than just one, and stress and inflammation are often an add-ons to other issues -- after all, losing hair is a very concerning experience! In general, CBD works better when it comes in the holistic form of full-spectrum hemp oil, which also includes a variety of fatty acids and antioxidants that are important for human health, but it is also good to rely on other hair-boosting aids including natural DHT-inhibitors and hair-loving nutrients.
Why We Love CBD, Even Though It’s Not a Magic Cure-All
With all of the myth-busting done, we still have to give CBD credit where it is due. This ingredient is incredible, after all! We have thoroughly outlined the benefits of CBD here, but here is a quick summary.
When consumed, the main benefit of CBD is its ability to reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, which is known for its negative effects on the follicles. Additionally, it also improves blood circulation, which is integral for delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles to allow them to produce keratin properly. When applied topically, CBD is highly beneficial as a soothing agent that can reduce irritation, and since inflammation is often the cause of hair loss and damage, it can be an exceptional remedy.
When all is said and done, knowledge is power, and with this power can come a beautiful head of hair. Now you know what CBD claims are preposterous and what CBD formulas you can trust for effective and visible results.