It’s that time of year when America goes on pumpkin overload – pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin-scented candles, pumpkin-themed décor, and so much more! It has gotten to the point where pumpkin mania has become the subject of jokes. What often gets lost in the conversation are the excellent health benefits of pumpkin, including the possibility that it may even help slow or reverse some types of hair loss.
Does Pumpkin Reduce DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone (also known as DHT) is an important hormone, crucial to male sexual development during fetal, childhood, and adolescent stages. Unfortunately, in adulthood, having too much DHT can contribute to male pattern hair loss (known as androgenic alopecia). DHT shortens the hair’s growth cycle and prevents nutrients from reaching hair follicles… causing hair to become weak and thin.
There is some evidence that pumpkin seeds may help with certain types of hair loss, especially male pattern baldness. About a decade ago, a Korean study indicated that pumpkin seed oil acts as a DHT blocker, thus preventing the miniaturization of follicles caused by this testosterone byproduct.
While more research needs to be done on pumpkin seed oil and hair growth, the results were in line with other studies involving natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto, blueberries, avocado, and white mushroom.
Why Do Pumpkin Seeds Block DHT?
Pumpkin seeds contain beta-sitosterol, an alpha-reductase inhibiting compound that blocks testosterone’s ability to convert to DHT. Pumpkin seeds also contain a group of compounds called delta-7-sterine that bind to hair follicle receptors and help to block the damage wrought by DHT.
Does Pumpkin Help with Hair Loss?
There are a few studies and plenty of anecdotal evidence that pumpkin seed oil is helpful in slowing down hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia. It is becoming a popular additive in haircare products and – unless you have a sensitivity or allergy to it – pumpkin seed oil could be worth a try.
There are multiple ways to use pumpkin seed oil as part of your hair and scalp regimen. It can be taken as a gel caplet or liquid oral supplement. It may also be applied topically, either directly as a hot oil treatment or as an ingredient in a commercial haircare product. If you decide to try pumpkin seed oil, be sure to follow directions carefully, and to consult a professional if you have any questions about its suitability for your type of hair loss.
RHRLI Offers a Hair Restoration Option That’s Right for You
While pumpkin seed oil may reduce one cause of hair loss, it’s crucial to have your hair and scalp examined by a qualified professional. At RHRLI, we will determine the cause of your hair loss and help you find the best way to address it. Whether that is through diet, supplements, lifestyle changes, oral or topical medications, or hair restoration procedures… We can find the option that is best for you.
Should you require hair replacement, RHRLI utilizes the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Restoration System. This FUE procedure creates a natural-looking hairline with minimal discomfort and minimal downtime time. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take that first step toward restoring your hair and your confidence.