Can CBD Oil Treat Hair Loss?

I am a 25 year old man, I have been suffering from hair loss since I was 21. Recently, I heard about CBD oil and all of it’s benefits, apparently CBD oil can also treat hair loss is this true?

CBD oil has exploded in popularity in recent years, many are touting CBD oil as a “miracle” treatment. Unfortunately, there isn’t any concrete evidence to suggest that CBD oil can prevent, slow or even stop hereditary hair loss. CBD oil has been shown to be effective at treating anxiety and other health related ailments.

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a phytocannabinoid which was discovered in the 1940’s and has recently been studied for various conditions and ailments. As of 2018, clinical research has been conducted on CBD oil for the treatment of anxiety, cognitive disorders, movement disorders and pain. The results of these studies have been impressive and many physician’s are now considering CBD oil to be an effective supplement.

CBD oil is rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks for protein. Many have speculated that CBD oil may help maintain healthy hair and may reduce hair breakage. Hair shedding and hair loss have always been closely associated, while hair shedding does not necessarily equal hair loss, it is not uncommon to experience excessive hair shedding when suffering from patterned alopecia.

Moreover, CBD oil has plenty of antioxidants which have been shown to protect from free radicals. The correlation between amino acids and antioxidants can certainly entice many hair loss sufferers, but the fact of the matter is that patterned alopecia is triggered by hormones. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the androgen responsible for causing male and female pattern baldness.

DHT binds to the hair follicles androgen receptors and gradually shrinks the hair follicles until they no longer grow, this process is called miniaturization or thinning. Currently, the most effective treatment for androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss) is Propecia (finasteride). Propecia works by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme which is responsible for converting testosterone in to DHT through the blood stream. Unfortunately, this medication has been linked with undesirable side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, low libido and cognitive disorders.

To date, the only proven method for regrowing hair on a completely bald scalp is surgical hair restoration. Hair transplant surgery is currently going through a golden age renaissance period. The procedure itself has been refined to the point where barbers and hair stylists can’t detect that any work has been done.

Written and published by,
Melvin- Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network and The Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians