CBD products have become a go-to choice for many Americans to deal with their pain, anxiety, and overall wellness issues. But what about our hair health? Our hair tends to become thin and brittle as we age. Pollution, harsh environments, stress, genetics, medication, aging, and many other factors make our hair prone to damage.
Androgenic alopecia, or baldness, affects around 80 million individuals in the U.S.A. There are plenty of options, like different serums, shampoos, and hair therapies, available on the market, but CBD is a more natural alternative to harmful products full of harsh chemicals.
CBD-infused shampoos and oils have made their way into people’s hair care routines. Research and anecdotal testimonies show that CBD is effective in preventing hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth. In this article, we will explore how much truth this holds.
Science Behind CBD and Hair
Some studies show that CBD has both positive and negative effects on hair health, depending on its concentration levels. It will promote hair growth at low concentration levels (<10μM); over this, it can lead to hair thinning and make them brittle. Hence, the concentration of CBD in your hair care products, like shampoo or gels, should be balanced for healthy hair growth.
To study these effects, a group of 28 males (28–38 years old) and 7 females (46–76 years old) were asked to apply a CBD-rich topical on their scalp daily for 6 months. Every dose had around 4 mg of CBD. After six months, it was found that the regular application of this CBD-rich topical resulted in a hair count increase of 93.5% in all 35 test subjects.
CBD concentration levels are very important; hence, you should always buy CBD-infused gummies, oils, and creams from reputable brands. Always read the labels, and check the third-party lab test reports to verify the label ingredients and concentration levels.
It’s not necessary to always buy ready-made CBD shampoo or hair gel; in fact, many good brands don’t sell direct-hair care CBD products. But you can make one on your own easily.
Just add a few drops of the CBD oil of your choice in coconut, jojoba, castor oil, or any other carrier oil. Mix this well and apply it thoroughly on your scalp and damaged hair edges, followed by a proper head massage. Scalp massage also has the potential to stimulate hair growth.
You won’t see the effects overnight, you’ll have to apply this mixture daily for a few months to see noticeable effects. While the research is limited on the topic, there’s enough anecdotal evidence to show that CBD has helped many people with their hair damage issues.
Benefits of Using CBD in Hair Care Routine
Now that we know CBD has the potential to promote hair health, let’s explore in detail the benefits of using it.
Reduce infections and inflammation
CBD has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it perfect for improving scalp health. Conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema can cause inflammation, itching, and irritation on the scalp, which can lead to hair loss and damage. CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp can help alleviate these issues, promoting a healthier environment for hair growth. CBD can also help regulate sebum production, which prevents both excessive oiliness and dryness and maintains balanced scalp health.
Hydration and moisture retention
CBD has hydrating and emollient properties that make it a perfect ingredient for locking in moisture and preventing dryness in hair. When your hair lacks moisture, it becomes prone to frizz, brittleness, and breakage. CBD can help seal in moisture, leaving hair smoother, more manageable, and with increased shine and vibrancy. This is especially beneficial for those who have naturally dry or damaged hair, as well as those living in dry or harsh climates.
Improves blood flow in the scalp
Studies have shown that CBD can increase blood flow and oxygen absorption. By improving blood flow in the scalp, CBD can provide hair follicles with essential nutrients, promoting thicker, fuller hair growth. By doing so, it may help in preventing hair loss conditions like alopecia. CBD also interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes like sleep, anxiety, mood, and even hair growth cycles.
Protects hair from pollution damage
CBD has antioxidant properties, which can help protect hair from damage caused by free radicals, UV radiation, and other environmental factors. Free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, weakening hair strands, and causing dullness, brittleness, and premature graying. CBD’s antioxidant capabilities can neutralize these free radicals, effectively protecting hair from their damaging effects and preserving its natural luster and strength.
Who Shouldn’t Use CBD For Hair Care?
While CBD does have its fair share of health benefits, it’s still necessary to be cautious before incorporating it into your daily wellness and hair care routine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid CBD products, as the effects on the developing fetus or infant are not fully known.
People with underlying medical conditions or taking medications should consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD, as it may interact with certain drugs or aggravate some conditions.
People who are allergic or sensitive to cannabis or hemp products should also be cautious and perform a patch test before using CBD hair care products.
Also, it’s necessary to choose high-quality, third-party-tested CBD products from reputable brands like Colorado Botanicals to ensure purity and potency.
Conclusion
To sum it up, CBD can be a great option to include in your hair care routine. Studies have shown that when used in proper dosage, it can promote healthy hair growth. Its antioxidant, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties can keep your scalp healthy and protect it from bacterial infections. Using CBD products also shields your hair from environmental pollutants, free radicals, and harmful UV rays, effectively preventing it from becoming thin, dry, and brittle.
If you are on a tight budget and can’t spend your money on expensive shampoos and serums, you can easily make CBD-infused oil at home. Just add a few drops of CBD oil from a reputable brand like Colorado Botanicals and mix it with coconut oil, argan oil, or any other oil of your choice. No product can make your hair come alive in a single day, so you’ll have to stick to a routine and apply CBD-infused products for at least a few months to see maximum results.
