Most of us normally consume the fleshy part of Pumpkins and throw away the seeds without knowing how valuable these seeds can be both to our overall health and to our natural hair. Pumpkin seeds can be consumed or used to make pumpkin seed oil which has so many benefits including promoting natural hair growth.
The pumpkin seed oil contains a high amounts of free fatty acids. The oil also contains natural source of proteins, essential or polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3, 6 and 9, lutein and vitamins. It is also rich in nutrients like zinc, manganese and Vitamin E.
A 2014 Research has put forward that pumpkin seed oil can prevent hair loss. The oil is recommended for hair loss because it contains phytosterols which is a plant-based compound that can compete with dietary cholesterol to be absorbed by the intestines. This eventually results to lower blood cholesterol levels resulting in the inhibition of the enzymes involved in steroid metabolism, leading to the prevention of conversion of testosterone to active dihydrotestosterone. Hair loss especially in men, menopausal and postmenopausal women is primarily caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a steroid hormone that binds to receptors in your scalp. Learn more on Pumpkin Seed Oil and hair loss on Hairguard.
How to use Pumpkin Seed Oil for Natural Hair Growth
If you want to try pumpkin seed oil as a natural hair remedy, here are a few ways you can use it.
1. Add Pumpkin Seed Oil in your diet
One way to use benefit from pumpkin seed oil is to include it in your diet. Remember to pay attention to the label directions of the pumpkin seed oil you purchase, as quality and dosage will differ from one product to another. Keep in mind that there are some supplement forms of pumpkin seed oil. You can use these oils for health purposes, but they could be less rich in nutrients compared to the natural form, due to varying production process.
2. Take Pumpkin Seed Oil Capsules
You can take pumpkin seed oil supplements, which normally come in the form of oil gel capsules. Quality of the capsule and the dosage may vary if your country has no regulations for supplements. Ensure you do proper research to ensure the source you are getting your supplements from is reputable and cares about safety. Follow directions on the label and stop using the supplements if you have any adverse reactions to them.
3. Topical application of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Another popular and effective way to use the oil is to apply directly to your scalp and hair. It is advisable to do this with a Hot Oil Treatment, once a week. No matter how you use the oil, be sure you store it in a cool, dark place, as it goes bad if stored otherwise.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Natural Hair Growth DIYs
1- Pumpkin seed oil and Grapeseed oil.
Ingredients
- Grapeseed oil
- Pumpkin serum/seed oil
Method
- Combine one-part pumpkin seed oil and three-parts grapeseed oil.
- Put the oil mixture in a container and place it in warm water until the oil gets the heat. Thereafter allow the mixture slightly cool and apply to wet hair, scalp and skin.
- Wrap your hair in a heating cap or warm towel and apply your favorite mask.
2- Pumpkin seed oil honey and egg yolk.
Ingredients
- A tablespoon organic raw honey.
- Egg yolk
- Two table spoons of pumpkin seed oil
Method
- Put all three ingredients in a bowl and mix until the mixture has a nice consistency.
- Apply the mixture on your scalp and your hair and massage it gently.
- Put on a shower cap after the massage and leave it on for 30 minutes to a full hour.
- Proceed to wash your hair.
Use this remedy at least once a week. Pumpkin seed oil is an effective natural remedies that stimulates hair growth. The egg yolk is useful as it is a good source of amino acids and proteins. This is really vital for your hair because these nutrients stimulate fast and healthy hair growth. Honey nourishes your hair as well, because of its wax content.
3- Pumpkin seed oil and chamomile tea.
Ingredients
- Chamomile tea
- Pumpkin seed oil
Method
Brew a fresh cup of chamomile tea then add in half a teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil to it. Use this as a hair rinse over freshly washed hair. Rinse it off after 5 minutes.
4- Pumpkin seed oil with castor oil and coconut oil.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Castor oil.
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil.
- 2 tablespoons Pumpkin seed oil
Instructions
Mix all the oils together and then proceed to rub it on your scalp and gently massage. Leave it on for half an hour. Lastly, rinse it out and shampoo your hair.
5- Apply Pumpkin Seed Oil directly to your scalp
Pumpkin seed oil on its own can also be directly applied to your scalp without mixing with other ingredients. This is best done as a hot oil hair treatment, weekly or monthly.
To apply this oil directly first, you shampoo your hair like normal. Gently warm pumpkin seed oil by placing it over warm water. Massage warm oil into your scalp while your hair is wet. Ensure that the oil is warm, not hot. Proceed to apply the oil on your scalp and then cover your hair. Leave it in for about half an hour to an hour. Finally remove towel, then shampoo, condition, and style
When purchasing the pumpkin seed oil ensure it has a unique nutty aroma. You should also check onthe color and consistency. The best Pumpkin seed oil has a deep green color. It must be viscous and must not be bitter, otherwise it means the seeds have been roasted for too long or using too much heat.
Summary of Pumpkin Seed Oil on natural hair
When it comes to your hair thinning or falling out, it really doesn’t hurt to try a few remedies, especially when one of those is a natural solution. Even though more research is needed to confirm if pumpkin seed oil can treat hair loss, it’s a relatively safe natural treatment.
It may take some time or several weeks before you see any results. One important thing to note is you should stop using pumpkin seed oil if you develop any symptoms of an allergy, such as redness or itching where you applied the oil.
