Hemp Seed Oil for Hair

What is hemp seed oil?

Hemp belongs to the Cannabis sativa family. While people often use the term marijuana for this plant, that name actually refers to a different variety of Cannabis sativa.

Hemp seed oil is a pale green oil obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant. It’s distinct from cannabidiol (CBD), which is an extract derived from hemp flowers and leaves.

Hemp seed oil generally lacks tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects linked to marijuana.

Many people claim hemp seed oil offers various health perks, including protecting hair from harm. Keep reading to learn more.

Potential advantages of hemp seed oil for hair

There’s limited clinical evidence specifically examining hemp seed oil applied to hair. Supporters often point to research on other oils that benefit hair and suggest those findings may extend to hemp seed oil.

For instance, a 2015 study notes that certain oils — like coconut oil — can help shield hair from damage by:

• reducing excessive water uptake by hair
• hindering the penetration of some substances into hair fibers
• preventing breakage by improving shaft lubrication
• lowering combing forces on wet hair to reduce snapping

Some people believe hemp seed oil may offer similar protective effects.

Omega fatty acids and antioxidants for hair health

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are often considered beneficial for hair when consumed as supplements. Hemp seed oil is a rich source of both types of fatty acids.

For example, a 2015 trial reported increases in hair diameter and density in participants who took omega-3 and omega-6 supplements over six months.

The investigators also found that a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with antioxidants helped prevent hair loss in study subjects.

What does hemp seed oil contain?

Hemp seed oil typically has a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. It also includes smaller amounts of other polyunsaturated fats like oleic acid, stearidonic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid.

One tablespoon of hemp seed oil provides about 14 grams of total fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and roughly 12.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat.

Hemp seed oil also contains:

• antioxidants such as vitamin E
• carotene
• phytosterols
• phospholipids
• chlorophyll

In addition to modest iron and zinc amounts, hemp seed oil supplies various minerals, for example:

• calcium
• magnesium
• sulfur
• potassium
• phosphorus

How hemp seed oil compares and related topics

If you’re weighing other seed options for nutrition or topical use, you might find comparisons helpful — for instance, see this comparison on hemp seeds vs chia seeds. Also, if you’re exploring oils for hair care, resources about sunflower oil for hair may be useful.

The takeaway

While direct clinical trials on hemp seed oil for hair are scarce, advocates — whether using it topically or ingesting it — propose the oil can:

• condition and moisturize hair
• encourage hair growth
• fortify hair strands

These claims are mainly based on anecdotal reports and research on similar oils that appear to benefit hair health.