There’s been a lot of buzz about pumpkin seed oil lately, especially in the wellness and beauty space. Many women online have claimed it helped reverse their hair loss, balance their hormones, and even reduce PCOS symptoms. But does this natural oil really live up to the hype — or is it just another TikTok wellness trend?
Short answer? Yes — pumpkin seed oil can help.
But let’s break down why.
What Causes Hair Loss in Women?
Before diving into how pumpkin seed oil works, it’s important to understand some common causes of female hair loss:
- Hormonal imbalances, especially related to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Excess DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a more potent form of testosterone linked to hair follicle shrinkage
- Chronic stress, which can interrupt the natural hair growth cycle
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Postpartum shifts, thyroid disorders, and other health conditions
How Pumpkin Seed Oil Can Help
Pumpkin seed oil (shortened to PSO) has two major benefits when it comes to supporting healthy hair growth:
1. It Blocks DHT — A Key Cause of Hair Loss
Let’s use a simple analogy.
Think of your body like a little factory.
- Testosterone is a basic material floating around.
- An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5AR) acts like a factory worker, converting testosterone into DHT — the hormone strongly linked to hair loss.
- Too much DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink, weaken, and eventually stop producing new strands.
Here’s where pumpkin seed oil comes in.
Pumpkin seed oil contains beta-sitosterol, a plant compound that helps inhibit 5-alpha reductase. In simple terms:
It tells the worker in the factory to slow down, which leads to less DHT being produced — which is great news for your hair.
By acting as a natural DHT blocker and reducing production, pumpkin seed oil may help prevent hair thinning and support regrowth — especially in women dealing with androgenic alopecia or PCOS-related hair loss.
Research published in Molecules suggests that pumpkin seed oil contains phytosterols like beta-sitosterol, which may inhibit 5-alpha reductase — the enzyme linked to DHT production.
2. It Supports Nutrient Deficiencies Linked to Hair Loss
Even if DHT isn’t the main issue, pumpkin seed oil still brings a lot to the table. According to a 2014 double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, participants taking pumpkin seed oil experienced significantly more hair regrowth than the placebo group.
It’s rich in:
- Zinc – Crucial for healthy hair follicles and hormone balance
- Magnesium – Supports stress regulation and scalp health
- Omega-6 & Omega-9 fatty acids – Keep the scalp nourished and reduce inflammation
- Vitamin E – Acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect hair follicles from damage
So even if your hair loss is due to stress, undernourishment, or general inflammation, PSO can still provide the support your body needs to grow stronger, healthier hair.
Bonus: Pumpkin Seed Oil May Help With PCOS Symptoms Too
Since high DHT levels are linked to PCOS, and PSO helps reduce DHT, it may also indirectly ease PCOS-related symptoms like:
- Irregular periods
- Hormonal acne
- Hair loss and hirsutism (excess facial/body hair)
It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a promising natural support tool — especially when paired with a nutrient-dense diet and stress management.
How to Use Pumpkin Seed Oil for Hair Health
- Internally: Look for cold-pressed, organic PSO in softgel form (500–1000mg/day is a common dose — always check with your healthcare provider). I recommend this one.
- Topically: You can apply it to your scalp, either alone or mixed with rosemary or peppermint oil for added stimulation. This is the brand I use.
The Bottom Line
Pumpkin seed oil isn’t just another passing trend — it’s backed by real compounds that support hair growth both hormonally and nutritionally. Whether you’re dealing with DHT-related thinning, PCOS, or hair loss due to stress or nutrient gaps, PSO is a natural option worth exploring
Manna Sol Wellness 
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