With autumn all around us and Halloween celebrations in full swing, pumpkins are taking centre stage in the spooky festivities. However, we want to shine a spotlight on a byproduct of pumpkins that is more than just a Halloween favourite and one that holds supernatural benefits for the hair and scalp - pumpkin seed extract. This extract is cold-pressed from pumpkin seeds and has been shown to offer significant benefits for the hair and scalp: from hair growth to counteracting oxidative stress and delivering abundant nutrients.
MONPURE’s Lead Trichologist, Sofia Baig, sings the praises of this clever extract, saying Pumpkin seed oil is an amazing source of essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, all of which are crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth. This clever extract contains several nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial for our hair, including vitamins A, E, and K, as well as minerals such as zinc and magnesium. Pumpkin seed oil also contains compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe irritated or inflamed scalp conditions, such as dandruff or scalp psoriasis.
Recent hair loss research has shown that pumpkin seed oil blocks the production of DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss. It naturally targets the hair growth cycle - initially targeting the catagen and telogen phases, working to minimise excess shedding. It then boosts the growth of follicles entering into a new cycle of the anagen phase. It's an incredible natural solution against hormonal hair loss, such as thinning during menopause and after women give birth. That’s what makes it effective in preventing hair loss, which is why it’s the star ingredient in MONPURE’s Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum.”
Hair Growth Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Extract
Pumpkin seed extract is a gentle yet effective ingredient that has been scientifically proven to block the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that produces DHT, a byproduct of testosterone that causes hair loss. It naturally targets the hair growth cycle - initially targeting the catagen and telogen phases, working to minimise excess shedding. It also boosts the growth of new follicles, leaving the telogen phase and entering into a new cycle of the anagen phase. This powerful extract also stimulates follicles, delivers nutrients, and boosts circulation to the scalp.
Pumpkin seed extract is rich in many nutrients that benefit scalp and hair health, including Phosphorus, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamins E, A, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and precious essential fatty acids (EFAs). Pumpkin seed extract has a protective effect against nutrient deficiency-driven hair loss. The antioxidants Vitamin E and Linoleic found in pumpkin seed extract hold strong anti-inflammatory effects and decrease oxidation, which also combats hair loss and boosts hair health.
A recent study conducted in 2021 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigated the clinical efficacy of pumpkin seed extract in the treatment of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and compared its effects with minoxidil 5% foam. The study illustrated that pumpkin seed extract is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid and linoleic acid. Such essential acids are reported to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, and hence, they may contribute to its hair growth potential via their anti-androgen effects.
Research conducted in 2014 in the peer-reviewed Journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine investigated the effectiveness of pumpkin seed extract on men with androgenic alopecia. The study found that the extract successfully inhibited the action of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme which produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone. The pumpkin seed extract treated group had more hair after treatment than at baseline, compared to the placebo group. Mean hair count increases of 40% were observed in the pumpkin seed extract treated group at 24 weeks.
Researchers found that a significant decrease was observed in hair shaft diversity before and after treatment. Hair shaft diversity results from follicular miniaturisation - therefore, it was clear that follicular miniaturisation decreased. The study also identified a significant decrease in vellus hairs, and an increase in upright regrowing hairs from before treatment to after treatment.
How to Use Pumpkin Seed Extract for Hair Growth
MONPURE’s Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum targets hair thinning at the source by inhibiting the production of DHT. The hair growth booster features a high percentage of innovative pumpkin seed extract. As DHT is the primary cause of hormonal hair thinning, inhibiting this process targets the condition at the hormonal level. The award-winning serum also stimulates follicles and delivers nutrients to the scalp.
“Pumpkin seed oil is a safe, natural oil extracted from pumpkin seeds. The Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum features pumpkin seed oil as its hero ingredient, and is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which is amazing for women undergoing hormonal hair loss and changes.” - Sofia Baig, Lead Trichologist
The hair growth elixir also contains follicle-feeding ingredients such as rosemary extract, castor oil and coffee arabica extract, as well as exfoliating retinol and lactic acid that work to improve cell turnover, decongest follicles and prime the scalp for optimal absorption of the serum’s other hair-growth-boosting ingredients.
How to Use the Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum
Step 1:
As part of a morning or night routine, starting with a clean, dry or towel-dried scalp, part the hairline into 5 or more sections.
Step 2:
Using the pipette, apply a few drops of serum directly onto each section, approximately 3cm apart.
Step 3:
Gently massage until the product has permeated the scalp. Do not rinse.
“I always say that 'consistency is key' when it comes to promoting hair growth. I suggest using the Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum daily, on areas of thinning or sparseness, to prevent excess hair loss and inhibit follicular miniaturisation - the process in which the hair follicle shrinks and shedding increases. A few drops a day will help you boost the growth of follicles entering a new cycle of the growth phase and begin your healthy hair journey.” - Sofia Baig, Lead Trichologist
Pumpkins, and pumpkin seed oil, are clearly more than a seasonal decoration and a delightful ingredient for delicious pumpkin pie. The clever extract thas been shown to be a powerful yet natural alternative to invasive hair loss treatments, working to target hair thinning at the hormonal level, deliver essential nutrients, stimulate follicles and safeguard against the effects of oxidative stress on the hair and scalp.
