Some experts claim that cannabis can have a detrimental effect on hair, causing it to fall out and break, while others argue that cannabis can help accelerate metabolism, resulting in faster hair growth. At present, this contradictory information is not precise enough, and raises a number of questions.
This article, however, will attempt to take stock of the various advantages and disadvantages attributed to cannabis in relation to hair.
Cannabis could cause hair loss
Some scientific studies suggest that cannabis consumption may cause hair degradation. However, rather than a direct effect, this could be a side effect caused by the bad habits of some cannabis users.
First of all, smoking cannabis, especially with tobacco, can result in hair damage and breakage, as the smoke clogs the hair fiber. In men, it can even accelerate the onset of baldness.
What’s more, cannabis remains in the hair for a very long time – several days – which enables experts to carry out highly precise tests, even determining the THC level in the hair.
Another effect of cannabis that could have an adverse effect on hair is the poor diet that can result from its consumption. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for cannabis to leave the consumer in a state of drowsiness and laziness, prompting him or her to turn to fast food rather than a balanced diet.
Such a diet can lead to vitamin and iron deficiencies, and could therefore damage hair. However, it’s important to note that there’s no evidence that all cannabis users eat poorly.
On the other hand, too high and too regular a dose of THC can lead to increased stress and anxiety, the opposite of the effect sought by most cannabis smokers. This increased stress can lead to hair loss and scalp damage.
Last but not least, regular cannabis use can lead to hormonal imbalance, particularly in relation to testosterone. With men, 97% of hair loss is androgenic: in other words, it’s linked to testosterone. So it’s not impossible that cannabis consumption has a direct effect on hair loss.
Today, there is no proven direct link between cannabis consumption and hair loss. However, cannabis can have effects that indirectly cause hair deterioration.
However, cannabidiol (CBD), present in cannabis, could have beneficial effects on hair!
CBD to fight baldness
In recent years, CBD has often been touted for its therapeutic qualities, and many virtues are attributed to it. And, although it may come as a surprise, it’s also good for your hair.
For a start, CBD can help combat stress, pain and anxiety. Certain hair loss phenomena may have found a solution: telogen effluvium or diffuse alopecia, for example, is severe hair loss that can occur after trauma. CBD could help the person concerned to manage their stress and anxiety, and thus boost hair regrowth.
What’s more, the composition of CBD, and especially CBD oil, can provide essential ingredients for healthy hair. CBD oil is rich in amino acids, antioxidants and fatty acids. The presence of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is particularly noteworthy, as this is what drives hair growth.
As such, this oil has what it takes to protect hair follicles (the area where sebum and hair are produced), repair inflamed cells and regulate sebum production.
This will reduce the risk of breakage and provide hair with the right amount of moisture. CBD oil may even delay baldness thanks to its richness in vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium and magnesium.
There are several ways to test CBD oil. The best is to rub the contents of three tablespoons into your hands and massage the scalp in circular motions. Next, massage into the lengths of your hair and leave for an hour before washing with shampoo.
This method should quickly bear fruit. It’s also a good idea to apply a little oil to the ends of the hair several times a week, rather than rubbing it in. Finally, you can also mix a little oil with your conditioner.
Of course, it’s not a miracle cure. CBD oil won’t bring back a bushy head of hair if you’re bald, for example, but it can be an ally in beauty routines aimed at maintaining healthy hair.
The relationship between cannabis and hair is therefore complex: on the one hand, it’s possible that cannabis consumption causes hair loss or hair damage, although no study has directly demonstrated this.
On the other hand, CBD, derived from cannabis, could have the opposite effect, helping to maintain healthy hair.
On the question of whether cannabis damages the scalp, some of the information presented here seems totally well-founded (such as the impact of smoke on the hair), while others seem to be more coincidental than direct (an unbalanced diet – given that not all cannabis users have a poor lifestyle).
As for the positive effects attributed to CBD oil, it’s likely that the years to come will shed more light on whether or not they are truly effective.
FAQ
How long does cannabis stay in the hair?
Cannabis stays in the hair for up to 90 days, depending on how often you use it.
How to avoid having cannabis detected in your hair?
You need to shave your head because you can harvest small hairs, and to ensure healthy hair growth, it is advisable to cut them.
Should I use cbd oil for massage or orally for hair growth?
We recommend using mass oil, as applying it directly to the scalp facilitates penetration into the hair and is therefore more effective.
