Hair thinning can be the result of a multitude of factors, from genetics to age, hair products, hormonal imbalances, medication, as well as cortisol levels.
Although the loss of your luscious locks can prove detrimental to your self-esteem, there are myriad ways to combat shedding, with plenty of cases proving reversible.
Sofia, who goes by @sofiahairhealth on TikTok, is a trichologist who has suffered from hair thinning since she was 21. She has since built an online platform by promoting different ways to fend off the condition once and for all.
In a recent update, she told followers: "If you suffer from hair thinning, the best supplement is pumpkin seed oil, which has actually been proven to reverse hair thinning.
In fact, Sofia, who goes by @sofiahairhealth on TikTok, is a trichologist who has learned from her own hair journey
@sofiahairhealth/TikTok
"In one study, it actually increased hair growth by 40 per cent, which is really remarkable, and this is because it blocks the hair loss hormone DHT."
Both safe for consumption as well as a topical treatment, pumpkin seed oil is known for its array of health benefits, packed full with vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid.
The research at the Pusan National University School of Medicine assessed 76 participants with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia - half of whom took 400mg of pumpkin seed oil every day, while the rest received a placebo.
Across six months, those who took the oil recorded higher satisfaction levels with their hair growth than those who were given the placebo.
LATEST HAIR TIPS AND TRICKS
Dermatologist Dr Wilma Bergfeld reiterated that, as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, the supplement could prove particularly beneficial for boosting hair growth - although she warned that it wasn't a "magic bullet" for combatting the loss of your locks entirely.
"There are different categories for just how effective certain products are for hair growth," Dr Bergfeld said. "And out of those four categories, pumpkin seed oil supplements have been rated a level two, which is a rather high rating."
One way in which the supplement can help is through blocking testosterone, lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
"When people have an excess of DHT, it can lead to things like hair loss," Dr Bergfeld added, saying: "Taking pumpkin seed oil might help to lower the excess DHT that can contribute to loss of hair."
The effectiveness of the supplements depends on a number of external factors
GETTY
Weighing in on the matter, Sofia added: "Now, if you take this in combination with other natural DHT blockers, like saw palmetto, stinging nettle and lots more, you'll get even better results."
The effectiveness of the supplement is also dependent on a number of external factors, including the reason behind hair loss and the length of time it takes to see results. It can sometimes take up to six months to a year to see noticeable differences.
"When we’re evaluating the causes for hair loss, you need to look at the whole person." Dr Bergfeld added. "You have to look at things like how healthy your scalp is? What is your overall diet like? Are you taking medications that can affect your hair health? There are a lot of factors."
For a full evaluation and understanding of your unique circumstances, it is always recommended for concerned individuals to speak to a medical professional.
Most Read
