July 3, 2024

Safety and Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Hair Care Products

Susan Kasparov, PharmD, BA Beauty, Personal Care

Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in the cannabis plant.¹Cannabis is a plant of the Cannabaceae family and contains more than eighty biologically active chemical compounds.² The most commonly known compounds present in cannabis are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).² Unlike THC, CBD does not cause the “high” feeling associated with cannabis.¹ Cannabidiol (CBD) comes in many different forms and can be found in many different personal care products, even hair care products.¹

The benefits of CBD in these products are still being researched.¹ However, it is known that CBD is an antioxidant.³ CBD has also been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic effects, anxiolytic effects, and anticonvulsant effects. However, other than one prescription drug product (Epidiolex) to treat seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome (DS), or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in people one year of age and older, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any other CBD products.² Additionally, there is very limited available information about CBD, including about its effects on the body.²

Cannabinoids are naturally produced by the body.¹Your skin and hair have receptors that respond to the CBD when it comes in contact with them.¹ Some experts believe this is what can help you grow new strands of hair and keep hair strong.¹ The antioxidants in CBD may help give you a healthy scalp.¹ Keep reading to learn more about the safety and efficacy of CBD in hair care products.

Benefits of using CBD hair products

Scalp inflammation is commonly associated with scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis (SD).⁴ People with these conditions typically experience symptoms such as itching, burning, and even hair loss.⁴ One study evaluated the efficacy of shampoo containing 0.075% broad-spectrum cannabidiol in 50 patients with mild to moderate scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.⁴ The study found that the shampoo significantly reduced the severity and symptoms of scalp inflammation within 2 weeks, with excellent tolerability.⁴

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common patterned hair loss affecting men and women. It is impacted by genetics and sensitivity to androgens.⁵ Prevalence differs by gender and race, with more than 50% of older men and 15% of postmenopausal women affected.⁵

Topical application of CBD easily reaches hair follicles where it is blocks the CB1 receptor.⁶ One case series included 35 participants, included men and women, with AGA.⁶ The participants applied a CBD-rich hemp (10.78% CBD) extract each morning to the areas of hair loss.⁶ The hair count increased on average of 93.5%, after 6 months of using the CBD topical daily.⁶ However, one potential limitation of this study is that 6 months is just not long enough to accurately evaluate hair growth. Additionally, there was also no active comparator treatment that has been shown to help hair grow such as minoxidil.

Safety and Risks of CBD

According to the CDC, there are many unknowns about CBD’s risks over time, and how CBD affects you based on how you use it, how much you use, and how often.¹ Additionally, most CBD products are not regulated by the FDA.⁷ As such, consumers should be aware that products labeled as hemp or CBD may contain other ingredients, such as THC, pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, or fungi.⁷ You may also have side effects from the way CBD combines with other medications you may be taking.⁸

Possible side effects of oral CBD are⁷:

Drowsiness or sleepiness
Diarrhea or appetite changes
Liver damage
Mood changes, irritability

CBD may also interact with with medications, including⁸:

Many anti-seizure drugs, including carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and topiramate
Benzodiazepines, including clobazam, chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, lorazepam,
Some antidepressants, including tricyclic anti-depressants
Some cancer-fighting medicines, including everolimus
The blood thinner warfarin
Alcohol

For the above reasons, it is important to consult with your doctor before using any CBD products.

Does CBD absorb through the scalp?

It is important to note that the effects of CBD on the human body can be individual and depend on the dose, the method of administration, and the condition of the individual.³ CBD is fat-soluble and poorly absorbed past the epidermis.⁶ Therefore, CBD is less likely to do harm compared to oral CBD. However, it is not yet clear how different methods of consumption affect intake.²

Leaf and Flower CBD Hair Care Products

I have naturally coarse and curly hair. When it gets dry or it is humid outside, it becomes frizzy and difficult to manage. It can be challenging to find an effective hair routine that keeps my hair moisturized and the frizz at bay. I recently tried Leaf and Flower hair care products due to the recommendation of my hair stylist. Although I bought the products at the salon, they can also be purchased online here.

I bought the CBD instant curl repair shampoo and conditioner, as well as the curl defining cream. All of the products contain CBD. However, the label does not state exactly how much CBD is in the products. According to the product label and the company’s website, there is no THC in the products. The product label lists lots of natural oils and extracts including jojoba seed oil, linseed extract, rhodiola rosea root extract, sunflower oil, rosemary leaf extract, and apple fruit extract. I absolutely love how the products smell as well. I would describe the scent as floral, but it rather complex.

I have noticed a difference in the texture and appearance of my hair since starting to use the products. It has more of a sheen and does not frizz as easily. First, I wash and condition my hair. Next, work the defining cream through my clean damp hair from the ends to mid shaft. I usually diffuse it with a diffuser, but do not dry it completely. I will normally just let my hair air dry. It is important to note that these products may not be a good fit for everyone, such as pregnant women. I recommend consulting with your doctor before purchasing them. Additionally, I do not suggest purchasing them with the expectation that they will assist with hair growth. However, they are extremely moisturizing. I do believe that the products have improved the health of my hair overall and have prevented hair damage.

References

Weingarden Dubin J. CBD hair products: Are they safe and effective? WebMD. Accessed June 26, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/cannabinoids/cbd-hair-products.
What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed June 26, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis.
Bartončíková M, Lapčíková B, Lapčík L, Valenta T. Hemp-Derived CBD Used in Food and Food Supplements. Molecules. 2023;28(24):8047. Published 2023 Dec 12. doi:10.3390/molecules28248047
Vincenzi C, Tosti A. Efficacy and Tolerability of a Shampoo Containing Broad-Spectrum Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Scalp Inflammation in Patients with Mild to Moderate Scalp Psoriasis or Seborrheic Dermatitis. Skin Appendage Disord. 2020;6(6):355-361. doi:10.1159/000510896
Ntshingila S, Oputu O, Arowolo AT, Khumalo NP. Androgenetic alopecia: An update. JAAD Int. 2023;13:150-158. Published 2023 Jul 22. doi:10.1016/j.jdin.2023.07.005
Smith GL and Satino J. A Summary of Pre-Clinical and Clinical Evidence for Cannabinoid Hair Follicle Effects. Clin Dermatol J 2022, 7(4): 000290.
About CBD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed June 29, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/about-cbd.html.