A small case series found topical hemp extract promoted hair regrowth | Research

The takeaway

In a case series of patients with various types of hair loss, topical application of a hemp extract containing CBD, THCV, and CBDV was associated with visible hair regrowth over 6 months.

Dermatology researchers, people exploring hair loss treatments, and those interested in topical cannabinoid applications.

Topical hemp extract with CBD, THCV, and CBDV applied for ~6 months

What the researchers found

Patients applying a topical hemp extract to areas of hair loss showed measurable increases in hair count and thickness. The extract targeted the endocannabinoid system at hair follicle receptors.

Why it matters

Hair loss treatments are limited in number and effectiveness. If cannabinoids can stimulate hair follicles through the endocannabinoid system, it could open a new therapeutic avenue, though controlled trials are needed.

The numbers in context

Multiple patients showed visible hair regrowth documented by photography and trichoscopy over approximately 6 months of daily topical application.

How the study worked

Case series with before-and-after photography and trichoscopic measurement. Patients applied topical hemp extract containing CBD, THCV, and CBDV daily to affected scalp areas for approximately 6 months.

What this study cannot tell us

Case series with no control group, no blinding, and small sample size. Cannot rule out placebo effect, natural hair cycling, or other concurrent treatments. No standardized dosing protocol described.

How to read the evidence

Uncontrolled case series. Interesting signal but no ability to attribute results to the intervention without a controlled trial.

When this study was published

Published 2022.

The bigger picture

The endocannabinoid system is present in hair follicles, and cannabinoid receptors like CB1 and TRPV1 play roles in hair growth cycling. This is an early signal that needs proper clinical trial validation before drawing conclusions.

Questions still open

Would a randomized controlled trial confirm these findings? Which specific cannabinoid in the blend (CBD, THCV, or CBDV) is most responsible for the effect, if real?

Common questions

Can CBD regrow hair?

This case series suggests topical hemp extract containing CBD and other cannabinoids may promote hair regrowth, but there is no controlled trial evidence yet. The endocannabinoid system is active in hair follicles, providing biological plausibility, but much more research is needed before drawing conclusions.

How would cannabinoids affect hair growth?

Hair follicles contain cannabinoid receptors (CB1) and TRPV1 channels. These receptors influence the hair growth cycle. CBD acts as a CB1 antagonist and TRPV1 agonist, which could theoretically shift follicles toward the growth phase, but this mechanism is still being investigated.

Read the original research

Hair Regrowth with Novel Hemp Extract: A Case Series.

International journal of trichology, 15(1), 18-24

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Smith, Gregory Luke. (2023). Hair Regrowth with Novel Hemp Extract: A Case Series.. International journal of trichology, 15(1), 18-24. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijt.ijt_34_22