Hemp is a member of the Cannabis sativa species of plant. You may have heard this plant referred to as marijuana, but this is really a different variety of Cannabis sativa.

Hemp seed oil is a clear green oil made by cold-pressing hemp seeds. It’s different from cannabidiol (CBD), which is an extract produced from hemp flowers and leaves.

Hemp seed oil typically doesn’t contain the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which provides the high associated with marijuana use.

Hemp seed oil is said to have many health benefits, among them that it protects hair from damage. Read on to find out more.

There isn’t much clinical research on the benefits of using hemp seed oil on your hair. Advocates of the practice suggest that research on other similar oils that benefit hair may also apply to hemp seed oil.

For example, according to a 2015 research article, certain oils — such as coconut oil — can play a role in protecting hair from damage by:

  • preventing too much water from being absorbed by hair
  • helping to prevent the penetration of certain substances into hair follicles
  • prevent hair breakage by enhancing lubrication of the shaft.
  • prevent hair breakage by reducing the combing force of wet hair

Some believe these may also apply to hemp seed oil.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are considered to be good for hair when taken as an oral supplement. Hemp seed oil has plenty of both.

For example, a 2015 study found improvement in the hair diameter and hair density of participants who took omega-3 and omega-6 oral supplements over the course of six months.

Researchers on the study also discovered that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in combination with antioxidants prevented hair loss in participants who took them.

Hemp seed oil has 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids. It also contains smaller amounts of three other polyunsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid, stearidonic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid.

A tablespoon of hemp seed oil contains 14 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and 12.5 grams of polyunsaturated fat.

Hemp seed oil also includes:

Along with modest amounts of iron and zinc, hemp seed oil also contains a number of minerals, including:

Although there isn’t specific clinical research to support their claims, proponents of using hemp seed oil for hair, whether applied topically or taken as a supplement, suggest that the oil will

  • moisturize hair
  • stimulate hair growth
  • strengthen hair

These suggestions are based on anecdotal evidence and research on similar oils that appear to be beneficial for hair.