Evening primrose oil

Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐⭐

My recommendation

Even though there isn't direct scientific evidence proving the effectiveness of evening primrose oil in treating hair loss, and there are other oils and treatments with stronger scientific support, I believe it could be a worthwhile option. I suggest considering it as a carrier oil.

Evening primrose oil may offer benefits in reducing androgenetic alopecia, primarily due to its anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its potential to stimulate the Wnt/B-catenin signaling pathways is also a promising aspect to consider.

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Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is derived from the tiny seeds of the evening primrose flower. It primarily thrives in Central and North America, as well as specific regions in Europe.

This plant is believed to have made its way to Europe in the 17th century, likely hitching a ride in the ballast of ships returning from America. In English, it’s known as “evening primrose” because its flowers only bloom for a single night (hence “evening”), and they wither away by the following day. In French, it’s also referred to as “la belle nuit” (the beautiful night) due to its reputed ability to emit a soft glow in the dark.

In the past, Native Americans used to boil the root and consume it during the winter, likening its taste to that of pork. They also harnessed the therapeutic potential of its seeds, primarily for addressing respiratory issues, arthritis, and skin conditions. Evening primrose is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Is it effective against hair loss?

Currently, we have limited information regarding the potential impact of evening primrose oil on hair loss.

In general, vegetable oils share very similar compositions, and evening primrose oil is no exception. Given the extensive knowledge we have about each of these components, we can infer the potential benefits that this oil may offer for our hair.

Here is the fatty acid composition of evening primrose oil:

Linoleic acid: 73%
Gamma-linolenic acid: 10%
Oleic acid: 7%
Stearic acid: 2%
Other constituents: Vitamin E

Based on my research, evening primrose oil might influence hair loss in the following manner:

Anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is a defense mechanism triggered by the immune system when the body faces various challenges, such as infections, irritations, muscle strain, or wounds.

Interestingly, it’s worth noting that almost all forms of alopecia are characterized by the presence of chronic scalp inflammation, and reducing this inflammation has shown to be effective in decreasing hair loss (source).

Evening primrose oil is particularly abundant in linoleic acid and contains gamma-linolenic and oleic acids in smaller quantities.

According to some studies, these fatty acids play a role in the anti-inflammatory process and could be valuable in reducing the chronic inflammation associated with androgenetic and areata alopecia (source) (source).

These acids contribute in a highly intricate manner; at times, they serve as precursors to other forms of fatty acids that act as anti-inflammatories. For instance, gamma-linolenic acid can convert into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which has been shown to combat specific pro-inflammatory agents (source).

Antioxidant properties

One of the contributing factors to hair loss is oxidative stress, a condition that arises when free radicals outnumber the antioxidants in the body. These free radicals can proliferate due to various factors such as stress, poor dietary habits, or exposure to pollution.

Oxidative stress can lead to significant health issues, including hair loss, inflammation, premature aging, heart diseases, and certain types of cancer (source).

According to certain studies, the consumption of antioxidants, such as vitamin E, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing certain diseases (source).

As mentioned earlier in this article, evening primrose oil is abundant in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.

For instance, according to this study, taking vitamin E or evening primrose oil has been found effective in treating a condition called cyclic mastalgia, indicating a high concentration of vitamin E in evening primrose oil.

In terms of alopecia and vitamin E, a study conducted in 2010 by Lim Ai Beoy and colleagues divided 38 healthy men and women with varying degrees of alopecia into two groups:

Group 1: Placebo supplement
Group 2: Tocotrienol (a member of the vitamin E family) at a daily dose of 100 mg

After 8 months, the number and weight of hair were measured and compared:

The results revealed a significant increase in the number of hairs at 8 months in the tocotrienol (vitamin E) group compared to the starting count.

Change in hair density:

Change in hair weight:

The researchers also noted that, in addition to its role as an antioxidant, vitamin E may promote the growth of blood vessels, thereby enhancing the delivery of nutrients to hair follicle cells.

Anti-androgen properties

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgenic hormone naturally produced by our bodies from testosterone in various tissues. This conversion is facilitated by an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase (5aR).

DHT is a key factor in androgenetic alopecia because it plays a role in the inflammatory processes occurring in the scalps of individuals genetically predisposed to hair loss. This process leads to the gradual thinning of hair, a phenomenon known as miniaturization. Consequently, reducing the production of DHT is believed to potentially reduce hair loss.

According to some studies, it appears that oleic, linoleic, and gamma-linolenic acids all possess anti-androgenic properties by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase.

(source)

In one study, gamma-linolenic acid demonstrated the most effective inhibition of 5aR:

(source)

Linoleic acid may promote hair growth

Prior to delving into the effects of linoleic acid on hair, it’s crucial to highlight that evening primrose oil consists of a remarkable 73% linoleic acid. This concentration is unmatched by any other oil.

According to a study conducted in 2021 by Hwa Sun Ryu and colleagues, linoleic acid would activate the expression of the Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway.

The Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathway is directly linked to the hair growth cycle, and its activation extends the anagen phase and stimulates hair growth. It also enhances the proliferation and survival of follicular cells.

Based on this study, it could be inferred that oils containing linoleic acid may be potentially effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia. Evening primrose oil contains 73% linoleic acid.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Although, as of now, there is no scientific study that conclusively establishes the beneficial effects of evening primrose oil on hair, I believe that its topical use could be effective in addressing androgenetic alopecia. This is due to its anti-androgenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its high content of linoleic acid, which may promote hair growth.

In general, I think oils can be quite effective when used and combined correctly. Therefore, evening primrose oil can be particularly valuable when used in combination with essential oils.