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Fish Oil for Hair Growth

Nothing could seem further from hair growth than cold, scaly fish. Don't be fooled by their scales: fish contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which work wonders for your body, and may even help your hair. Although more scientific evidence is needed before a direct link between fish oil and hair growth can be established, a healthy diet of omega-3s will, at the very least, keep your cholesterol low and your heart healthy.

  1. Omega-3s

    • There are three kinds of omega-3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA, which are found in fish, and ALA, which comes from plant sources like flaxseed and avocado. Don't confuse them with omega-6 fatty acids, found in sources like corn oil. Most Americans consume about 20 times more omega-6 than omega-3.

      Although omega-3s are vital to human health, they're not produced naturally by the body. That's why it's important to add them to your diet, by eating fish and other sources directly, or by taking supplements such as fish oil.

    Benefits to Hair

    • Speculation has been made that omega-3s from fish oil, by nourishing the hair follicles, can help hair growth and prevent balding. Without enough omega-3 in your diet, your hair may grow dry and unmanageable.

      Don't be confused by the "oil" in fish oil; this isn't something you want to apply topically to your hair. It smells like fish, not surprisingly, and comes in gel capsules that are designed to neutralize the smell. Fish oil is a hair treatment to be taken from the inside out.

    Dosage

    • If you're taking fish oil supplements, follow the dosage on the bottle (usually one pill a day, about 600 mg of EPA and DHA). To get your omega-3s straight from the source, the American Heart Association recommends two servings of fatty fish per week. This includes tuna, salmon, halibut, whitefish, trout, mackerel, etc. Try to get your fish wild, not farm-raised. Wild fish have the highest, healthiest nutritional content. Farm-raised fish are often sickly and bred in crowded, unsanitary environments.

      Too much omega-3 can lead to bleeding, so don't take more than 3 grams a day, unless directly supervised by your doctor.

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