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Albacore Tuna & Hair Growth

Thin, slow-growing hair may be a sign of an internal deficiency, not an issue of poor hair care. To strengthen your hair and encourage new growth, look to the world's oceans. Albacore tuna is dense with nutrients that feed hair from the inside out. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fatty fish a week, and tuna is a good option.

  1. About the Fish

    • The Albacore tuna fish can be found in open, tropical oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. One fish can weigh almost 100 lbs. Tuna is an excellent source of the nutrients necessary for healthy hair.

    Omega-3s

    • Albacore tuna is high in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These nutrients are vital for healthy hair, keeping it soft, shiny, and growing. Omega-3s aren't produced naturally in the body, so it's important to supplement your diet with them. If you're suffering from dry, brittle, or breaking hair, you may be lacking sufficient omega-3s in your diet.

    Canned

    • Don't stock up on canned tuna without reading the small print. Your hair will only benefit from certain types, and some methods of canning significantly reduce the amount of omega-3s in the tuna. If albacore is canned in oil, the omega-3s in the fish will dissolve into the oil and be lost when the can is drained. However, since fats and water don't mix, tuna canned in water maintains its omega-3s.

    Troll-Caught

    • For hair that's really growing strong, buy your tuna fresh and troll-caught. This technique uses a slow-moving boat to catch the tuna (a method that's sustainable and has a low-impact on the environment), and the fish are younger and smaller than traditionally-caught albacore. Because of their youth, troll-caught fish have much higher levels of omega-3s, which means silkier, stronger hair for you. Be careful, as most of the tuna sold in grocery stores isn't troll-caught--you can purchase these fish online or directly from fishermen.

    Mercury Poisoning

    • Don't overdo the albacore, or your hair can actually suffer. Most fish contains trace levels of mercury, a highly toxic metal. Mercury poisoning can result in hair loss, so follow the FDA guidelines for women and children, and don't consume more than 6 oz. of fresh albacore tuna per week.

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