Can Fish Oil Really Make Your Hair Grow? By NaturallyCurly

There are many reported remedies that supposedly help with the process of growing out your hair. Many people are intent on the idea that there are certain vitamins that are useful for different hair goals, and one of the most popular notions is the idea that fish oil specifically, can aid in hair growth.

There is a lot to consider when adding a new element

to your health or haircare routine, so let's take a closer look.

What is fish oil?

This essential vitamin can be found in either liquid form or soft gels and the several healthy benefits come from the high levels of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Foods like salmon, brussel sprouts, and eggs are naturally filled with this nutrient, but if you are not eating a diet with fish oil regularly, supplememts are a great alternative. Omega-3 fatty acids are not naturally occurring or produced by the human body, so outside sources, such as fish and certain vegetables, are the only way to get them.

What are the benefits of fish oil?

The Omega-3 nutrients found in fish oil can have a ton of health benefits that make it worth adding to your lifestyle. According to Harvard Health, "Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in brain function, normal growth and development, and inflammation. Deficiencies have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers, mood disorders, arthritis, and more." The most prominent and researched of this area is the cardiovascular benefit. In fact, the University of Maryland Medical Centerclaims, "Fish oil has been shown to lower levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood), and to lower the risk of death, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms in people who have already had a heart attack. Fish oil also appears to help prevent and treat atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by slowing the development of plaque and blood clots, which can clog arteries."

Will fish oil help hair grow?

While taking fish oil for your heart makes sense, let's get back to the hair growth part. Hair growth is a result of healthy hair. Fish oil won't make hair grow instantly since hair growth is more complicated than that. However, fish oil can help improve the overall hair cycle balance while also helping to lessen the effects of hair loss. The Omega-3 fatty acids can also aid in making the scalp healthier which will help with growth. All new growth starts with a healthy scalp! It is important to note that healthy hair and thereby hair growth aren't affected by just one factor. For instance, if you incorporate fish oil into your routine, but don't give your hair the proper daily care it needs, your hair growth goals might still be unachievable. Adding fish oil is a good start to a well-balanced approach to maintaining the overall health of your hair!

How to add fish oil?

Your hair will get the most benefit from eating 2-3 servings of lean fish a week. The body does a much better job of absorbing any type of nutrient, such as Omeg-3 fatty acids, though the natural course of digestion. If you do not enjoy eating fish, supplements of fish oil are an alternative that will still offer most of the same benefits. You can also apply fish oil directly to your strands for a quick fix, but you will want to mix it with something else to cut the smell, such as olive oil or coconut oil, and wash your hair thoroughly to remove that fishy smell. If you aren't a fan of the smell or taste, your best bet will inevitably be adding fish oil in the form of a soft gel.