You want what’s best for you hair. You only have one mop of hair growing from that dome, and wigs just aren’t the same. You’ve read all the guides on how to wash your hair and protect it, and you never leave home without all your hair supplies. You may benefit from taking supplements, and one supplement you may consider taking is fish oil.
You probably know fish oil from its history as a heart-healthy supplement, but it does so much more, including helping your hair. Let’s dive into what fish oil is and how it can help.
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What is Fish Oil?
Fish oil comes from oily fish, such as herring or anchovies, or from other oily, fishy sources. It’s commonly taken in capsule form, and it has many health benefits. For one thing, it’s famous for its high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
What Are Omega-3s?
Omega 3s have many benefits, but also many misconceptions. There are some things that people claim it treats, but there is either inconclusive or negative evidence for it.
For example, many people associate omega-3s with heart health, but its impact on reducing the risk of heart disease has no evidence. However, it can lower your triglyceride levels, help with rheumatoid arthritis, help with macular generation related to age, and more.
Okay, But What About Hair?
Omega-3 is said to have many benefits for hair. Some people try it to hasten their hair growth, or to help prevent hair loss. If you’re losing hair, before you search for “counseling near me” to discuss it with a professional, try fish oil. With hair growth, the idea is that fish oil can improve scalp circulation, causing hair growth to happen. For hair loss, the idea is that fish oil helps stop inflammation from the hair follicles, which is one possible reason that hair loss occurs.
In addition, fish oil is said to help give your hair all the proteins it needs. But what is the truth about it?
The Science Backing it Up
There are a few studies that have indicated that fish oil may be beneficial for your hair.
One study in 2015 centered around women and fish oil ended with some evidence that fish oil may help with growing hair and preventing hair loss. Another study in 2018 also gave evidence that in mice, fish oil may help with hair growth.
So there is evidence, but it’s not proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. However, with enough evidence, and the fact that fish oil is good for you, it doesn’t hurt to try.
How to Apply it
There are many ways to try fish oil for your hair. Here are some ways to do it.
Topical
Some people may apply fish oil to their hair directly. If you want to improve a certain body part, applying the supplement directly to it may be the fastest, strongest way to do so. It can be great for shining up your hair and making it look great.
The one downside? Your hair may smell like a giant flounder. You may want to have something handy to mask its scent. No matter how good your hair looks, it smelling bad may be a turn-off.
Supplements
Some people buy fish oil in the form of supplements. Fish oil supplements tend to be a capsule filled with the oil, making it easy for you to swallow.
Eat More Fish
If you want a vitamin and mineral, the best way to take it is by eating the food it comes from. Many people who want to consume fish oil may take this route, eating fatty fish such as herring, salmon, and mackerel. Of course, not everyone likes fish.
How Much Should You Take?
Purchasing a supplement over the counter and taking its recommended serving may be your best move, but many people may, understandably, want to talk to their doctor first. They can help give you the recommended amount. Fish oil is not a dangerous supplement; your breath may taste fishy and you may get indigestion, but you should still talk to your doctor, especially if you’re taking a medication. Fish oil may negatively interact with it.
Fish oil can be good for your hair, and it’s worth trying to see if it helps.