What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Mixing Fish Oil With Olive Oil for Hair Loss
Hair loss has a variety of causes including genetics, drug interactions, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, poor circulation, hormones and aging. Increasing your overall health and nutrition can reduce the rate of hair loss, as can adding olive and fish oils to your diet on a daily basis. Both oils are rich in vitamins, possess anti-inflammatory properties and help to promote hair growth.
Fish Oil
Fish oil makes a healthy component of your daily diet in addition to any benefits it may have on hair growth 1. Consuming fish two or more times a week provides omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. For people who don't like eating fish, omega-3 fatty acids are also found in fish oil supplements. Although these benefits are not fully documented by scientific studies, anecdotal evidence indicates that the overall health benefits gained from consuming fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids leads to the growth of healthy hair 1.
Fish oil can cause a risk of internal bleeding 1. If you take blood thinners you should consult your doctor before using fish oil medicinally. Also, certain fish that have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids may also have high mercury levels.
- Fish oil makes a healthy component of your daily diet in addition to any benefits it may have on hair growth 1.
- Fish oil can cause a risk of internal bleeding 1.
Fish Oil May Slow Hair Loss
How to Stimulate Hair Growth in Women
Learn More
Fish oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that not only help reduce pain and swelling in the body's joints, but may also prevent or reduce hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Inflammation of the hair follicles is a contributing factor in a variety of hair loss conditions, and substances with anti-inflammatory action such as fish oil could promote healthier follicle development and hair growth. However, no scientific research has been done to prove these benefits.
- Fish oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that not only help reduce pain and swelling in the body's joints, but may also prevent or reduce hair loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
- Inflammation of the hair follicles is a contributing factor in a variety of hair loss conditions, and substances with anti-inflammatory action such as fish oil could promote healthier follicle development and hair growth.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in nutrients that may promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. It is especially high in vitamin E, which stimulates circulation to the scalp, helping to bring blood supply to hair follicles. Consuming olive oil provides your body with a healthy dose of vitamin D, which acts like a steroid hormone, preventing hair loss resulting from hormonal problems, according to the Dermatology Online Journal from the University of California at Davis. Like fish oil, olive oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote hair growth and the health of hair follicles 1. Consuming olive oil in food not only provides a heart-healthy fat, but may also offer protection against hair loss.
- Olive oil is rich in nutrients that may promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
- It is especially high in vitamin E, which stimulates circulation to the scalp, helping to bring blood supply to hair follicles.
Topical Application
What's the Fastest Way to Make Your Hair Grow Naturally?
Learn More
Fish oil is not generally recommended as a topical application due to its odor; however, there are certain brands of fish oil that have no offensive odor that can be mixed with olive oil into a pack that can be applied to the scalp as a treatment to nourish hair. You can apply an oil pack with fish and olive oil once a week. Olive oil is often used as a base oil in aromatherapy and makes an excellent treatment for the hair. Mix the two oils in a small bowl and rub into the scalp. Then cover your head with a shower cap or plastic wrap and allow the oils to remain on your hair for 30 minutes. Wash you hair well with a gentle shampoo and moisturize with conditioner after your oil treatment is complete.
- Fish oil is not generally recommended as a topical application due to its odor; however, there are certain brands of fish oil that have no offensive odor that can be mixed with olive oil into a pack that can be applied to the scalp as a treatment to nourish hair.
- Wash you hair well with a gentle shampoo and moisturize with conditioner after your oil treatment is complete.
Stimulating Hair Growth
You can mix the two oils in your diet simply by using olive oil on salads and in other foods and by taking fish oil supplements to support your hair's natural growth. Or, if you find a brand of fish oil whose flavor isn't too strong, try mixing it with olive oil to make salad dressings. Take other steps to help keep your hair healthy by maintaining a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep and being diligent about taking care of your hair and scalp every day.
Related Articles
References
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Fish Oil
- Phillips TG, Slomiany WP, Allison R. Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2017;96(6):371-378.
- Watras MM, Patel JP, Arya R. Traditional anticoagulants and hair loss: a role for direct oral anticoagulants? A review of the literature. Drugs Real World Outcomes. 2016;3(1):1-6. doi:10.1007/s40801-015-0056-z
- Urysiak-czubatka I, Kmieć ML, Broniarczyk-dyła G. Assessment of the usefulness of dihydrotestosterone in the diagnostics of patients with androgenetic alopecia. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2014;31(4):207-15. doi:10.5114/pdia.2014.40925
- Vincent M, Yogiraj K. A descriptive study of alopecia patterns and their relation to thyroid dysfunction. Int J Trichology. 2013;5(1):57-60. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.114701
- Peters EMJ, Müller Y, Snaga W, et al. Hair and stress: A pilot study of hair and cytokine balance alteration in healthy young women under major exam stress. PLoS ONE. 2017;12(4):e0175904. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175904
- Pratt CH, King LE, Messenger AG, Christiano AM, Sundberg JP. Alopecia areata. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2017;3:17011. doi:10.1038/nrdp.2017.11
- American Academy of Dermatology. Alopecia Areata: Overview.
Writer Bio
Jean Bardot is a freelance writer and natural health practitioner. She started writing in 1994 and has contributed articles to publications such as "Similimum" and the "IFH Journal." She has a Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Science in holistic nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health.