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. Consuming fish two or more times a week provides omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel supply high quantities of omega-3 oils and provide nutrients that may nourish hair follicles, promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, according to Organic Facts, a website operated by organic farming expert Dr. Madhukar Patil. 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.
Fish oil can cause a risk of internal bleeding. 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 May Slow Hair Loss
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.
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. Consuming olive oil in food not only provides a heart-healthy fat, but may also offer protection against hair loss.
Topical Application
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.
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.
