Benefits of Taking Fish Oil for Hair + Side Effects & Precautions

09 Aug Benefits of Taking Fish Oil for Hair + Side Effects & Precautions

Have you also felt envious of luscious bell-like curls of Harry Styles or that butt length braid of Beyonce?

Well, there’s a guaranteed way to get such rich-looking hair.

Trust me when I say this, for me, one of the most striking facts of consuming fish oil is the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids for hair.

Most people, even though people don’t like the smell of fish oil, frequently add it in their diet because of its overall health benefits.

Apart from being great for heart and mental health, benefits of fish oil for hair are unmissable. 

If you are still confused, let me make it clear for you.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid which is not naturally produced by the human body. Hence, people take supplements for it. 

Not only fish oil is good for hair loss, the presence of omega-3 fatty acids makes it beneficial in improving the symptoms of depression as well.

And when it comes to fish oil benefits for men, fish oil supplements even boost sexual health and fertility.

Well, these are just some of the generalized overall fish oil benefits.

And if you want to use this amazing oil for hair, wait till you get to know some scientifically-backed omega 3 effect on hair.

Jaw-Dropping Benefits Of Taking Fish Oil For Hair

Enriched with protein, fish oil is a 100% hair-friendly nutrient. Because of its specific ability to fight inflammation symptoms, it aids in hair growth. 

Moreover, fish oil provides a stronger omega 3 effect on hair, which acts as a catalyst and provides a safe environment for active nourishment of the hair.

In summary, the following are some of the unbelievable benefits of fish oil for hair.

#1. Stimulates Hair Growth

Using fish oil for hair growth is one of its true benefits. 

As per scientific evidence, Omega-3s found in fish oil provides a suitable environment for the growth of hair fibers by hydrating the dry scalp.

Not only this, but it also minimizes other scalp-related issues like itchiness, dandruff, scaling, and flakiness. 

By controlling these issues, it precludes hair thinning and boosts hair growth. 

Moreover, the presence of essential proteins, fatty acids, and other vitamins strengthens the hair roots and fibers leading to the prevention of hair loss. 

Henceforth, if you’re dealing with excessive hair fall, you can definitely use fish oil for hair thickness.

#2. Minimizes Inflammation

If you are dealing with patchy hair loss on your scalp, beard areas, eyebrows, eyelashes, and armpits, consuming fish oil might be of some good.

It is to be noted that inflammation is the major reason behind hair loss and serious hair problems like alopecia. 

And, because of the presence of fatty acids, fish oil benefits include anti-inflammation properties.

Moreover, it enhances hair health by feeding the hair follicles and nourishing the hair strands.

As a result, using fish oil for hair loss can help you treat alopecia as it lowers the breakage and promotes hair growth.

#3. Improves Scalp Health

It’s more common sense that a healthy scalp is much needed for healthy hair. This is the reason why it’s often recommended to oil hair with a gentle massage.

Moreover, fish oil is not only beneficial for healthy skin but also for your scalp.

The benefits of fish oil for hair include improved blood circulation in the scalp. 

To elaborate, omega-3 fats in fish oil provide essential nutrients to the scalp cells by leveling up the blood circulation.

This act of good circulation leads to extended hair follicles and better production of hair cells. 

#4. Moisturizing And Conditioning

Consuming fish oil/cod liver oil for hair growth has numerous accumulated benefits.

Adding fish oil supplements every day into your diet nourishes your scalp cells, keeps them hydrated, and minimizes conditions like flaky skin, dandruff, and dry scalp.

The use of essential nutrients conditions the scalp and hair strands by providing enough moisture and balancing the content of oil on your scalp.

Adding to this, because of the anti-bacterial properties of fish oil, it promotes wound healing and protects scalp skin from aging and dermatitis as well. 

#5. Hair Thickness

Be it a man or a woman, one cannot deny their desire for thick and luscious hair. It makes you attractive, beautiful, and confident.

Undoubtedly, you can expect these same effective results by using fish oil for hair thickness. 

Loaded with omega-3s and other vital nutrients, fish oil improves the density and volume of hair and, thus, promotes hair thickness.

Hence, the ultimate result of using fish oil for hair is voluminous, long, strong, and shiny hair.

These very many benefits of fish oil on hair are scientifically proven. 

Furthermore, while not all of the research and findings have been promising, there are certain studies that show the benefits of omega 3 fatty acids for hair from fish oil and other foods. Let’s have a look at some.

Fish Oil And Hair Growth – What Does Study On Fish Oil Benefits Show?

Below we have discussed some of the scientific studies showing the link between fish oil and hair-related benefits. Let’s check out the benefits of fish oil for hair according to science!

#1. Study 1

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the ability of extra-strength marine protein supplements to promote hair growth and decrease shedding.

Timing: 3 months of a randomized study.

Method: Adult women with thinning hair because of poor diet, stress, hormonal influences, or abnormal menstrual cycles were randomized to take MPS (Marine Protein Supplement) twice daily for 90 days to assess its ability to promote hair growth. 

Result: Women suffering from self-perceived temporary hair thinning experienced hair growth and decreased hair loss without any reported adverse events. 

#2. Study 2

Mackerel-Derived Fermented Fish Oil Promotes Hair Growth by Anagen-Stimulating Pathways.

#2.1: Fermented Fish Oil (FFO) elongated the hair-fiber length of cultured rat vibrissae follicles. 

Timing: 14 days 

Method: Rat Vibrissae Follicles were cultured and maintained for 14 days in medium supplemented with FFO or minoxidil extract.

Result: FFO extract offered a 175.1% increase in the length of hair fiber as compared to 153.1% from minoxidil.

#2.2: Stimulation of Telogen-to-Anagen transition of the hair cycle in mice.

Timing: 35 days treatment with FFO extract on a mouse model.

Method: Topical application of FFO extract daily for 35 days on mice after depilation.

Result: FFO extract stimulated the transition to anagen and hair growth was observed in all mice.

#2.3: FFO extract increased the proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells.

Timing: 72 h.

Method: Proliferation of cultured DPC investigated for 72 h in media containing FFO extract.

Result: Hair –growth was witnessed by increasing the proliferation of DPCs through the cell cycle progression.

#3. Study 3

Effects on hair loss of a nutritional supplement (specifically with omega 3 & 6) on women.

Timing: 6 months

Method: 120 healthy women subjects were supplemented for 6-months for randomized and comparative study. 

Result: Reduction in telogen percentage and improvement in hair density after a 6-month supplementation with omega 3&6 and antioxidants.

These scientific studies are worth noting for the potential benefits of adding a fish oil supplement in your diet for hair growth.

In fact, according to science, Omega 3 fatty acid benefits for hair are so effective that fish oil supplement has become a part of many Americans’ diet plans.

However, it’s a fact that omega-3 fats are not naturally produced by the human body. Hence, people have to depend on external sources because of their benefits.

And even though they bring a whole wide range of health benefits, certain precautions are to be taken while consuming fish oil.

Possible Side Effects Of Taking Fish Oil | Precautions You Need To Take

There are numerous fish oil benefits for skin, hair, and overall health in general. 

However, certain side effects might be witnessed after consuming fish oil. 

Hence, one needs to be cautious of these factors when adding fish oil pills to their diet.

#1. Possibility of upset stomach and loose stool. 

#2. Feeling of nausea and acid reflux.

#3. Insomnia.

#4. Offensive fishy breath when taken by mouth.

#5. Increased levels of blood sugar in diabetic people.

#6. Low blood pressure.

#7. Bleeding gums and nose bleeds.

#8. Impact on the clotting mechanism and possibility of a stroke.

#9. Skin irritation and rashes.

#10. Reduced immunity function.

Plus, there are some people who should definitely stay away from fish oil.

Who Should Not Take Fish Oil?

Considering its side effects, it becomes vital to know who should not consume fish oil or need to take special precautions while consuming it.

#1. Children

Young children must not consume more than 2 ounces of fish oil per week.

Adding to this, consuming fish oil from dietary sources could possibly be unsafe because it contains toxins like mercury. 

Frequent eating of contaminated fish can cause seizures, mental retardation, brain damage, and even blindness in children.

#2. Pregnant Women

Pregnant women and nursing mothers must avoid eating fish with high mercury content, such as shark, king mackerel, tilefish, and swordfish. 

Also, limit the consumption of other fish to 12 ounces per week. 

#3. People Dealing with Certain Health Issues

An increase in the symptoms of certain health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV AIDS, and other conditions of the immune system can be seen.

Therefore, people with such health issues must consult their doctor before taking fish oil.

Additionally, fish oil supplements are available in both non-prescription and prescription varieties.

While the former variety of fish oil pills are a part of a multivitamin regime for many people, the latter, as the name suggests, needs to be medically prescribed because of its ability to interact with other medications. 

Mentioned below are some of the fish oil drug interactions you should take care of before you think about taking a fish oil supplement.

Now that we are through all that, it’s time we go over how you can actually take a fish oil supplement if you do choose to do so.

What Is The Best Form Of Fish Oil And How To Take It?

When it comes to fish oil and omega -3 fatty acids, there are different ways to consume them. Following are some of the common ones:

#1. Fish oil supplements

#2. Cod liver oil supplements (fish liver oil supplement)

#3. Fish and other Seafood (salmon, cod, sardines, mackerel, oysters, and cold water fatty fish)

#4. Nuts, seeds, and plant oils (flax seeds, chia seeds, soya bean oil, and canola oil)

#5. Seaweed and algae  

Now, talking about the best form of fish oil to reap maximum benefits, go for whole fish.

However, if you can’t bear the fishy smell for longer, you can go for fish oil supplements as well.

Adding to this, even though fish oil supplements are a part of the diet of many people, they still don’t know the right dosage.

Here’s how much fish oil you should take every day.

How Many Fish Oils Can I Take A Day?

There is no prescribed quantity of how much omega-3 per day is good for hair growth.

However, a dosage of 200-500 mg of omega-3 fatty acids every day could be considered good along with a balanced diet.

Not to mention, the requirement of dosage may vary from person to person depending upon the needs. 

To clarify, a healthy individual, pregnant women, and an infant, all require different dosages.

All in all, Omega 3 fatty acid benefits for hair and overall health could be overwhelming. 

Therefore, we are here with some of your most frequently asked questions related to fish oil.

Q&As

Check out the following questions to get the answers to the rest of your queries.

QUES 1: Is it good to take fish oil everyday?

ANS: Fish oil contains omega-3, and, as per scientists, its consumption for a longer period can reduce immunity because of omega-3s ability to lower the body’s inflammation. 

QUES 2: How long does fish oil take to work?

ANS: After having the supplement, it takes 3-4 hours for the omega 3 fatty acids to read the blood, but studies show that it takes 3-6 months to show a significant change.

QUES 3: Does fish oil make you gain weight? 

ANS: Fish oil consists of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it logical to wonder whether it makes you gain weight. 

However, contrary to the rumors, this supplement actually promotes weight loss by the proliferation of cells. 

Adding to this, it helps reduce one of the major contributors to obesity, i.e., inflammation. 

Also, it boosts metabolism and stimulates thermogenesis.

You’ll be surprised to know that fish oil is consumed by many athletes and bodybuilders before their competition to preserve and energize their muscles.

QUES 4: Can I take fish oil at night?

ANS: There’s no perfect time to take fish oil. You can consume it at any time of the day. 

However, splitting the supplement into two doses, i.e., day and night can reduce acid reflux and might make it easier for you to get out of bed the next morning. 

Not to mention, to avail of maximum fish oil benefits, it’s recommended to consume it with high-fat variety food for better absorption.

QUES 5: Does fish oil improve memory?

ANS: Yes, because fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acid, which is good for brain health. 

It supports the functioning of the brain and promotes better development of thinking and memory skills.

QUES 6: Can I take fish oil with water?

ANS: Yes, people can take fish oil with 8 oz (one cup) of water during a meal with enough fat for better results. 

QUES 7: Can I take fish oil with biotin?

ANS: Consumption of fish oil and biotin for hair growth is normal. 

However, whether you can take fish oil with biotin is debatable.

Even though there are no interactions found, it’s better to consult your doctor before taking both of these together. 

QUES 8: Can you take fish oil with blood pressure medications?

ANS: Omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil tends to lower blood pressure. 

Therefore, people taking blood pressure-lowering medications are strictly recommended to consult their doctor before adding fish oil to their diet. 

Fish oil with blood pressure medications also increases the risk of bleeding.

With that, Let’s wrap things up!

Summary

Being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil is an essential nutrient that needs to get adequately included in your diet. 

And while hair loss after a certain age is inevitable, you can definitely slow down the process and enjoy healthy-looking hair for longer by taking fish oil supplements and applying fish oil topically. 

However, it’s more effective to consume fish oil by adding it to your daily diet through food or by taking supplements.

Also, cod liver oil benefits for hair are scientifically proven; however, people dealing with certain underlying issues need to take proper precautions and consult a doctor before adding it to their diet. 

Hair loss is the most terrifying thing. 

Once it starts, it seems uncontrollable.

And just like me, if you’re getting a nightmare that you’ve gone bald, it’s time to take things in your hands by reaping the benefits of fish oil for hair.