Fish Oil Benefits for Hair Growth: Can Omega-3s Help With Hair Loss?

Fish oil has been making waves in the world of health supplements, touted for its potential benefits for cholesterol, skin health, and joints. But can you use fish oil for hair growth?

The answer is complicated. Fish oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can support your overall wellness. This may indirectly support hair health, but there’s very little evidence to suggest fish oil actually stops hair loss. 

Before you start browsing for fish oil supplements, let’s dive a little deeper. Below, we’ve explained possible fish oil benefits for hair and how to use it. We’ve also listed a few hair loss treatments worth looking into. 

Fish oil is a dietary supplement derived from the tissues of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. While you can always take a fish oil supplement, you can also get omega-3s by incorporating oily fish into your diet.  

It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

While you can get omega-3 fatty acids from plant-based sources like flaxseeds and canola oil, plants contain an omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA isn’t associated with the same health benefits as EPA and DHA. 

In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil contains vitamins A and D. 

Fish oil is often touted as an essential nutrient for hair health. The evidence on this is sparse — but interesting. 

A note: unlike most oils for hair growth, fish oil isn’t typically applied directly to your hair — it’ll smell terrible. Instead, people usually take fish oil supplements orally to work from the inside out. 

Let’s break down how fish oil might support your hair health.

Fish Oil for Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is vital for healthy hair growth, which is why scalp care is essential. 

Like the rest of your skin, your scalp may be prone to issues like dryness and itchiness. These can cause discomfort and, in some instances, affect hair growth. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to reduce inflammation, which may explain why fish oil could improve the symptoms of some skin disorders, such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

Although many supplement companies claim that omega-3s could improve dandruff, no research suggests this is the case.   

Fish Oil for Hair Follicles

Your hair follicles require a steady supply of nutrients to produce healthy hair. Blood circulation in your scalp delivers these nutrients to where they need to be, so proper blood flow is important.

Fish oil’s EPA and DHA support circulation by improving endothelial function — the ability of blood vessels to widen. 

Some claim that this means fish oil promotes hair growth. But although blood circulation to the hair follicles is essential for hair growth, omega 3s are only one piece of the puzzle for promoting healthy blood flow. That means they’re not a cure-all for hair loss or unhealthy hair.

Fish Oil for Hair Loss 

The idea that fish oil can prevent hair loss is intriguing but not yet fully backed by science. 

A 2018 study found that topically applied fermented fish oil promoted hair growth in mice — but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for humans. 

A 2015 study tested the effects of omega fatty acids on hair loss in women with early signs of female pattern hair loss. Half of the 120 participants took a placebo, while the other half took supplements containing omega 3, omega 6, and antioxidants. After six months, the supplement group had improved hair density. They reported that their hair felt thicker and noticed less hair loss.  

Beyond that, there isn’t much to suggest that fish oil can stop hair loss, rescue thinning hair, or promote hair regrowth. 

Remember, hair loss can result from a variety of factors — genetics, stress, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies. To directly address hair loss, you need to address the underlying issue. More on that later!

Fish oil might not be a silver bullet for that receding hairline, but there are still some compelling reasons to take it. 

Fish oil supplements might:

• Improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune health condition 

• Support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline

• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve cholesterol markers

There’s also ongoing research in these areas and others that we assume will reveal more about the benefits of omega-3s. 

If you think you’d benefit from an extra dose of omega-3s, you can get more fish oil through dietary sources or supplements. 

Foods rich in omega-3s include:

• Mackerel 

• Salmon

• Herring

• Anchovies

• Oysters

• Caviar

Alternatively, you can take fish oil capsules or liquid supplements, like cod liver oil. Always opt for high-quality products and stick to the recommended daily dosage for supplements. 

If you’re vegetarian or can’t eat fish, you can get omega-3s through plant-based sources. Try plant-based omega-3 supplements that include ingredients like hempseed, chia, or flaxseed oil.

While fish oil supplements are generally safe for most people, they can cause mild side effects, such as:

• Bad breath 

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Burping

• Indigestion

• A fishy aftertaste

High doses of fish oil may interfere with blood clotting, so it’s important to stick to the recommended dosage.

If you’re taking medications, particularly blood thinners, talk to a healthcare provider before adding fish oil to your routine. 

If you’ve noticed the early signs of balding, we recommend making a beeline for evidence-backed hair loss solutions — not fish oil supplements. 

The most well-studied, effective hair loss treatments include: 

• Finasteride. This is a prescription-only oral pill approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDS) for hair loss. It reduces levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that causes male pattern hair loss. 

• Minoxidil. The active ingredient in Rogaine, this topical treatment is also approved by the FDA for treating hair loss. We offer both minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution.

• Combo treatments. Try getting the best of both worlds with our topical finasteride & minoxidil spray. 

• Hair care products. Some hair products, like our thickening shampoo with saw palmetto, contain ingredients that may slow down hair loss. 

• Hair growth supplements. Our biotin gummies contain vitamins and minerals more directly related to hair health than fish oil.  

The first step is to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a general practitioner or dermatologist. They can assess your hair loss and suggest potential treatment options. 

Wanna learn how to take care of your hair? Check out our tips for preventing hair loss and our hair care tips for men.

Fish oil may have a range of health benefits — but it’s not the ultimate hair growth miracle.  

Before you go and grab some fish oil supplements, keep the following in mind:

• There may be some fish oil benefits for hair. Fish oil is rich in essential fatty acids. These acids might support a healthy scalp environment and promote blood circulation.

• There are also other benefits of fish oil. For example, it might support heart health and brain function. 

• But it’s very unlikely fish oil will stop hair loss on its own. If you’re dealing with hair loss, opt for targeted treatments like minoxidil or finasteride. These are approved by the FDA to specifically target hair loss.

Fish oil can be great for your overall health, so get your dose of omega-3s through a balanced diet rich in fatty fish or high-quality dietary supplements. 

However, if you’ve noticed the signs of hair loss, we recommend skipping the supplement aisle and getting expert help ASAP. We can help connect you with a healthcare professional who can advise you on your hair loss treatment options.