Fatty Acids Good for Hair Growth: An In-Depth Guide to Omega-3

12 June, 2024 | Hair Loss | Author : Shveta Virmani

The overall health of a person's scalp hair contributes significantly to their physical appearance. You will appear more jovial and have immense self-confidence if your hair is in the finest condition. Most people with pattern baldness, hair thinning or even dry, dehydrated hair lack self-esteem. Aside from genetic reasons, poor lifestyle factors adversely impact hair health.

Resorting to Omega-3 fatty acids is prudent if you struggle to maintain your hair's health. According to a credible study report, fatty acids have minimised the hair loss of 89.9% of people in six months.

Harnessing the potential of these essential nutrients can help benefit your hair's health and growth. It is amongst the best acids for hair growth. Aside from taking Omega-3 supplements, you can obtain these fatty acids from multiple dietary sources.

Importance of the Essential Building Blocks

Omega-3 is a type of polyunsaturated fat that is beneficial to human bodies. However, human bodies do not naturally produce omega-3, so obtaining it from different sources is the only option.

They are sometimes called "essential fatty acids" or "essential fats". They are fats one should get from a proper diet. Omega-3s are most normally from things like slick and greasy fish, walnuts, soybeans and chia seeds.

Alongside assisting your hair, following a healthy diet enriched with Omega-3 can further develop your heart health. Moreover, it positively impacts emotional well-being, combats irritation, and helps develop the infant's brain.

Here are the most crucial Omega-3s responsible for contributing significantly to hair health.

ALA: Alpha-linolenic acid is essentially found in plant-based sources like chia seeds and flaxseeds. ALA gets converted in the body to EPA and DHA, yet at a less effective rate.

EPA: Eicosapentaenoic acid is bountiful in fatty fish like sardines, mackerel and salmon. EPA plays a pivotal part in relieving irritation and fostering proper blood circulation.

DHA: Oily fish contains Docosahexaenoic acid in higher quantities. DHA is fundamental for the proper functioning of the brain and adds to maintaining healthier cell membranes.

What is the Science behind Hair Growth and Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Research on the direct connection between hair growth and omega-3 fatty acids is ongoing. A number of mechanisms have suggested that these essential fats can lead to shiny, healthy hair. Here's how effective Omega-3s are.

Combats Inflammation : Acute inflammation can disturb the hair development cycle, prompting balding. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that assist with establishing a scalp environment favourable for sound hair development.

Scalp Nourishment: Hair follicles, the base of hair development, require a consistent supply of essential nutrients or ideal functioning. Omega-3s contribute to scalp well-being, advancing blood circulation and ensuring a consistent flow of fundamental supplements to the follicles.

Helps Keep Scalp Hydrated: A flaky, dry scalp can restrict hair growth. Omega-3s have moisturising properties that help advance a scalp environment with ideal hydration levels for hair development.

Building Blocks for Shiny Healthy Hair: Hair consists of keratin, a protein with specific building blocks that make up its structure. Omega-3s provide necessary fatty acids, leading to the development of healthy, strong hair strands. Almost 87.3% of people's hair has become denser within a period of six months due to an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

Hormonal Guideline: Hormonal changes can affect the growth of hair. Omega-3s are instrumental in managing chemicals that influence the hair development cycle, possibly advancing thicker, better hair.

It's vital to consider that these components require further examination through extensive clinical trials. The current evidence shows a promising connection between Omega-3s and the overall well-being of hair.

What are the Major Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

You need to adhere to a diet on a regular basis that's rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Adding these foods to your diet can help boost your hair's health and growth.

Fatty Fish: Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines and herring are rich in Omega-3. Consume these fish at least twice or thrice every week to reap the rewards.
Walnuts: These flavourful nuts give a lot of ALA and contribute to hair well-being with their biotin content.
Flaxseeds: Loaded with ALA, these tiny seeds can be ground and sprinkled on plates of mixed greens, yoghurt, or oats. Flaxseed oil is another choice, but you must refrigerate it because of its vulnerability to oxidation.
Chia Seeds: Regarding chia seeds as one of the best sources of ALA, Have them in the same manner as flaxseeds or soak them in water or milk to make a gel-like pudding.

Eggs, dairy items, and, surprisingly, some bread brands are currently invigorated with EPA and DHA. While these are a portion of the top sources, checking the label is vital to ensure you get the correct dosage. Additional nutrients that improve hair health can be found in a well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Duration It Takes for Omega-3 to Produce Desired Results

If you've begun to take omega-3 supplements for your hair, you shouldn't anticipate seeing any recognisable outcomes straight away.

According to most survey reports, supplements are assumed to control more than a three-month or half-year time frame before any essentially recognisable outcomes are evident.

It's vital to note that there are a couple of secondary effects that you might have insight into, particularly assuming that you're taking omega-3 in supplement structure.

Specific individuals who take these supplements experience cerebral pains, nausea, acid reflux, diarrhoea, etc. It may interact adversely with certain other regular medications that individuals need to take regularly, like contraceptives, anticoagulants, and pulse medicine.