By JB Bardot
Hair loss has a variety of causes including genetics, drug interactions, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid problems, poor circulation, hormones and aging. Increasing you overall health and nutrition can reduce the rate of hair loss, as can as adding olive and fish oils to your diet on a daily basis. Both oils are rich in vitamins, possess anti-inflammatory properties, and helping to promote hair growth.
About Fish Oil
Fish oil makes a healthy addition to your daily diet in in spite of any benefits it may have on the growth of hair. 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. For people who don’t like eating fish, omega-3 fatty acids are also found in fish oil supplements.
Because it thins the blood, fish oil can cause internal bleeding. If you take blood thinners you should consult your doctor before using fish oil medicinally. Certain fish that have a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, may also have high mercury levels.
Fish Oil Slows 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 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, promote healthier follicle development and hair growth.
Olive Oil Prevents Balding
Olive oil is rich in nutrients that 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. Because of it’s low smoke point, it’s best to consume olive oil at room temperature and not to heat it.
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 and applied to the scalp as a treatment to nourish skin and hair. Apply an oil pack combining 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 and scalp 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 scalp and hair healthy by maintaining a well balanced diet, getting rest and being diligent about taking are of your hair and scalp every day.
SOURCE