Fish Oil: Reducing Inflammation of the Scalp

Fish oil is produced by extracting the oils from certain fatty fish and is one of the easiest oils to find. It can be consumed naturally by eating fish or by taking as a supplement. It has been linked to a variety of health benefits. In addition to helping the overall health of the hair shaft, it has also been linked to reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Production of Fish Oil

There are several methods of extracting oil from various fish but the most commonly used one is the wet pressing method. This process begins by heating the fish to a temperature of about 95 degrees Celsius as this temperature allows the oil and water to separate from protein. Once the liquid is extracted through pressing it will contain water, vitamins, minerals and dissolved protein in addition to oil. To separate the oil from these other substances, it is put in a centrifuge and the leftover liquid is used to make fish meal.

In order to heat the fish to the required temperature for wet pressing, they are first steamed. At this stage in the production process, some of the oil as well as other liquids are released. This can sometimes lead to increased impurities, which then need to be removed through straining or centrifuge.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The main reason that fish oil is considered beneficial for overall health, as well as that of the hair is due to the presence of large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids which means that they cannot be produced by the body and therefore must be ingested. In addition to stimulating follicles and achieving hair growth, they also stimulate the growth of new skin cells. Additionally, omega-3s are antioxidants which can neutralize free radicals and therefore undo any harmful effects on the hair caused by these substances.

Specific Benefits

One of the specific benefits that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have on hair is reducing inflammation. This is a common cause of hair loss thus by reducing inflammation, they can slow down the process of hair loss. In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids can improve the overall scalp health, which leads to better hair growth.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also help strengthen the hair roots by providing nourishment to the follicles. This in turn further reduces hair loss and in fact, encourages hair growth. Fish oil can even help improve the quality of hair due to the proteins found in the oil. When hair lacks protein it can become weak or brittle so by providing a sufficient source, the hair becomes more durable and strong.

Consuming Fish Oil

Although most oils that benefit the hair or scalp are applied topically, that is not the case with fish oil. Instead of applying it directly to the hair, fish oil should be taken in the form of a tablet or capsule supplement. Some people get sufficient fish oil in their diets naturally and this is generally the case for those who have fish at least twice a week. If not, increasing the consumption of fish or taking fish oil supplements can provide the hair benefits mentioned above.