Many people consume fish or fish oil supplements to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, suggesting that the omega-3 found in fish oil: provides essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and skin. prevents hair follicle inflammation — a factor that can directly contribute to hair loss.
Alopecia areata (AA) occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicle. Studies have shown a relationship between AA and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D should be supplemented if levels are low.
Cedarwood, lavender, thyme, and rosemary oils have hair growth–promoting properties. These oils have been anecdotally used to treat alopecia for more than 100 years.
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies suggest that omega-3s may improve hair health, particularly for people with hair loss.
“Alopecia areata may be reversed through diet, possibly with antioxidants or an anti-inflammatory diet, probiotics, zinc, biotin and healthy oils,” Kimberly Langdon, MD, an OB/GYN based in Ohio who works at Medzino, tells WebMD Connect to Care.
There is currently no cure for alopecia areata, although there are some forms of treatment that can be suggested by doctors to help hair re-grow more quickly. The most common form of alopecia areata treatment is the use of corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can suppress the immune system.
Causes of Alopecia Areata
In alopecia areata, the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing inflammation. Researchers do not fully understand what causes the immune attack on hair follicles, but they believe that both genetic and environmental (non-genetic) factors play a role.
Biotin has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 50 ratings on Drugs.com. 40% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 40% reported a negative effect. Fish Oil has an average rating of 5.2 out of 10 from a total of 15 ratings on Drugs.com.
When taken by mouth: Fish oil is likely safe for most people in doses of 3 grams or less daily. Taking more than 3 grams daily might increase the chance of bleeding. Fish oil side effects include heartburn, loose stools, and nosebleeds. Taking fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them can reduce these issues.
No interactions were found between biotin and EPA Fish Oil. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Topical minoxidil
Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine, is a topical treatment that's easy to apply and can be easily purchased over the counter. Minoxidil works to help the hair grow faster once the follicle is no longer under attack by the immune system and is capable of producing hair.
People taking blood pressure medication should talk to a doctor before trying these supplements. Blood clotting: Omega-3s might also affect blood clotting, so people with clotting disorders, bleeding disorders, and those taking clotting medication should talk to a doctor before supplementing with fish oil.
Because most of the benefits of fish oil are associated with long-term use, you can take it at any time of day. That said, splitting your supplement into two smaller doses in the morning and at night can reduce acid reflux.
How long does it take for omega-3's to work? Levels of omega-3's build up quickly in the body once you take supplements. But it may take 6 weeks to 6 months to see a significant change in mood, pain, or other symptoms.
Many people consume fish or fish oil supplements to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, suggesting that the omega-3 found in fish oil: provides essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles and skin. prevents hair follicle inflammation — a factor that can directly contribute to hair loss.
There are no studies that show that cod liver oil causes hair loss — there is no research establishing a relationship between cod liver oil and tress health in general.
If you are taking omega-3 supplements to help you skin or hair, it can take up to twelve weeks for the effect to show. A small study showed that women who took omega-3 on a daily basis in the form of flaxseed oil, experienced a 39 % increase in skin hydration after three months.
Ways to Stop Alopecia Areata from Spreading or Worsening
Avoiding unnecessary hair or scalp trauma, reducing stress and analyzing your diet are all worthwhile endeavors when attempting to prevent alopecia areata from spreading.
Calcipotriol, a vitamin D analog, has been reported to be topically used in treating alopecia areata with promising results. Combination therapy of vitamin D analogs with corticosteroids might also be used in treating alopecia areata.
For patients who use treatments, there are several options. However, alopecia areata cannot be "cured." As noted above, most patients experience future episodes of hair loss. Corticosteroids — Corticosteroids, commonly called steroids, are anti-inflammatory medications that are used to treat alopecia areata.
Ketoconazole shampoos help treat Alopecia by cleaning the skin area around your hair follicle of sebum, or the skins natural oils that are produced. Getting rid of these oils can allow your hair follicles to receive more nutrition and release for your hair to regrow.