Omega 3 For Hair: Benefits And How To Use

Omega 3 fatty acids are a group of essential nutrients that we get from external sources like plant oils or animal foods as our body is not capable of producing it on its own.

The three most important types of Omega 3 fatty acids are ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Out of these, ALA is found mainly in plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts, and DHA and EPA are found mostly in fish oil and algae.

Omega 3 fatty acids have been known to decrease inflammation in the body, promote healthy ageing and support skin and hair health.

CAN OMEGA 3 REALLY IMPROVE YOUR HAIR?

• It reduces hair loss
  According to a study, a diet rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 antioxidants can reduce hair loss effectively within a period of just 6 months.
• It increases hair density
  A similar study also concludes that supplementing one’s diet with Omega 3 fatty acids can result in thicker hair growth, especially in cases of female-pattern hair loss caused by physical stress due to pregnancy, abortion, malnutrition, menstruation, fever or hypothyroidism, or psychological stress due to trauma or depression.
• It reduces scalp inflammation
  Omega 3 fatty acids are proven to fight inflammation in the body, soothe skin and scalp irritation, and promote wound healing and tissue repair after any injury.
  According to a study, the combination of dietary consumption of Omega 3 and topical usage of products containing Omega 3 fatty acids can effectively soothe inflammation and itchiness caused by scalp psoriasis.
• It nourishes hair follicles
  Research suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids hydrate skin and scalp, and are thereby able to support the anti-inflammatory response of our body even more. Nourishment in the skin and scalp leads to lesser chances of itchiness and irritation, and helps in reducing concerns such as pruritus and eczema.

SOME MORE BENEFITS OF USING OMEGA 3 FOR HAIR

• It reduces scalp lesions
  The anti-inflammatory response of Omega 3 helps to reduce scalp lesions such as scalp acne, bumps, blisters and cysts.
• It moisturises hair
  Oils containing Omega 3 fatty acids moisturise hair and scalp, condition hair strands, prevent frizz, and add a natural sheen to your hair.
• It balances sebum
  Omega 3 fatty acids help to regulate sebum production and distribution on the scalp and skin in the long run.
• It reduces flakiness
  Oils containing Omega 3 fatty acids reduce irritation and itchiness and hydrate our scalp to prevent dryness, flakiness and dandruff.
• It strengthens hair strands
  Omega 3 antioxidants repair the hair shaft and protect hair strands against damage from aggressors such as pollution, extreme temperatures, excessive hair treatments and oxidation.

SOME WAYS TO USE OMEGA 3 FOR HAIR

• Omega 3 for moisturising hair
  An omega 3 rich plant oil such as cold pressed hemp seed oil can be used on scalp and hair ends as an overnight moisturising treatment.
• Omega 3 for conditioning hair
  Few drops of organic hemp seed oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil or chia seed oil can be applied to hair ends after shampoo to naturally condition hair.
• Omega 3 for hair growth
  A blend of Juicy Chemistry cold pressed argan oil, cold pressed hemp seed oil and peppermint essential oil can be used on your scalp for massaging and boosting blood circulation to promote hair growth.
  Note – Patch test the prepared blend on your inner arm to test for sensitivity and redness, before applying it to your scalp and hair.
• Omega 3 for dandruff control
  A blend of Juicy Chemistry cold pressed neem carrier oil, cold pressed hemp seed oil and rosemary essential oil can be used on scalp and hair for preventing dryness, reducing flakiness, providing anti-microbial properties to the scalp and soothing inflammation and redness caused by excess itching.
  Note – Patch test the prepared blend on your inner arm to test for sensitivity and redness, before applying it to your scalp and hair.
• Omega 3 for hair masking
  Flaxseeds contain natural gelatinous compounds. When boiled in water, these compounds activate causing the seeds to swell. On cooling, this flaxseed water turns into a fluid gel that can be applied as a hair mask to improve hair health.
• Omega 3 as a superfood
  Sprinkle hemp seeds, chia seeds and flax seeds on your breakfast smoothie to boost your Omega 3 intake. Add walnuts to homemade granola or cereal to boost your ALA intake.
  Note – Consult your general practitioner before adding supplements or making any sudden dietary changes in your lifestyle.

JUICY CHEMISTRY HAIR PRODUCTS MADE WITH OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

• Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Carrier Oil
  In addition to essential nutrients such as magnesium, iron and zinc, 30% structure of hemp seeds consists of hemp seed oil that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Juicy Chemistry’s organic and cold pressed hemp seed oil moisturises scalp and hair, and prevents transepidermal water loss. It also prevents scalp congestion and provides protection against free radical damage.
• Cedarwood and Hemp Beard Oil
  It is a nourishing beard oil for moisturising one’s beard skin as well as hair. Fatty acids in Hemp Seed, Apricot, and Grapeseed Oils nourish and moisturise skin and beard, and Cedarwood and Blood Orange Essential Oils soothe inflammation and stimulate blood flow to enhance beard growth.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Who can use cold pressed hemp seed oil?
  Anyone who does not have sensitivity to hemp can use hemp seed oil on scalp and hair. However, we do recommend patch testing new products on your inner arm before applying them on your scalp or hair.
  
  
• How long does hemp seed oil take to show results?
  Our hair experiences months of stress before it starts showing signs for concern. Hence, time taken by any natural remedy to show visible results depends on how far the concern goes. When it comes to using natural ingredients for hair growth, dandruff removal or controlling hair loss, consistency and patience are key.

REFERENCES –

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3262608/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4030645/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21760742/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7037798/