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How do I Use Cod Liver Oil for Hair Growth?

Autumn Rivers
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Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 135,188
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Cod liver oil is one nutritional supplement that is known for improving the look and amount of hair, mainly since it improves the health of the body in general. Aside from its ability to keep the entire body healthy, it also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help the hair follicles grow while reducing the amount of hair loss. The hair usually looks shinier, fuller, and smoother when you take cod liver oil for hair health. It can be taken in capsule form or as a liquid, and can usually be purchased online or at health food stores.

While cod liver oil can help with hair growth, its main function is as a nutritional supplement to improve overall health. Having the essential vitamins and minerals in the diet can often lead to healthy skin, nails, and hair, which is partly why cod liver oil tends to work so well for hair. This supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids, which you can also get from soybeans, nuts, and some fish, such as tuna and mackerel. The body does not make omega-3, which is why supplementing with either cod liver oil or foods that contain the nutrient is important. This supplement also contains vitamins A and D, which means that if you take cod liver oil, you will likely get sufficient amounts of these vitamins, as well.

This nutrient not only helps maintain good health in general, resulting in hair that looks strong, but it also nourishes the hair follicles. After use of cod liver oil for hair, each strand tends to look shinier and smoother, and also often feels stronger. Though the oil in general is good for the hair, the omega-3 fatty acids add to its power to make the hair healthy. This is because this nutrient can speed up hair growth while preventing hair loss.

Once you decide to take this nutrient, you will find that you have the choice between capsules and the liquid form. Most people prefer capsules since they usually make it easy to get the proper dosage, which may range from one to a few pills per day. They also do not smell as strongly as the liquid tends to. On the other hand, the liquid is usually a purer form of oil, often making a small amount go a long way. Consider these factors before deciding which form to take.

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Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for The Health Board, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
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Discussion Comments
By anon994181 — On Jan 21, 2016

I have been taking cod liver oil for years, which has helped me to ward off colds and keeps my skin super healthy. It's also great for hair growth, a great elixir.

By anon987475 — On Feb 03, 2015

Will cod liver oil help me grow a beard?

By anon984185 — On Jan 06, 2015

Has anyone used cod liver externally in any way for any form of hair growth experimentally at all? If yes, how was it used and what was the conclusion?

By anon359795 — On Dec 20, 2013

My friend's hair grew extremely fast and long with these tablets. It gives the hair a really healthy look as well!

By anon354759 — On Nov 11, 2013

Can I take one capsule daily? Is it harmful?

By turquoise — On Oct 30, 2012

@alisha-- Yea, DHA will help too, but I personally think that fish oil supplements are superior because they contain both DHA and EPA.

DHA or docosahexaenoic acid and EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid are two fatty acids that make up Omega-3. It's best to get both of these sources together because the body needs EPA to make and use DHA. So taking fish oil supplements which contain both of these are better than taking only one.

Go ahead and finish the DHA supplements you have now though. DHA is extremely important for the body, particularly for the brain, but it is beneficial for many other aspects of our health including the health of our hair.

By discographer — On Oct 30, 2012

I don't take cod liver oil supplements but I take DHA supplements daily. Will this also help with hair growth? Or do we have to take the actual oil for it to work? And does it matter if we take cod liver oil or just fish oil?

By SarahGen — On Oct 29, 2012

anon275149-- I was wondering the same thing because most natural oils can also be used as a hair treatment or mask to promote hair growth. But putting cod liver oil in your hair is really not a good idea. I don't think the hair follicles can absorb this kind of oil. Hair follicles are very small, so they can only absorb oils that are composed of small molecules.

The other major reason why it's not a good idea is because your hail will smell like fish! I'm sure that scent is so strong that it will not disappear immediately after washing your hair. It's a lot better to take cod liver oil capsules and nourish your hair from the inside out.

By anon275149 — On Jun 16, 2012

Should I apply the cod liver oil on my hair or take it internally?

By anon269954 — On May 20, 2012

How long before a surgery should one stop taking fish oil and how long after surgery can one resume taking the supplement?

By DentalFloss — On May 09, 2011

My mom used to buy cod liver oil capsules. I don't know if they really helped her feel better or get sick less often, though, but she really liked taking them. I thought that they were really greasy feeling, though, even with a coating.

By accordion — On May 07, 2011

If you don't want to use cod liver oil, there are other supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids from those other sources. Many are also vegetarian, which cod liver oil of course is not; if you are not sure, or need to avoid certain other foods, the ingredients should indicate if it contains fish, soy, wheat or nuts, since these are all very common allergens.

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Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for The Health Board, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
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