Omega Fatty Acids in Hair Loss Disorders

BACKGROUNDOmega fatty acids, including polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acids, regulate inflammation, cellular signaling, and tissue homeostasis, and may influence hair follicle biology and hair growth. The widespread use of dietary supplements for hair loss has been fueled by increasing consumer interest and the rapid spread of health information on social media.

AIMSThis scoping review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence on the role of omega fatty acids in the management of alopecia.

METHODSPubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Library, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched from database inception through February 2, 2026. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, English-language studies evaluating the relationship between omega fatty acids and hair growth, hair loss, or hair follicle biology in scarring or nonscarring alopecia.

RESULTSPreclinical studies suggest that omega fatty acids may promote dermal papilla cell proliferation, activate signaling pathways involved in hair follicle growth, suppress mediators of androgen-driven hair loss, and may protect against chemotherapy-induced follicular apoptosis. Clinical studies have reported improvements in hair density, hair growth, and reduced shedding, although many studies evaluated combination nutritional supplements rather than omega fatty acids alone. In contrast, one clinical study of men with androgenetic alopecia found that higher omega-3 intake was associated with a lower likelihood of clinical improvement. Limited clinical evidence also suggests that omega fatty acid supplementation may support hair regrowth in alopecia areata through immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSIONCurrent data do not support omega fatty acid supplementation as a standalone treatment for any alopecia subtype.

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