Flaxseed oil promotes healthy growth of hair and nails. It is loaded with various nutrients and essential fatty acids that have scalp-replenishing properties. Thus, it improves the condition of dull hair and helps control hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia).

It contains alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is a kind of omega-3 fatty acid. In addition, flaxseed or linseed is a good source of omega 6, or linoleic acid, lignans (a group of phytoestrogens), vitamin B1, B2, B6, E, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and beta carotene.

The oil is derived from the seeds of flax plant and is available in liquid and soft-gel capsule form.

You can take about one tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily to promote faster hair growth. Alternatively, you can have one or two capsules of flaxseed oil supplement everyday.

Besides, you can apply this oil on your hair to smoothen the hair shaft. Topical application of flaxseed oil, however, is not too beneficial.

Basically, the body converts the alpha linolenic acid from flaxseed oil into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) with the help of certain enzymes. DHA and EPA improve skin health and provide nourishment for hair follicles, thereby encouraging hair growth.

Apart from enhancing the appearance of your lustrous locks and stimulating healthy hair and nail growth, intake of flaxseed oil helps reduce dandruff.

It strengthens your hair and makes the hair follicles resistant to damage. Men who are aspiring to have good growth of facial hair for sporting a stylish beard or moustache can also take flaxseed oil supplements.

Furthermore, consumption of flaxseed oil or freshly ground flax seeds promotes good health by boosting immunity, stabilizing blood sugar levels, increasing the metabolic rate, and alleviating joint pains and inflammations.

Studies have shown that flax lignans can prove to be beneficial in reversing hair loss caused by male pattern baldness.

Those of you who have curly hair can prepare a homemade flaxseed gel for your hair by boiling a cup of flaxseeds (you may use flax seeds soaked in water overnight) in three cups of water for about five minutes until it becomes thick.

Next, strain the seeds and blend them along with a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil. Apply this recipe on your curls to keep them moisturized naturally.

When planning to take flax oil supplements in your diet, make sure you consult with your doctor before starting this home treatment to enhance hair growth because flaxseed oil may not be suitable for individuals suffering from certain diseases.

Plus, it may interfere with other medicines such as diabetes medication, blood thinning drugs and birth control pills. Needless to say, do not take it in excess, or else it can cause diarrhea and other side effects.

You can add it in salad dressings and steamed vegetables. Besides, you may sprinkle freshly ground flaxseeds or linseeds in your breakfast cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter sandwich, stir-fried vegetables, pasta sauce, soups, stews, muffins, shakes, smoothies, etc.

Another simple way to include flax seeds in your daily diet is to mix one tablespoon of ground flax seeds in a glass of water and consume this thick solution. As the seeds are quite hard, you can grind them in a coffee grinder and then use.

Coming to the oil, make sure you do not use it for cooking because high heat tends to destroy its nutrients. Prefer to store flaxseed oil in the refrigerator in a dark container as it is likely to go rancid in a short span of time.