Evidence supporting the use of: Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in oils such as evening primrose, borage, and black currant seed oil. Its use to support hair health is based on its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in skin barrier function, which may indirectly affect scalp health and, by extension, hair condition. Some small clinical trials and observational studies have explored the effect of GLA-containing oils on hair conditions, particularly in cases of hair loss associated with conditions like atopic dermatitis or other inflammatory scalp disorders.

There is limited clinical research directly linking GLA supplementation to improvement in hair growth or prevention of hair loss in otherwise healthy individuals. Most evidence comes from studies on individuals with underlying dermatological issues. For example, a few studies have shown that evening primrose oil (rich in GLA) may improve scalp eczema or dermatitis, which could in turn reduce hair shedding related to these conditions. However, large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically assessing GLA for general hair health are lacking, and the mechanism by which GLA might support hair growth is not well established in the scientific literature.

Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for its role in supporting hair health in certain dermatological conditions, the evidence is limited and not robust for widespread use in general hair wellness.

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