Is Prince Harry Using Caviar Hair Growth Supplements?

The British Royal Family has a long history of hair loss but, unlike his father and brother, Prince Harry seems less keen to let nature take its course.

It was previously reported that Prince Harry was advised to use hair loss treatment by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Given his continuing thinning, it seems unlikely that the prince went ahead, however.

Now, perhaps ahead of his rumoured imminent engagement to actress Meghan Markle, it seems he is revisiting the idea. The Daily Mail has revealed that Harry's latest experiment into hair loss prevention allegedly involves taking caviar-based food supplements.

Nutritional hair loss prevention

The 32 year old prince is rumoured to be taking a brand of Herring caviar omega 3 supplements made from caviar oil, sourced from Herring roe in the Norwegian fjords, in the hope of regrowing his thinning crown.

Marine-originating omega 3 fatty acids are known to be full of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is good for maintaining a normal metabolism. They are also widely praised by nutritionists for their alleged ability to lower certain inflammation markers. This includes interlukein 6 which is one of the interlukeins currently being studied in relation to autoimmune hair loss from Alopecia Areata. There is currently no scientific proof that omega 3s have any effects on inflammation related to hairloss, however.

Omega 3s are further believed to have potential mental health benefits specifically related to depression. Prince Harry has spoken openly about struggling with his own mental health and, together with his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, he has set up the charity HeadsTogether to help tackle the stigma surrounding the issue.

In terms of hair benefits, omega 3s help to nourish the hair and scalp. As we age, our bodies often produce increasingly less of the natural oils needed to keep the skin and hair properly lubricated. Increasing the intake of omega 3s, either via diet or food supplements, can help to correct this, making the scalp less prone to dryness and conditions such as dandruff. They can also moisturise the hair, strengthening it from the inside, promoting normal hair growth and helping to keep it shiny.

Belgravia's superintendent pharmacist prescriber, Christina Chikaher has significant experience in developing food supplements for the maintenance of healthy hair growth for The Belgravia Centre range of Hair Vitalics. "Caviar pills contain Omega-3 fatty acids. There are several claims linking fish oil supplements containing Omega- 3 supplements with hair growth, but none have been proven," explains Christina. "Fish oils are healthy and can contribute to overall good health, which in turn is required for healthy hair growth. A balanced diet including omega-3 fatty acids and healthy life style are important for healthy hair."

Christina raises an interesting point regarding fish oils which Prince Harry should be aware of: "The Royal Family is said to suffer from haemophilia," notes Chikaher. "If Prince Harry has this condition which is genetic, then he should take care not have very high levels of fish oils as this may result in a greater risk of bleeding."

What omega 3s cannot do - nor any other hair vitamins or supplements - is to treat a hair loss condition unless it is specifically caused by a dietary deficiency which can be resolved by enhanced nutrition.

Male pattern baldness - the cause of Prince Harry's hair thinning - is a genetic issue induced by an inherited sensitivity to the hormone DHT . Whilst an imbalanced diet or nutritional deficiencies may accelerate this form of hair loss, they are not the underlying cause and therefore supplements cannot be used to treat it. They can be helpful, however, as an additional therapeutic hair growth supporting product when used alongside clinically-proven hair loss treatments.

Family history of thinning crowns

Your family doesn't have to be royal to have a history of hair loss, however. Androgenetic alopecia - the medical term for the inherited condition Male Pattern Baldness - is genetic and can be passed on by the father or mother's side - though most likely both, despite researchers considering it is most likely to come from the male side of the family.

The men in the Royal Family certainly back up this theory. Harry's grandfather Prince Philip, his father Prince Charles, his uncles Andrew and Edward, and his brother Prince William, are all balding. Additionally, they also all display the same pattern of hair loss: a thinning crown and general thinning on top, along the vertex.

As an active predisposition is necessary for signs of hair loss to develop, it is possible that some people inherit the genes but that they remain dormant, making them a carrier - and therefore able to pass the genes on to their children - but not a sufferer. This is why male hair loss can appear to skip a generation.

For those worried about developing signs of hair loss it can be comforting to know that there are two MHRA licensed and FDA approved treatments for male pattern baldness: finasteride 1mg and high strength minoxidil.

In addition to these well established medications, a bespoke treatment course can also include a range of appropriate add-ons - including dedicated hair supplements such as Hair Vitalics for Men which contains biotin, zinc, selenium and a host of additional vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical extracts including saw palmetto, and home-use laser therapy.