Nutritionists say it over and over again – be mindful of what you eat. Having a well-balanced diet is key to keeping your body healthy, including your hair. You could go the long (and expensive) route of investing in luxurious conditioners and serums, but there’s an easier way of doing it. If you want thicker and shinier hair, you should start stocking up on foods like lean protein, spinach and sweet potatoes, and think twice about those sugary treats.
Salmon
Salmon is filled with healthy Omega 3 fatty acids that can help your hair grow as healthily as possible. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help open up follicles meaning you’ll have a full head of amazing, healthy hair. If you suffer from a dry scalp, this might be an early sign of Omega 3 deficiency, so stock up. Vegan alternatives are walnuts, especially flax seeds, and green leafy vegetables.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense green veggies out there. It contains everything between calcium, potassium, Omega 3 and iron. It’s an amazingly well-rounded vegetable to get most of the nutrients you need. In particular, your hair needs a lot of iron which helps red cells carry oxygen to your hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth, so spinach is the way to go!
Blueberries
Vitamin C is key for the correct absorption of iron. So next time you’re at the grocery shop getting iron-filled spinach, make sure you also buy some blueberries. The Vitamin C from the blueberries will allow your body to absorp all the goodness from the green veg, so try to have iron and vitamin C rich foods in one meal if possible.
On its own, Vitamin C also helps your body naturally produce collagen which is not only great for your skin, but also for your hair capillaries. This will prevent dreaded hair loss. Other sources include blackcurrants, broccoli, guava or kiwi fruit.
All your shaving, bathroom and healthcare needs – conveniently delivered to your door.
Get a smooth, comfortable shave every morning and never shop for bathroom toiletries ever again.
Join over 250,000 members today and get the supplies you need, when you need them.
Chicken and Lentils
Poultry is filled with lean macronutrient protein, which is essential to strengthening your hair. It also contributes to the transportation of iron in your body, meaning more oxygen will reach your hair follicles. Not only will it boost healthy hair growth, but it also helps to thicken it. For a vegan alternative, try eating more lentil-based meals like veggie curries.
Sweet Potatoes
Ever wondered why sweet potatoes are bright orange? It’s because of its high beta-carotene content. As your body digests sweet potatoes, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A which is necessary for cell growth, including hair cells. It’s also key in avoiding dull hair and dry skin. So if your scalp is itchy, add some more sweet potatoes into your diet. But don’t go overboard, too much vitamin A can cause hair loss- it’s all in the balance. Other sources are carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin.
Oysters
To keep strong, your hair will need antioxidants. This includes the mineral zinc, which helps ensure the oil glands in your scalp are kept to healthy levels. It also helps your body with tissue growth and repair, including hair growth. A few signs of zinc deficiency are loss of hair or slow growth. Oysters are a great source, but so are most nuts and fat-free yoghurt, if oysters aren’t your thing.
Walnuts and almonds
Biotin is a vitamin B that contributes to healthy hair and scalp. Our bodies create biotin naturally in the process of digestion , so deficiency, which causes hair loss, is not common. However, if you’ve been sick for a few weeks, your body can become deficient and it’s a good idea to opt for supplements. Walnuts and almonds have a high biotin content, but so do eggs, avocados and low-fat cheese.
There you have it. In a nutshell, if you’re looking to take care of your hair, have lean protein with leafy greens and sweet potatoes for dinner. For dessert, indulge in fat-free yoghurt with some nuts and berries.
Check our blog for other tips on how to deal with hair loss and our top hair care dos and don’ts. Do you have any tricks of your own? Let us know on Twitter and Facebook.