Who says our stomach is the only organ we need to satisfy when we eat? Our hair needs the necessary diet to enable it to grow with its average monthly rate of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all hair growth is based on the nutrients we eat. Proper and healthy diet enables stronger and healthier hair growth along with the rest of our cells in our entire body – inside and out.
Each nutrient and vitamin we digest primarily circulates throughout our body; including our hair. Yet whenever we talk about hair care, we mostly only refer to shampoos, conditioners, brushing and styling. Regrettably, diet and lifestyle changes are almost always neglected.
Even though the gains may not be significant to every individual, it is undeniable that the food we eat can affect our hair. After all, the nutrients we derive from the foods we digest form the foundation of our skin, hair and nails.
If you are looking for a solution to combat and improve the quality of your existing hair, this list can be a great place to start.
1. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Taking care of what’s visual means taking care from the inside. You have to keep in mind that what you eat, drink and how you treat your body has an effect on improving hair growth. A few of the things you can do is indulging yourself with enough fresh fruits and vegetables and a suitable amount of daily water intake. Since your hair grows directly from your body, proper and healthy treatment towards your body will reflect towards your hair growth. Vitamin deficiencies and unhealthy diets can cause hair to be severely brittle.
Here are the list of foods that you should be including in your diet foundation to improve hair growth.
- Salmon
To most of you who are in need of a beauty punch, nothing beats the natural nutrients that salmon can provide. Salmon has high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of vitamin B12, and iron that supports scalp health.
If you’re a vegetarian the best way for you to get omega-3 is to have at least a tablespoon of ground flaxseed in your daily diet.
- Vegetables
Spinach, broccoli, and Swiss chard are just some of the vegetables that are excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum, that is our body’s natural hair conditioner.
- Beans
Legumes like kidney beans and lentils provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, and an abundant amount of the necessary iron, zinc, and biotin for hair growth
- Nuts
Nuts are the best source of vitamins. Brazil nuts for example have selenium, an important mineral to nourish your scalp. Walnuts, on the other hand, contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps in hair conditioning. Aside from this, walnuts are one of the best sources of of zinc including some of its nut family such as cashews, pecans, and almonds. Zinc is important, because zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding.
- Poultry
Chicken and other types of poultry are good sources of high-quality protein. Inadequate protein intake will reflect on a person’s brittle and weak hair and may further result in the loss of hair colour.
- Bacon
Bacon on the other hand may not be as healthy, but if consumed in moderation, it can actually provide vitamin B, zinc, and protein.
- Beef/Lamb
Just like bacon, beef and lamb contain a considerable amount of protein, B vitamins and zinc. As an added benefit, beef also contains iron. All of these nutrients can contribute to healthy, strong hair growth.
- Eggs
Eggs, whether served scrambled, sunny side-up or however you like, provide the best protein source you can find. Eggs also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are just a few of the important nutrients needed for a healthy skin glow.
- Whole Grains
Cereals and many whole grain foods can provide a healthy dose of of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which can be very beneficial for hair growth improvement.
- Oysters
Oysters are not only famous for being an aphrodisiac. they also provide zinc, which can give hair a natural boost.
- Low-Fat Dairy Products
Skim milk and yogurt are a good source of calcium. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
- Carrots
Carrots are known to improve vision due to its high source of vitamin A. However, they also promote a healthy and well-conditioned scalp.
Keep in mind that a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy. Don’t worry about the pounds that you can possibly pack on by eating the foods listed above, as moderate food intake won’t affect your weight at all.
You also have to keep in mind that we all are born with different hair textures. So, if you were born with fine, thin hair, you’ll never be able to have those thick locks of hair despite all the food that you eat but healthy hair regrowth is within your reach.
2. Alternate Relaxed Styling & Protective Styling
When your hair has reached a certain length, it would be best to wear it loose most of the time to enable it to relax. On the other hand, wearing your hair in protective styles more often than not will help retain its length. This will keep your hair from rubbing against clothing and pillowcases to prevent dryness that can lead to breakage.
3. Avoid Sun Tanning
While tan skin can be aesthetically pleasing, UV rays can be harmful. Look for UV-protection beauty products to minimise the possibility of damage to hair.
4. Use Proper Tools For Hair Care
Choose the appropriate hair styling tools for proper hair care. The best tool is a wide-tooth comb, which won’t cause any friction when combing.
5. Condition
Just as we need to moisturise our skin often, the same applies to hair. This is crucial for having healthy hair. It would be best to use an all-natural based shampoo and conditioner. Well-moisturised and well taken care of hair is less prone to breakage and is the best remedy for hair retention.
6. Keep Your Hair Natural
Hair damage is often due to chemicals and heating that may take years before the natural hair texture returns, especially among women. Instead of trimming away or chemically processing your hair and then having to deal with hair texture you might not like, opt for some natural hair styles.
And beware of dietary supplements that are often promoted to thicken hair or regrow hair fast. They may cause even more damage than good. Keep in mind that it’s often best to have a natural hair supplement especially when you’re dealing with hair loss. And just in case you are currently suffering from alopecia or any type of hair loss, get a natural hair regrowth boost by taking a 100% natural hair solution.
TRX2 Molecular Food Supplement for Hair created by Oxford BioLabs, Ltd .
