Almost every girl’s dream is to achieve strong, shiny, and healthy hair like the ones in the dreamy shampoo commercials...but unfortunately, not everyone is able to fulfill it. There are a number of things to take into consideration when it comes to keeping your hair and scalp healthy - including your diet and health. Whether you have dry, frizzy, brittle hair or smooth and silky hair can all depend on your internal health. Every strand of hair contains cells that have a protein called keratin which requires constant nourishment of minerals and vitamins to keep your hair strong and healthy. With that said, let’s dive into some of the best foods to include in your diet to promote hair growth and healthy locks overall. Yes, you can eat your way to stronger hair! Keep reading.
1. Eggs
Your hair is actually made up of protein so it’s important that you consume enough protein in your diet. Eggs are one of the richest sources of protein and also contains biotin, a B vitamin essential for a healthy head of hair. If your body is low on protein, your hair may become weak or brittle and may even lose hair color. Eggs are also a good source of zinc, selenium and other hair-nourishing nutrients.
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach and kale provide iron, a mineral that is also essential for hair cells to thrive. An iron-deficiency in the body will disrupt oxygen and nutrient flow to the hair roots and follicles, which can cause weak hair and hair loss.
3. Nuts
Besides providing protein for the hair, nuts and seeds also contain Omega-3 fatty acids that help sustain healthy, thicker hair. Unfortunately, our bodies do not naturally produce these healthy fats so we completely rely on our diets for access. A nice handful of almonds, walnuts, and flaxseed are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and make a great mid-day snack!
4. Oranges
Oranges and other citrus fruits pack on a ton of Vitamin C which is beneficial for your hair as well as helps your body absorb the iron it also needs from your leafy greens! Vitamin C is required to produce collagen responsible for keeping the tissues in your hair together, which helps fight against hair loss as well. Eat oranges to help prevent chances of bald patches or thinning hair while promoting hair growth with a healthy dose of Vitamin C!
5. Carrots
While carrots have been commonly known to be beneficial for your eyes, eating carrots also can be advantageous for your hair, too! Consuming carrots everyday will give the body a great source of Vitamin A for faster hair growth. Vitamin A also helps the scalp produce natural oil to ensure healthy roots to support strong, shiny hair.
6. Avocados
Avocados are not only super tasty, they offer a rich source of Vitamin E, which assists the body to improve blood circulation and helps the hair follicles work harder to promote hair growth. Vitamin E also maintains the oil and PH levels balance to prevent clogged hair follicles and hair loss. Simply blend some avocados in your next green smoothie, dice some up in a refreshing salad or make a healthy helping of guacamole and you’ll already be on your way to healthier locks!
7. Oysters
Adding oysters to your diet will ensure you get the zinc you need to support hair growth and repair cycle. Low amounts of zinc in the body can cause hair loss from lack of nutrients in your diet. If you are unable to incorporate certain foods in your diet, you can also take zinc supplements to reverse hair loss caused by zinc deficiency. However, keep in mind having too much in the body can also lead to hair loss. Make sure you follow the recommended supplemental doses or obtain zinc from eating healthy portions of oysters.
Try Hair Extensions
If you feel that your hair could use a little extra volume in the meantime as your body adjusts to your more hair-conscious diet, your hair is naturally on the thinner side, or you’re just looking for more volume, consider trying hair extensions as a solution! For fine or thin hair, tape-in extensions are a popular go-to option to add length and volume! Our I-tips and M-tips at Secret of Medusa are small light, preventing strain or further damage to your existing hair, and tape-ins can be cut to desired hair length and thickness. Tape-in extensions are generally applied by a professional stylist, using a special hair tape, quick application process, and does not involve harmful tools or chemicals.
The tape-ins lie flat against the scalp, allowing you to wear your hair up or down as desired. Our hair wefts at Secret of Medusa are thin and lightweight, alleviating any extra strain or damage to your hair, and made with 100% cuticle intact human hair which blends perfectly with your natural hair, leaving you with a seamless and dreamy head of hair. We offer a wide variety of colors to choose from in a straight texture, perfect for you or a professional to cut and style your extensions in any way you wish. In fact, our extensions at Secret of Medusa are able to hold perms, curls, color, and style a lot better than most natural hair! Typically, our extensions will last over 12 months depending on proper care and maintenance.
Related: Why Choose Secret of Medusa?
What you eat can really have an immense effect on your scalp and hair health. Maintaining a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals necessary to promote beautiful and strong hair including Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, protein, biotin, iron, and fatty acids can help promote a stronger foundation for healthy, thicker hair. If your hair seems damaged, weak, or brittle, a possibility may be due to a lack of nutrients. Fortunately, this is not permanent! Your diet can help fix that. If you think you may be deficient in some of these vitamins and minerals we’ve discussed above, adding some of the foods listed above to your diet to get you started and go from there! Hair extensions may be another great solution to put into consideration as well. The hair you’ve been dreaming of like those hair commercials might just be an egg, avocado, or hair extension away.