Healthy hair is one major indication of overall physical well being. Hair takes years to grow to a long length, so the quality of your hair is a map of your lifestyle through those years. It is estimated that hair grows between 1/4 and 1/2 inch per month. It can be a major challenge to grow and improve the quality of your hair due to the time it takes to grow.
What you eat and how you take care of yourself will be reflected in your hair. Some non-diet tips to get healthy hair include washing with sulfate free shampoos, washing every second day, brushing your hair when it’s dry and not wet, and restricting the use of hot tools.
Enjoying a healthy diet will do wonders for your hair. Staying hydrated and eating whole, nutritious foods can make a big difference in the appearance of your hair and the rate it grows.
Here are list of foods that will give you healthier hair:
#1. Salmon
Give your scalp a health makeover by eating salmon regularly. Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. This nutrient helps balance the oils in your body, reducing flakiness and itching on your head. Other foods high in Omega-3’s are sardines, trout, and flax seeds.
#2. Carrots
Carrots are naturally high in vitamin A. This nutrient is responsible for cell growth, so a deficiency can halt hair growth. Enjoy carrots with a little fat, like a dip or braised with butter. The oils will help you absorb the vitamin. If you currently take a multivitamin that includes vitamin A, be wary of adding extra supplementation.
#3. Chicken
Deficiency in protein can lead to massive hair loss. Individuals who have quickly lost weight find this out all too well. It can take months for the damage to reveal itself, but it will take much longer before your hair grows back. Eating enough protein every day is very important to the quality of your hair. Chicken breast is a low fat high protein option that will keep your hair in its best shape.
#4. Spinach
A great source of vitamin C is spinach. This leafy green can help regulate the oil production on your scalp. If you have very oily hair, foods high in vitamin C can help reduce excess oil. Other foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruit, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. Spinach is also high in vitamin A, which can increase the rate your hair grows.
#5. Beef
Zinc can stimulate hair growth, which makes it an excellent addition to your diet. Zinc is also important for regulating your immune system. Beef is naturally high in zinc, as are oysters and crab. Excess zinc can cause a deficiency in copper, so be careful if you already take zinc supplements. Beef is also high in iron, which can help fuel hair growth.
#6. Walnuts
Walnuts are amazingly high in vitamin E, which has been shown to help hair grow faster. In fact, some studies have shown vitamin E supplements are a viable treatment for male pattern balding. You can go further with this vitamin by massaging it into your scalp for an extra boost in circulation. Walnuts are naturally high in vitamin E, so enjoy a few a day to get healthy hair.
#7. Eggs
Eggs are another amazing food for the amount of protein they contain. Start your day off with a high protein meal with a few scrambled eggs. Eggs are also a great beauty tip. Make a hair mask with eggs by massaging a whole egg into wet hair. Let it sit for 10 minutes and rinse. The egg whites will coat each strand of hair with protein, and the egg yolk will keep your hair shiny all day.
