Would you like stronger, thicker and shinier hair?
The secret to healthy hair starts from within. Whether or not you are blessed with great hair, making sure it looks its very best means taking care of yourself, eating well and taking in nutrients which will leave you glowing from the inside out.

Incorporating these foods into your diet will not only have your hair looking better than it ever has before, but also allow you to enjoy numerous other health benefits.

 

Salmon

The body needs fatty acids for hair growth. The body can’t produce these itself, which is why we need to consume plenty of omega-3. Salmon is one of the best sources of this.

Fatty acids account for about 3% of the hair shaft and help keep the skin membranes in your scalp in good condition. Oily fish a couple of times a week will ensure you get enough omega-3.

 

Beans

Beans are a wonder food for your tresses. They contain huge amounts of protein, along with biotin, often referred to as ‘the hair growth vitamin’. Without enough of it, hair can end up becoming brittle.

Kidney beans, lentils and legumes all contain zinc and iron too, which both protect against hair loss. Try adding them to a salad or casseroles.

 

Sweet potatoes

Not only are they filling and tasty, sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, an antioxidant converted by the body into vitamin A. A shortness of this vitamin can mean a lack of oils in the scalp, often resulting in dandruff or itchiness.

A sweet potato with your choice of topping makes a satisfying dinner.

 

Walnuts

Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin E and biotin. Vitamin E helps protect your locks from sun damage.

A lack of biotin can result in hair loss. These nuts also contain copper, which helps your natural hair colour look rich and vibrant. Walnuts are high in calories, so limit yourself to a handful a day.

 

Greek yogurt

A rich source of protein and vitamin D, Greek yogurt is great for ensuring healthy hair follicles. It also naturally contains pantothenic acid, which you will find listed as an ingredient in many hair products.

Enjoy Greek yogurt with fruit for a yummy breakfast.

 

Blueberries

Vitamin C is vital for promoting blood circulation to the scalp and a deficiency can lead to hair breakage. This can happen all too easily, since the body is not able to produce the vitamin on its own, nor can it store it, meaning we need to up our intake.

Blueberries are one of the best sources of vitamin C. Get your fix by adding them to porridge, on top of your cereal or in delicious smoothies.

 

Carrots

Carrots are another food rich in vitamin A, essential if you long for shiny hair. Don’t just save them for dinner time – they make a great snack served raw with hummus

As kids our mothers told us time and time again not to go out in the cold with wet hair, or else we’d catch pneumonia. While that may not strictly be the case, it is very true that your hair could suffer the consequences.

Your hair is weakest when wet, and exposing it to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) will dry it out. 

Take extra care in the colder months to thoroughly dry your hair after washing and protect it with a leave-in protector