So here's a food for thought: What you put in your body is just as important for healthy hair as what you put on it.
Shampoos, conditioners, hot oil treatments and hair masks can all do wonders for your hair, but a proper diet delivers powerful nutrients you can't get with just hair products. After all, your hair is a reflection of your overall health, and if you're experiencing dry, stringy hair with a lot of fallouts, that's your body's way of telling you to improve your diet.
So the next time you head for the beauty aisle, you may want to head to the food section first. And to make grocery shopping a whole lot easier for you, we've prepared a list of the top 8 foods your body craves for healthy, silky, shiny hair:
Water
We don't always think of water as a food, but staying well-hydrated is the
most essential component of any healthy lifestyle. Water not only
hydrates your body — the moisture also makes hair supple and helps
keep your hair silky and shiny.
Eggs
The key here is high-quality protein. Almost 90% of our hair is made of
protein, so it is the basic building block of healthy hair, helping to keep
the hair shaft strong, reduce damage and prevent dullness and color loss.
Eggs also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important
beauty nutrients.
Salmon
Like eggs, salmon is an excellent source of protein, but it also contains
essential omega-3 fatty acids, which condition hair from the inside out.
Salmon also delivers iron, which is necessary to help carry oxygen to the
hair. Without enough iron, hair gets starved for oxygen.
Dark Leafy Vegetables
Moms always tell us to eat green leafy vegetables, but consider it more of
a beauty secret being passed down rather than a mother nagging. That's
because veggies like spinach, arugula, kale and collard greens contain
vitamins A and C, which support production of the body's natural hair
conditioner, sebum. They're also rich in iron, which helps carry oxygen to
the hair for healthy hair growth.
Beans
Legumes are rich sources for protein, which promote hair growth, as well
as in iron, zinc and biotin for strong hair. They're essential for a well-
balanced, nutrient-packed diet. Almost any old beans will do — kidney
beans, lentils, black beans, garbanzos.
Nuts
You've probably heard that eating nuts can help to keep your skin smooth
and soft. Well, your hair is made of the same basic building blocks as
your skin, so what's good for your skin tends to be good for your hair.
For example, cashews, pecans and almonds all provide a mega-dose of
zinc to help prevent hair shedding, while Brazil nuts are an excellent
source of selenium and walnuts deliver omega-3 fatty acid, both of which
support scalp health.
Whole Grains
If you're beginning to see more products labeled "whole grain" on your
grocery store shelves, there's good reason. Whole grain foods are higher
in things that support hair health like zinc, iron, and B vitamins. Whole
grains also are high in fiber, which helps to flush toxins from the body.
Go for granolas, cereals and whole wheat bread.
Dairy Products
When you were a kid, your mom told you to drink your milk so you could
grow up big and strong, right? Well, milk and other dairy products don't
only promote strong teeth and bones — the calcium and protein in foods
like milk, cheese and yogurt also is important for hair growth.
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The average life of a hair strand is 5 1/2 years.
Out of deep conditioning treatment? No worries. You'd be surprised to learn that the simple ingredients needed to make your very own hair mask can be found in your fridge or kitchen pantry. Here are just a few home remedies for common hair concerns:
For Dry, Damaged Hair
Take half of an avocado and mash it until it you get a puree consistency. Mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and one egg yolk. Spread evenly onto your hair and massage vigorously. Leave on for about 5 minutes, then wash and rinse.
For Split Ends
Heat up a small quantity of olive oil and apply it to the tips of your strands. Wrap your hair with a shower cap or saran wrap and blow dry over it on a low setting. You can also use a warm towel and let it sit for 5 minutes. Before rinsing out, apply regular shampoo, lather, and then rinse.
Extra Tip: Applying unflavored yogurt on the ends can also do wonders for your hair
For Dull Hair
For instant shine, add a handful of table salt to your shampoo, lather and rinse.
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