Food for fabulous hair
18 Dec 2011 04:56 AM |
Posted by Editor
Dull, limp hair is uninspiring at best. Shiny, voluminous hair can make you feel like a total sex siren and see you trying to exploit every opportunity to stand in front of the air-conditioning unit looking sultry.
Unfortunately though, no amount of hair products can make up for a diet that is lacking in vital nutrients for healthy hair. So if you want shiny, healthy hair, you need to start by eating these foods…
Greens
Green veggies are the perfect food for hair as they’re rich in vitamins A and C, which are vital in the production of hair sebum, your body’s natural hair conditioner. Stock up on broccoli, spinach and dark lettuce leaves.
Salmon
A healthy all-rounder, salmon is packed with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B-12 and iron – all fantastic vitamins and nutrients for supporting strong, healthy hair.
Pulses
Pulses such as legumes and kidney beans are a powerful source of zinc, iron and biotin. A lack of these nutrients can lead to brittle hair, so get your locks growing long and strong by aiming to eat three or more serves a week (tip - they’re super-yummy in nachos!).
Eggs
One of the best protein sources around, a diet rich in eggs will promote strong, resilient hair so poach or scramble some for breakfast, or make a delicious egg-based frittata for lunch and get your fix today.
Brazil nuts
Besides the fact that Brazil nuts are nature’s immune boosting warriors, they’re also a top choice of snack because their high levels of selenium have been proven to improve overall scalp health.
Carrots
Not just for rabbits, carrots are the perfect all-purpose healthy hair fix. Rich in vitamin A, carrots help to give you healthy, shiny hair, so pop some in your lunchbox for a hair healthy snack.
Got your hair looking it's best? Why not try one of these fab hair how-tos:
How-to: pretty as a picture half ponytail
How-to: the divine vine braid
How-to: romantic ruffled bun
How-to: 60s sex kitten hair
What condition is your hair in?
What types of food do you try to eat to promote healthy hair and skin?
Member Comments
(45)
Posted by:
katshepsutt
(Australia)
Well with all the fab products I've trialled and learnt about through bh this year, happy to say my hair is in far better nick these days - and it's great to see most of the foods above are already regulars in my diet, yay!
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 7:34am)
Posted by:
Platinum Ms
(Australia)
I need to eat more greens, my hair is in pretty good shape just needs a good cut.
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 10:42am)
Posted by:
Discomilk
(Australia)
The condition of my hair is really good, its full of life and shiny :) I eat a variety of healthy food each day, i love veggies in stirfrys :)
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 10:50am)
Posted by:
Rabi
(Australia)
thanks for the information! i heard about the salmon and the eggs but never heard about the carrots
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 11:39am)
Posted by:
Tinaaa
(Australia)
im so happy, i eat all that stuff :) i think nuts are most important though!
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 12:15pm)
Posted by:
awesomesauce11
(Australia)
My hair is in a so-so condition--not fantastic but not dead either. I've heard celery is good for you skin, but I can't stand celery! ):
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 1:03pm)
Posted by:
Princess Fiona1
(Member since 2007, Australia)
I eat all of the above.....love these foods - and well my hair is in pretty good contition.
And while I agree they help, there are other important factors as well though.....if your rest of your diet is made up of junk, it is of little use.
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 3:37pm)
Posted by:
xoylee
(Australia)
I eat all the foods that were listed! I love being healthy and knowing that I'm doing my body good, even my hair!
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 7:09pm)
Posted by:
Tashii
(Australia)
My hair is going through a rough patch at the moment, im using some hair masques and having vitamins.
unfortunately i rarely eat these foods :|
Posted on:
December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 9:05pm)
Posted by:
Nda
(Australia)
I've vego so I tends to eat most of these anyway, aside from salmon but I could probably fit a few more legumes in.
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 12:54am)
Posted by:
Evanescencessy
(Australia)
I would say my hair is in okay condition - it is still a little dry at the ends with some split ends due to daily hair straightening/blow drying. I love my greens and veges but I hate salmon!
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 9:49am)
Posted by:
Jenniqua
(Australia)
I love greens and salmon and eat a fair bit of them, but didnt realise it promoted healthy hair. I have a lot of split ends but the top is really healthy.
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 10:19am)
Posted by:
RetroD11
(Australia)
Oh! This is some really great advice. Instead of advising us on what products to buy, giving us tips on what kind of diet that helps our hair grow beautifully? Genius! :)
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 12:55pm)
Posted by:
Green_Jaguar
(Australia)
Great tips! I am vegetarian so most of these things I eat. My hair is a little dry at the ends. I also take Blackmores Hair, Skin and Nails supplement, which I think really helps.
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 1:18pm)
Posted by:
maggieball
(Australia)
Excellent suggestions. I think these foods would give you more than just great hear - good skin, good weight, good energy.
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 1:22pm)
Posted by:
Pixiealso
(Australia)
Great suggestions. Lucky I already eat most of these foods regularly, except for pulses (tummy issue) & Brazil nuts. Will definitely invest in some of those...
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 2:53pm)
Posted by:
Pixiealso
(Australia)
PS: I take Swisse Hair Skin Nails, but I started that mainly for my nails
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 2:54pm)
Posted by:
Britty1
(Australia)
mine is reasonably good... i try to eat alot of tuna and avocado to keep the natural oils flowing!
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 3:27pm)
Posted by:
Ariii
(Australia)
aggreedd
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 6:08pm)
Posted by:
Blondie58
(Australia)
We spend so much on hair care products, when really we have to work from the inside out..Makes sense..
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 6:51pm)
Posted by:
softness
(Member since 2007, Australia)
That's an encouraging article as I eat all those foods regularly! Yay! I also take some herbal horsetail (silica) tablets regularly which I have done for years now.
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 8:32pm)
Posted by:
Makeup Maven
(Australia)
My hair is not too bad considering it is lightened and it gets heat styled everyday. I do use gentle shampoo and conditioner to help keep it in good shape. As for good food to keep my hair and skin healthy, I eat all of those you mentioned above, with the exception of brazil nuts, and I also drink plenty of water.
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 8:45pm)
Posted by:
Zenna.Xx
(Australia)
wow hitting the carrots !
Posted on:
December 19, 2011 (Dec 19, 2011 11:21pm)
Posted by:
Shonson
(Australia)
while i eat those listed, i don't think enough. need to stop being so slack.
Posted on:
December 20, 2011 (Dec 20, 2011 1:03am)
Posted by:
Hayley_Shortie_22
(Australia)
my hair is in quite good condition. all of the above except salmon are regulars in my diet
Posted on:
December 20, 2011 (Dec 20, 2011 12:27pm)
Comment on this article
Posted by: katshepsutt (Australia)
Well with all the fab products I've trialled and learnt about through bh this year, happy to say my hair is in far better nick these days - and it's great to see most of the foods above are already regulars in my diet, yay!
Posted on: December 18, 2011 (Dec 18, 2011 7:34am)