Here at Elle J Hair, we are passionate about providing our clients with as much information and education as possible, to achieve their hair goals. Many of us forget that proper nutrition is one of the most important things to help nourish those gorgeous locks of yours. Eating the correct balance of the following nutrients including protein, vitamins and minerals to supply hair with all that it needs to remain shiny, lustrous and strong.
As hair is made of protein, ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is really important for making hair healthy and strong. If you are not consuming enough protein in your diet, your hair is likely to become brittle, dry and weak. Extremely low protein diets may result in restricted hair growth and even hair loss. Choose chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products and eggs as excellent sources of protein along with vegetarian sources such as legumes and nuts.
Iron is an important mineral for hair, and too little iron is a major cause of hair loss. The hair follicle and root are fed by a nutrient rich blood supply. Those who are anaemic may find that their hair growth is stunted and that their hair is dry and brittle. And no, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to increase your meat intake. Legumes are a great source of iron if you are vegetarian, and iron-rich vegetables include spinach, kale and broccoli.
Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron so foods high in vitamin C are good to eat in conjunction with iron-rich foods. The best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen which strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts.
Good fats like olive oil and Omega 3’s such as avocados, nuts, vegetables, and fruit are encouraged to get all the key nutrients needed for growing stronger hair. And have you ever heard the term “salmon for shine?” Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Your body can’t make these healthy fats, so you have to get them from food or supplements. They help protect you from disease, but your body also needs them to grow hair and keep it shiny and full.
Adding hair boosting supplements into our diets is another great way to care for your hair. As we age, our bodies’ natural collagen production begins to slow down, so a collagen powder is a great added boost to your diet for hair and skin health. We have had clients say they noticed an increase in their hair growth after adding collagen to their routine. There are also a few hair supplements on the market that have been designed to specifically help support hair growth. The key ingredient in these supplements is kelp.
Like anything, diet is only one piece of the hair puzzle. To ensure that your hair is kept in optimal condition, we highly recommend using professional hair care products, and committing to your regular in-salon treatments, along with following our top food tips.
Hair that is shiny and healthy makes us look and feel great. Good nutrition is the foundation for a healthy body, including a great head of hair.
