A lot of work goes into a good hair day. You have to wash with a quality shampoo, smooth in some conditioner, towel dry, gently comb and untangle, blow-dry, round brush and we’re not even through the half of it! Then comes the carefully distributed mousse, texturizer, exfoliator, nourishing butter, pomade, styling oils, anti-frizz cream, and the finishing touches with a straightener and some hairspray.
If you’re not fond of having chemicals and toxins seep into your body just from trying to care for your hair, you’re not alone. Instead of using store-bought hair products, you can actually EAT your way to healthy and shiny hair!
Dieting Secrets For A Good Hair Day
The secret to growing healthy hair is actually in your diet. Just like any other part of your body, your hair needs certain nutrients and vitamins that hair products just can’t provide. Try out these 5 superfoods and help your hair grow better than ever!
1. No Pain, No Gain, Whole Grains
It’s no secret that your waistline doesn’t like extra and unhealthy carbs and your hair is no different! Whole grain pasta, bread, and even brown rice and oats can give your hair the silica and zinc it needs to help prevent hair breakage and hair loss. Opt for the whole grain options at restaurants and grocery stores and help your hair grow right!
2. From Protein To Pretty
Protein is essential for hair growth and one of the best sources of protein that your hair will love is eggs. Along with protein, eggs contain biotin, which can help grow healthier and stronger hair. Eat two servings of eggs per week on toast (whole grain!) or boiled and tossed in your salad for great results. Eggs are also a great option for external hair care! Beat the egg and apply it to your hair for 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water.
3. Let’s Go Avocado
All that hype about avocados isn’t for nothing! This little green guy is packed with fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and vitamin E, which can help nourish and moisturize your hair. Avocados are another great superfood for external treatment. Just mash an avocado, apply to your hair, cover with a shower cap for 20 minutes, and then rinse with a little shampoo.
4. Play It Cool With Calcium
Your hair wants and needs calcium just as much as your teeth and bones do! Some good sources of calcium are leafy greens and nuts. Make sure you also get some vitamin D along with it so your body can absorb the calcium correctly. Yogurt is a great source of calcium and vitamin D and is perfect for a quick breakfast or on-the-go snack!
5. Think Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral for hair growth and can also help prevent hair loss. If you’re a seafood lover, then this is your territory! Salmon, oysters, mackerel, and other oily fish are rich in zinc and also contain omega-3 fatty acids that can hydrate your hair and give it a gorgeous shine. Nuts such as walnuts, cashews, and almonds are also great sources of zinc that your hair will thank you for.
Best Foods To Eat For Hair Care
Avocados
Avocados are one of the healthiest foods that you can eat. We all know that they are loaded with good fats and are high in calories. Avocadoes contain large amounts of vitamins A, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. You can either eat an avocado every day or you can opt to cook with avocado oil when you saute veggies!
Fatty Fish
Be sure to opt for fish that is full of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids not only provide benefits for your body, but they are also amazing for your hair. The shafts of your hair are made up of 3% omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in the membranes of your scalp. These fatty acids help to preserve the natural oils that help to keep your scalp and hair hydrated and prevent dryness. Look for fish such as herring, sardines, trout, and salmon.
Coconut
Coconuts are amazing for your hair. The water in coconuts is full of potassium that works as an electrolyte and helps to move nutrients throughout your cells, even into your hair. Coconut water also helps to naturally hydrate your hair.
Eggs
You may not realize it, but eating eggs is an important part of keeping your hair healthy. Eggs contain sulfur, which is an important nutrient for healthy hair. Sulfur is needed for the production of collagen, which helps to improve the condition of your hair, and keratin, which is an essential protein in your hair that helps to keep the hair shafts healthy.
Spinach
You may have been told growing up that you need to eat your spinach so you can be healthy and strong. Your parents were absolutely right. Although we know that spinach is healthy for our body, it is also healthy for our hair. It contains vitamins A and C, which are used by your body to produce oil on your scalp and increase hair growth. If you have a deficiency in either vitamin A or C, you will start to see your hair thin and become brittle.
5 Superfoods are just what your Hair needs to Perform
Curly or straight, short or long, brown or purple, these 5 superfoods are just what your hair needs to perform exactly the way you want it to. Save time in front of the bathroom mirror by choosing just the right kind of vitamins and minerals to add to your diet.