Hair Food: What To Eat For Shine, Strength and Growth

Hair Food: What To Eat For Shine, Strength and Growth

Have you heard of hair food? These powerful minerals and nutrients are the building blocks for healthy locks. While an amazing hair care routine is vital, certain foods feed your hair from within and are perfect for shiny hair, strength and growth. 


Incorporating these foods into your diet not only means a healthier mane but is better for your overall health as you’re actively ensuring you’re keeping your meals full of nutrients. Read on for the best foods, vitamins and minerals you need for the best hair!


For Shine 

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for better hair health. These heavenly hair acids can be broken down into three different types: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While plant-based diets can find DHA and EPA from seaweed and algae, most omega-3 fatty acids can be sourced from fish and other seafood, as well as fish oil supplements. 


To protect against dry, dull hair, hair food with beta carotene is a must. By encouraging the glands in your scalp to make an oily fluid called sebum, it leaves you with shinier, softer hair. This can be found in sweet potatoes and a few other orange fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkin and mangoes. 


For Strength 

Most of our hair is made up of protein, thus it craves hair food rich in protein to fuel its growth and prevent breakage. To grow and remain strong, your hair needs the building blocks of protein, called amino acids. While your body produces 11 out of 20 of these acids naturally, you must get the other 9 essential amino acids from your food. Additionally, biotin, a B vitamin found in protein, helps metabolise these amino acids and supports healthy hair.


Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or a meat eater, you can find sources of protein in many different foods. Fish, eggs and poultry contain a high amount of protein, as well as nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and soy products like tofu or tempeh.


For Growth 

While protein is important for hair strength, it’s also crucial to hair growth and preventing loss. If your body is deficient in protein, hair loss follows as the body starts to prioritise healthy muscle tissue when running low on nutrients. Basically, if your body isn’t getting enough protein to maintain basic muscle function, your hair will suffer first. 


Zinc is also important to hair growth. Cells that build hair rely on zinc to help them work their hardest. When you are lacking in this mineral, it can lead to hair loss and even make your eyelashes fall out. Zinc-rich hair food to incorporate into your diet would be shellfish, such as prawns, oysters and lobster, and fortified cereal. Supplements can also be taken if needed to boost your intake. 


Hair Food and Hair Routine

Fueling your body from the inside out is always the best first step when it comes to hair health and your overall body health. What comes next, however, is a great hair routine! Whether you suffer from dryness or frizz, or you’re lacking curl definition, this is where we come in!


Shop our full range of products on our online store, where you can find everything from our Strength and Shine Shampoo, Super Botanicals Conditioner, Maximum Moisture Hair Spray and more! You can even buy your whole routine in one go with our bundles! To keep up with our latest news and updates, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

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