8 Tricks for Eating Your Way to Longer, Healthier Hair
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We know that what we put into our body can have a massive impact on the health—and appearance—of our skin and hair, but with that in mind, we’re also thinking beyond mere health. In the interest of vanity, we asked the experts what we can add to our diets to encourage faster hair growth, for longer, healthier hair that’ll stop ‘em in their tracks.
Load up on iron-rich foods.
Iron is key to hair growth. Find it in dark leafy greens, spinach, nuts, seeds, lamb, beef, oysters, legumes and beans, says nutritionist, author, and wellness coach Jessica Sepel.
Replace your regular oats with whole grains.
Move over, much-hyped omega-3s: It’s omega-6 that will have you starring in your very own Pantene commercial. Whole grain oats provide one of the best sources of these omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential to normal skin and hair growth, says Ashley Pettit, a certified nutrition coach.
Up your vitamin C intake.
Vitamin C boosts collagen production, which keeps hair strong—and fewer split ends mean fewer trims! Citrus fruits, blueberries, strawberries, peppers, and, of course, leafy greens are all rich sources of vitamin C, says Sepel. This vitamin is also critical in generating circulation to the scalp to feed your follicles. Read: Too little vitamin C in your diet equals split ends galore.
Work chia seeds into your diet.
Chia seeds are full of nutrients that promote hair growth, including protein, zinc, and copper, as well as B vitamins and iron that prevent hair loss, says Pettit. No more shedding? Sign us up.
Nourish with vitamin E.
This aids in the production of keratin, which plays a huge role in preventing hair breakage and supporting growth. You can get vitamin E in supplement form or by eating almonds, pine nuts, spinach, and olives, says Sepel.
Invest in zinc and silica supplements.
These minerals promote hair growth. To up the ante, Sepel suggests including cucumber, zucchini, celery, asparagus, mango, Brazil nuts, oysters, and eggs in your diet.
Pop a B vitamin.
B-complex vitamins increase scalp circulation and power up hair follicles, which helps propel the growth of gloriously thick locks.
Bonus: Give yourself a massage.
Don’t you love getting a scalp massage from your hair stylist? There’s no reason you can’t do it yourself. Using rosemary or coconut oil, gently knead your head for 5-10 minutes to stimulate circulation and healthy hair growth.
Read more: 7 Foods for Prettier, Healthier Hair
