To grow and maintain healthy hair, it's important to nourish your body from the inside. There are herbs, foods and products we can use to promote healthy hair growth and improve the overall health of your hair…
Herbs for healthy hair
Rosemary
Rosemary has been traditionally used to stimulate hair growth and improve circulation to the scalp, which could help to prevent hair loss. There have been several studies to show that using rosemary oil had significantly faster hair growth and preventing hair loss. A 2013 study1 found that rosemary oil was effective in treating androgenetic alopecia (hair loss caused by genetics) in men and women. The study participants who used rosemary oil had significant improvements in hair growth compared to those who used a placebo.
Nettle
Nettle can be beneficial for hair health. Nettle, also known as stinging nettle, is a plant that was traditionally used to promote hair growth. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and silica, which are important for promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy hair follicles.
Horsetail
Horsetail is rich in silica, which is essential for healthy hair growth. It is also believed to help strengthen hair and prevent breakage. It contains vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and manganese. These nutrients play a role in maintaining healthy hair follicles and promoting hair growth.
These herbs can be used in various ways, such as in internal tonics, herbal teas, as hair rinses, or in the form of hair masks.
A diet for healthy hair
The four important ways that hair nutrition can improve hair health and vitality are by delivering key hair growth nutrients like zinc, biotin, copper, and keratin; strengthening follicles for less shedding; boosting active hair growth; and providing a foundation for healthy hair proteins.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein that is naturally present in the body and plays an important role in maintaining the health and strength of various tissues, including the hair.
Collagen is a major component of hair follicles, and studies suggest that increasing collagen levels may help to stimulate hair growth and improve the overall health of hair. It can help to improve the texture and appearance of hair by increasing elasticity, reducing breakage, and restoring moisture.
Collagen contains amino acids that are important for maintaining a healthy scalp and promoting hair growth. It can also help to reduce inflammation and irritation on the scalp, reducing the risk of dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Provides essential nutrients: Collagen contains several essential amino acids and other nutrients that are important for healthy hair growth, such as glycine, proline, and vitamin C.
Other foods to add;
- Eggs are an excellent source of protein, which is crucial for hair growth. They also contain biotin and other B vitamins that contribute to hair health.
- Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish the hair follicles and promote a healthy scalp.
- Spinach is packed with iron, vitamins A and C, and folate. These nutrients support healthy hair growth by aiding in the production of sebum, which moisturizes the scalp.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are examples of nuts and seeds that contain nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to hair health.
- Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A promotes healthy cell growth, including the cells that make up the hair follicles.
- Avocado is a great source of healthy fats, vitamin E, and vitamin C. These nutrients help protect the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
- Greek yogurt is high in protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), and vitamin D. These nutrients contribute to hair health and may help prevent hair loss.
- Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote hair growth and protect against hair damage.
- Beans and legumes are excellent sources of protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, which are all important for healthy hair growth.
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can support hair growth and help reduce hair shedding.
- Mulberries prevent both greying and hair loss as they stimulate the liver and kidneys.
Reduce sugar as it is highly acidic and destroys B vitamins and avoid raw eggs which stop biotin being absorbed.
Haircare tips
- Be gentle with your hair when wet as it is more elastic and can break more easily.
- Use a good soft brush with round bristles.
- Massage your scalp regularly possibly with apple cider vinegar and sage to stimulate growth or use stinging nettle tea.
- Use suphate-free, natural hair care products
References
1. Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, 2013
