Healthy Hair Straight Out of Your Kitchen | ExpatWoman.com
 

Healthy Hair Straight Out of Your Kitchen

Here's a look at what to eat and what not to eat to get a healthy head of hair and foodie hair treatments.

Posted on

23 July 2013

Last updated on 29 May 2017
Healthy Hair Straight Out of Your Kitchen

Most women know about things out of the kitchen that they can use on their hair in order to moisturize or condition the hair naturally. While these everyday foods are great to use on hair, women should also take note of what they eat as there are some foods that are fantastic for the hair and others that inhibit hair growth and take away the shine and luster. Here EW takes a look at what women should include in their diet for their locks, food they should avoid and what they can put directly onto the hair.

Experts say that starting a healthy hair diet today will ensure a lustrous head of hair in a few months time. Here are the top 10 foods to eat for a healthy head of hair.

1. Eggs
Eggs are rich in biotin. Biotin is a form of vitamin B that is essential for healthy hair and is found in many shampoos and hair treatments.

2. Spinach
This leafy green is high in the B vitamin folate and iron. Folate is essential in aiding the body in the creation of red blood cells while iron helps to oxygenate the blood. An iron deficiency results in greater risk of hair loss.

3. Lentils
These legumes are rich in protein and iron. Protein is vital for all cell growth, including the production of hair cells.

4. Bell Peppers
These colourful capsicum have a high vitamin C content which is essential for two things, firstly it aids in the absorption of non-heme iron into the body. Secondly it is used to form collagen, a structural body that holds everything together including the hair follicles.

5. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes have a high content of vitamin A. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to dry, lifeless and dull hair. However an over consumption of the vitamin can lead to hair loss so it’s one to watch out for.

6. Oysters
Low levels of zinc can cause hair loss, slow growth and dandruff. Zinc is vital for the growth and repair of tissue, this includes the hair. Oysters are rich in this mineral and should be consumed more often than not.

7. Salmon
This fish is rich in protein and vitamin D, as well as Omega3 fatty acids. The fatty acids keep the hair and scalp moisturized while vitamin D and protein are both key in strong hair.

8. Walnuts
These nuts are the kings of nuts when it comes to Omega3 content. They also contain biotin and vitamin E, essential in protecting the cells from DNA damage.

9. Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is high in the hair friendly protein B5 and vitamin D. Both are essential I n maintaining a healthy scalp.

10. Blueberries
They are an antioxidant and also very high in vitamin C. A vitamin C deficiency can lead to hair breakage.

Everything in life is balanced and your diet should be too. With every ying comes a yang, and these are the top five foods to avoid in order to have a healthy head of hair. These foods are not doing wonders for the rest of you either so cut them out and be beautiful.

  • Junk Food - It is not good for your physical and psychological health and it is defiantly not good for your hair. Cut the junk food and watch your hair grow more beautiful day by day.
  • Alcohol - It hampers the assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. Nutrients are responsible for hair growth.
  • Soy Protein Shakes - The soy isolate requires hexane for refining purposes; this can lead to hair loss. Avoid these shakes for optimum hair growth.
  • Cholesterol rich foods - These foods are high in cholesterol and saturated fats and they increase the DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) levels in this body. Increased levels of DHT destroy hair follicles.
  • Sweeteners – Avoid chemical sweeteners, especially those containing fructose, sucrose and dextrose as they destroy vitamins E, K and C which are essential for hair growth and maintenance.

Now that the evidence is laid out ladies everywhere will know what to eat and what not to eat for a healthy head of hair. There is also food in the fridge which one can use on their hair as an external moisturizer and conditioner. Here are five kitchen staples that should be on your head.

1. Olive oil – is great for moisturizing and repairing the hair follicles. There are two optimum ways in which olive oil can be used in the hair. The first is to heat the oil until it is just warm enough to feel the heat without burning. Apply the oil to damp hair and wrap with cellophane, wrap with a warm towel and hold for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse out and shampoo. The second way to use olive oil is to rub a small amount on the palms of your hands and run it through your hair.


eggs

2. Eggs – as with olive oil, there are two ways to use eggs in your hair, they are rich in oils, proteins and vitamins and are perfect for a dry scalp. The first way to use eggs is to whisk one or two eggs and apply directly to dry hair. Cover with a towel or swimming cap and leave for 20minutes before rinsing. Alternatively whisk one egg into your shampoo and use as directed.

3. Baking soda – baking soda is one of those ingredients that can be used for anything. In the case of hair care mix two tablespoons of baking soda with 3 cups of water and use this mixture to rinse your hair after shampooing and before conditioning in the shower. Alternatively sprinkle a little baking soda onto your shampoo before washing your hair. This will clarify the hair and leave it shiny and new.

4. Apple cider vinegar – if you are in the market for a little extra clarifying or if you suffer from dandruff or dull hair, apple cider vinegar is for you. Mix one tablespoon of the vinegar in 2 cups of water and shake it well. Use this water to rinse your hair at the very end of your shower.

5. Beer – if you have curly hair, wash your locks in beer. It is good for the hair and maintains the perfect natural curls.