While shampoo and conditioner play an important role, hair requires a whole lot more to be truly healthy. Like it or not, the health of your hair depends on the health of your body.
The foundation of all-new hair, nail, and skin growth originate in the nutrients your body receives. When you follow a healthy, well-balanced diet, your body will form stronger and healthier cells. This in turn results in stronger and healthier hair.
When it comes to ethnic hair care, dryness and breakage are of primary concern. By simply introducing a few key foods as the foundation to your diet, these problems will be targeted and dealt with in a way that is natural and affordable. And your skin and nails will thank you for it, too!
Here’s a list of growth-promoting irons and proteins which help to nurture strong, vibrant, and healthy ethnic hair.
Dark Green Vegetables
Dark green vegetables provide you with iron and calcium – both of which are necessary for healthy growth and strength in hair.
Spinach and broccoli are particularly great sources of Vitamins A and C. Your body needs these vitamins to produce sebum, a follicle-produced oil that acts as the body’s natural hair conditioner.
Poultry
Chicken provides hair with the high-quality protein it craves. Without adequate protein, hair can become weak, brittle, and even experience a loss of colour.
Eggs
Not only are eggs an excellent source of protein, but they also contain Vitamin B-12 and biotin. These are both great beauty nutrients.
Beans
Legumes like kidney beans and lentils play an important role in providing your hair with growth-promoting proteins, as well as with biotin, iron, and zinc. The biotin in these foods helps to prevent brittle hair.
Salmon
This high-quality protein is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12, and iron. These promote scalp health, therefore preventing a dry scalp and dull-looking hair. If you’re a vegetarian or don’t like salmon, consider substituting it with daily doses of 1 – 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed.
Whole Grains
Whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain cereals contain a healthy dose of B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
Oysters
Aside from its aphrodisiac qualities, the zinc in oysters acts as a powerful growth-promoting antioxidant. If oysters aren’t quite your thing, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Skim milk and yoghurt act as great sources of calcium, an important hair-growth mineral. They also contain casein and whey which are both high-quality protein sources.
Carrots
A healthy scalp is crucial for achieving shiny, well-conditioned hair. Carrots are a great source of vitamin A. Therefore they are an easy and affordable means of maintaining a healthy scalp. An added bonus is that they’re great for your vision, too!
So, rather than adding yet another ethnic hair care product to your trolley the next time you go shopping, consider adding a few of these healthy diet options instead. You might just be surprised by the difference your new diet can make!