How to maintain a glossy mane in deep midwinter? Nutrition expert says ‘good fats’ and plenty of iron are key to shiny and healthy hair in colder months
- Dr Michael Barnish explains dull hair can be a sign we’re lacking in ‘good fats’
- Iron will supply oxygen to the hair follicles, improving its appearance and health
- Expert talks exclusively to FEMAIL to reveal what vitamins we should be taking
An expert has revealed that ‘good fats’ and enough iron in your diet are key to shiny and healthy hair this winter.
Dr Michael Barnish, head of genetics and nutrition at REVIV London, explains that dull hair can be a sign that we’re lacking in omega-3 fatty acids or monosaturated fats.
Dr Banish also went on to say that ‘optimal’ iron levels means that oxygen will be supplied to the hair follicles, improving its appearance and health.
The expert talks exclusively to FEMAIL to reveal what vitamins we should be taking this winter, to keep hair looking lustrous.
An expert has revealed that ‘good fats’ and enough iron in your diet is the key to shiny hair
GOOD FATS FOR SHINY HAIR
Michael said that dull hair can be a sign that we are lacking in omega-3 fatty acids or monosaturated fats.
‘These nutrients are important at keeping the hair from looking dull. When the cells of the hair follicle have adequate levels of ‘good’ fats then it can nourish the hair strand well, resulting in bright and vibrant hair.’
‘Omega 3 fatty acids regulate oil production within the cells and moisten the skin and hair. When we are low on omega 3 levels then the hair follicles are less moist, resulting in dryer hair strands.
‘This results in a less shiny appearance and overall the hair can appear dull. Monounsaturated fats act in a similar way to omega 3.
IRON FOR HEALTHY HAIR FOLLICLES
While he went on to say that, in addition iron, B vitamins, Vitamin D and zinc are also important micronutrients to maintain optimal levels of to avoid dull looking hair.
‘Iron is essential part of red blood cells to ensure that we can carry good levels of oxygen to all cells in the body, including the hair follicles.
‘Optimal iron levels will result in adequate oxygen supply to the hair follicles, ensuring that maximum levels of this vital fuel are achieved. This will be apparent in the hair strands, improving the hairs appearance and health,’ says Micheal.
Dr Michael Barnish reveals that ‘good fats’ and enough iron in your diet are the key to shiny hair in the winter
VITAMIN D AND ZINC
‘Vitamin D is important for many metabolic functions within the body and it is thought it is vital for the growth cycle of a cell,’ says Micheal.
‘Given this function, it is hypothesised that vitamin D can improve hair health and appearance.
‘There is also evidence in a lack of vitamin D and increased hair loss.
‘Vitamin D is also deemed as cancer protective so for general health it is an important nutrient to maintain good levels of.’
B VITAMINS AND ZINC
Michael goes on to say that the B vitamins, B12 and Biotin in particular, act in a few ways to ensure that the cells of the hair follicle are ‘healthy and produce healthy looking hair strands.’
While he went on to say: ‘B12 is vital to make red blood cells. As mentioned earlier, red blood cells are vital to carry oxygen to all the cells of the body, including the hair follicles.
‘The better they are fuelled with oxygen, the more optimally they can function, resulting in healthier hair strands. Biotin serves as a co-enzyme, similar to zinc in the production of hair. Severe B vitamin deficiencies can often lead to hair loss.
‘Zinc is another nutrient involved in hundreds of metabolic functions, one of which is acting as a co-enzyme in the production of the hair structure. A healthy hair structure due to optimal zinc levels, will result in healthier hair strands that appear better.