While you might buy the most expensive shampoos and conditioners on the market, they’ll be doing little for your hair unless you’re getting the essential nutrients you need for your hair to glow.
Experts all agree that the quality of your hair is largely dependent on the right combination of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals.
And these are all most readily available from your diet.
Speaking to Bed Threads, hairdressers and trichologists revealed the nine foods that will give you glossier, healthier hair. So what should you eat?
Experts all agree that the quality of your hair is largely dependent on the right combination of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals (stock image) – and these can be got from what you eat
1. Carrots
Not only good for your eyesight, carrots will help your hair to grow and get thicker in equal measure.
Rich in vitamin A, whether you eat your carrot grated in a bolognese sauce or sliced with hummus, the experts all say that it will always help to both ‘strengthen your roots and reduce hair fall’.
2. Oysters
Oysters are a great addition to your diet thanks to the fact that they are the richest natural form of zinc there is.
Zinc is great at strengthening your scalp and preventing dandruff.
Pumpkin contains vitamin A and this helps the body to produce sebum, which will in turn lead to shinier hair (stock image)
3. Pumpkin
‘Sebum is an oily, waxy substance from your body’s glands and in the right amount can help to keep your scalp and hair feeling soft and looking shiny,’ Bed Threads experts said.
Pumpkin contains vitamin A and this helps the body to produce sebum, which will in turn lead to shinier hair.
4. Lean meats
Like vitamin A, protein is vital for healthy hair growth.
So if you want longer locks, it might be a good idea to incorporate some lean meats into your diet.
Think about things like chicken as well as beef, and mix up your protein source regularly for longer, healthy hair.
‘Feed your hair from the inside – the overall health of hair, similar to the rest of the body, is dependent on the nourishment you provide it,’ dietitian Peta Carrige previously told FEMAIL.
‘Lean poultry, fish, almonds and soy are a good option, as is a daily dose of marine collagen.’
Iron deficiency is common for many women, but not only does this affect your general health, but also processes like hair growth (stock image)
5. Lentils
Iron deficiency is common for many women, but not only does this affect your general health, but also processes like hair growth.
‘Vegetables that are high in iron are a great place to start when trying to promote healthy hair growth and lentils can easily be added to soups, salads and even burgers,’ one hairdresser told Bed Threads.
‘Oily fish including salmon, mackerel and sardines will hugely assist with keeping your hair glossy,’ dietitian Peta Carrige previously told FEMAIL (stock image)
6. Salmon
Salmon is as good for your hair as it is for your body.
And eating it regularly will help to keep your existing hair healthy, while also preventing too much of it from falling out.
Speaking previously to FEMAIL, Peta Carrige reinforced the importance of oily fish:
‘Oily fish including salmon, mackerel and sardines will hugely assist with keeping your hair glossy,’ Peta said.
‘Eat them three to four times a week for a healthy mane.’
7. Nuts
The perfect snack, nuts will provide your body with vitamin E, which is ‘an essential nutrient for healthy hair’.
‘Adding nuts to your diet can improve blood circulation to your scalp and balance oil levels,’ Bed Threads experts said.
The perfect snack, nuts will provide your body with vitamin E, which is ‘an essential nutrient for healthy hair’ (stock image)
8. Guava
One of the slightly more unusual foods on the list, guava is great for your hair because it contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
‘These have been credited with thickening hair, treating scalp issues and assisting with growth,’ a hairdresser at Bed Threads said.
9. Spinach
Lastly, if spinach isn’t part of your daily diet already, it’s time to get down to the supermarket.
Not only will it help to improve the health of your hair follicles and resolve hair damage, but it can even assist in soothing your scalp and boosting growth.