Who wouldn’t want stronger, healthier and shinier hair? Whilst many people tend to jump from one hair product to the next in order to reach their desired level of softness and shine, they tend to ‘brush off’ (pun intended) other lifestyle factors that can lead to poor hair health. Just like skin, the condition of your hair tends to reflect your inner health, so it’s worth remembering that although using natural haircare products can make a big difference, good hair starts from the inside out: this means ‘feeding’ it with the right nutrients and looking after your scalp too. So we’ve put together some #Contentapproved tips to give you a head start in your quest for healthy, shiny locks: from diet to organic haircare essentials.
A balanced diet filled with plenty of greens, healthy fats and good quality protein will always benefit the condition of your hair. But if you have been under prolonged stress or have not been so diligent with your diet you might want to give it a helping hand with a few of our favourite minerals and vitamins.
Omega-3: These are crucial for hair and scalp health as they provide essential oils to help keep hair and scalp hydrated. Our bodies don’t naturally produce them, so we must turn to our diet to get our fill.
The beauty is that they can help it you have oily hair OR dull and lacklustre hair. Omega-3’s help to balance the production of sebum, which is regulated by hormone levels. By regularly incorporating oily fish, grass-feed lamb and beef, walnuts, flaxseeds, avocado, and pumpkin seeds in your diet it will help balance the condition of your hair and scalp. You can also support your intake with daily supplements like MorEPA Platinum by Minami Nutrition and Terra Nova’s Organic Omega 3,6,7,9 Oil Blend. The important thing to remember is that your larger organs will use the Omega 3 oil first and areas like skin, hair and scalp will be the last to see the benefits so stick with it for at least three months to see results.
Protein: Don’t underestimate protein for hair health! The hair is made of structural proteins known as keratin. If your hair is breaking or needs a boost, maybe check if you have adjusted the type or quantity of protein in your diet. One of our favourite sources is eggs: in fact, eggs have a long history of being used in make-your-own hair masks. Switching to natural haircare products that contain protein can also help, Rahua use quinoa protein in their natural haircare range, while Less is More use wheat proteins in their shampoo and balms and John Masters Organics use a mix of wheat and soy proteins.
Zinc are essential minerals for hair health. It can help regulate the body’s ability to make new proteins that will become building blocks of healthy hair and nails. Hair dryness and brittleness can be signs of zinc deficiency. If you are suffering from hair loss it might be worth checking your zinc levels with a Naturopath. Natural sources of zinc are oysters, red meat, poultry, shellfish and certain legumes and grains. We like to keep our levels healthy with a daily dose of the Terra Nova Zinc Complex internally. Topically, we use the John Masters Organics Zinc and Sage Shampoo with Conditioner.
Biotin: Biotin (aka vitamin H or B7) is great for improving the quality of thinning, splitting hair as well as nails. In nature it can be found in bananas, eggs, beans, cauliflower, lentils, peanuts and salmon. We love the food-state supplement Synergy Co’s Super B-Complex.
Silica is an essential trace element, which your body needs for healthy hair and skin. It helps to strengthen your blood vessels to improve circulation, which can stimulate the blood flow to your scalp and encourage hair, nails and bone growth. However as we get older, our levels of silica decline alongside our ability to absorb silica. It’s easy to top up on silica via your diet as it’s found in whole grains such as oats, rye, millet and barley, and vegetables – cucumber, artichokes, beetroot, asparagus and celery, tomatoes and more.
Selenium functions as an antioxidant, which helps rid your body of the harmful effects of sun and environment exposure. It also supports the body’s ability to maintain its proper functions, including hair growth. Brazil nuts are an excellent source. Other selenium-rich foods include garlic, whole grains and sunflower seeds.
Both selenium and silica can be found in hair, skin and nails multivitamins like the Terra Nova Beauty Complex which use horsetail and nettle as a natural sources of silica, and rice bran for its selenium content. They also contain Zinc and Vitamin C so give a balanced level of hair healthy nutrients.
As well as eating right, it’s essential to look after your hair and scalp with the right care. Get our tips on caring for your hair here.
GET THE GUIDE: Scalp Massage and Expert Tips for Healthy Hair
