How To Get Healthy Hair Naturally
Healthy hair and how to get it is one of the questions we are asked the most, and whilst we have lots of tips on how to find hair accessories that are kind to your hair we know there are lots of other things we can be doing to look after our locks on a daily basis. So, we reached out to Jenni, a Brighton-based Nutritional Therapist and Health Coach, for answers. We are so excited to bring you a whole blog post written by Jenni herself, containing her 10 tips on how to achieve healthy hair naturally.
10 Nutrition Tips For Healthy Hair
Do you find your hair becomes dry and brittle in winter months? Or are you experiencing hair loss and unsure why? Or just want more shiny, healthy-looking hair?
Like most things, a healthy outside must start from the inside. Every single hair on your scalp requires nourishment to grow. However, because hair isn’t a vital organ, your body doesn’t prioritise its nutritional needs (how rude!). Therefore, a nutritional imbalance will often show up in the form of hair loss/thinning.
So, what does your hair need to be shiny, luscious and healthy-looking?
- Plenty of Protein: Your hair’s structure is made of hardened proteins called keratin. When your protein stores are low, the generation of this important building block slows and hair grows slower and weaker. Ensure your diet consists of a variety of protein sources, including animal sources (i.e organic meat, fish and eggs) but mostly plant-based (i.e beans, legumes, nuts and seeds).
- Healthy Fats For Shine: Omega-3 fats are essential, and the body cannot make them, so they must come from our diet. They are found naturally in the cell membranes of your scalp’s skin, and in the natural oils, your scalp and hair produces to stay hydrated. Getting enough of these essential fatty acids can help prevent dry scalp and help your hair grow and shine. Aim to consume oily fish at least twice per week, as well as incorporating plant-derived sources such as flax, chia and walnuts.
- Eat Your Iron: Iron provides nourishing oxygen for your hair follicles. Low ferritin (the ‘bank’ of iron in your body) has been linked to slow hair growth as well as shedding. Iron-rich foods include seafood, beef, eggs, tuna, spinach, lentils and chickpeas.
- Bump Up Your Biotin: This nutrient plays a role in the production of the proteins required for hair growth. Research has shown that too little can lead to hair loss, and that supplementing helped improve hair health/growth. Sources include lentils, carrots, almonds, walnuts and cauliflower.
- Crush On Vitamin C: This super important, immune loving nutrient does a couple of things to help promote healthy hair. It helps absorb iron and is also used to form collagen, a structural fibre that makes up the connective tissue in the body, which hair follicles require for optimal growth. Bell peppers, thyme, parsley, kale, Brussels sprouts, oranges and strawberries all pack a vitamin C punch.
- All Hail Vitamin A: This is an antioxidant needed by the body to make sebum (an oily substance that provides a natural conditioner for a healthy scalp). Without these, we may have an itchy scalp and dry hair. Orange / yellow coloured vegetables are high in beta-carotene (which makes vitamin A) like carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes.
- Think About Zinc: A nutrient that supports the formation and balance of hormones as well as helping our bodies to process nutrients required for healthy hair.
- Hello H20: Dehydration can cause your skin cells to dry up and flake and lead to itching. Aim to drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day. A glass of hot water and lemon first thing in the morning aids digestion and provides vitamin C.
- Manage stress: Stress has a big impact on our health, including our hair health. Stress leaches important minerals, and also impacts gut health and therefore nutrient absorption. Stress can also contribute to hormone imbalance and a compromised immune system.
- Consider coconut oil: Probably the most effective conditioner ever, it helps with damaged hair plus encourages hair regrowth. It adds luster, shine and softness as well as preventing breakage and hair loss. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties and nutrients, responsible for ideal hair and scalp protection from bacteria/protozoan/viral infections.
About Jenni
Jenni is a Nutritional Therapist and Health Coach based in Brighton. She helps women to rediscover and reconnect to their body. By supporting them through a nutrition and lifestyle programme, they reignite their spark from the inside out. Jenni practices holistic medicine; exploring mind, body and spirit to support, rebalance and reignite wellbeing.
If this sounds like something you need, book in a free discovery call with Jenni by visiting www.nettleandrosenutrition.com and if you go on to join a programme, just mention this blog to get 10% off.
_________________________________
Healthy hair also requires healthy styling options, so take a look at our collection of French handmade hair accessories. Each one is polished by hand for a perfectly smooth finish with no sharp edges to catch on the hair. They are made from a lightweight cellulose acetate which does not weigh down the hair, making for a comfortable clip that can be worn all day!
Shop the French handmade collection
