8 Food to Try for Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails

foods for hair growth

Fresh (or frozen!) strawberries provide antioxidants that help protect hair follicles and vitamin C to support collagen production—two things that result in stronger strands less prone to breakage, says Taub-Dix. While we can’t control many of the elements at play when it comes to our hair growth, we can control which foods we order, snack on, and cook with. By making intentional nutritional choices, we can promote healthier hair, which may look like increased strength, growth, fullness, or simply less breakage. Let’s break down which nutrients have been proven to promote healthy hair and the best food sources for hair growth. Add sunflower seeds to your favorite salad or drizzle sunflower butter on toast for a sizable serving of protein and iron. Flax seeds are a great source of omega-3s, and you can add them to almost everything.

Vitamin E

foods for hair growth

Omega-3s are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and protect hair follicles from damage. One study found women who took a supplement containing omega-3s had a reduction in hair loss and increased hair density. The spuds contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Just one more reason to avoid vitamin A toxicity by getting it primarily from your food instead of supplements.

Does food impact hair, skin, and nails?

foods for hair growth

"Healthy hair depends on certain nutrients, such as protein, biotin, vitamin A, and vitamin C," she says. Iron and omega-3 fatty acids are two other major players in the hair growth game, she adds. Here's why each nutrient is so important for staving off hair loss and promoting hair growth. Nuts and seeds contain zinc and a handful of other essential hair care nutrients.

Guava to Prevent Breakage

Vitamin C is also needed for the proper absorption of iron, a mineral that’s essential for hair growth cycle regulation. One ounce of sunflower seeds covers 49% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin E and packs nearly 5 grams (g) of protein, which is required for proper follicle function and hair growth. Sunflower seeds are also high in selenium and zinc, which are minerals that are needed to maintain healthy hair. "Zinc is an important trace mineral that helps prevent hair loss, keeping it healthy so it can grow," Haber tells us. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of the mineral, and according to St. Surin-Lord, are one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, the anti-inflammatory type. Eating a balanced diet rich in these vitamins and minerals may help promote hair growth, especially if your hair loss is due to poor nutrition.

Protect Your Hair From Heat

“Whole grains uniquely contain silica, an element also known as the ‘beauty mineral,’” Tamburello says. Oats are certainly included in the healthy whole grain category, and as one of the best sources of silicon available. This versatile is perfect in hearty breakfast options like oatmeal and granola, but can also be included in baked goods, smoothies, plant-based burger patties, and breading for proteins, like tofu or chicken. Dr. Henry and Poon point to berries as a great source of Vitamin C too.

Ahram also advises being cautious about some buzzy hair care supplements. "I do not recommend biotin as it has not been shown to help with hair growth and can alter your lab results, such as thyroid labs, leading to false diagnoses." You should incorporate an oil, serum, or other targeted hair treatment into your routine. The heat from curling irons, hair dryers, and straighteners could damage your hair and cause breakage. To help reduce hair damage, try limiting how often you use these tools and decreasing the temperature when you use them.

The 7 Best Vitamins for Hair, Skin, and Nails of 2024 - Healthline

The 7 Best Vitamins for Hair, Skin, and Nails of 2024.

Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

More studies are needed before health experts can make any recommendations. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted hair experts about hair growth. She also searched the internet for top-rated hair masks for growth, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews. When you have fine hair, you might be more likely to avoid rich hair masks that feel like they'll weigh your hair down.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Haircare 10 Food That Can Trigger Hair Loss - Onlymyhealth

Haircare 10 Food That Can Trigger Hair Loss.

Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 12:23:24 GMT [source]

Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in the body’s stress response and protects the body from the adverse effects of stress. Having suboptimal or deficient magnesium levels can increase your susceptibility to stress, which may negatively impact hair growth. Allow me to introduce the best foods for hair growth, packed with everything you need for a stronger, healthier mane. There's been a lot of buzz surrounding collagen, and according to both Pritchard and Haber, it's one of the very best things to incorporate into your diet for hair growth.

“Many nuts and seeds contain many vitamins and minerals that promote hair growth, including vitamin B and vitamin E, zinc, fatty acids,” according to Dr. Murphy-Rose. Speaking of eggs, they're "are a great source of protein and biotin, two nutrients that are essential for hair growth,” says Gomer. They're also "a great source of zinc, selenium, and other hair-healthy nutrients. This makes them one of the best foods to consume for optimal hair health." Aside from those who are allergic, who doesn't love to snack on crunchy, salty peanuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts? These are all great sources of protein, healthy fats, biotin and zinc which support healthy tissue development on the scalp and can help stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. Nut butters are also a tasty nutrient-dense option as they can give you those hair-growth-supporting nutrients.

Chia seeds are also considered a complete protein, containing 20% more protein than soybeans, and can keep your scalp healthy and promote beautiful, luscious hair. Keep in mind that fluctuating hormones due to pregnancy or menopause can also change the texture of your hair, and how much you lose in the shower every morning. Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) may be options for helping your hair grow. Additionally, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and platelet-rich plasma injections are popular in-office treatments that may help improve hair density in some people.

A 2020 review pointed to studies that suggested sugary diets can increase skin aging. A 2018 review suggested more research on hydration and skin health was needed. She also says vitamin E also boasts anti-inflammatory properties that may help absorb energy from UV light and protect against skin damage and visible aging signs, like fine lines and sun spots. An older 2004 study indicated that the anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes have anti-oxidant properties that may improve skin inflammation. Antioxidants can also help protect against free radicals, which can trigger premature aging. Once you've finished conditioning and rinsing, make sure to gently dry your hair.

Research has shown that vitamin A can affect the production of sebum, which helps keep hair healthy (14). But, supplementing with too much vitamin A can lead to hair loss (1). If you’re already a Cheirosa 62 devotee, you’ll love this Sol de Janeiro hair mask, which possesses the signature sweet scent. Meanwhile, cupuacu, murumuru, and tucuma butters provide a burst of hydration, giving strands the strength to grow longer and healthier. 'Peppers are high in vitamin C which acts like an antioxidant and a collagen producer which can assist with hair growth,' says Wheeler. 'Zinc is an antioxidant mineral that also increases keratin production,' Yawitz says.

When the stomach digests collagen, it breaks it down into amino acids that are then distributed where your body most needs protein. While collagen is needed for healthy hair, there is a lack of non-industry-funded human research supporting the use of collagen supplementation to improve hair growth, thickness, volume, or shine. A 2019 review indicated micronutrient deficiencies such as diets lacking biotin, vitamins A and C, and zinc could affect hair health.

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