Our hair can be part of our identity and is essential to our image. Unfortunately for many men and women, hair loss is an unavoidable part of getting older. Some people may lean into the style of thinning hair by shaving their heads, while others seek a hair transplant or other treatment to strengthen what is left.
Supplements and medications can help, but a foolproof way of lessening the effects of hair loss is having a healthy diet. By fueling your body with essential nutrients and proteins, you can help keep your hair strong and slow hair loss as you age.
These are in no particular order, but all can help you maintain a healthy head of hair.
- Avocados: Besides being a source of healthy fats, avocados provide a good amount of vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Beans: Beans can provide nutrients like iron, biotin, folates, protein, and zinc. Zinc is particularly good for your hair because it aids in hair growth and the repair cycle.
- Berries: The vitamin C in berries bring a multitude of benefits to your hair. Vitamin C is used to produce collagen, which helps keep your hair strong.
- Eggs: Protein, in general, is excellent for hair growth. Since hair follicles are mostly protein, having a healthy amount of protein in your diet is shown to slow hair loss. Eggs are also a good source of biotin, which is essential for the creation of keratin.
- Nuts: Nuts can provide you with B vitamins, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Studies have shown that deficiencies in these can cause hair loss.
- Seeds: Sunflower, chia, and flax seeds can provide you with many nutrients that promote hair growth. Vitamin E, zinc, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids from the above-mentioned seeds are great for maintaining healthy hair.
- Spinach: Just one cup of spinach provides up to 54% of your vitamin A needs. Vitamin helps in the production of sebum, which is a skin oil that moisturizes the scalp.
- Salmon: Fatty fish like salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The antioxidants from these fatty acids reduce hair loss and increase hair density.
If you’re considering a hair transplant to remedy your hair loss or already had one, these foods are great for managing a healthy diet after your procedure. In most cases, it takes about 4-6 months for your newly transplanted hair to start to develop roots. Eating healthy, beneficial foods can speed up your recovery and give your new hair the nutrients they need to grow. If you have deficiencies in any of the nutrients covered above, you may hamper your hair growth even with a transplant.
Eating healthy can influence the health of your hair. If you want to slow the effects of hair loss, it’s important that you supply your body with an effective diet. No matter where you are in life, there are simple changes you can make to your diet that your hair and body will thank you for.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.