While genetics play a key role, your diet, pollution, and your overall approach to hair care are all essential to maintaining your crowning glory. Find out how healthy eating and proper grooming can keep your mane above the rest.
Increase protein
A balanced diet is an important factor in the health of the hair and scalp. Hair is mostly made up of protein, so make sure you’re eating at least 45 grams of protein per day. Good sources include:
Poultry
fish
Beans
low fat dairy products
eggs
Zinc
Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss. Incorporate nuts like Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and almonds in your diet to help control shedding.
Eat and drink plenty:
vegetables
fruits
leafy green salads
plenty of clean, filtered water
Omega
Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate your hair follicles and sebaceous glands. While it does not make your hair grow, it can improve scalp health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring. Other good sources include:
Flax seed
yogurt
cottage cheese
salad
cereal
Know your hair
There are conflicting opinions on how often to shampoo your hair. It all depends on personal preferences and individual needs, which depend on:
your hair type and texture
how often you use hair products
your activity level
For example, people with oily hair may need to shampoo every day, while people with dry hair may need to shampoo less frequently.
Choose the right shampoo
Using the wrong shampoo and styling agent can cause significant damage to the hair. Look for products that are right for your hair type – oily, normal, or dry – and target any issues you have, like dandruff.
Try to avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate. And remember, cost doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality of a product.
