Thick & Glossy: 12 Must-have Foods and Vitamins for Your Hair

Ever wondered why many people "“ not just women but men too "“ pay special care to hair? It`s not just dead, colored protein cells on top of your head no, it`s more than that. To most people, hair manifests health, youthfulness, strength, virility and sex-appeal.

This is why the size of the hair care global market is expected to reach $105.3 billion by 2024 (without counting in hair-restoration surgeries).Big billion- dollar companies know what hair means to you and create thousands of new products every year to supply such huge demand.

Still, this doesn`t mean you can`t take the natural way to a healthy, thick and glossy hair. I`ve put down a list of twelve foods and natural supplements that will help take care of your hair in the way it deserves.

Eggs

Eggs have countless benefits for the hair; first, they`re a good source of Vitamin A that can help fight anemia and alopecia. Second "“ and for people with biotinidase deficiency, egg yolks can prevent hair damage since it`s rich in both biotin and dietary protein which is essential to the strength of your hair.

Coconut oil

In addition to its other health benefits, coconut oil is a good scalp moisturizer. Because it`s composed of lightweight fatty acids, coconut oil repairs split ends and reduces combing damages by penetrating inside the hair shaft to reduce protein loss for both damaged and undamaged hair.

Rosemary Oil

Studies believe Rosemary oil increases blood flow across the scalp when massaged and as a result, promotes hair growth.

Patients with androgenetic alopecia saw significant increase in hair count after six months of taking a prescribed dosage of Rosemary oil. In another study; rosemary oil (mixed with other essential oils) was found to improve hair-growth rate for patients with alopecia areata (the worst type of alopecia).

Onion Juice

If you can stand the smell, onion juice can help you deal with dandruff thanks to its anti-bacterial nature. Onion juice also rich in sulfur which keeps hair healthy and provides it with the protein it needs to stay strong.

In one study, 20 out of 23 alopecia areata patients saw a notable increase in hair density after six weeks of rinsing using onion juice. It`s believed to promote blood flow beneath follicles which speeds hair growth and decreases bald patches.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural hair conditioner and anti-inflammatory that treats dandruff and itchy scalps. It`s very rich in vitamin A and protein which keeps your hair moisturized and repair its damaged cells as it contains proteases that break down to supply hair with the protein it needs to grow.

Citrus fruits

Oranges, lemon and grapefruit, not just they benefit your skin and immune system they also keep your hair healthy. Citric acid is a natural organic anti-oxidant known to prevent cellular damage, reduce the formation of free radicals and slow aging signs like skin wrinkles, and hair grayness.

Food rich in Vitamin E

Scalps of patients with alopecia areata usually suffer from low antioxidant levels. This is why foods rich in Vitamin E are very important since their antioxidant properties protect the scalp and keep it healthy.

In one study, 21 patients took an oral supplementation of Tocotrienol (one form of vitamin E) for eight months and saw a significant, 34.5% increase in hair density. To get vitamin E, you can find plenty of it in the likes of avocados, almonds, spinach and butternut squash.

Red Ginseng

The antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of ginseng are important not just for hair but for your overall health.  Taken orally, red ginseng was found to increase hair density for patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Ginseng is also proven to prevent the death of hair follicles and accelerate the recovery of the hair cells in the medulla which is the innermost layer of the hair shaft. A third study also found that 70% methanol extract from red ginseng was proven to have excellent hair re-growth effects.

Spinach and Oysters

Both spinach and oysters are very rich in iron and zinc and will keep your hair healthy.

Studies have recently shown a link between hair loss and anemia caused by lower iron levels (iron deficiency). One study found that 59% of non-menopausal women with hair problems suffer from low iron stores. You can find your hair`s needs from iron in pumpkin seeds, quinoa and legumes.

Zinc is also crucial to your hair as it serves as the active center of approximately 300 enzymes. Zinc deficiency can cause the appearance of bald patches across the scalp (alopecia areata) the same way iron deficiency does.

Lavender Oil

Lavender`s antiseptic properties also help fighting dandruff and treating itchy scalps as well as reducing stress.  One recent study found that Lavender oil has improved blood circulation and significantly increased number of hair follicles in female mice.  Another study found that scalp-massaging with Lavender oil helps patients with alopecia areata re-grow back their hair.

To use Lavender, mix a few drops with coconut oil (some people use rosemary oil too) and leave it for a few hours before rinsing.

Geranium oil

Geranium oil was recently found to partially expand hair follicles and promote hair growth even better than Minoxidil. With its ability to fight inflammations and the amazing smell it has, geranium oil can also be a moisturizer, repair damaged hair and give your hair a nice glossy look.

Peppermint Oil

Compared to Minoxidil (Rogaine), Saline, and Jojoba oil, Peppermint oil has shown to produce the most significant hair re-growth results. In addition to its conditioning properties and refreshing nature, peppermint oil can increase of both follicles` number and depth by improving blood circulation across the scalp.

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