Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your hair it’s what you put in your body, too.

"Lather, rinse, repeat" may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won't give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.

Sound strange coming from a Beauty Consultant who sells Avon?  Everyone knows that you must have a healthy base to start with.  You have to have a healthy YOU before you start with anything.  I always feel act and look better when I eat healthy foods.  It all starts by taking care of yourself.  This requires eating the correct nutritious foods, or at least doing our best. 


Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat.  If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body -- inside and out.

Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon


When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.

Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health.  A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look.

Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.



Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables

Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.

Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.



Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans

Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?

Amazing, but yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.


Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts


Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.

Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Nuts are one of my favorite foods.  I bet you love them even more now. 



Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry

Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.

Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color.

Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.



Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs

When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.

They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.



Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains

Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.



Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters

Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?

The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.

If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.  This might be a big relief to many of you out their as it is to me.  I myself have never tried Oysters.  This just might be one more reason, or the only reason to try them. 



Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.



Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.

Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.

This one was a surprise to me.  I had always heard growing up how carrots helped your vision and now they also help promote a healthy scalp.  Glad carrots are one of my favorite foods. 


The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair


When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.

An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy.
If you're tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair -- along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.

Crash diets can affect the hair cycle.  Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet

I have personally had many friends who have tried either a specific diet or crash diets.  They have done amazing with loosing the weight, but in the end the weight always seems to creep back on and the other parts of their body can suffer.  They are tired from lack of nutrition, they feel run down and they just don't look healthy.  It is necessary for our bodies to have a well-rounded diet and not neglect out bodies of certain proteins, fibers or nutrients it needs. 

I can honestly say that in my adult years I feel I eat very healthy.  I did my share of unhealthy habits and practices when I was younger and now I know the risks and how it can be hard on your body.  I am 37 and I have not been on a diet since I was in my 20's.  I am not saying I am the perfect weight or that I couldn't use a little "tightening' but I for personal reasons just do not like dieting. 

Thank you so much for reading!

Secrets to Long, Thick, Shiny Hair

We all want that soft, silky, touchable hair that we either see on television or in magazine ads.  But the reality is that hair grows only about a half inch per month. Want to jump-start the process? Read on for insider tips and secrets to stop hair's biggest enemy — breakage — and keep strands strong and healthy.


START IN THE SHOWER

Overwashing can dry out your hair, so the less you shampoo, the more hydrated it will be and the longer it will grow without breaking. When you do shampoo, consider a shampoo that is sulfate-free formula or low sulfate formula; they often contain less harsh detergents, or none at all, and therefore help preserve your hair's natural oils. I would recommend Avon's ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Damage Repair Shampoo and  Avon's ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Damage Repair Conditioner.  Both products are Half Price during C-21 for $2.99 each. 


Condition, condition, condition. When your hair is well hydrated, it is less likely to dry out and split, so use a conditioner even on the days when you skip shampoo. Your hair should be treated gently, like a delicate fabric, but it also needs to be regularly nourished.  A deep-conditioning product should be applied at least once a week. Avon has many great conditioning products for whatever your type of hair. Avon's ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Damage Repair 5-Day Rescue Treatment (900-846)

 is great to prevent brakeage and bring life back to your hair.  This advanced treatment formulated with creatine, conditioners & surface smoothers transforms dry, damaged hair. Fortifies each hair strand, helps prevent breakage and split ends.


STYLE WITH TLC

Brushers beware. If you're not careful, your hairbrush can actually do more harm than good. Ripping through wet tangles creates split ends, so try gently running a wide-tooth plastic comb such as Avon's ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Detangling Comb (288-910) from roots to ends. When blow-drying with a round brush be sure not to pull too hard or you can break and pull out your hair.  When you're not styling, avoid a brush altogether.  Brushing 100 strokes a day is completely old-fashioned and not a good idea. 

Stop sizzling. Applying hot tools directly to your hair can fry the cuticle, so coat wet locks with a creamy moisturizing product for protection. Try Avon's ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Damage Repair Heat Protection Spray (194-909).  It can be used for any type of hair. This leave-in treatment creates an instant shield against heat from blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons. Provides lasting moisture and protection. For dry or damaged hair




Choose products wisely. Smoothing out your frizz makes your hair look longer. Try ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment (942-317)  or Avon's NEW ADVANCE TECHNIQUES Damage Repair 3D Rescue Leave-In Treatment (194-875). This will help instantly repair 3 types of damage  CHEMICAL (color treatments, perms) THERMAL (blow dryers, curling irons MECHANICAL (combing and brushing) And, for a glossy effect, apply Avon Daily Shine Smooth & Shine Capsules ($8).



INSIDE THE SALON

Steer clear of scissors. Contrary to what some stylists say, haircuts don't stimulate growth. "If you're trying to grow your hair, do not cut the length, no matter how fried it is," says Josh. Instead, ask for your ends to be trimmed. For a style change, "short, blunt bangs will make your hair look longer, because the jump is so dramatic."



Restore with keratin. Go for a keratin treatment every eight weeks while growing out your hair.  It smooths out the texture so there's less need for hot tools or dryers. Also, by coating hair with a protective layer, the treatments help protect colored or chemically straightened hair from further damage.

MONITOR YOUR HEALTH

Food is one of the great pleasures of life. The benefits of a healthy diet are obvious when trying to watch one’s weight or cholesterol level, but what we eat also greatly influences the condition of our healthy hair, making diet and hair linked to one another. Hair is a record of one’s diet and nutrition, and that means that what we are not eating can show up, too, in both our diet and hair. As protein is one of hair’s key building blocks, insufficient protein in one’s diet can lead to a decrease in hair’s diameter, making hair less healthy and thick. In addition, crash dieting can result in hair loss, as hair’s growth cycle can be impacted, causing a higher than normal number of hair follicles to shed their hair fibers. The conclusion? Diet and hair are linked. If you want healthy hair and beautiful hair, eat healthy foods, don’t crash diet, and get plenty of protein


Check your meds. Did you know that some birth-control pills can cause hair thinning? Although it's typically not a direct cause and effect, any changes in a woman's hormonal situation can cause hair loss.  Check with your doctor if you're concerned.



Manage your stress.  Stress causes the release of cortisol and other hormones that contribute to hair thinning,  The good news is you can reverse the problem by getting your stress under control.  Make sure you get plenty of rest, your beauty sleep is always important!